Roof Top Tent (RTT) Questions

[plh]

Thank you so much for your opinion.

What RTT did you have? Why did you get rid of it?

I have heard great things about the mattress in the RTT that I am looking at right now.

Thank you for sharing your experiences!

I had a TuffStuff - not sure the model, I think they only had one model back a few years ago when I bought it.

#1 - wife hated it.
#2 - Mattress was way to compressible (I was going to say thin, but thats not the problem, 2" foam can be sufficiently supportive it its the correct stuff) When people laid on it they sank to the aluminum covered floor essentially. Then it becomes a great heat sink in cool/ cold weather.
#3 - Truck height hindered ease of closing up the tent / cover installation without climbing all over the truck. Combine this with rain - not fun.
#4 - It resold very easily via Craigslist - I was surprised, but was maybe 4 or 5 years ago and not as commonly available as today.

Plan to get a vent mat (Hypervent). Most don't come with it.


edit: Mine looked closest to the Ranger model they now sell. https://tuffstuff4x4.com/collection...ff-r-overland-ranger-roof-top-tent-annex-room

 

[jadmt]

That is me too!

I have always been in a ground tent.

Which RTT did you have when you had it?

Free Spirit

 

[Deleted member 9101]

Thank you so much for your opinions.

I have not thought of looking cool on social media or pretending to be on an expedition as pros before. Those were new ones to me.

Do you own a RTT? I would assume not since you didn't say anything about one in your post, but if you do, which one do you have?

Nope... Don't own one. I've looked into them a couple of times over the last 10 years. The pros never outweigh the cons for me.

 

[Superpanga]

I went with a hardshell earlier this year : the Dart by Eezi-Awn. I have only had it out on a couple of trips, most recently a week in the Green Mountain National Forest in Vermont as something of a gear shakedown for longer trips. For perspective, I have been an ultralight bicycle-based camper, a plain old car-camper, cruising on sailboats (overwaterer?), etc.

I was interested in a RTT because I wanted something that was off-the ground and a bit more comfortable. I wanted fast set-up/take-down. And I wanted something that would fit on a 2 door Wrangler. (Long term, I'd like to build up a van platform, but am enjoying trips with the Jeep. My first hands-on exposure was via a Tepui clamshell mounted to the top of a Transit Van from Escape Camper Vans.

My observations:
The ladder is my enemy. It is heavy and bulky and pretty lousy when you have no shoes on. (I have replaced the OG ladder with a telescoping one, but same same) I have not really settled into which side is best to use the ladder. Changes a bit by site, but still working out a system. I think I will lose the ladder completely and integrate steps into the safari rack.

I like some of the lower profile hard RTTs but wanted to be able to stash the bedding. I love being able to leave bedding, bags, etc in place and just close it up. Can go from deployed to put away in about a minute.

Having your setup on the rig does (as mentioned earlier in this thread) sorta mean that you essentially abandon a site if you want to drive to a trailhead or explore for the day.

Condensation is a thing.

Losing the roof as a cargo-carrying location is a definite trade-off. I would like to be able to bring a kayak/canoe/paddleboard on many trips.

Lighting is helpful- the Dart has integrated LED lighting, but if it didn't I would install it. Nice to not need to bring more gear like lanterns up. Again- means less to put away in order to break camp.

Any fantasy of putting this thing on and off- out the window. It is heavy and cumbersome. The grocery getter now wears a tent. I meet a lot of people now though.

Overall, I am very pleased with the decision (RTT in general, Dart in specific) though I have a couple of minor peeves.

 

[mikeyb1976]

Thank you so much for your time and your help with my questions.

Do you own a RTT? If so, what brand did you go with?

I really like the points that you bring up about being away from the critters, staying warmer, and how the tent can be setup anywhere that the vehicle goes.

Regarding your cons, have you seen the hard shell RTTs out there? There set up and break down is so quick and there is no straps to undue. Also, what do you mean by not all campgrounds are RTT friendly? This is an interesting point that I would like to understand more.

Thank you for all of your opinions!

