[calphi27]

To answer a few questions:

The tent will support itself without the ladder, but I am not sure how strong it is without the ladder. I would only let it hang without the ladder while I was setting the ladder up.

The way the yakima bars meet the tent only allow for a side opening. If you had a roof rack that it fit to, then I am sure it could open towards the rear or front. I think it may hang over the edges just a bit though.

I am sure you could velcro a finer screen over the OEM screen. The bat hole could be easily covered too.

It has two strips of screen in the ceiling that are 10 inches long and 4 inches wide (approximately) to serve as a "moon roof."

The bottom is not cardboard like at all. It is a hard black plastic, and I would think it is very durable.

New additions for next model continued:
1. Large window on side opposite from door