Roof Top Tent (RTT) quality

[darenwelsh]

I've been trying to research roof top tents and balancing price with quality is a concern. I'm not going to spend $3k on my first RTT, but I also don't want to waste money on something that will disappoint. Even the "cheap" tents cost a lot of money.

I've seen several people say things about companies selling Chinese-made tents with their brand logo. Reports of leaking and material defects make it seem like a crap shoot for quality. But I'm having trouble finding out which companies don't fall in this list. Which fold-out style tent companies do you generally recommended?

 

[Cymon]

CVT and Tepui RTT are popular and I've only heard great things about both companies and they're customer service. Both are made in China and then customized over here by the respective company. We have a CVT Mt. Rainier Summit Series and I will say I have been nothing but impressed with its build quality. Other brands that I've only heard positive things from and are in a similar price range are 23Zero and Freespirit Recreation. Never seen an FSR tent in person, but I have seen the 23 Zero and the build quality seems really high.

ARB, Ez-Awn, and Howling moon also make great tents. ARB will be in a similar price range, maybe a little higher then the companies listed above. Howling Moon and Ez-Awn are on the next level up of pricing but their quality is long tested and proven. Very much a case of you get what you pay for.

 

[darenwelsh]

What makes one Chinese-made tent better than another Chinese-made tent? I guess I don't know which things are "stock" vs. US add-ons. For example, I would expect the fabric and zippers that are sewn in to all be made in China. So why would one Chinese tent be less prone to leak than another? What US-size customization could make one tent more leak-proof?

 

[live_discover]

When it comes down to it, they are all basically the same tent with a different name. Some give your more "features", condensation mat, shoe holders, that kinda stuff. I ended up ordering a Treeline Outdoors. I really like their rounded design style over the boxy style of all others. Plus they have an extra little window in the annex overhang that I really like. The side windows awnings can also be rolled up which is another kinda unique cool feature. There is a group buy going to save 20% on them right now.

 

[Cymon]

What makes one Chinese-made tent better than another Chinese-made tent? I guess I don't know which things are "stock" vs. US add-ons. For example, I would expect the fabric and zippers that are sewn in to all be made in China. So why would one Chinese tent be less prone to leak than another? What US-size customization could make one tent more leak-proof?

Check the weight of the fabric, that will give you an idea, as most use the same frame, the fabric weight and choice is different. As [MENTION=133166]live_discover[/MENTION] mentioned the rest of the stuff is accessories. Since they are all basically the same, the best thing to do is buy from an established company that stands behind the product they sell, has good customer service and have a decent warranty.

Edit: Just because they are made in china doesn't mean it's the same factory in China. If you are that concerned, the best thing to do may be to just pick up the phone, call the different companies you are interested in and ask them what separates their tent from the others. Express your concerns and see if through talking to them they can help you decide what would work best for you.