RTT Debate

[jangoforhire]

I've been kicking around the idea of grabbing a roof top tent for a while now, but I'm interested to hear some of your guys thoughts. [MENTION=68685]Ducmonsta[/MENTION] I know you've got your CVT, and I know theres a few others on here with one. [MENTION=50186]adio3x[/MENTION] Did you ever pick one up for your truck? Duc didn't you get your Gobi modified to accept the tent?

I like the idea of the quick deployment, and not having to worry about prepping the ground for a normal tent. But I'm not a fan of the hight when collapsed (most that I have seen are still around a foot tall when closed), and the effects this will have on driving/road noise. Also these are considerably more expensive than a normal tent, and give you slightly less flexibility in terms of where you can actually set up.

Reason I'm asking is I'm finally prepping for my big cross country tour! Last summer I accepted a job in California's Bay Area, so this summer I have some confirmed dates for a minimum 4 week long cross country road trip. I'm planning to hit as many trails and awesome camping spots as I can find, and I thought a RTT may be worth the investment for this trip.

Tacoma World has a Group Buy on Tepui tents right now for a 10% discount, so that's even more tempting.

One more factor that has me worried is that I'll most likely be living in an apartment with minimal storage around the SF area so hauling a RTT along may make that a bit more difficult.

 

[Intruder]

I don't notice any extra road noise from the tent but you definitely can feel it in high winds on the highway (not the wind from driving highway speeds, but if it's very windy). I think an Autohome tent would deal with this much better but at a much higher price. You also have to adjust to the higher centre of gravity when you're on the trails and also be more aware of low branches.

A couple of RTT advantages:
I keep all my bedding in the tent when it's folded up so if I set up camp and it's raining I don't have to worry about the bedding getting wet when transferring it from the vehicle to the tent.
Takes about 5-10 minutes to set up and tear down once you get the hang of it.
Don't need to find level ground - you can just put a rock or log in front of a tire and drive onto it to level the truck out.

I think that Tepui, CVT, and a bunch of others are all identical and made at the same factory in China but just have different covers on them. I went with ARB for the sole reason that I know they'll be around in a few years for warranty service (I've already gotten a replacement cover because I broke the zipper) and their service is top notch. No direct experience with the others, but I know people who got burned when Camping Labs vanished.

Storage is definitely an issue. There are very few parking structures you can fit into with a RTT so that can be a problem for condo/apartment parking. I live in a condo and have to store my tent in my parents' garage for the winter because I simply don't have room for it. It will also take two people to put it on and take it off unless you rig a pulley system or something.

 

[MeBe4running]

Autohome Columbus XL-

LOVE IT, LOVE IT, LOVE IT! Its easy, light weight, forget I even have it mounted half the time. I do such a variation of camping that I love the option of being able to get out "quick" if needed. Its hard to beat a 5 sec's setup. Wicks and weathers well and is a FANTASTIC summer tent, winter OKAY.

Cons- pricy, takes up whole surface are of roof rack, doesn't have much options as far as annex's or external rooms. Great for those 1-5 night'rs' trips, not so great for touring.

ALL IN ALL, can't go wrong!

 

[superwhite]

We'll save some beers for you in SoCal if you make it this way!

 

[Intruder]

Cons- pricy, takes up whole surface are of roof rack, doesn't have much options as far as annex's or external rooms. Great for those 1-5 night'rs' trips, not so great for touring.

Agree and a couple more cons:
Not good if you plan to set up a base camp for multiple days and use the truck to explore as you have to take down and set up again every day
If you pack it up while it's wet you'll have to dry it out just like any other tent, but since it's on top of your truck you get weird looks from your neighbours
A bit more of a pain to clean the inside so you'll want to get a dust buster
You'll make your friends who have ground tents jealous
If you have too many wobbly pops around the campfire it can be a challenge to get in the tent or back out again in a hurry if your wobbly pops need to come back out

 

[Titanpat57]

a bunch of conversations and reviews going on here...

Camping and Outdoor Gear

 

[Ducmonsta]

Everyone pretty much covered all the basics. There are always going to be pros and cons to this debate. It's just a matter of what is going to affect you the most.

