Gear Review: SJK Roadhouse Tarp 2017

[MeefZah]

Does this do something a regular $30-40 shelter tarp doesn't?

What am I missing? Is it the shape that makes it different? Any idea what the fabric is? I'm have a sailboat so I'm certainly guilty of spending obscene amounts of money on fancy pieces of fabric. Just not sure I'm understanding what's new or special about this.

Well, first of all, $100 is hardly a lot in the vehicle overlanding (hate that word) category of products.

Second, to answer your question; it is cut so as to fit over the hatch and has straps placed in such a manner as to be easily attached to the vehicle. It's also double reinforced where it would contact the vehicle. To that end, it seems more specifically catered to use on a vehicle. It also comes with poles / stakes / ropes / QD straps and buckles (do the $40 ones come with those, I don't know...?). I'm unsure what the fabric is but it feel like a heavy duty tent fabric.

 

[formulate]

Yeah as [MENTION=132734]MeefZah[/MENTION] said, it could totally be set up off the side. Never did it but could envision using zipties through the provided grommets. I have a side awning too and use that most of the time. The roadhouse really shines for me when I want to cook or hang out in foul weather since I have a drawer system with the stove integrated into one of the drawers.

Cool, thanks both. I'm gonna pull the trigger and try one out.

 

[gfxcruncher]

Does this do something a regular $30-40 shelter tarp doesn't?

What am I missing? Is it the shape that makes it different? Any idea what the fabric is? I'm have a sailboat so I'm certainly guilty of spending obscene amounts of money on fancy pieces of fabric. Just not sure I'm understanding what's new or special about this.

Honestly, no. Not sure on the size of that one but I've used a 10x12 hammock rain fly and it "works". Although, I was never able to get the sides tight enough to the truck body to keep rain from coming in and wasn't quite wide enough to get the sides turned down enough to keep blowing rain out.

IMHO the extra 60-70 bucks was well worth it. It is shaped different than a straight up rectangle, looks to be a decent rip stop nylon and the poles are a lot better than whatever I was able to cobble together previously. Also haven't bought anything to date with stakes as beefy as these (seems like they paid attention to the little details)

Not a salesman or affiliated in any way, just been really happy with it when I have used it.

 

[MeefZah]

Been getting some good use out of my awning, tried the side set up and that actually works really well, too. Super happy with the product.

Here's two back to back (Slumberjack makes a version of this that has a screen, too - that is attached to the red 4Runner):