We have a Tepui Autana 3-person.

We didn't go with the hardshell RTTs because, iirc, they're more expensive.

Most campsites are built for parking and using an on-ground tent. With a pop-up RTT like a James Baroud, no big thing. But with a folding RTT like Tepui or CVT, you have to be mindful of trees & shrubs, and in some places, pilings that outline the parking area.

We do an annual camping trip to a private campground that is basically unmaintained in terms of landscaping. Campers "trim" the site as needed. A lot of sites have parking areas so narrow, it's hard to get in and out of the vehicle itself, let alone a RTT.

 

[dcg141]

Great response. Those are some great opinions that you have.

Who makes the soft RTT that you have?

Mine is a Gordigear. Its an Australian company but I think they are made in China. Its been a good one but I'm not sure its built much different than most of the others out there except the tents from South Africa. Those are the most robust but they are also very heavy.

 

[Randun]

I had a TuffStuff - not sure the model, I think they only had one model back a few years ago when I bought it.

#1 - wife hated it.
#2 - Mattress was way to compressible (I was going to say thin, but thats not the problem, 2" foam can be sufficiently supportive it its the correct stuff) When people laid on it they sank to the aluminum covered floor essentially. Then it becomes a great heat sink in cool/ cold weather.
#3 - Truck height hindered ease of closing up the tent / cover installation without climbing all over the truck. Combine this with rain - not fun.
#4 - It resold very easily via Craigslist - I was surprised, but was maybe 4 or 5 years ago and not as commonly available as today.

Plan to get a vent mat (Hypervent). Most don't come with it.


edit: Mine looked closest to the Ranger model they now sell. https://tuffstuff4x4.com/collection...ff-r-overland-ranger-roof-top-tent-annex-room

View attachment 615458

What a beautiful rig you have! Thank you so much for the picture. Love your cute dog too!

Also, thank you so much for your opinion. I have heard great things about Tuff Stuff Overland's products, and their customer service. I went to the Expo last year, and they had four tents in their booth. Everything was all set up and you could clime in all of them. I laid in all of them, and the mattresses were really comfortable.

Thank you for letting me know about that vent mat (Hypervent) too! I have not heard of something like that. That would be a great addition to a RTT if you could get it, plus the mattress, and all of your bedding to fold up in the cover or shell. Fingers crossed.

 

[Randun]

Free Spirit

Those are really nice.

 

[Randun]

Nope... Don't own one. I've looked into them a couple of times over the last 10 years. The pros never outweigh the cons for me.

Thank you so much for your opinions! I really appreciate it.

 

[Randun]

The quality is second to none, and the setup is as simple as it gets. As far as roof top tents go, I believe the AluCab is the top contender. There are some similar, and very nice options, but they each have their compromises. For our uses/needs, AluCab is the clear winner.

I do wish the bed was wider, but that's largely because I was used to a much larger RTT.

As it happens, I just put down a deposit on a small and very exciting travel trailer. Provided I buy it as expected this weekend, the AluCab tent + awning will go for sale.

Those Alu-Cabs are beautiful!! I got to clime inside one at a show one time. Man are they nice.

I hear you on the bed size. I thought the same thing when I saw the one that I did. I too am used to a larger tent set up.

Congratulations on your travel trailer!!! That is so exciting.

 

[plh]

What a beautiful rig you have! Thank you so much for the picture. Love your cute dog too!

Also, thank you so much for your opinion. I have heard great things about Tuff Stuff Overland's products, and their customer service. I went to the Expo last year, and they had four tents in their booth. Everything was all set up and you could clime in all of them. I laid in all of them, and the mattresses were really comfortable.

Thank you for letting me know about that vent mat (Hypervent) too! I have not heard of something like that. That would be a great addition to a RTT if you could get it, plus the mattress, and all of your bedding to fold up in the cover or shell. Fingers crossed.

Thanks

Sold this rig a couple years ago, subsequent owner was T-boned and it was totaled (new owner dude un injured). Dog died in April at 16 years 4 months. Miss her.

