by Guest Tue Jun 03, 2014 6:39 pm
There are numerous vendors and "types" out there when it comes to roof top tents and the like.
One of the major factors that inhibits most from their purchase is the prices. As one can imagine, the price goes up exponentially as the size and options do, but through a moderate side by side comparison, its found that most tents are generally the same and are made of the same materials if you're making comparisons of similar models through different companies.
Once you've figured out a budget, its time to decide a size thats going to fit your needs.
Now this can be the tricky part as most usually say buy as much as you can afford, which there can be some truth to this but generally speaking in our "business" the right size makes all the difference in the world. You'll want to buy a RTT that allows for maximum comfort but that doesnt compromise utility. Example is that you can have the biggest, most luxurious RTT going but that doesn't necessarily help if you're trying to tote it through miles and miles of dense forest or overhanging branches. As seen a few times by our group, the RTT can then become a hindrance in some cases as it can determine the path you decide to take in an effort not to ruin your several hundred dollar tent and it can also change the mannerism of how your vehicle behaves during some off camber situations or switchbacks due to increased weight above the center of gravity of your vehicle. So in short you'll want to find the best tent for your needs, that is cost and space effective, all while allowing you to use it as you intended when you first bought it or foresee growing into it as your needs change.
Types.
There are two general types of RTT's that are out there and both are very good from their respective stance.
The standard Roof top tent that is the usual that most think of when researching these is what comes to mind and can run from a "cheapest" Mombasa 9007 to a 3dogcamping RTT that can run you around $4000 starting. These appear as a standard two or three person "tent" that is pitched on a wooden surface that is folded out for use of transport and can have attachments of side awnings and dressing rooms for additional space. These tend to be the most cost effective solutions and although are much higher in price than their standard ground tent in the same category offer the benefits of getting up off the ground and elevated from all of lifes creatures that scurry around the forest floor on a nightly bases.
Some manufactures include:
-Mombasa- cheapest but a great starter tent for those looking to get into the mix.
-Tepui-Middle of the road-several have them here and have had good luck with them.
-CVT-similar to Tepui in size and cost. Online comparison shows slight difference in materials used.
-ARB, Eezi-awn and Ironman- Australian manufacturers. Tend to be higher in cost for similar comparisons to above manufacturers but also offer better warranties and have a greater following in the relatively new world of RTT's.
-James Baroud- High cost, but offer the creme de la creme of warranty and accessories that come with it.
A lot of the above tents are made by the same manufacturer over seas. Do some research and find what might work best for you if youre deciding on this kind of RTT.
The next is the hard top, pop up version that is much more slimline and low profile.
Slightly easier to pitch and a little quicker as its basically just a crank that heightens the top and makes the sides of the tent taught. These tend to be pricier and offer fewer options for side rooms and accessories that attach directly to them, although some are out there that have this option but tend to be $$$.
Manufacturers include Maggiolina and AutoHome, and some of the above manufacturers as well have entered this side of the RTT market.
Sorry for the long winded response but can you give us a little more info on what you may be looking for and a budget to help with some responses?