Best Roof Top Tent

[J-man]

Quote from J-man
"That said, for my eezi awn, it takes about 4 minutes to collapse everything, fold it up, and put the cover on, and thats with the standard thin mattress it came with, a novaform topper, 2 sleeping bags, 2 pillows. "


Wow, that is fast! I just installed my eezi awn tent and took it for a spin in Big Bear last weekend.

My question is: How do you close it with both the standard mattress and the novaform topper & all your gear? I left two sleeping bags laid out flat side by side and two small pillows carefully placed and it was hard to close and put the cover on. It does not help that the tent is almost seven feet in the air. I do use a small step ladder! It could be that because it is new, it is still a bit stiff.

On a side note: Almost everyone at the campground must have stopped by to comment on the tent! They were all amazed that I would be sleeping on top of my car.

haha, i love it. its soo funny when an entire campground either walks by and stares, or admires from afar then casually walks over to say "thats the coolest thing around" or something like that. The eezi awn is in a class of its own.

Yeah, for packing, it gets easier the more you do it, and being able to climb up on the roof rack is helpful. Here are some tips for what i do:
1. When packing up, i essentially make a burrito of everything inside. I leave the mattress down, i take the sleeping bags and lay them out length wise from side to side on the end of the tent that is stationary - not the part u fold up. I then place the pillows right at the end (near the window), then i fold the novaform mattress over that, then the tent mattress over that.
Then i proceed to clip the overhead bunngee cords inside the tent to bring the sides in, climb out making sure all windows and doors are closed, and fold up.

Here is the key: This is the part where i climb on the roof, sit on the tent to collapse it more, wrap a ratchet strap around teh tent and sinch it down so that it stays flat, then i put the cover on and sinch that tight.

Dont get me wrong, its a full load, and even more so that i have a novaform topper on top of the pad that came with the eezi awn. The key is using a strap to keep the tent folded up so that the cover goes on "eezi" so that the cover isnt the only thing keeping it together.

Hey, and i must say, that eezi awn looks really cool on your rig, like your ready for an african outback expedition. right on.

 

[J-man]

Not true in all cases

2. EZ to remove and install just add $125 to your cost
https://forum.ih8mud.com/showthread.php?t=165172&highlight=rtt
2.5 I use the factory roof rack with no issues. I have had 450lbs in the tent plus the tents weight and with no issues.

good to know, i was actually referring to the stock rack that came on my 98 4runner and most other stock racks that arent more than thin flimsy plastic junk, but I have to say that the 100's stock racks are pretty stout.

 

[LandCruiserPhil]

good to know, i was actually referring to the stock rack that came on my 98 4runner and most other stock racks that arent more than thin flimsy plastic junk, but I have to say that the 100's stock racks are pretty stout.

I’m pushing the limits on the factory rack a little...stated on the rack is Max 150lbs evenly distributed

 

[TemboTusk]

Hey J-man,

Thanks for some great tips, but I think the killer tip you mentioned is to wrap a ratchet strap around the tent and cinch it down so that it stays flat.

I was very careful about packing everything flat, but cinching it down before the putting on the cover is the answer. And yes, I'm sure it gets easier with use! I plan on being an expert if I can help it!

 

[Mike S]

haha, i love it. its soo funny when an entire campground either walks by and stares, or admires from afar then casually walks over to say "thats the coolest thing around" or something like that. The eezi awn is in a class of its own.

Yeah, for packing, it gets easier the more you do it, and being able to climb up on the roof rack is helpful. Here are some tips for what i do:
1. When packing up, i essentially make a burrito of everything inside. I leave the mattress down, i take the sleeping bags and lay them out length wise from side to side on the end of the tent that is stationary - not the part u fold up. I then place the pillows right at the end (near the window), then i fold the novaform mattress over that, then the tent mattress over that.
Then i proceed to clip the overhead bunngee cords inside the tent to bring the sides in, climb out making sure all windows and doors are closed, and fold up.

Here is the key: This is the part where i climb on the roof, sit on the tent to collapse it more, wrap a ratchet strap around teh tent and sinch it down so that it stays flat, then i put the cover on and sinch that tight.

