Ideas for cheaper "expedition type" gear?

Okay so this post may ramble a bit sorry....and some of that is by design....I know lots of people come up with their own ideas for how to do things and sharing that knowledge is really helpful. I have been looking to upgrade some gear as $ allows and as I go through the items I can't help but notice how spendy a lot of that stuff is! And because I am eternally cheap.....but also because I like figuring things out on my own somewhat I have been thinking about a couple of things that I might be able to do cheaper than buying some readily made stuff. I welcome ideas to either make it work but also where people may have tried my ideas already and can share that its actually worth the money instead of my trying to do it on my own.

So the first one is a RTT. A RTT appeals to me for the ease of set up and take down....its off the ground...you don't need to find that perfect level spot in the site, etc. etc.. But looking at them the Eezi-Awn "Exclusiv Family T-Top Tent" is $4,900!   Now I am not saying its not worth it or the company is cheating anyone. Its obviously really well designed and is a stout tent. But dang....I can have a lot of failures of what I am envisioning for a lot less than $5k! So what I am thinking it a typical rectangle family cabin style tent with a footprint (open) of about 8x8, 10x8 etc. or so. So I could construct a folding platform that the tent would sit on. This would be in the range of 5 feet wide and 8 feet long (this would be for racks on a full sized pick-up with the 5' side to side and the 8' front to back above the bed) then folded open becomes 10 x 8. Fab some aluminum poles in a large U shape that would hold the tent up on set up. Depending on the sides of the tent it may be that the poles swivel for closing or they may need "locked" feet to slide into. In my mind I am thinking the two poles in the middle of the tent could swivel but that the two outside ones would need "locked" feet for tension to the center of the tent. Yes I would need to fab a ladder as well and a decent cover that covers the tent completely when closed for travel. But I just think that this could be done for less than $500 pretty easily instead of $5k. Anyone tried this?

The second thing is a fridge/freezer. National Luna makes a 125 liter fridge freezer but it's $2,500. Granted it is both a fridge or a freezer and its probably tough as nails....but again....$2,500 is a LOT of money for a fridge.

Here's a small fridge for $240.

http://www.amazon.com/Danby-DCR122BSLDD-Designer-Compact-Refrigerator/dp/B0052F5O7C/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1408477524&sr=8-1&keywords=danby+DCR122BSLDD

No its not "travel" ready and runs on 110 - solved by a 2000 watt 12 volt to 110 inverter for $200 or so. (I am figuring 2000 watts is plenty as these fridges should run fine on a 15 amp circuit- 15 amps x 110 volts = 1650 watts so 2000 to be safe). Yes I also figured that some work might be needed to keep the compressor and other parts in the rear from moving too much with vehicle travel to improve its overall toughness in a vehicle. And also some additional insulation might help so I am envisioning surrounding the solid sides with some hard foam or something to keep it from cycling too much (while I don't know but I am guessing the Luna is much more tougher in total and more efficient than a fridge like this). I also have seen that a lot of the RV type fridges that run on 12v/120 have small fans to increase efficiency so I could add a small computer fan to the rear opening for airflow as well. But again....when all is said and done I am into this for $500 or so.

I welcome anyone's thoughts or ideas on these things. And again....if I am a dope for thinking this way don't hesitate to say so and tell me what I'm missing!   

as far as the fridge goes unless its a travel ready fridge would not think it would last to long on the dirt  (bumpy) roads there is nothing wrong with a good cooler unless u are doing weeks at a time
try this cooler video out
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6-TE4RnqT0U

I have a buddy that has a yeti and loves it pricey thow I am going with the coleman until i save up and buy a arb fridge but thats a long way down the list
 
buy a ground tent and a tarp and save your money to buy a rtt
I think your idea will nickel and dime u and u will spend more money then u think

My 63Q Edgestar fridge will plug into my ciggy lighter or any 110V current. My 800W inveter will run it just fine as well. The inverter was purchased at Cabela's for $70, I got my super cool electro-cooler thru compactappliance.com in their scratch n dent section. No worries 'bout ice or soggy meat or mushy sammiches.

