Best Roof Top Tent

brownbear · 11-23-07, 12:21 AM

thanks, I will definitely keep you in mind.

hoser · 11-23-07, 12:33 AM

Just to compare the largest RTT's:

OverLand Large is 87"L X 71" W, Height = 49" Weight = 130 lbs
Howling Moon 2.4M is 94.5" x 94.5", Height = 47.25" = 211 lbs
Eezi Awn Family is 96"L X 86.6" W, Height = 51" = weight 187 lbs

hoser · 11-23-07, 12:43 AM

Here's one I haven't seen before. Note the rear awning:

Hannibal Impi
Length: 2.2m (86")
Width: 1.3 (51")
Height closed: 320mm (12.6")
Height open: 1.5m (59")
Weight: 63kg (138 lbs)
http://www.hannibal.co.za/

Mike S · 11-23-07, 11:00 AM

A couple of comments

1. Please be aware that the dynamic roof loading limit on a US Landcruiser is 165 lbs. This includes not only the tent, but the rack system and tent content. JSYK

2. The Hannibal Impi is a direct knock-off of our Columbus tent, but with a slightly diferent door design. I have not seen it for sale in the US for some years.

Mike S

LandCruisers4Life · 11-24-07, 01:49 AM

When I get ready, I'm going for the Hannibal Impi..... Exactly what I need. Easy set up, and the tent is protected when the clamshell is shut.

http://www.hannibal.co.za/default.asp?pageid=555

campoj2 · 11-24-07, 05:59 PM

Just a great thread!

spressomon · 11-24-07, 11:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LandCruisers4Life

When I get ready, I'm going for the Hannibal Impi..... Exactly what I need. Easy set up, and the tent is protected when the clamshell is shut.

http://www.hannibal.co.za/default.asp?pageid=555

How are you going to import one? And what will you do if you need service or parts down the road (assuming no one is set-up as an importer stateside)?

LandCruisers4Life · 11-25-07, 12:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spressomon

How are you going to import one? And what will you do if you need service or parts down the road (assuming no one is set-up as an importer stateside)?

Yeah I noticed they don't have em around the US. However, there is this version which is almost the same:

http://www.AutoHomeUS.com/products/columbus.php

spressomon · 11-25-07, 09:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LandCruisers4Life

Yeah I noticed they don't have em around the US. However, there is this version which is almost the same:

http://www.AutoHomeUS.com/products/columbus.php

Yep! Plus you can get the Columbus in carbon fiber. And their customer service is top-notch!!!

DiHrdBowTi · 11-25-07, 10:38 AM

I have yet to have an issue with mine so haven't had to call for service after the sale but I know Mike Spies was great to deal with when I bought my large Maggiolina Grand Tour.

spressomon · 11-25-07, 10:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DiHrdBowTi

I have yet to have an issue with mine so haven't had to call for service after the sale but I know Mike Spies was great to deal with when I bought my large Maggiolina Grand Tour.

I rolled my AT Horizon on it side early this past summer. I had the Overland Large tent atop...and although I "only" put the trailer on it's side the hinged side of the tent took the beating. The roll bent the hinges and tore the protective tent cover. Actually I was astounded the trailer and tent didn't sustain more damage! Anyway I called AutohomeUSA and spoke to Mike for the first time. He was incredibly responsive to my needs including shipping me a full set of hinges for my Overland...and at no-charge!!! I fully expected to pay for the hinges since it was clearly not a warranty issue

. And I had the hinges in just a couple days! Mike: I owe you another snifter of good aged rum & triple ginger snaps

.

Fast forward to when I decided the Overland really wasn't the tent for me after all. Mike made things right (actually more than right!) with me when I decided to 'upgrade' to the Maggiolina.

I have been in the customer service business, in one form or another, the past 25-years. I am probably more sensitive/critical than most about service before, during and after the sale. It is comforting to know that when/if I have a need for parts, service or whatever Mike will do what is humanly possible to satisfy the customer. There aren't too many goods/services I buy that come with that type of commitment from the vendor/supplier: Truly refreshing in today's age!

BTW: No connection to Autohome or Mike...other than I am a 100% satisfied customer.

hoser · 11-25-07, 12:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike S

1. Please be aware that the dynamic roof loading limit on a US Landcruiser is 165 lbs. This includes not only the tent, but the rack system and tent content.

The actual dynamic roof load capacity of the LC100 is 200 kg (440 lbs) as advertised by Toyota.com.au

But like you said, the US OEM rack is only rated at 165 lbs.

Mike S · 11-26-07, 10:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hoser

The actual dynamic roof load capacity of the LC100 is 200 kg (440 lbs) as advertised by Toyota.com.au

But like you said, the US OEM rack is only rated at 165 lbs.