Dont get me wrong, its a full load, and even more so that i have a novaform topper on top of the pad that came with the eezi awn. The key is using a strap to keep the tent folded up so that the cover goes on "eezi" so that the cover isnt the only thing keeping it together.

Hey, and i must say, that eezi awn looks really cool on your rig, like your ready for an african outback expedition. right on.

And you do all this in "under 4 minutes"?? I'd like to watch.

The fastest tent to stow for travel is the Columbus, followed closely by the Maggiolina, then - quite a ways behind - are the various fabric tents. This by actual test.

Same for set-up. Columbus is under 15 seconds, Maggiolina about 30 to 45 seconds, followed by the various fabric tents.

Not knocking the African tents - they are basic, good quality tents.

If the man has onlt $800 to $1000 to spend, I would suggest that a good quality used tent is the best buy. Warranties and spare parts availability also matter.

 

[cpg]

And you do all this in "under 4 minutes"?? I'd like to watch.

The fastest tent to stow for travel is the Columbus, followed closely by the Maggiolina, then - quite a ways behind - are the various fabric tents. This by actual test.

Same for set-up. Columbus is under 15 seconds, Maggiolina about 30 to 45 seconds, followed by the various fabric tents.

Not knocking the African tents - they are basic, good quality tents.

If the man has onlt $800 to $1000 to spend, I would suggest that a good quality used tent is the best buy. Warranties and spare parts availability also matter.

I have to say one of my favorite things about the Columbus is the set up and tear down. Having sheets, blanket, mattress and pillows all set up is very nice (much nicer than a sleeping bag). If you want to pull over and take a nap it is no hassle at all. Also driving for hours in the dirt you can open and close it with out getting dirt on yourself.

 

[bugsnbikes]

Whats the deal with the Columbus and condensation? I see that there is an added accessory to help with condensation and the mattress pad----but is this something that should be mandatory or is only a problem in certain climates,etc?

Also what type of mattress pad material does this come with ? Mike do you have the foam density on the stock pad? thickness etc? Can these be purchased without the pad if a special thickness/density is desired.?

 

[J-man]

And you do all this in "under 4 minutes"?? I'd like to watch.

The fastest tent to stow for travel is the Columbus, followed closely by the Maggiolina, then - quite a ways behind - are the various fabric tents. This by actual test.

Same for set-up. Columbus is under 15 seconds, Maggiolina about 30 to 45 seconds, followed by the various fabric tents.

Not knocking the African tents - they are basic, good quality tents.

If the man has onlt $800 to $1000 to spend, I would suggest that a good quality used tent is the best buy. Warranties and spare parts availability also matter.

yeah, under 4 min. my buddy and i race to see who puts theirs away the fastest. kinda dumb, but fun.

 

[Mike S]

Whats the deal with the Columbus and condensation? I see that there is an added accessory to help with condensation and the mattress pad----but is this something that should be mandatory or is only a problem in certain climates,etc?

The Columbus is a well ventilated tent in any climate. In certain climates and conditions of weather and use, it may be helpful to add undermattress air circulation for control of condensation. This is what the undermattress air circulation pad is for. It seems to work well in these conditions. These are also used on sailboats, when ventilation and condensation can be a real problem.

Also what type of mattress pad material does this come with ? Mike do you have the foam density on the stock pad? thickness etc? Can these be purchased without the pad if a special thickness/density is desired.?

The Columbus mattress is 3" thick closed cell, mattress grade foam. I do not have the density specification. It is fairly firm. It has a zip=off cover, and pillows are included. The mattress on the Maggiolina is 3-1/4" thick - for additional insulation under the occupants.

Either of these mattresses can be augmented with a feather bed, or a memory foam pad, which can be left in place. A feather bed and sheets with a down quilt on top is extremely comfortable, warm, and provides a better sleeping experience than a sleeping bag. It also make it very easy to keep the bedding clean and fresh.

All the bedding stays in place in the tent when closed for travel. We have a lot of customers who use them on Landcruisers - from Central America to Hwaii and Alaska.

We do not sell the tents without the mattress, but it could be easily removed and some other type of mattress substituted. The mattresses we use are high quality and quite comfortable.

