I'm interested in this conversation. I know it's old at this point but I would like to seed some conversation...
Would love a roof top tent with:
1. Ability to have maxtraxxs, bikes, hi lift, shovel, awning, and other things attached to the side and top as needed for different types of trips.
2. Comfortable sleeping space for 2 adults (5'-11" and 5'4")
3. Easiest possible set up and take down (probably no softshell) as this will be on top of the truck and I hate the idea of crawling all over the hood, doors, etc. I want simple simple simple...
4. Want to keep things low profile. Ideally remove the OEM side rails/cross bars and then just install the tent to the top. Can I fit in a 8' garage with a 2" lift?
The alucab expedition 3 looks like a clear winner to me but I'm wondering a few things.
1. Is it too small to sleep two people comfortably? Either too short or too narrow?
2. Are there still problems with water ingress? Is the ladder going to be revamped at some point? Seems like a chore to buy a 4k roof top tent and then spend more money on a topping mattress and a new ladder.
3. Can you really install the tent directly to the roof tracks with some finagling with hardware?
I have an Alucab gen 3, purchased in January 2019.
- You can easily mount items to the side rails or the roof. M8(?) carriage bolts easily slide into the side and roof rails to mount items, and M6 bolts slide into the rails just under the edge of the tent.
- Definitely room for 2 people. It's about the size of a full XL mattress.
- I can setup camp and be in bed in just a few minutes. I usually wait to open the tent just before going to bed. If it's wet when I put it up in the morning from a storm, but it's sunny when I stop for lunch, I'll quickly pop it up to let it dry while I'm eating.
- I had mine attached to the factory mounts on my 100 series just using a set of Gamiviti mounts. It sagged in the middle and risked the rubber seals around the edge not sealing completely. I ended up adding a set of alu-cab load bars. Due to the spacing on a 100, if you use load bars, you'll need 3 and need to make a custom bracket for the front mount. I think mine is under 7.5 feet at the highest point. 8 foot garage door would be close, but would work.
- I have had no leaks in my tent. Originally, there were rivets in the roof inside the living space. After the leaks were noticed, they redesigned and removed the rivets. I've been in a snow storm with 35 mph gusts in Monument Valley, and a downpour last week at HIH. Not a drop inside the tent from either.
- The provided ladder is a great ladder, but just isn't convenient to use. There was talk of providing a telescoping ladder instead in the US, but that hasn't materialized. I bought one for less than $100, and keep it in the rear of the truck. I never liked the idea of putting a wet and dirty ladder on top of my bedding.
- I ditched the stock mattress. I don't know of a single RTT builder that provides a decent mattress. I swapped to a 3 inch medium firmness perforated latex mattress topper. For me, it's fantastic. Cost me $200. Should you have to buy a ladder and a mattress for your $4000 tent? No freaking way, but that's the way it is.
- If you do purchase an Alu-cab, cut every metal zipper pull off first thing and replacing the pulls with a corded zipper pull. I couldn't take the jangling all night during a windstorm.
I love my Alu-cab. I've done several trips in the 7 months I've owned it, and I just spent 6 nights straight in it for Hundreds in the Hills. I don't regret the purchase at all, and I'd buy it again.
Let me know if I missed anything or you have any other questions.
www.thebushcompany.com
