Roof Top Tents

[pangaea]

Shipping is very cost prohibitive, when you take a fairly expensive product, and add the cost of shipping (though ARB brings containers over every month), it just isn't worth it to them. They will bring anything over special order, but that gets expensive and takes time. If they started getting orders (not random requests??) they may start bringing them over. They have brought in alot of different things over the years and stopped stocking them for one reason or another (Long range tanks, roof racks, etc).

I think that you hit the nail on the head with that. This is pure speculation on my part, but here goes anyway: Air Lockers are a huge part of ARBs sales numbers. They're small, and they probably have a decent profit margin. Think of the space that a typical roof top tent or roof rack takes up in a container. Now, imagine how many air lockers you can ship over in that same amount of space. You might make $150 on the tent or rack, but you can also make $150 on EACH of those air lockers.... </speculation>

I actually spoke with the guys at ARB recently, about the roof top tents. It seems as though they are considering bringing them in, but it would be either as special order, or in extremely small quantities. However, the thing that disappointed me the most was the price point. It looks like the street price on the two tents they offer would be about $2400 and $2600 for the two sizes.

Personally, I'd love to see those tents come over here, because it looks like a well made unit. But at that price, I think that they'll price themselves out of the market...

 

[cruiseroutfit]

I think that you hit the nail on the head with that. This is pure speculation on my part, but here goes anyway: Air Lockers are a huge part of ARBs sales numbers. They're small, and they probably have a decent profit margin. Think of the space that a typical roof top tent or roof rack takes up in a container. Now, imagine how many air lockers you can ship over in that same amount of space. You might make $150 on the tent or rack, but you can also make $150 on EACH of those air lockers.... </speculation>
...

Reading my mind... :ylsmoke:

Air Lockers have to be one of their biggest markups as they make them in house, whereas I presume the tent it is a rebadge (or similar deal) such as some of their suspension, accessories, etc.

Kindve odd I make less on the Air Lockers than other things though... I guess I'm not shipping them in containers though

 

[60seriesguy]

I'm in the process of pricing a bulk shipment of MARES expedition tents from Venezuela (La Guaira to Houston in a 20' ocean-going container) and between duties and freight, you're adding almost $300 *per tent* to the cost. I'm still hoping to be competitive, but all of a sudden what looked like a slam dunk venture is not even close to that.

That said, I don't see how ARB could sell many units for $2,500, that seems way above the market price line and demand for roof top tents isn't exactly fierce.

 

[pangaea]

Reading my mind... :ylsmoke:

Air Lockers have to be one of their biggest markups as they make them in house, whereas I presume the tent it is a rebadge (or similar deal) such as some of their suspension, accessories, etc.

Kindve odd I make less on the Air Lockers than other things though... I guess I'm not shipping them in containers though

Definitely one of the lower margin items out there for retailers, but I'd guess since its a unique product in the marketplace, ARB has built in a nice little profit for themselves (in addition to the aforementioned in-house manufacturing).

 

[BajaXplorer]

I have requested Eezi Awn tent weight information from Pangaea on 8 Feb & 15 Feb and have had no response to my emails to date.
The emails were sent to sales@pangaea-expeditions.com which I obtained from the Pangaea website.
Can someone from Pangaea tell me if this email address is not correct.
BX

 

[flyingwil]

I have requested Eezi Awn tent weight information from Pangaea on 8 Feb & 15 Feb and have had no response to my emails to date.
The emails were sent to sales@pangaea-expeditions.com which I obtained from the Pangaea website.
Can someone from Pangaea tell me if this email address is not correct.
BX

Nathan must be busy! I'll help you out...

The weights are as follows:

• Explorer = 110lbs
• Elite = 121lbs
• Family = 132lbs

Wil

 

[BajaXplorer]

I appreciate the info. I had asked about the 1.4 which I assume is the elite you mention. The other I wanted to know is the Alu 2 aluminum cased model. Would you know it's weight?
BX

 

[flyingwil]

I appreciate the info. I had asked about the 1.4 which I assume is the elite you mention. The other I wanted to know is the Alu 2 aluminum cased model. Would you know it's weight?
BX

the alutop is around 135lbs, a heavy guy!

 

[BajaXplorer]

It's a little heavier (not to mention pricier), but I sure would like to mount one on my M101 trailer. Looks like it really closes up against the elements the best. I'm seriously considering it at only 15 or so more lbs.
BX

 

[Ramdough]

Here is my install of a Technitop.


I like the tent allot. I need to reinforce the cover as it is starting to wear through.

I agree that the extension tubes are a little weak looking. I am always carefull that I don't over tighten them. I am afraid that the platic tightening "nut" will crack.

In high winds, I removed the fiberglass poles and rolled up the rain fly.

I was afraid that they would break or the rain fly would rip.

 

[LUISJG]

for a good inexpensive tent.
try this,,, its not a maggiolina or an australian tent but its good for me.

http://2coolfishing.com/ttmbforum/showthread.php?t=79710

 

[Mike S]

Tent materials

A word or two of caution.

Tents that are made of coated or 'waterproof' materials will not breathe well, and are subject to condensation as the outside temperature cools below the dew point. Even in desert climates, the water vapor inside the tent will condense on walls and on naked metal poles and fittings.

Balancing breathability and water resistance is a Yin and Yang thing, even (especially) in rainy weather, the tent must breathe. When you look at buying a tent, please consider this important factor.

The other major factor to consider is wind conditions. The bigger the tent, and the larger the awnings, the more 'sail effect' you will have. So bigger tents must be stronger, and this means heavier frame and materials.

Mike S

 

[blupaddler]

O.k.

Help me figure out this mounting thing.


It sounds like the Technitop has to be drilled to be mounted.
Does the Eeze Awn need to be drilled too? Or how would one go about mounting it to Yakima racks?



Thanks in advance.
Trying to figure out if I need one of these things.

:yikes:

 

[Ramdough]

This is how I mounted my Technitop...

I mounted it to a Yakima rack. This only one way to do it, there are allot of ways you could do it for your self. http://www.ramdough.com/Taco/Roof Rack Install/RoofRackInstall.htm

 

[sleeoffroad]

I just wanted to post some updated information. African Outback purchased Technitop Tents in South Africa some time ago. We are the distributor for Technitop tents in the US and will be carrying the tents as well as spares in the future. Some of the concerns of the old tents are addressed in the new designs.

Here is a link to the pages of the brochure. They are not on our site yet since we do not have landed cost calculated yet, but we are shipping a container in Nov 06 for delivery, hopyefully before Christomas. We do have tents, awnings, shower curtains and other parts coming in the container.

Just thought you guys might want to know.

Links. Sorry files are rather big, but working on that.
http://www.sleeoffroad.com/products/images/african_outback/technitop_1.pdf
http://www.sleeoffroad.com/products/images/african_outback/technitop_2.pdf