Mike S

CPG has one of our medium Columbus Carbon Fiber tents - 83 lbs, tough as nails, and both he and his wife take it to Baja regularly.

 

[informationjunky]

Mombasa on the bay for a good price, if anyone is bidding let me know and I'll erase this.

 

[concretejungle]

This is a great thread. I have been looking at these RTT for a while trying to compare and see if i can justify the extra $$ for the one i really like (Maggiolina airland). It appears to be the stoutest, most comfortable, truly insect tight, fastest to set-up and take down, and, very important to me, aerodynamic.

I have been kicking around the idea of taking the cruiser on the Alaska Cruiser Trek and really want a tent on the roof. Part of the plan is to take the long trip back, site-see through Alaska, drive through BC, visit Idaho and Wyoming, down through Colorado and then head back across to NC. I want to minimize hotel stays and plan on really using the tent. I want something that is not going to make the cruiser top heavy and something that's not going to eat 4-5 mpg in gas mileage either. All this points me towards the airland.

This really is a tough decision but i think by skipping 5-10 hotel stays, i have paid for the tent.

 

[spressomon]

This is a great thread. I have been looking at these RTT for a while trying to compare and see if i can justify the extra $$ for the one i really like (Maggiolina airland). It appears to be the stoutest, most comfortable, truly insect tight, fastest to set-up and take down, and, very important to me, aerodynamic.

I have been kicking around the idea of taking the cruiser on the Alaska Cruiser Trek and really want a tent on the roof. Part of the plan is to take the long trip back, site-see through Alaska, drive through BC, visit Idaho and Wyoming, down through Colorado and then head back across to NC. I want to minimize hotel stays and plan on really using the tent. I want something that is not going to make the cruiser top heavy and something that's not going to eat 4-5 mpg in gas mileage either. All this points me towards the airland.

This really is a tough decision but i think by skipping 5-10 hotel stays, i have paid for the tent.

Carbon Columbus = Light!

 

[lx450landcruiser]

Carbon Columbus = Light = your left nut

fixed it for ya

 

[spressomon]

fixed it for ya

Ok...Ok...so it's a little spendy . But it is: Aerodynamic, lightweight, super quick to set-up/take down, etc. Some folks spend more than this on a bicycle frame .

 

[Jan-78FJ40]

Columbus=perfect for travel. sets up fast, has space, and is completely storm-proof.

 

[Bakes5]

I have spent more on a rear wheel for my bike...but then again it's a pretty sweet rear wheel.

 

[Greg_B]

In certain climates and conditions of weather and use, it may be helpful to add undermattress air circulation for control of condensation. This is what the undermattress air circulation pad is for. It seems to work well in these conditions. These are also used on sailboats, when ventilation and condensation can be a real problem. Mike S

I've looked around for these with no success. Do you have information or a link to these pads?

Thanks

gb

 

[lowenbrau]

I've looked around for these with no success. Do you have information or a link to these pads?

Thanks

gb

Let me know if you find something. After using my Technitop this summer in AK for more than three weeks straight I started having real trouble with the mattress on the side the folds off the truck. It was cold enough on the bottom side of the plastic to cause a fair amount of water to form. I'm going to insulate it with some of that foil/ bubble wrap (R5) and see if that helps. I'm just about ready to plumb a heater core up there as well to extend the use to year round. If the Webasto is heating the block anyway It might as well be heating the tent.

 

[J-man]

Let me know if you find something. After using my Technitop this summer in AK for more than three weeks straight I started having real trouble with the mattress on the side the folds off the truck. It was cold enough on the bottom side of the plastic to cause a fair amount of water to form. I'm going to insulate it with some of that foil/ bubble wrap (R5) and see if that helps. I'm just about ready to plumb a heater core up there as well to extend the use to year round. If the Webasto is heating the block anyway It might as well be heating the tent.

what plastic are you referring to? I know that on my eezi awn the mattress came wrapped in plastic, but your supposed to remove it to allow it to breathe.

 

[Mike S]

I've looked around for these with no success. Do you have information or a link to these pads?

Thanks

gb

I sell them, but do not have them on the website yet.

M