rtt vs slide in camper

[jgallo1]

I was not really sure where to post this, I am posting here in my favorite section haha.

All the years camping, I have always either slept inside my pick up bed with a shell or just used a ground tent. I have stayed with friends in RTT's before. I think they are great.

The wife and I were talking about upgrading the setup to either an RTT or a Slide in Camper like an FWC hawk. I love the idea of the Slide in with all its creature comforts. They are relatively easy to get on and off. I am concerned it will hinder travel or maybe just be kind of annoying. I have always enjoyed my minimalist approach. I am not talking about rock crawling in moab, general off-grid tracks all over the west, so snow, mud, elevation etc..

I am wanting to hear about any one's experience and general opinion.
Thanks

 

[OverlandNA]

I love the idea of the Slide in with all its creature comforts.

Go for it

 

[Deleted member 9101]

100% slide in.

 

[tacollie]

Popup! A FWC Fleet is a great size for your truck. If I'm going to rough it I'll bikepack or backpack. I notice the weight on curvy roads. Off-road I don't notice it. We have a shell with a furnace and stove. It's glamping and it's glorious!

 

[Yroundrdn]

Our RTT just arrive and to be honest, haven't used it but we really enjoy the simple camping, crawling back into places where no man goes and not carrying all the weight up high. So that's our take. We considered both and after looking at the places we enjoyed, the simplicity of the way we camp, less was better for us. We've had the trailers, showers, micro etc, just not our thing.

 

[blacklbzbeauty]

I have had a Eezi Awn RTT for the last 4 years. Love sleeping in the tent. Hate the set up and tear down.
Looking for a different option as we speak. Go with the slide in.

 

[jgallo1]

Thanks for all the reviews. It seems the slide in is the way to go.

 

[Regcabguy]

I'd look for a used Northstar popup in whatever configuration would be applicable. Lots of storage compared to a FWC and probably 1/3 the price. Nothing like crawling into a made up bed and getting out of the elements. They dismount easily and mounting is a cinch compared to a FWC.

 

[jgallo1]

just to be clear, the camper is not for my 87 its for a full size. Either going to get 2000-2003 7.3 Powerstroke f250 or 06-07 Duramax LBZ with the Alison.

 

[jgallo1]

or some other full size, but thats what I am leaning towards

 

[beef tits]

I've owned several different RTTs and several different slide in campers. I am picking up a FWC Grandby this weekend for my current build.

For RTT hard-shell is the way to go (Baroud or Autohome, not the new Chinese generic ones) Softshell RTTs are great for the occasional weekend, but they fall apart quick when used regularly.

I've also owned just about every model of Toyota in addition to a 7.3 Super Duty and a Dodge Cummins.

A few tips:

- If you are used to Toyotas, you had better be prepared to do a lot more mechanical repairs if you intend to go to a domestic diesel, they break A LOT and are VERY expensive to fix, even the 7.3s. Unless you are pulling 10k lbs regularly, you don't need one. 5 Gallon oil changes get old fast. So does all the other additional diesel maintenance. 7.3s are only reliable compared to other Ford diesels, and every generation seems to be crappier than the last.
- On the same note, off-roading is about to get a hell of a lot slower and less accessible. Those big heavy trucks are terrible off road. Solid axles are great, but the weight will get you stuck a lot.
- My advice is get a Tundra if you want a bigger truck. Way more reliable, way cheaper to own, and plenty of power to pull a FWC around plus a small-medium trailer. Payload on my 2010 Tundra is actually 400lbs MORE than my 2000 7.3 was. Both were RCLB trucks. The 7.3 will tow more, and will also tow more than it's rated at, but even tuned up to 400 HP / 800 TQ (mine was)... it's still not fast. Those trucks are behemoths. Mine weighed 7500 lbs empty. It had more getup from 60+ MPH, once you hit boost, but what do you need that for? Stick with Toyota, you'll regret anything else.

 

[jgallo1]

I've owned several different RTTs and several different slide in campers. I am picking up a FWC Grandby this weekend for my current build.

For RTT hard-shell is the way to go (Baroud or Autohome, not the new Chinese generic ones) Softshell RTTs are great for the occasional weekend, but they fall apart quick when used regularly.

I've also owned just about every model of Toyota in addition to a 7.3 Super Duty and a Dodge Cummins.

A few tips:

- If you are used to Toyotas, you had better be prepared to do a lot more mechanical repairs if you intend to go to a domestic diesel, they break A LOT and are VERY expensive to fix, even the 7.3s. Unless you are pulling 10k lbs regularly, you don't need one. 5 Gallon oil changes get old fast. So does all the other additional diesel maintenance. 7.3s are only reliable compared to other Ford diesels, and every generation seems to be crappier than the last.
- On the same note, off-roading is about to get a hell of a lot slower and less accessible. Those big heavy trucks are terrible off road. Solid axles are great, but the weight will get you stuck a lot.
- My advice is get a Tundra if you want a bigger truck. Way more reliable, way cheaper to own, and plenty of power to pull a FWC around plus a small-medium trailer. Payload on my 2010 Tundra is actually 400lbs MORE than my 2000 7.3 was. Both were RCLB trucks. The 7.3 will tow more, and will also tow more than it's rated at, but even tuned up to 400 HP / 800 TQ (mine was)... it's still not fast. Those trucks are behemoths. Mine weighed 7500 lbs empty. It had more getup from 60+ MPH, once you hit boost, but what do you need that for? Stick with Toyota, you'll regret anything else.

thank you for the feedback. I have owned diesel's before and know what a PITA they can be. I am currently torn. I do not tow regularly enough to truly justify a diesel. I know purchasing a 7.3 would be overkill. I still might have to do it. I know the Tundra is a smarter decision. I really just don't like the way they look

 

[jgallo1]

maybe the tundra is the way to go, I have been reading about upgrading the fuel tank, alot of people say not to do it. Does anyone know why?

 

[beef tits]

thank you for the feedback. I have owned diesel's before and know what a PITA they can be. I am currently torn. I do not tow regularly enough to truly justify a diesel. I know purchasing a 7.3 would be overkill. I still might have to do it. I know the Tundra is a smarter decision. I really just don't like the way they look

I hear ya, Tundras are ugly as piss but I like to think form follows function.

Good luck!

 

[beef tits]

maybe the tundra is the way to go, I have been reading about upgrading the fuel tank, alot of people say not to do it. Does anyone know why?

The only issue is tank size. Most Tundras have a 26 gallon tank, of which, 20-21 gallons is actually useful before fill up is required.

Later models are available with a 38 gallon tank as well, which would be nice. Mine has the 26. I just carry 10 gallons of extra fuel if I think I'll need it.

You can swap the 26 for the 38 but it's a good amount of work and requires adding a 3rd crossmember to the frame, as we'll as around $2k worth of parts from Toyota. This is probably why most people say not to do it. Just buy a Tundra with the 38 gallon tank. They did not offer a 38 in the years they made a RCLB so I was out of luck. I didn't want the suburban Mom truck with four doors.

There is a company that makes a 46 gallon aftermarket tank too, probably about the same price when it's all said and done.

Either would be a nice upgrade from the 26, I chose to put that $2k towards an Expedition One swing out bumper. I can store a lot of fuel on it, or water tanks instead, depending on the trip.