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Looking for suggestions on Roof Top Tents. Can any of you share who you purchased your tent from and why you chose that vendor?
Thanks!
Thanks!
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RTT - Who do you like and why?
Gryphon- Posts : 46
Points : 53
Reputation : 13
Join date : 2014-04-24
Guest- Guest
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?
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?
Gryphon- Posts : 46
Points : 53
Reputation : 13
Join date : 2014-04-24
Awesome response. A ton of info there. I've been researching RTTs for about 6 months and have come to the conclusion that I want something like what Mombasa, Tepui, and CVT offer. ARB and EEzi-awn are just too expensive as an entry point. Not a fan of the popups, probably because they don't have the option for the spare room.
The tent will be mounted to a trailer. The rack will move up and down. In the down position with the RTT ready for travel the top of the RTT will be below the top of my Jeep. My thought is to attempt to center the RTT over my trailer axle to help distribute the weight. With the rack in the up position, the tent will open to one side, and my plan is to have an awning on the other side. I'm planning for the trailer to be able to go just about anywhere I'd be comfortable taking my Jeep.
What I'm trying to figure out at this point is a good quality entry point RTT for 3. Something with the option, or the right price on the extra room. I want something I can handle solo, but also big enough if the kids join me, we won't be uncomfortable.
I'm doing this as I like to plan out my budget prior to starting a project. This one starts as a trailer to haul camping equipment to a home base. Next stage is to add a RTT and Awning to take it mobile. Third stage is to add some bells and whistles to make it comfortable.
I figured as most of you seem to have RTTs, you'd be a good source of info. Which you FJBoozah, have made my assumption correct.
I also try to learn from others, as its quicker and cheaper.
The tent will be mounted to a trailer. The rack will move up and down. In the down position with the RTT ready for travel the top of the RTT will be below the top of my Jeep. My thought is to attempt to center the RTT over my trailer axle to help distribute the weight. With the rack in the up position, the tent will open to one side, and my plan is to have an awning on the other side. I'm planning for the trailer to be able to go just about anywhere I'd be comfortable taking my Jeep.
What I'm trying to figure out at this point is a good quality entry point RTT for 3. Something with the option, or the right price on the extra room. I want something I can handle solo, but also big enough if the kids join me, we won't be uncomfortable.
I'm doing this as I like to plan out my budget prior to starting a project. This one starts as a trailer to haul camping equipment to a home base. Next stage is to add a RTT and Awning to take it mobile. Third stage is to add some bells and whistles to make it comfortable.
I figured as most of you seem to have RTTs, you'd be a good source of info. Which you FJBoozah, have made my assumption correct.
I also try to learn from others, as its quicker and cheaper.
MtnClimber- Admin
- Posts : 3919
Points : 4001
Reputation : 156
Join date : 2012-12-20
Sounds like you've been following Box Rockets build 
He can also help you out w/an RTT purchase and warranty issues.
Love my Tepui Kukenam. Very warm on cool nights yet keeps cool on the hot days, breathes (moisture control), very waterproof. Surprisingly quiet too, as in the outside noises aren't so loud as a normal ground tent is. S'pose it has to do with the material thickness, but I like it. Rainfly over entry door could stick out farther, but the new ones do. Very user friendly, sets up and takes down super easy. Very comfortable even after 5 nights of sleeping on the supplied mattress.
Advertised weight is 130 lbs. I believe it. But easily manageable by 2 people from overhead height to rack or rooftop.
Great size for 2 people and 1 small dog, more so with only 1 person and a 50-80 pound dog. Plenty of room for a 5'10" fella to get dressed in.
The way I have my load bars mounted on my trailer I can have the tent open in any configuration, although I would not have it open forward. The same can be said for my bed rack I just built for my Tacoma. Having the lower COG on both outfits really helps with the handling. I've tried it up on top of my long-armed XJ once and didn't really like it for my driving style.
He can also help you out w/an RTT purchase and warranty issues.