All RTTs are made in China with the exception of some of the higher end canvas ones (usually S. Africa). However, they are not all created equal. For example, I went with the CVT mainly because of the service I was provided. The annex is also made with the same material as the tent itself. Some of the other manufactures use the fly material for the annex. The deniers are also different from company to company. When I purchased mine, CVT had the highest denier fabric compared to ARB and Tepui. That was over a year ago so things may have changed since. I know that CVTs original RTTs annex was using the same material as the fly. This changed when I purchased mine and was the deciding factor (other than denier). They also reverted back to the sliding ladder vs. the telescoping one. There were issues with the original telescoping ladder with collapsing. I'm sure it's been rectified by now.

I installed my RTT using Thule grab bars. They grab onto the Gobi's side rails. So nothing was done to the Gobi from factory.

You can definitely feel it on long highway trips. I've never really gotten off camber with it on top other than the trails at the Cove.

Our trucks are probably similar in height. You can use it on top of our trucks without the ladder extension but the ladder will be very close to vertical. Not a big deal, but makes for getting out of the tent at night interesting.

And last, the CVT cover is black. You know it matters.

 

[Gobius]

If you have too many wobbly pops around the campfire it can be a challenge to get in the tent or back out again in a hurry if your wobbly pops need to come back out

"wobbly pops" :lmao:

 

[Intruder]

"wobbly pops" :lmao:

Sorry, guess I forget about you 'mericans and use Canadian slang sometimes. I'll go put on a tuque and grab my Robertson screwdriver now.

 

[jangoforhire]

Everyone pretty much covered all the basics. There are always going to be pros and cons to this debate. It's just a matter of what is going to affect you the most.

All RTTs are made in China with the exception of some of the higher end canvas ones (usually S. Africa). However, they are not all created equal. For example, I went with the CVT mainly because of the service I was provided. The annex is also made with the same material as the tent itself. Some of the other manufactures use the fly material for the annex. The deniers are also different from company to company. When I purchased mine, CVT had the highest denier fabric compared to ARB and Tepui. That was over a year ago so things may have changed since. I know that CVTs original RTTs annex was using the same material as the fly. This changed when I purchased mine and was the deciding factor (other than denier). They also reverted back to the sliding ladder vs. the telescoping one. There were issues with the original telescoping ladder with collapsing. I'm sure it's been rectified by now.

I installed my RTT using Thule grab bars. They grab onto the Gobi's side rails. So nothing was done to the Gobi from factory.

You can definitely feel it on long highway trips. I've never really gotten off camber with it on top other than the trails at the Cove.

Our trucks are probably similar in height. You can use it on top of our trucks without the ladder extension but the ladder will be very close to vertical. Not a big deal, but makes for getting out of the tent at night interesting.

And last, the CVT cover is black. You know it matters.

Thanks, Duc, I didn't know that about the annex materials. I'd probably skip getting the annex, but if I change my mind that's definitely something I'll look into. Hahahaha that last part made me laugh. It absolutely does matter...

Agree and a couple more cons:
Not good if you plan to set up a base camp for multiple days and use the truck to explore as you have to take down and set up again every day
If you pack it up while it's wet you'll have to dry it out just like any other tent, but since it's on top of your truck you get weird looks from your neighbours
A bit more of a pain to clean the inside so you'll want to get a dust buster
You'll make your friends who have ground tents jealous
If you have too many wobbly pops around the campfire it can be a challenge to get in the tent or back out again in a hurry if your wobbly pops need to come back out

Thanks for all your info here, it's definitely confirming what I was thinking. Btw "wobbly pops" had me rolling as well.

Autohome Columbus XL-

LOVE IT, LOVE IT, LOVE IT! Its easy, light weight, forget I even have it mounted half the time. I do such a variation of camping that I love the option of being able to get out "quick" if needed. Its hard to beat a 5 sec's setup. Wicks and weathers well and is a FANTASTIC summer tent, winter OKAY.

Cons- pricy, takes up whole surface are of roof rack, doesn't have much options as far as annex's or external rooms. Great for those 1-5 night'rs' trips, not so great for touring.

