Looking for suggestions/advice for what to look for when purchasing a used RTT. The model in question is a Tepui Ayer.

Long story short: came across a fellow who I pass/communicate with daily on my commute to work, and learned he has the tent in question and has considered parting ways with it. He's an older gentleman who has had it mounted on his expedition trailer along with his mountain bikes and other toys. He's not an overlander, just a happy retiree working a job to keep busy who spends his occasional weekends in the woods with his bikes.

He said he's had it 2-3 years. Said he paid about $900 new for it. Trailer with tent is garage kept and sees action MAYBE 1 or two weekends a month...but he said he's been tent camping as of late because pulling out the whole expo trailer for his mountain biking expeditions has become overkill as of late..hence the reason he may part ways with it. He wants a teardrop camper to replace.

Obviously the first thing to look for is rips/tears in the fabric and elsewhere....but what else should I look for when I go inspect it? Looks immaculate in photos, but what would I know....I've never even seen a RTT in person.

Common sense says a coat or two of waterproofing spray is common maintenance...but what else?

How do you value a used RTT? Obviousy, he's worn off the "new", so by default im definitely not offering close to $900....but what's the resale value on these things?

Are there any major deal breakers I may be overlooking that would warrant the justification of paying for a brand new tent? He's a retiree just working to stay busy....I'm confident he's taken care of his stuff because who would spend the loot on a new RTT just to let it rot?

Thoughts???

I've bought a few used RTTs, and sold a few. Pretty simple, look for wear, tears, etc., but the good quality tents seldom have issues. Covers and zippers see more wear than other parts of these.

Resale market is good. Usually, a used RTT goes for 2/3 to 1/2 of retail, depending upon condition and age.

-H-

Also if you're a drinker you don't climb down from the roof top tent to pee, it's too much liability. You pee in a bottle or out the window. Climb inside and smell just to be sure hehe.

thanks guys!

Hahaha so true

So here's my 0.2 cents - I bought a used Ayer this past winter. Paid $700 for mine, and it was in great shape, plus it came with an anti-condensation mat and a double boot bag. See if he has any extras for it, but my guess if he only paid $900 new, it's bare bones. The price might vary since you are in NC vs here in the middle of WI, but I'd say you would be doing well off with any decently used tent for the 600-700 range. It will never be worth less than that (unless they go out of style in the future, which I highly doubt) and can make your money back if you sell it down the road.

Other things to ask him might be how he dried the tent out after rainstorms, how it has been cleaned, and the mounting equipment/hardware that is included. Every vehicle is a little different, and stainless hardware isn't cheap if it doesn't come with. Also, make sure the cover doesn't have any damage, and see if it is faded from sun or not - that will give you an idea of how much it has seen the elements.

Let us know what happens! You won't be disappointed with the versatility of the thing- I love mine.