I used to the think the very same thing. Believe it or not...it's not that terrible. Always face away from the truck when getting out, and it's like going down stairs. Piece of cake...even when drunk (a friend told me.)

Excited to know when it is on Kickstarter!

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Waiting on the Kickstarter!!

RTTx Update: Product testing is winding down.

-- RESULTS! --
The RTTx has been tested in some of the harshest weather conditions imaginable. From hail to monsoon rains, high winds, and of course hot conditions, the RTTx has done its job brilliantly.

MPG results - numerous long trips have been completed. We have logged results with a 2016 4Runner Trail (modified). Average mpg's from 4 trips (loaded) have been 16.5 to 18 mpg. (results varied due to hills, weather, and traffic).

The prototype mounting solutions have worked out tremendously well. The older vehicles with direct mounting were the lowest, while the 4Runner's mounting has been simple and allows the vehicle to maintain it's stock accessories (Ex: Sat radio antenna).


-- MOUNTING --
The RTTx has been designed to work with off-the-shelf rack mounting systems from Rhino Rack. Namely - the Rhino Rack Backbone. All modern / present day vehicles utilizing this system will do so moving forward. It presents an easy, yet solid solution and works extremely well.

For those running older vehicles: The RTTx will be a custom option, specific to your vehicle. Vehicle examples include older FZJ80's, 100's, etc. The tents will be direct mount ONLY to provide the lowest profile / lightest solution.

Rack mounting: The RTTx has been designed to be a lightweight, low profile RTT solution. Therefore, while rack mounting is possible, it will not be recommended. Accessory mounting will be available directly on the tent itself. (Awnings, Maxtrax, etc). Reasoning - the rack alone adds substantial weight above the COG as well as preventing the slipstream airflow....which in turn lowers your MPG's.

Bed Racks: The RTTx will work perfectly with bed racks. More to come...

-- MATTRESS OPTIONS --
We are aiming for 3 options of mattresses. We are presently testing custom foam, NEMO Equipment's Cosmos and the Exped MegaMat inflatable. Each would represent a Good, Better, Best scenario and will be an individual choice at purchase.


-- FABRIC CHANGE --
We have determined the fabric tested is overkill for what the tent actually needs. Simply put - a RTT does not need to be a Poly-Cotton canvas. Why you ask? Modern Poly-ripstop fabrics are lighter, more robust and offer the same amount of ruggedness. Having 32lbs of just fabric makes little sense. Look for future updates we move forward on this.


-- COLOR CHANGE --
The framing will now be an anodized silver with white panel infill. Reason - silver anodizing will result in a longer lasting finish, and the color will be a better reflector of heat. If a custom color is needed - vehicle wrapped vinyl is recommended.

Fabric colors: Custom rainfly color options will be available down the road. For the immediate future, the rainfly color will be standard.

That's all for now...more to come soon.

Awesome, that's great news. One quick question. Can you elaborate more on mounting systems to a rack? I know you recommend the backbone system. But if i get this, i already have a prinsu rack which i love and use all the time. My other issue is that i live in a low ceiling area which means when the RTT isn't being used it needs to be removed.

So can you tell us more how it would mount to a rack system? Thanks.

Rack mounting will be similar to pretty much every other tent out there. U-bolts. or similar.

The tent was not designed to be mounted on a rack...on purpose. Any rack will add 3"+ to the mounting height and will not be the best solution for a low profile, lightweight, best airflow solution. The rack essentially defeats all of the primary criteria of the product.

Also...this tent will not fit everyone's needs. That is simply not possible. To those that want a rugged, robust, lightweight, aerodynamic and low profile RTT. I know a guy.

Sounds good still following. Do you have a picture underneath of the mounting system? Assuming it's a rail setup similar to others but wanted to confirm.

There are some shots in the thread. Should give you a good reference.

Testing out the Lux Foam mattress... Oooo, so comfy.

Got to see RTT #3 in person and it looks good! I stumbled upon it at the campgrounds after a trail ride in KY. It's definitely low profile and looks to be well made! Personally, as a shorter person, I could go with a shorter length option, but I also know it's gotta work for a broad range of people. Nonetheless, excited to see what happens next

I'm in for the kick starter!!

Sounding good. Hope I am in the market when you kickstart...

Happy New Year, everyone!

The RTTx status as of 12/30/19:

- A lot has been accomplished. As such a lot of inquiries and questions have come up as well.
- In-the-field testing has concluded with numerous results taken
- Overall, the tent has passed many hardcore weather events. Including - hail, heavy winds, downpours, etc.
- Coming out of testing some design changes are being implemented. Namely - materials, fabric and rainfly modifications.
- Final designs are being completed that will enable some state-of-the-art material and fabric improvements.
- Work is currently underway to secure final parts sources and vendors. (this is the stuff that takes crazy time)

​

What's left?

Once we have secured all partners and parts vendors needed for a smooth transition into production, we will open up ordering and get things moving.

Reason: Once we open up things on Kickstarter, etc...we want to be able to quickly implement production and the resulting orders in a minimum wait-time versus, having our customers wait for product. (as seems to be the case with the usual Kickstarter Campaign).

All of this is dependent on the lead time of parts. Please note - usual time to raw materials and custom parts is approximately 6-8 weeks+. We are working on reducing this as best as possible. But this is usually something that improves with time and numerous orders.

The simple fact is - Terrapod would rather come to the table offering a product that is ready-to-go, versus the usual routine of having customers wait months if not year's for the product they paid for.

The Terrapod RTTx has already been designed, prototyped and tested in the field. It is ready to go. The rest is making it happen.

Stay tuned. We are working hard to get there...properly.

Cheers and Happy New Year! Here's to a great 2020.

Awesome work! I really like the overall concept, just a few things i personally would like to see to have a perfect tent set up. I know you cant please everyone and hit all checkboxes but for what it's worth (maybe nothing):

-Do the windows have covers inside and outside? Now that I look closer i think there is a cover inside.
-I'd love to see a little more inclusive awning like the one I posted, i think it is amazing and allows ventilation even in the rain
-zip pockets and a water bottle pocket. (have seen on another tent that i liked)
-direct mount without backbone for height.

I would say it is quite similar to the Gofast RTT. they have the ability to mount direct to 5th gen, have external mount options, have to remove shark fin, come in at around 130lbs... but it comes at a bigger price. I'd say price point is definitely a determining factor on this one. Looking forward to more info etc

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