ALL IN ALL, can't go wrong!

Ahh if only. These tents are probably a little out of my range for what I'm willing to spend on a tent right now, but maybe someday!

Thanks everyone for your help so far! I think I may be leaning towards a traditional ground tent now...it definitely lacks the "cool" factor that a rooftop tent has. But as of now I think a ground tent will be better suited to my trip.

(unless I can convince myself otherwise before this group buy ends)

 

[adio3x]

I never got one, I was looking at the Maggiolinas for awhile but I couldn't justify spending the cash for something I would only use maybe 20 days out of the year.

 

[Ducmonsta]

Thanks, Duc, I didn't know that about the annex materials. I'd probably skip getting the annex, but if I change my mind that's definitely something I'll look into. Hahahaha that last part made me laugh. It absolutely does matter..

Be careful of group buys for tents. I know they do it by the container load from china. If you have a deadline, make sure you're 6 months out to receive it. There were too many unhappy people that didn't get their tents from Tepui in time for some big off road trip. I'm sure it was out of Tepui's hands but you never know.

As far as the annex... buy once.

This is the information I had when I was buying 16 months ago.
Tepui and ARB's annex does not come with the RTT.
CVT's annex comes with the RTT.
As far as I know, CVT's annex is the only one with an attached floor. You can unzip it if you want to or just to clean it. This was huge for me as the annex was another sleeping quarters/changing room without the dirty dirt. That's where [MENTION=99235]Scott@Hightech[/MENTION] and Jeff slept at the Cove.

Honestly, my biggest negative for the RTT is having to pack it up while you're camping. Meaning, it's a fantastic base camp but you're stuck with your vehicle there. So, I had to plan on good hiking/biking routes near the campsite.

Also, I think you already have my personal cell, but if you don't, PM me. If for some reason you take a leisurely northern route, you have a place to stay/shower. I have also done the cross country trip several times and camped it. So, let me know your route and I'd be happy to make some suggestions.

 

[Okki]

What about [MENTION=62008]limamike[/MENTION]'s setup and putting your RTT on a trailer? That leaves base-camp at base-camp and your truck free to fit in the parking structure in town for supplies. If you're going to have to get a storage unit in SF, you might as well park your trailer in there.....

That's the route I'm going eventually. That does leave you with no height for an annex though...

Okki

 

[limamike]

Be careful of group buys for tents. I know they do it by the container load from china. If you have a deadline, make sure you're 6 months out to receive it. There were too many unhappy people that didn't get their tents from Tepui in time for some big off road trip. I'm sure it was out of Tepui's hands but you never know.

As far as the annex... buy once.

This is the information I had when I was buying 16 months ago.
Tepui and ARB's annex does not come with the RTT.
CVT's annex comes with the RTT.
As far as I know, CVT's annex is the only one with an attached floor. You can unzip it if you want to or just to clean it. This was huge for me as the annex was another sleeping quarters/changing room without the dirty dirt. That's where [MENTION=99235]Scott@Hightech[/MENTION] and Jeff slept at the Cove.

Honestly, my biggest negative for the RTT is having to pack it up while you're camping. Meaning, it's a fantastic base camp but you're stuck with your vehicle there. So, I had to plan on good hiking/biking routes near the campsite.

Also, I think you already have my personal cell, but if you don't, PM me. If for some reason you take a leisurely northern route, you have a place to stay/shower. I have also done the cross country trip several times and camped it. So, let me know your route and I'd be happy to make some suggestions.

My Tepui came with an annex that had a floor: Autana | Tepui Tents

[MENTION=78705]jangoforhire[/MENTION]: I love my trailer setup. Couldn't be happier, and the trailer has gone everywhere my truck has gone. My biggest and only real issue at this point has been how light it is!

EDIT: Regarding space for the annex, it definitely isn't as tall on the trailer as it would be if the tent were on the top of the truck, but you can easily sleep someone (or a couple) in there.

