Best RTT? iKamper is new, looks cool.

[Vinsil]

I don't know. I had so many issues trying to pack it up, it was frustrating sometimes. Would be much easier with 2 people.

I have never used a soft top tent so can't compare.

I got such a great deal that there was no way I could pass it up.

Thanks for the write up and advice. I think I will pass. If it was cheaper I might consider it but the issues you had are enough to make me rethink it.:thumb:

 

[UncleBoobers]

I don't know. I had so many issues trying to pack it up, it was frustrating sometimes. Would be much easier with 2 people.

I have never used a soft top tent so can't compare.

I got such a great deal that there was no way I could pass it up.

[MENTION=120209]tigger[/MENTION] do/did you have any issues with the tailgate open? Saw this on their site and makes me question if the spoiler would easily hit the back of the tent? I doubt this is a legit oversight, but since few people have these yet and it's really close to being an issue with my Thule cargo box by inches, I want to double check before considering any further. Sent iKamper this question on their site's support/contact page a few weeks ago, but haven't heard back.

 

[jrob]

No difference hard or soft here-just varies from tent to tent.

This is a shape question-not a hard/soft question. Check the height/width on whatever you're comparing. Still, if you're putting a tent on top of a roof rack on top of an SUV I'm not sure why you suddenly care about aerodynamics here.

I have no idea, just noting that there's really no difference I can tell (except marketing) between softshell/hardshell tents.

The ease of setup is a bit subjective, but no cover to deal with/store and just pop a few latches and your in business with a hardshell.

While I agree that aerodynamics isn't something that is a huge deal but...a 20" square up top will be more of a sail than a hardtop.

Just to correct a few things here since I have owned both types. There is a drastic difference between soft and hard shell tents.

ARB Simspon III
Loaded weight: 160 lbs
Setup time: 5-8 minutes
Take down: 10-15 minutes
MPG: 11-12
Pros:
-So much room for activities.
-Looks dope, expo as f***. "Totally overland brah" /mocking sarcasm
-Dry/concealed entrance.
-Doesn't take up whole roof rack.
Cons:
-Heavy noticeably more than hardshell even while driving.
-Setup/take down requires 4-5 trips around truck, straps, zippers, tucking.
-Packing up in cold weather, primarily zippers, sucks balls.

Magiolina Air Top:
Loaded weight: 130
Setup time: 40 seconds
Take down: 3 minutes
MPG: 14+ Aerodynamics. They matter.

Pros:
-40 second setup, no BS, release three clips, put up a ladder done and done.
-Comfy, cozy, better mattress, smells Italian.
-Lighter feel when driving.
-More MPG. 3 mpg stacks up on those 3,000 mile road trips.
Cons:
-Slightly less room than the ARB, but makes up with tons of storage pockets.
-Takes up entire roof rack, no room for firewood/chairs.
-"Rally" straps suck balls if I'm honest.

Now, I'm not 100% certain how the iKamper is going to stack up to the Airtops and James Barouds of the world, but they look nice. The ease of setup/take down of the hard tops vs soft shells really cannot be overstated. We have 50+ nights in both and the hard top has been the biggest game changer since going to a RTT in the first place. Literally next level.

Happy camping!

 

[JDM4LO]

Ease of setup for one. More protection for the tent. Aerodynamics.



Am I wrong in my thinking through this? Educate me, I'm new to the RTT world.





FYI! I was comparing a CVT Mt. Denali to this. Same price, this one is half the weight nearly and sits lower. Both sleep 4 people.



I dunno.

Mattress on the Mt Denali is larger at 87"x96". The iKamper is 83"x75".


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[t-rex grrr]

FSR makes a similar tent that is about $700 less.

Adventure Series M49 Roof Top Tent |

 

[sn_85]

FSR makes a similar tent that is about $700 less.

Adventure Series M49 Roof Top Tent |

Not really. IMO that tent has the worst of both worlds. The main advantage of soft shell is that it can open and fold out to the side which allows for more room. The advantage of a hard shell is the durability but is limited on space. The FSR tent does neither. It's a soft shell with the internal dimensions of a hard shell.

The iKamper is different in that it can fold out like a soft shell allowing for more room with the added durability of a hard top. None of that is present in the FSR tent.

 

[Teamoatmealpie]

Thanks a lot! Overall do you think it was worth $1,000 more than a good reviewed soft top? Super cool pics. I've been to crater lake and enjoyed that trip! I slept In my 4runner on my platform.

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CVT is in Bend, Oregon, just a few hours from you and they do rentals. Easy way to try one out and see if you like it before spending the $. They might also have a distributor in Vancouver too, I see adds on craiglist for them.

We have the CVT Mt.Rainer Summit and love it. Take down and set up are not a big deal.

Try a rental, its the best way to to test the waters and make a decision based on your own experience.

 

[tigger]

[MENTION=120209]tigger[/MENTION] do/did you have any issues with the tailgate open? Saw this on their site and makes me question if the spoiler would easily hit the back of the tent? I doubt this is a legit oversight, but since few people have these yet and it's really close to being an issue with my Thule cargo box by inches, I want to double check before considering any further. Sent iKamper this question on their site's support/contact page a few weeks ago, but haven't heard back.

I made sure the tent was far enough forward to clear the spoiler. It could be an issue if placed too far back.

 

[UncleBoobers]

I ended up pulling the trigger on the Skycamp. Taking it for it's maiden voyage out to Colorado and Utah this June. I filmed the pickup/install and the reaction the kids had when we brought it home. A more formal review once it's been tested out in the wild.

https://youtu.be/8xq8extuP1M

 

[J.F. Sebastian]

OP, 4 Wheel Parts in Langley has the Simpson 3 with annex combo on sale for CA$1900 if you're interested. They can have it for you in a day or two according to the fella I spoke to last week.