overzone vs. maggiolina airtop ?

[djg1971]

looking to make an investment in a rooftop camper for our 2010 4runner. trying to decide between autohome "overzone" and autohome "maggiolina airtop" models. at least for the airtop, we're considering the "medium" size which i think is ~ 57" wide. some feedback from this forum might really help decide:

1) is 57" a smart idea or too wide?

2) the overzone gives more floor space at a given size, but since the ladder attaches within the floor layout instead of at the edge, how much of the space, say at the corners which are hanging out in space, can actually be used? (can you put your weight out there??)

3) the airtop seems considerably more aerodynamic...realistically does it make much difference?

4) both models seem to have available awnings and changing rooms if we decide to get something like that...anyone know if these accessories are significantly different to use for one model vs. the other?

 

[Ryan_S]

Have you tried asking and looking around on Expedition Portal? Might be a better resource for your specific question.

Expedition Portal Forum - Powered by vBulletin

 

[leebay88]

what is the width of the 5th gen 4runner roof? (outside roof rack to outside roof rack)

I think it looks odd when they overhand a lot.

 

[Err]

I have a medium size Columbus variant that I've had mounted on my Hummer H3T for a while and love it. At 57" wide, it's very roomy for 2 and sleeps the 2 of us and our German Shepard without any battles over sleeping space.

The 4-Runner, like the H3t is a bit narrower than the tent at the roof line but is wider at the belt line. I don't find the overhang to be excessive and I've never bumped my head or had any other trouble with the over hang.

In use, the Columbus Variant, like the Maggiolina is incredibly simple to setup. People always give me a look of disbelief when I tell them that I can setup the tent in 30 seconds and close it in about 90 seconds. It's a totally different experience to pitching a tent on the ground.

Comfort wise, the stock mattress is great and we added a 1" memory foam mattress topper to make it extra soft. Since you use normal pillows and blanket, it's far more comfortable than sleeping in a bag (and I have nothing against sleeping bags).

I haven't put my tent on my 4-Runner yet but I've seen a 5th gen with one mounted. The only concern I have is the half-length roof rack. Kind of a major failure on Toyota's part IMO. I'm going to mount mine to the factory rails and see how it sits but might end up throwing a Gobi or Baja rack up there to better support the tent.

I can't comment on the Overzone, except to say that fabric tents like that never really interested me. They are quite a bit more time consuming and complex to deal with but well suited if you stay put in a site. Where as I'll wake up in the morning, close my tent and be driving within a matter of minutes sometimes. No hassel, very mobile.

expeditionportal.com has lots of discussion on this sort of stuff.