The latches look worrisome. I've had an Engel cooler with similar latches, and the eyelets that capture the pins tend to vibrate out leaving you with a latch that doesn't work. The welds on the rack portion look like the ultimate in chineseum. Other than that it looks like a nice product. Kind of cool to see a somewhat original design coming out and not a clone.
Tepui drops the....mic! - Unveils the much anticipated hardshell RTT!
- Thread starter bagelsjustbagels
- Start date
Box Rocket
Well-known member
MaximusGradient
New member
Nice, this is exactly what I've been looking for!!!
I recently started entertaining the idea of a RTT for my Tacoma, but have been wracking my brain on how to integrate one while maintaining the ability to carry kayaks and/or a rocket box. A soft RTT is just dead space and all other hard shells I've researched don't seem to be rack ready, so even more dead space. A trailer is a no-go for me at this point (nowhere to store it) so a RTT will have to occupy valuable roof real estate on the truck. Here's hoping the final production model is beefy enough to carry a hefty-ish load and support that even while popped-up. Super stoked to see how Tepui addresses this niche!
I recently started entertaining the idea of a RTT for my Tacoma, but have been wracking my brain on how to integrate one while maintaining the ability to carry kayaks and/or a rocket box. A soft RTT is just dead space and all other hard shells I've researched don't seem to be rack ready, so even more dead space. A trailer is a no-go for me at this point (nowhere to store it) so a RTT will have to occupy valuable roof real estate on the truck. Here's hoping the final production model is beefy enough to carry a hefty-ish load and support that even while popped-up. Super stoked to see how Tepui addresses this niche!
photo nomad
Adventurer
I was told at the show to expect it around the $3,500 mark.
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photo nomad
Adventurer
AluCab has a rack ready RTT that can handle your demands.
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Box Rocket
Well-known member
Who was it that told you this price?
It's also quite heavy at 180lbs before loading anything. Not criticizing it, just different tents with different goals. Apples to oranges really.
photo nomad
Adventurer
I spoke to several of the Tepui reps, but I believe it was John (could be way off) that gave me the price estimate. We actually spent quite a while comparing it to current offerings by other companies. All the reps were very honest in that this was prototype #1 and that there would be changes to the final product. No one could even give me accurate dimensions.
While I agree that the AluCab model is on the heavy end, anyone looking to add an RTT plus additional gear on top of it probably isn't that weight conscious. Plus I believe there are Eezi Awn models that approach that weight, so it's not anything others haven't done in the past. Personally, I try to minimize weight carried up high at all times, and would never consider adding more weight strapped to the top of my RTT.
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Box Rocket
Well-known member
Sounds good. John was there so it definitely could have been him you talked with. That's the first I've heard pricing estimates, but based on other conversations with them and that this is very much still in development I could see that changing some.
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Back to the Alucab...I agree with you that 180lbs is not unreasonable when compared to fold out style tents. Tepui has models that are in that same weight range. My comment was based on the idea that one of the things most shoppers of Hard Shell tents are attracted to is the much lighter weight, and the Alucab doesn't give that benefit. That's all.
bagelsjustbagels
Adventurer
I'm not surprised that this was "hot off the press", I know Tepui's product and they would never stand by those welds on a final product :Wow1:
As for weight, I agree- someone looking to put a RTT along with gear probably isnt too concerned about a low center of gravity.
As for price, $3,500 seems pretty damn expensive, and doesn't seem in line with Tepui's typical price point and niche market.
photo nomad
Adventurer
Back to the Alucab...I agree with you that 180lbs is not unreasonable when compared to fold out style tents. Tepui has models that are in that same weight range. My comment was based on the idea that one of the things most shoppers of Hard Shell tents are attracted to is the much lighter weight, and the Alucab doesn't give that benefit. That's all.[/QUOTE]
The AluCab is definitely a niche RTT no question. Also, totally agree that weight savings / weight distribution is typically a big draw to hard shell RTT's. That, along with ease of opening/ closing was what sold me on them. I'm sure Tepui will get it all sorted out and produce a quality and competitive product, and that increased competition will force everyone to up their game.
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The AluCab is definitely a niche RTT no question. Also, totally agree that weight savings / weight distribution is typically a big draw to hard shell RTT's. That, along with ease of opening/ closing was what sold me on them. I'm sure Tepui will get it all sorted out and produce a quality and competitive product, and that increased competition will force everyone to up their game.
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Box Rocket
Well-known member
I don't understand what you're saying or asking.
chmura
Adventurer
I think he's trying to say that since its only 8" high that leaves little to no room for storage such as sleeping bags, pillows, clothes, etc when closed compared to other hard shell tents that are 12-14" in height when closed.
Box Rocket
Well-known member
Gotcha. I suppose that could be true. Trade-offs. Remember however that this is a first prototype. There will be revisions before it's official release.