Best Rooftop tent option?

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I could have sworn I had a blog over here, but I have the same one mirrored on a few other sites.
Here is my Maggiolina AirLand roof top tent.
Roof top tents - YotaTech Forums

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Nice, that looks awesome there. Hands down one of the best looking.
 
I have just recently purchased the African Outback (Technitop) RT Tent from Slee Offroad and really like this setup very spacious and comfortable be sure to check them out!!!


HEy...we were camped right next to you at Slickrock! Glad you made it to 'MUD!
 
I bought the expedition model Mombassa from TRDparts4u and could not be happier. We have used it a few times and just got back from a 5 day trip below Stony Pass near Silverton, Co. We were camped at about 10,000 ft. and had some very heavy rain and hail. The tent worked awesome, was very comfy and warm, and very stable in the wind. For the price and quality, i think you would be hard pressed to find a better value, IMO.
I really like the hardshell models for ease of set up and the aero factor, but i can't get past how stupid pricey they are.
 
:bounce::bounce:Spresso Dan!! You Rock!!

I want to know where you are exploring/camping next time: That Dutch Oven you guys had fired up was spewing some damn fine fumes!




Ok, so this isn't a complete thread hijack :D...thread asks for "Best" RTT: IMO after using a few: Maggiolina or Columbus from AutohomeUSA. I used the Maggiolina extensively in temps from 10F to 110F degrees. Solid and quiet in the wind; no flapping whatsoever.

Now if you are trying to accommodate more than two sleepers then the answer will be different.
 
I "rented" an ARB Simpson III last weekend and went camping on Vancouver Island. Brought it back after three nights sleeping as it had numerous issues. The zipper holding the canvas carrying cover didn't mesh up, so continually unzipped. One of the knobs to set the internal bar was buggered and wouldn't tighten. The icing on the cake was when one of the bars to extend the tent over the ladder got stuck with all of the aluminum drill filings between the bars. I took it back after much cursing. This series was supposed to be an improvement over the last, but I don't think that the quality control was working that day. At $2500 CDN, I couldn't see the value.

Jason
'77 fj45 Cummins
 
After this past weekend at Coal Miners in the downpour that we got on Sat. night Camping Lab has mine and my wifes vote. Set up was quick. We stayed dry and after setting it back up when we got home it aired out quickly. The price was very good.
coal miners 09 002.webp
 
I have tried the Simpson II, Eazi Awn and the Maggiolina. For my purposes, easy no fuss set-up, semi-permanent placement, 4 season capabilities if needed, and mattress comfort, the Autohome filled the bill. Bonus, my wife and 4 yr old loves it!

Pricing is definitely higher than the other alternatives but for my stated use, it was the only one that worked out.

Maggiolina's and Columbus RTT are now available for weekend and longer rentals. Google Maggiolina Rentals to get info. Vendor is currently applying to be a banner vendor in MUD.
 
Roof Top Tent review

I purchased a Tepui roof top tent about three months ago, they have two models. I decided to purchase the bigger one with the changing room, which is very similar to the ARB but a bit cheaper. The large tent comes with the vestibule for around $1,250 rather than almost $1,700 for the ARB. I went camping to Carpinteria State beach for a week and I have to say that this tent was comfortable and very high quality. I used the changing room for storing my bike and surfboards and also for changing. It's also great to cook in the vestibule in the morning to stay away from the flies. The tent is all aluminum and pretty light. Instead of purchasing a $400 Yakima roof rack I bought some uni-strut from HomeDepot and it mounted perfectly to the wholes in the uni-strut. Here are some pictures from their website (www.tepuitents.com) Check it out.
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so many of these tents look like they come from the same factory in China...
 
I purchased a Tepui roof top tent...which is very similar to the ARB but a bit cheaper...

It is very similar to the old ARB Simpson II tent, which received some much needed improvements and upgrades and became the Simpson III almost two years ago and then the latest Simpson IIIB or III.5 as I call it. Don't get me wrong, having spent dozens of nights in a SII tent it was a decent model but it is not very similar to their current Simpson IIIB, which btw can be had for more in the range of say $1375 from your friendly ARB stockist ;)

My review and introduction of the Simpson III can be found here:
Product Spotlight: The new ARB Simpson III Roof Top Tent

so many of these tents look like they come from the same factory in China...

Many in fact do. What separates some from the others is the quality control, fabric's used, hardware and of high importance the after the sale support. RTT's can and will get damaged, regardless of brand... can you get spare parts for your model down the road? Will they be around to handle a warranty issue in the future? There is a reason some will spend a 'bit' more to get a tent from a company with a track record of customer support and longevity. I'm by no means implying Tepui or any other company don't meet those expectations, the reality is I don't know but given the fact we have already seen some RTT vendors/importers/retailers come and go, its something to be aware of. I've owned a half dozen different RTT's and have spent a considerable amount of time around other models, there are some stark differences from model to model.

Figure I might as well toss this here too, I wrote this article to help potential buyers decide if a RTT is for them:
Is a Roof Top Tent for me? The RTT Conundrum
 
You say you didn't use a rack and used uni-strut. Do you have any photos on how you mounted this to your rig?


I purchased a Tepui roof top tent about three months ago, they have two models. I decided to purchase the bigger one with the changing room, which is very similar to the ARB but a bit cheaper. The large tent comes with the vestibule for around $1,250 rather than almost $1,700 for the ARB. I went camping to Carpinteria State beach for a week and I have to say that this tent was comfortable and very high quality. I used the changing room for storing my bike and surfboards and also for changing. It's also great to cook in the vestibule in the morning to stay away from the flies. The tent is all aluminum and pretty light. Instead of purchasing a $400 Yakima roof rack I bought some uni-strut from HomeDepot and it mounted perfectly to the wholes in the uni-strut. Here are some pictures from their website (www.tepuitents.com) Check it out.
 
I purchased a Tepui roof top tent about three months ago, they have two models. I decided to purchase the bigger one with the changing room, which is very similar to the ARB but a bit cheaper. The large tent comes with the vestibule for around $1,250 rather than almost $1,700 for the ARB. I went camping to Carpinteria State beach for a week and I have to say that this tent was comfortable and very high quality. I used the changing room for storing my bike and surfboards and also for changing. It's also great to cook in the vestibule in the morning to stay away from the flies. The tent is all aluminum and pretty light. Instead of purchasing a $400 Yakima roof rack I bought some uni-strut from HomeDepot and it mounted perfectly to the wholes in the uni-strut. Here are some pictures from their website (www.tepuitents.com) Check it out.


Who photoshopped the logo on the tent?
 
Hey Gang, I am looking to purchase a rooftop tent for my FJ62 for some camping trips, possibly PA to Maine, or even heading out west. What are the best tents, and where can I get them the cheapest? I saw that Cabelas is selling an ARB Rooftop tent for about $1300. Also would I need a completely new roofrack? Thanks for any help in advance!

Got ours at bass pro for under $1000. Delivered

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Sent from my iPhone using IH8MUD

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At our clubs annual Cruiser Days this past weekend, there was a vehicle there with a hard shell tent that I've never heard of before. Made in France, similar history as Autohome.

http://www.jamesbaroud.eu/index.php?lang=en&Itemid=582

I wanted to be there, too bad I missed it. Looks like the hardshell tent market is getting competitive. This company has some kind of electric fan to vent moisture built right in. Seems like a good idea,
Was Autohome represented there? I would like to see one, but hard to find. I live on the island.
 
Wow, that Jamesbaroud brand looks awesome...

Hope they get to sell in Canada or the US in the future...
I like the features that would address some of Autohome issues ..

thanks for posting
 

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