Roof load ratings vary by country. SInce we have soooo many lawyers here in the US, the manufacturers need to have a very low risk profile. I ALWAYS advise customers on the load limit ratings (which are dynamic ratins, notstatic) and tell tham that I cannot recommend anything that would exceed these ratings. If they choose to exceed the ratings, that is their business. I know people who have tents, several full gas cans, and other stuff on the roof. They easily exceed the manufacturer limits.

In any case, in the event of an acident, rollover with injuries, or other mishap that may involve lawyers, you can bet that an overloaded vehicle will not assist the case - excpet for the plaintiff.

Landcruisers canalso get sluggish if you overload the roof. but they are seriously stout and likely can hold a lot more up than I am allowed to suggest.

How's that for some double talk?

Mike S · 11-26-07, 10:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spressomon

I rolled my AT Horizon on it side early this past summer. I had the Overland Large tent atop...and although I "only" put the trailer on it's side the hinged side of the tent took the beating. The roll bent the hinges and tore the protective tent cover. Actually I was astounded the trailer and tent didn't sustain more damage! Anyway I called AutohomeUSA and spoke to Mike for the first time. He was incredibly responsive to my needs including shipping me a full set of hinges for my Overland...and at no-charge!!! I fully expected to pay for the hinges since it was clearly not a warranty issue

. And I had the hinges in just a couple days! Mike: I owe you another snifter of good aged rum & triple ginger snaps

.

Fast forward to when I decided the Overland really wasn't the tent for me after all. Mike made things right (actually more than right!) with me when I decided to 'upgrade' to the Maggiolina.

I have been in the customer service business, in one form or another, the past 25-years. I am probably more sensitive/critical than most about service before, during and after the sale. It is comforting to know that when/if I have a need for parts, service or whatever Mike will do what is humanly possible to satisfy the customer. There aren't too many goods/services I buy that come with that type of commitment from the vendor/supplier: Truly refreshing in today's age!

BTW: No connection to Autohome or Mike...other than I am a 100% satisfied customer.

Thanks for your kind words, Dan. Most of our customers are really great to work with. Probably 98% of them are interesting people doing interesting things. I am working on filter that will help identify the 2%er's.

Rubiconcruiser · 11-26-07, 10:24 PM

For the money ezi awn is a deal, Outland by Maggolina is actually a better tent but customer service is a bit hard to gather, As for usage my friends have the ezi awn, I have a Maggolina airlander, they have much more interior room than I do but I stay warmer in the colder weather, depends on preference in camping regions I gurss. Good luck in your search JIm.

LandCruiserPhil · 11-27-07, 07:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hoser

The actual dynamic roof load capacity of the LC100 is 200 kg (440 lbs) as advertised by Toyota.com.au

But like you said, the US OEM rack is only rated at 165 lbs.

FWIW I have my RTT mounted on a US 100 series OEM roof rack. It has been able to handle 450lbs without damage.

Just another data point

LandCruisers4Life · 11-27-07, 09:29 PM

Hmm.. I like of started liking the looks of these Maggiolina tents.... Just crank it up?? How is it in a wind?

DiHrdBowTi · 11-27-07, 10:14 PM

yep just crank it up. My 8 year old likes doing it. It's been windy a few times out but that hasn't bothered it or me it's very sturdy. It's not going fall or flatten out on you. You might get some movement. Mine is mounted on a trailer and when I drop the front and back legs it becomes solid.

LandCruisers4Life · 11-27-07, 10:35 PM

I like it. I think it's definitely the one for me. No hassles, just crank it up and you're in a hotel room....

spressomon · 11-27-07, 10:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LandCruisers4Life

Hmm.. I like of started liking the looks of these Maggiolina tents.... Just crank it up?? How is it in a wind?

Solid...no flapping and as solid as your truck/trailer is. It is also quieter than a tent type RTT given the fiberglass top, less fabric overall and quilted/padded ceiling...and warmer which is better in cold climes and not so in warmer, humid climes I suppose. However for hot weather camping several Maggiolina users utilize a small, quiet 12V marine type fan for increased ventilation.

concretejungle · 11-29-07, 01:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LandCruisers4Life

I like it. I think it's definitely the one for me. No hassles, just crank it up and you're in a hotel room....

That's pretty much what i'm thinking too. Plus, in my neck of the woods we do a lot of expedition type trips where you are going through some thick forest roads with overhanging branches. The RTT would tear for sure. Another plus for the magiolina is the hard shell case.

rockclmbr · 11-29-07, 10:27 PM

We just got back from 5 days in Baja, all of those spent sleeping in the Columbus on the beach. I upgraded the stock foam pad to a slightly thicker, higher durometer foam pad. This made a huge difference and I no longer need my thermo-rests on top.