Yes you need to look for bargains. I would never pay 5k for a tent but I will say that the 900 or so I did spend on my Tepui tent was one of the best investments I've made in my amount equipment.

Additionally my edgestar fridge also was a scratch and dent and it has done awesome for me since ive bought it at about 10 percent of what you wrote for a current fridge/freezer. It's been through VOT this year with no issues and that's about as tough of an environment that you'll likely pit a fridge through.

I would say to budget around $1300 and stick to your guns and keep your eyes peeled for deals. That's what I did and I got both of those items for well under that as well so reaching the $1300 goal should be child's play.

thanks for the comments and ideas....especially the scratch and dent ideas....definitely a LOT cheaper than what I saw them for list. I also didn't realize how much cheaper the Tepui's were than the Eezi-Awns....makes a lot of sense. Thanks guys!   

While I might still want to build a RTT just for doing it, it definitely would not be a huge money saver versus those prices for sure. I am still torn on the whole idea of a RTT.....part of me really likes the quick set up and tear down....part of me is glad I am older now and navigating a ladder won't be the same challenge as a late night when I was in my 20's   But of course that comes with the arthritis in my knees (hockey injuries) that some times kick my a**.   So like most things in life....good and bad.   

muffinman I think at this point I have 6 tents from one man through the 8 person family one we usually use camping. For coolers I have 5 or 6 including big ones from igloo and coleman. My point was to get a fridge to avoid exactly what MtnClimber referred to. After 5 or 6 days in the woods (even with a cooler who's sole duty is ice storage) things some times get a little murky.    

My Edgestar will plug right into the 12V ciggy lighter or into any 110V outlet. It also features a flash freeze which is nice to get the coolah coooled down before packing it up for a vaca. It'll also keep your ice cream sammiches from melting. A must have for way up Nawth. BUT, just because you have a wicked cool cooler, remember to pack some ice cubes for those evenin' adult mixed beverages   

AFA as an RTT, I'v enjoyed mine almost year round. Waiting for some colder, snowy weather to continue the adventures. Have you ever noticed how when ever it rains, the run-off always seems to find it's way right thru your tent? No worries with an RTT. It also keeps you farther away from those night time ground critters, super easy set-up/storage, and if it rains and your packing up, so what! It's alot easier to set-up and dry out when you get home. No cold-air air mattress as most come w/a 2.5" or thicker dense foam mattress. You can also keep your sleeping bag/blankets and pillow right in the RTT during storage allowing more room in your rig.
Keep an eye out for used/second hand ones. They'll usually go for $500-700 where as a great new Tepui will run you about $1k. My Kukenam has plenty of room for Jill & I and or 50 lb pitty, plus some clothes. These guys are already making some great idea's so I'd save the time, sell off some of your extra tents and buy yourself a much desired Tepui tent. You''ll love it! I'm certainly not knocking the idea of designing/making/fabricating your own uniqueness as I myself love to do the same, but w/an RTT, you'll spend more time adventuring than building!

MtnClimber wrote:BUT, just because you have a wicked cool cooler, remember to pack some ice cubes for those evenin' adult mixed beverages   

Have you ever noticed how when ever it rains, the run-off always seems to find it's way right thru your tent?

Thanks for the comments MtnClimber! Not to worry....I need a little ice with my JD. I would NEVER travel w/o that!   

As for the rain run-off finding my tent.....Um.....you been followin' me?   My tents seem to be rain magnets!   

Here's another idea for expedition equipment. An off-road commode which simply slides into your 2" receiver hitch. It helps keep your bum off the ground and the ladies love it! A nice camo padded seat will also keep your bum from getting cold for when duty calls. It sure beats sitting on a log or a bucket, or even worse, hanging onto a tree and hoping you don't lose yer grip.. Just don't forget the toilet paper!!

They're currently on sale thru Northern Tool dot com. And yes, I ordered one....    

RTTs can be pricey.

What is cheap and light weight are hammocks?

This isn't my setup but you get the point...Great for back packing as the whole thing is like a bag of potato chips to carry, both in size and weight. Plus the dog, if you have one, can be right next to you without getting the RTT or tent muddy.