 

[Ducmonsta]

[MENTION=62008]limamike[/MENTION] Is your annex the same material as the fly or the tent? Wondering if they had changed this yet since CVT did.
[MENTION=78705]jangoforhire[/MENTION] Limamike's trailer is exactly the reason I wanted a RTT for now. My plan is to get a small teardrop at some point.

 

[limamike]

[MENTION=62008]limamike[/MENTION] Is your annex the same material as the fly or the tent? Wondering if they had changed this yet since CVT did.

[MENTION=78705]jangoforhire[/MENTION] Limamike's trailer is exactly the reason I wanted a RTT for now. My plan is to get a small teardrop at some point.

The material is the same as the tent - the rip-stop material. The bottom/floor of the annex is a thick, blue PVC.

BTW - I forgot to tell you, there's a woman that I met here that has an amazing classic (1940s) teardrop in amazing shape. She tows it all over AZ with a 2WD 3rd Gen 4Runner all by herself. She's super into the teardrop community and is always sending me pictures of cool looking setups. Makes me want to sell my trailer and get a damn teardrop!

 

[G8RB8_12SR5]

I've been kicking around the idea of grabbing a roof top tent for a while now, but I'm interested to hear some of your guys thoughts. [MENTION=68685]Ducmonsta[/MENTION] I know you've got your CVT, and I know theres a few others on here with one. [MENTION=50186]adio3x[/MENTION] Did you ever pick one up for your truck? Duc didn't you get your Gobi modified to accept the tent?

I like the idea of the quick deployment, and not having to worry about prepping the ground for a normal tent. But I'm not a fan of the hight when collapsed (most that I have seen are still around a foot tall when closed), and the effects this will have on driving/road noise. Also these are considerably more expensive than a normal tent, and give you slightly less flexibility in terms of where you can actually set up.

Reason I'm asking is I'm finally prepping for my big cross country tour! Last summer I accepted a job in California's Bay Area, so this summer I have some confirmed dates for a minimum 4 week long cross country road trip. I'm planning to hit as many trails and awesome camping spots as I can find, and I thought a RTT may be worth the investment for this trip.

Tacoma World has a Group Buy on Tepui tents right now for a 10% discount, so that's even more tempting.

One more factor that has me worried is that I'll most likely be living in an apartment with minimal storage around the SF area so hauling a RTT along may make that a bit more difficult.

I talked to Duc about it and base camp thing was thing biggest set back for me, but putting it on a tear drop trailer would do nicely. Of course you could just do like I did and put a 23' RV on the back lol. Looking forward to seeing your truck around the Bay Area, wouldn't mind seeing it in person eventually (maybe even on a trail, which means I'd go offroading, blasphemy lol jk).

 

[TOY2G]

I have had several RRTs in the last several years. 3 on trailers and on on my 4runner.

They prove most valuable when on a trailer IMO, because they can be used as intended but it does not tie your vehicle to one spot. In one of the picks below you can see my orange tent is on a 4x6 utility trailer. I built it for local camping on top of a square tube platform that bolts into the trailer.

We have also built two expedition trailers, with RTTs on them. But you may consider something like the Sahara tent from Mombasa or the OZ Tent from OZ. They both deploy in seconds and take up less space than a RTT does (there is a green one in the pic below)

 

[jangoforhire]

My Tepui came with an annex that had a floor: Autana | Tepui Tents

[MENTION=78705]jangoforhire[/MENTION]: I love my trailer setup. Couldn't be happier, and the trailer has gone everywhere my truck has gone. My biggest and only real issue at this point has been how light it is!

EDIT: Regarding space for the annex, it definitely isn't as tall on the trailer as it would be if the tent were on the top of the truck, but you can easily sleep someone (or a couple) in there.

Thanks for chiming in Lima, I do love your trailer, and that's definitely the route I would go if I had storage room for it at my new place and could consider spending 4000-5000 on a trailer/tent setup.

Maybe one day though...

 

[Okki]

Thanks for chiming in Lima, I do love your trailer, and that's definitely the route I would go if I had storage room for it at my new place and could consider spending 4000-5000 on a trailer/tent setup.

Maybe one day though...

Used trailer / used tent? You can always build out the trailer over time .. but at least you would have a starting platform. :couch2:

Okki