I was tired of all the "crap" RTT's, so I made my own. - TERRAPOD!

[Jon_H]

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

 

[geoalesolo]

I'm in for the kick starter!!

 

[Tmortn]

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

 

[Terrapod]

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.

 

[87pony]

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

 

[Terrapod]

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

Sorry man...you are WAY late to the party. This process was started about a year ago. We are very close to production.

Quick answers:
- The windows do have separate covers on the inside.
- Sorry...it is not similar to GFC. They developed a truck bed camper that became a RTT. And...it's still a brick. This RTT has been designed from the ground up to be a next generation RTT. Lightweight (production is under 100lbs), modern manufacturing techniques, shaped for aero, and will be the lowest profiled RTT on the market at 5.25" closed.
- Direct mounting is the preferred solution for this product and will be offered in that manner while retaining the stock vehicle accessories. The goal is lightweight and simple.

FWIW - we have completed the final production design. That design is a game-changer and will allow the tent to be an all-weather RTT solution. Modern materials, robust and still low profile and lightweight.

More news soon. Thanks for your interest!

 

[RedRunner-14]

This is so awesome! Congratulations on designing, prototyping, and now getting into the construction of this RTT.

I had a couple questions that I didn't see earlier in the thread (admittedly I didn't read everything too closely tho)

1) can you mount anything into the outside of the tent? I have a portabote that I take with me that gets strapped to my roof, would be awesome if this thing is strong enough to allow things to get mounted to.

2) any way of making it more sub zero friendly (something like insulation blankets or whatever put inside of it?

 

[Terrapod]

This is so awesome! Congratulations on designing, prototyping, and now getting into the construction of this RTT.

I had a couple questions that I didn't see earlier in the thread (admittedly I didn't read everything too closely tho)

1) can you mount anything into the outside of the tent? I have a portabote that I take with me that gets strapped to my roof, would be awesome if this thing is strong enough to allow things to get mounted to.

2) any way of making it more sub zero friendly (something like insulation blankets or whatever put inside of it?

Thank you! Appreciate the kudos.

Answers:

1) Yes. The final production version has mounting points on the sides. There are designs for a light to medium duty rack mounted on the lid. But, it is currently in development.

2) Since we are at the starting point, I would consider it a 3-season tent. Although...I would not hesitate to take it out in temps down to 30˚F. A insulation blanket could be a cool feature down the road, though.

Thanks for you interest and Q's

 

[FirefighterMTN]

Big fan of what you are doing! Subscribed!

 

[mteolus]

I saw a similar tent on the market already. $3500. Ouch.

Found it

 

[ElectroBoy]

I saw a similar tent on the market already. $3500. Ouch.

Found it

Plus it’s an additional $500 for the 5th gen 4R mounting kit.

 

[Terrapod]

I saw a similar tent on the market already. $3500. Ouch.

Found it

Let's not get folks confused. The RTTx is not similar to the GFC. They developed a truck bed camper that became a RTT. And...it's still a brick. Our tent has been designed from the ground-up to be a next generation RTT.

Lightweight (production is under 100lbs), modern manufacturing techniques, efficient aerodynamic shape, all-weather structure, and will be the lowest profiled RTT on the market at 5.25" (closed).

 

[FoRunnuh]

Plus it’s an additional $500 for the 5th gen 4R mounting kit.

The 6" vs. 5.25" not bad though it is not aerodynamic, so not great...
At 135lbs., that's heavy AF!
And the extra $500? That mounting system better include something super awesome (probably not). 3 strikes...

 

[sn_85]

The 6" vs. 5.25" not bad though it is not aerodynamic, so not great...
At 135lbs., that's heavy AF!
And the extra $500? That mounting system better include something super awesome (probably not). 3 strikes...

And look at this sweet and completely leak free antenna delete LMAO

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q0Kjvi78zhs

 

[FoRunnuh]

That 'delete' video has to be a joke.