Love my Tepui Kukenam. Very warm on cool nights yet keeps cool on the hot days, breathes (moisture control), very waterproof. Surprisingly quiet too, as in the outside noises aren't so loud as a normal ground tent is. S'pose it has to do with the material thickness, but I like it. Rainfly over entry door could stick out farther, but the new ones do. Very user friendly, sets up and takes down super easy. Very comfortable even after 5 nights of sleeping on the supplied mattress.
Advertised weight is 130 lbs. I believe it. But easily manageable by 2 people from overhead height to rack or rooftop.
Great size for 2 people and 1 small dog, more so with only 1 person and a 50-80 pound dog. Plenty of room for a 5'10" fella to get dressed in.
The way I have my load bars mounted on my trailer I can have the tent open in any configuration, although I would not have it open forward. The same can be said for my bed rack I just built for my Tacoma. Having the lower COG on both outfits really helps with the handling. I've tried it up on top of my long-armed XJ once and didn't really like it for my driving style.
Gryphon- Posts : 46
Points : 53
Reputation : 13
Join date : 2014-04-24
MtnClimber wrote:Sounds like you've been following Box Rockets build
He can also help you out w/an RTT purchase and warranty issues.
Love my Tepui Kukenam. Very warm on cool nights yet keeps cool on the hot days, breathes (moisture control), very waterproof. Surprisingly quiet too, as in the outside noises aren't so loud as a normal ground tent is. S'pose it has to do with the material thickness, but I like it. Rainfly over entry door could stick out farther, but the new ones do. Very user friendly, sets up and takes down super easy. Very comfortable even after 5 nights of sleeping on the supplied mattress.
Advertised weight is 130 lbs. I believe it. But easily manageable by 2 people from overhead height to rack or rooftop.
Great size for 2 people and 1 small dog, more so with only 1 person and a 50-80 pound dog. Plenty of room for a 5'10" fella to get dressed in.
The way I have my load bars mounted on my trailer I can have the tent open in any configuration, although I would not have it open forward. The same can be said for my bed rack I just built for my Tacoma. Having the lower COG on both outfits really helps with the handling. I've tried it up on top of my long-armed XJ once and didn't really like it for my driving style.
Guilty as charged regarding Box Rocket's build. What was the deciding factor to go with Tepui?
MtnClimber- Admin
- Posts : 3919
Points : 4001
Reputation : 156
Join date : 2012-12-20
I read alot on Expo 'bout RTT's, and a friend of mine had one and gave me a good deal one it. Basically saved the $150 shipping at the time. It also really fit my needs.
REDrum- Posts : 181
Points : 214
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Join date : 2013-01-17
Location : People's Republik of Cambridge
FWIW...
I had wanted a RTT for 20 years, got one two years ago, and just sold it. Great concept but not good for northeast and/or jungle with lots of canopy growth. Or for people who like to drink a lot. its a long precarious trip down the ladder at 3:17AM to drain the bladder....
Also a PITA to fold up everyday if you are base camping.
MTClimber has the right idea mounting it low above a truck bed or trailer.
We had an ARB Simpson III, very well made and good value. Can be picked up in NJ. Eezi Awn are the gold standard, but pricy. REALLY liked the Bundu Stargazer. but also got pricy with shipping from west coast. If I were to go there again it would Maggiolina style pop up.
We are back to tent, big tent...
I had wanted a RTT for 20 years, got one two years ago, and just sold it. Great concept but not good for northeast and/or jungle with lots of canopy growth. Or for people who like to drink a lot. its a long precarious trip down the ladder at 3:17AM to drain the bladder....
Also a PITA to fold up everyday if you are base camping.
MTClimber has the right idea mounting it low above a truck bed or trailer.
We had an ARB Simpson III, very well made and good value. Can be picked up in NJ. Eezi Awn are the gold standard, but pricy. REALLY liked the Bundu Stargazer. but also got pricy with shipping from west coast. If I were to go there again it would Maggiolina style pop up.
We are back to tent, big tent...
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