 

[Randun]

I went with a hardshell earlier this year : the Dart by Eezi-Awn. I have only had it out on a couple of trips, most recently a week in the Green Mountain National Forest in Vermont as something of a gear shakedown for longer trips. For perspective, I have been an ultralight bicycle-based camper, a plain old car-camper, cruising on sailboats (overwaterer?), etc.

I was interested in a RTT because I wanted something that was off-the ground and a bit more comfortable. I wanted fast set-up/take-down. And I wanted something that would fit on a 2 door Wrangler. (Long term, I'd like to build up a van platform, but am enjoying trips with the Jeep. My first hands-on exposure was via a Tepui clamshell mounted to the top of a Transit Van from Escape Camper Vans.

My observations:
The ladder is my enemy. It is heavy and bulky and pretty lousy when you have no shoes on. (I have replaced the OG ladder with a telescoping one, but same same) I have not really settled into which side is best to use the ladder. Changes a bit by site, but still working out a system. I think I will lose the ladder completely and integrate steps into the safari rack.

I like some of the lower profile hard RTTs but wanted to be able to stash the bedding. I love being able to leave bedding, bags, etc in place and just close it up. Can go from deployed to put away in about a minute.

Having your setup on the rig does (as mentioned earlier in this thread) sorta mean that you essentially abandon a site if you want to drive to a trailhead or explore for the day.

Condensation is a thing.

Losing the roof as a cargo-carrying location is a definite trade-off. I would like to be able to bring a kayak/canoe/paddleboard on many trips.

Lighting is helpful- the Dart has integrated LED lighting, but if it didn't I would install it. Nice to not need to bring more gear like lanterns up. Again- means less to put away in order to break camp.

Any fantasy of putting this thing on and off- out the window. It is heavy and cumbersome. The grocery getter now wears a tent. I meet a lot of people now though.

Overall, I am very pleased with the decision (RTT in general, Dart in specific) though I have a couple of minor peeves.

View attachment 615473View attachment 615474View attachment 615475View attachment 615476

What a beautiful set up you have! Thank you so much for the pictures and for your opinions.

I agree with you on the ladders. I like the telescoping ones better for sure, but they are all kind of a pain to deal with.

I really like the hard shell RTTs too. I am leaning more towards them then the soft RTTs, but it looks like the soft RTTs may have more room to store stuff in them then the hard shell ones.

The hard shell RTT that I am leaning towards has built in lights too. Such a nice addition and like you said less to set up when I get to camp.

 

[Randun]

We have a Tepui Autana 3-person.

We didn't go with the hardshell RTTs because, iirc, they're more expensive.

Most campsites are built for parking and using an on-ground tent. With a pop-up RTT like a James Baroud, no big thing. But with a folding RTT like Tepui or CVT, you have to be mindful of trees & shrubs, and in some places, pilings that outline the parking area.

We do an annual camping trip to a private campground that is basically unmaintained in terms of landscaping. Campers "trim" the site as needed. A lot of sites have parking areas so narrow, it's hard to get in and out of the vehicle itself, let alone a RTT.

What a nice tent you have!

Great points you brought up on understanding the surroundings that you will be camping in.

That annual camping trip that you do sounds like a blast. Have fun out there!

 

[Randun]

Mine is a Gordigear. Its an Australian company but I think they are made in China. Its been a good one but I'm not sure its built much different than most of the others out there except the tents from South Africa. Those are the most robust but they are also very heavy.

What a nice tent you have. I just looked it up.

I agree with you on the China comment. In my research I am finding that most RTTs on the market are made from two factories in China. Doesn't bother me at all, it's just an interesting fact.

I also agree with you on the tents from South Africa. Everything that I have seen from that area is amazing! Heavy, but strong.

 

[Randun]

Thanks

Sold this rig a couple years ago, subsequent owner was T-boned and it was totaled (new owner dude un injured). Dog died in April at 16 years 4 months. Miss her.

OMG your story! That is crazy. Glad the new owner is ok.

I am so very sorry to hear about your dog too. What wonderful adventures you must of had with her. These pictures prove that!