 

[Terrapod]

Guys...I ask that we refrain from posting negative comments here about other groups. We are all doing the best we can to make a living, etc. Heck - I had my own pitfalls building the prototypes. 001 looked like it was paint by a drunk.

I wish GFC the best in their endeavors. Each to their own.

Have I built a better RTT? Man, I sure hope so.

 

[87pony]

The 6" vs. 5.25" not bad though it is not aerodynamic, so not great...
At 135lbs., that's heavy AF!
And the extra $500? That mounting system better include something super awesome (probably not). 3 strikes...

I wouldnt necessarily agree with a couple of your points. 135 isn't really that heavy for a hardshell tent, plus if you take the weight of the rack (which isnt needed) I'd say its on par. alu cab for example is about 175lbs.

The $500 bothered me too, but is still cheaper than getting a rack.

The only reason i'm pointing this out is because ive looked into theirs and have researched it. Couldn't quite pull the trigger as i havent found one tent that hits everything I want.

And look at this sweet and completely leak free antenna delete LMAO

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q0Kjvi78zhs

This is their actual antenna delete.

Really looking forward to see if this one takes the cake.

 

[Terrapod]

Let's talk about why I didn't do the Sat antenna delete.

Aero.

The tent actually needed a gap between the tent and the top of the roof in order to maintain the flow pattern coming up the windshield and under the tent. The tighter the gap was, the less of a proper flow.

With the Rhino Rack Backbone it allowed for the perfect structure while creating an awesome gap for airflow. The results have spoken for themselves. Even fully loaded, i have averaged between 17.2 to 17.8 mpg - with the tent on top of the 4Runner. Even in heavy cross winds, no problem. Passing trucks....no problem. The nose cowl's shape on the tent splits the air to allow for flow above and below.

All this...and the tent is only 7.5" higher than the peak of the roof.

When it comes to vehicles, aero and weight mean everything. Each can effect overall performance, MPG's, drivetrain wear and tear, etc. It continues to blow me away how often folks forget about this stuff when it comes to loading up heavy and heading out.

Now...is the RTTx the end all, be all in roof top tents? Heck no. I am certain some out there will find something about it they don't like or it doesn't fit their needs. And that frankly, is a-ok.

For my personal setup, I have everything I need from a 12v water system to fridge, kitchen and spares in the 4Runner. Terrapod is all about camping simple. Taking what you need, and nothing you don't.

 

[FoRunnuh]

Guys...I ask that we refrain from posting negative comments here about other groups. We are all doing the best we can to make a living, etc. Heck - I had my own pitfalls building the prototypes. 001 looked like it was paint by a drunk.

I wish GFC the best in their endeavors. Each to their own.

Have I built a better RTT? Man, I sure hope so.

You're right. Sorry to come across as anti-GFC. GFC seems to be a good product as well, and it fills a specific space in this growing field. To each their own. Those were just my opinions. It just doesn't meet my requirements which are closer aligned with that of the RTTx. That said, RTTx is intriguing, but it isn't my unicorn RTT either, but close. Perhaps close enough...

 

[Sea_ledford]

I love everything about this rtt except one thing... the width. I'm a little confused with the common sizing of hard shell tents. 50" wide seems to be normal, which usually correlates to a 48" wide bed (some times narrower at spots if the tent has internal struts!).

Thats a good 6 inches narrower than a full size bed. Great for solo, and probably fine for a night or two with a significant other... but for any duration of trip it just seems too narrow. A 2-man tent is about the same size an it's universally accepted that a 2-man tent is big enough for one person. Ads for RTTs of the same size say two people and your dog. I'm sure you could fit 2 people and a dog, but no one is getting any sleep, except the dog!

I'm sure sizing has to do with what fits on a roof without over hanging, but if I'm dropping $3-4k on a tent, I want to be comfortable in it. There are a few options for wider versions, but they tend to jump up to king size and add the associated weight and height.

I hope you sell the hell out of these things and make a second model that is wider!