RTT Annex?

[OwyheeMagpie]

This might seem stupid but from all the RTT owners out there...who really uses or cares for the annex? Was it a must have at first and now it stays home or would you buy it again?

I've decided if I'm going to buy a tent that I plan on using an annex with, then it will be a covered entrance tent with the ladder inside the annex. If I opt out, then I'll get a good ol RTT with the rain fly sticking over the doors and call it good.

Any insight?

 

[Yarjammer]

I've been having trouble with this one too. My wife and I like the idea of being able to drop down below to take a late-night whiz without having to get dressed and whatnot but it really hasn't been a problem for me up to this point in my life either. I have heard from quite a few people locally that they don't necessarily bother with the annex much anymore. I think my greatest motivations would be the ability to get dressed standing upright and to set up a heater down below in the winter.

An annex without a covered RTT entrance would probably not be worth it unless my wife were traveling with me. I'm looking forward to having something a little more modular for when I'm solo. Having the option to extend my available space when the conditions or company dictates is very appealing to me.

 

[NikonRon]

I too have debated this. For me the big advantage would be to have a place to cook something when there is a cool breeze blowing or blowing rain, I just like having this option. Ron

 

[justrom]

We have a CVT Mt. Rainer (4 person tent with ladder overhang) that included the Annex when we bought it. We've used the annex a few times, but it definitely adds to the setup/take down time for the tent. Most of the time it stays at home, but we like having the option to bring it along if we think the trip warrants it.

In the rain in northern CA/OR we were able to put a small table and chairs in the annex so that we could eat dinner out of the weather (cooked on the tailgate under the awning). It also contained our 2y.o. and kept him dry and out of the mud puddles prior to bed.

Another trip when we took some additional friends I brought a cot and slept in the annex. You could probably get two cots down there bringing your total sleeping capacity to 5-6.

Pros:
-Additional sleeping/storage/hangout space

Cons:
- Bulky, takes up cargo space in the vehicle (doesn't fold with the RTT). Packed it is Bigger and Heavier than any ground tent I've owned (about the size of a Large - 24gal ActionPacker box and probably 30-40 lbs)
- Adds to setup/teardown time (takes two people to maneuver into place and fold/roll up at the end)

 

[dennismc]

I have an EeziAwn 1600 Xclusiv with the annex and I like having the option of using it. While camping on the Lost Coast in northern Calif it was damp and breezy and it was nice having a place to retreat to. You can also just put up 1 wall and use it as a windblock as needed. I had no real problems putting it up and taking it down by myself. It does take up some space and weighs a little more than my tents but it has its uses, picture yourself camped where others are in close proximity and you need to get rid of some beer, no need to find the restroom.

 

[GR8ADV]

loved our annex when we had a RTT. It really separated the sleeping area from the outside world. At night we could take our clothes off, hang them up, remove shoes, do the PJ thing, then climb into the sleeping area. It kept the sleeping area far cleaner than without using the annex. Which is already far cleaner than a regular ground tent. It also provided an excellent three sided wind break when needed and some privacy when needed as well without having to crawl into the tent. It also functioned as an excellent place for the dog at night as well. The only downside to the annex is that those canvas sides are not small. They take up a fair amount of room to store when not in use or traveling.

 

[OwyheeMagpie]

Thanks for the input. I'm going to do some "glamping" in Big Sur for a few days and decided to rent an Autana with annex from Tepui. I got everything booked so I'll see how I like it before I make a move on a RTT.

I don't usually camp at places with designed spots, showers and all that. Non the less this will be a sweet get away with the wife and some good friends. My ideal camping trip is wheeling some moderate trails or just going out where you don't see a soul all weekend. I love the Nevada high desert and the Sierras. I hit up all the ghost towns, mines and explore the less traveled areas. My Jeep gets good use and so does my little dual sport. Usually I like to keep things simple so I just sleep in my Jeep or bring my back packing hammock. Honestly I'm content camping from my bike too. But most of my friends aren't like that and I want to get my wife out more so the RTT is appealing. Find a nice river or lake and set up shop for a few days. Live a little more comfortably and head out on foot or bike for day trips.

Its hard too, because mixing and matching all the awnings and extra little rooms and side walls gives you many options as well. I'll take photos and give a report after I get back from this Big Sur weekend. Its going to be a few weeks so until then I guess I'll keep searching the web for insight.

 

[grnhornetcustoms]

That would be great.

 

[OwyheeMagpie]

That would be great.

So I've thought about how I'm going to review the tent and I think I've got it figured out. Hopefully my review will answer not only questions on Tepui quality but RTT's in general. I plan on taking photos of the build quality and construction, what I like and possibly don't like and so on. Also, having never used one, I plan on doing a run down of my typical gear load out VS going out with a RTT. For me, having a Jeep, space is limited even with my 4 door Cherokee. Saving space by not having a tent, sleeping pad or air mattress, sleeping bags, pillows and all that in the car would be awesome. I'm excited to try this out.

Also, if anyone has questions, wants specific pictures or what ever, just post up on here and I'll try and get as much info in one spot as possible. I know for me personally, I've always been annoyed with the lack of high quality photos on manufactures web sites. I like seeing the construction/stitching of the seams, rain fly attaching points, quality of the poles, frame or hinges, how the ladder attaches and so on.

 

[cactusjk]

I am seriously considering an annex for my Eezi Awn 1200 and look forward to more feedback!

 

[Victorian]

We love our ARB annex. The added privacy and out of sight storage space is very valuable. Come night time it serves as our changing room. A couple of times i was actually really happy to have place to hide from the weather and still be able to work in the kitchen without getting wet. The set up time is maybe 5 minutes. The package size could be smaller... especially when traveling with a jeep Liberty and dog on the back.... But the benefits totally outweigh the size.
BTW, we store our annex in a rubbermade tub, after a rainy day you are happy to know that the mud and water stay in the bin and not on your luggage

A couple of months ago we got an ARB awning, this will give us even more shelter

 

[cactusjk]

My Eezi Awn Series 3 1200 ladder will be outside the enclosure. Not optimum but still have the room out of the elements.

 

[Yuman Desert Rat]

When I had my Eezi Awn Series 3 T top I ALWAS used the enclosure. It stayed with the tent at all times. I would fold the panels so that they laid on the tent bottom when folded. The cover would keep it in place just fine. It adds a few minutes to setup and takedown but well worth it IMHO.

 

[bikemanx2]

My wife and I had the pleasure of using a cvt mt Adams for some time while we waited for our mt McKinley to arrive. The tents are the same with the exception of enclosed ladders on the annex. The annex proved to be extremely useful to get out of the weather but having to go outside to enter the tent was a pain. We just received our McKinley and I see it being much more useful giving us a place to change, cook, and for the dogs to sleep. It really increases the versatility of the tent in my opinion. It's not something we use always but when you need it its a nice luxury.

Sent from my Venue 7 3730 using Tapatalk

 

[OwyheeMagpie]

Thanks for the input, I'll be camping in a Tepui this weekend. Can't wait to try it out. Its suppose to be in the low to mid 30's, nothing crazy but hopefully my Mr Buddy will heat the annex and tent nicely. I'll take many pictures and report back later.