RTT size?

[Brianj5600]

I'm trying to plan out a trailer and know about how big I want the trailer, but not the tent. It will be mostly me, 6'2" and my son that will be about that in the next couple of years. I like the option of exta space if my daughter wants to go or even another adult.

I'm obviously leaning towards a 3-4 person RTT vs the 2-3 person. The weight difference is small as is the closed footprint.

Anybody buy a larger RTT and wish they had the smaller one? Or bought the smaller and wish it was bigger? Is there any downside to the larger RTT?

 

[SoDakSooner]

Bigger is better. I went with the 2nd largest size CVT has, only because the biggest was too big for the jeep. Had I known it would live it's life on the trailer I would have gone bigger.

 

[jacobconroy]

I will also vote for bigger. I am six foot and need to stretch out to sleep. My RTT (hardshell) is 79 inches long and I can just barely fit diagonally. A second person would render it useless.

My second RTT (folding canvas) has a mattress that is 83 inches long. World of difference. If you sleep on your side with your legs up, then it's only a matter of the number of companions and the width of the tent in my opinion.

So, for you and your son, I would stretch out to your maximum sleeping position on your bed and have someone measure you from headboard to toe including pillows and all. That is the bare minimum for your MATTRESS length. Depending on the tent you buy, the mattress can be 3 inches shorter than your tent, or 8 inches shorter. It's worth finding the exact specs for any RTT mattress you are looking into.

My hardshell is on my rig and my folding canvas tent is on a trailer. Since you are going to put yours on a trailer, I recommend that you get the biggest tent that you are willing to pay for and set up the trailer to accommodate it.

Too big = "Oh well".
Too small = "Well... crap!"

I always thought it would be a good idea to build a 12 inch tall rectangular frame that is the same size as an RTT mattress you are considering (to simulate walls). Put it in a big tent in the yard and have everyone spend a night in sleeping bags together. This should answer your question before you spend any $s. I've never actually gotten around to doing this since it's just me in the RTT. Wife has her own trailer.

 

[jadmt]

I agree go bigger. my little trailer has a king size mattress and it is nice to have the room. It is easy to set up and take down. think I will sell it tho and get a hard sided A frame trailer. if two adults thing about getting the double doors as so much nicer getting in and out during the night.

 

[Brianj5600]

I think I'll go big. I didn't think I would hear anyone say "I wish I had a smaller tent."

 

[mikeyb1976]

I think I'll go big. I didn't think I would hear anyone say "I wish I had a smaller tent."

We went with Tepui's Autana 3. Perfect for 2.

 

[Brianj5600]

They do seem a little optimistic on how many can sleep in tents.