CVT Mt. Baker RTT Long Term Eval

[80t0ylc]

FWIW my experience with using memory foam (Costco) in my then Maggiolina was not good when the temps dropped below 60 degrees or so. And at near or below freezing the memory foam turned darn near brick hard. Maybe the current crop is temp independent.

Didn't even think of that. Thanks for your input! I'll need to check into it. Might be better after all, to go with a down or synthetic fill type of mattress topper.

 

[concretejungle]

That is true about the cold temps and the memory foam. It does't really get rock hard, but it will turn a bit stiff. Still, in my opinion, it is waaaay more comfortable then other options so i'm cool with it.

In fact, i found out that my RTT was so dark inside with all the windows closed that i would accidentally sleep in until about 9:00 or so thinking it was still dark outside. So i didn't even notice the firmer then usual memory foam.

 

[80t0ylc]

............In fact, i found out that my RTT was so dark inside with all the windows closed that i would accidentally sleep in until about 9:00 or so thinking it was still dark outside. So i didn't even notice the firmer then usual memory foam.

Good point. I have to remember to bring my phone or a clock up in the tent so I can tell what time it is. Probably be a good idea to keep a battery operated clock/radio or MP3 up there.

 

[80t0ylc]

I had the opportunity to sleep a couple nights in my tent last weekend in the Portland area. Got quite a bit of rain. Temps were in the 30's & 40's, a little wind, but not much. Learned some things and am making some adjustments with the mattresses.

First off, my memory foam mattress topper which originally measured about 50" wide was in contact with the tent fabric at the base and caused the fabric to wick in some water. There were no "leaks", but the effect of the mattress-tent fabric contact caused both my mattress topper and the base mattress to be absorb some water at the edges near the tent doors.

My fix attempt is trimming both mattresses down to 45" in width. 2" came off the base and 4.5" off the topper. I was thinking about trimming width before this wicking, because there was no clearance between mattresses and the struts. It made closing up the tent more difficult because the mattresses actually interfere with the movement of the struts during closing. I will report back to see if this fixes the issue.

 

[80t0ylc]

Another chance to try the tent out in several days and nights of rain through Christmas, again near Portland. The tent appears to be waterproof and holds up well. The fabric keeps out the water and drys off fast, if given the chance. Those of you around Portland, OR know what I mean. Trimming down the mattresses has succeeded in keeping the edges dry. I think the tent would have easier entry and access, though if the doors pivoted from the top, instead of the bottom.

I'm getting good experience in setting up and taking down in wet weather around Portland and colder weather around where I live. It's been getting down in the single digits at night here.

The got me a Coleman tent fan for Chistmas. It is 2 speed and has a 2 position light built in. It is made to hang from the ceiling of a tent, but also has a built in stand that allows it to stand vertical if desired. Runs on 4 'D' size batteries. An optional AC adapter and rechargable battery adapter are available. There's a mount in my tent that should work for this. I'll provide some pics and details when warmer weather arrives and I try it out.

 

[80t0ylc]

It's been a while and I've been distracted, but such is life. Last night, I had a chance to try out the tent in snow conditions. I had to clear several inches of snow off the 80 to see safely and headed out to a campground about 20 miles away. Cutting tracks in about 9" of snow from the highway to the CG. Not a sane soul around (wonder why) and had the CG to myself, still snowing "hard & continuous" as ODOT describes it. Set up, as usual was a breeze, except for climbing on the snowslick 80. Could actually hear both the flakes at times hitting the tent and snow would occasionally build up and slide off during the night. Temps were in the low 20s and tent was dry as a bone inside, except for the moisture I dragged in.

But what is so impressive to me is this: This RTT has been sitting atop my 80 since my last post, (over a year) through all kinds of weather. I towed my 80 (with RTT) from Oregon to Tucson, AZ and back in January and didn't use it, because I used my camper on tow rig and didn't have opportunity to use the RTT. I've done absolutely nothing inside it except check it periodically for leaks. I leave my sleeping bag, unrolled and set up, ready to sleep in at any time. And the interior of the tent stays ready to use, with little if any upkeep. I'm satisfied with this tent and would happily recommend it with the mods that I've done (mattress trimming and topper). It's cozy for 1. Two people would have to be well acquainted and tolerant. Here's a couple pix including my Coleman tent fan/lamp that by the way works flawlessly. Pic of interior is in the dim position, without flash. I did not need the fan this time. Pic of 80 is at my house before I left.

 

[Denverblake]

Tom,

Thanks for the continued updates and PIX! You helped me make a difficult decision very easy. CVT Spring group purchase in my near future.

Thanks,
Blake

 

[80t0ylc]

You're welcome, Blake. If you would have posted interest earlier, I could have shown you the tent in person. I was in Vegas from Jan. 2nd to the 8th visiting my Son & family. He's stationed at Nellis AFB. Oh, well... What tent are you interested in and will you be putting it on your 40?

 

[Septu]

I want to thank you for the review, and for the updates.

I'm fine with making small changes to make the mattress work. But the one question I have that you didn't seem to really address is how you at 5-9 can stretch out in it (I'm a short 5-9). You said that occasionally you hit the shell when rolling over. Is that the only time you notice the length? How often is sometimes (I know that's subjective)? When you do hit the roof, is it noticeable enough to be a bother?

Another question. You have any issues with inside temps when it's hot and sunny out?

Any other thoughts, observations, etc?

CVT has a group buy going on (on expo portal) with a 30% discount, and are willing to give a raincheck option for those wanting a hardshell tent (production is getting moved to the US, with a May 2014 timeline). I've been going back and forth between this and a James Baroud Espace Evolution (same idea as the Mt Baker, but the front pops up 18"). However it'll likely be $1000-1500 more than the price of the Mt Baker (with the discount) after shipping.

Reason I ask, is this is purchase that I only want to make once... I'd be okay with the ~$3500 pricetag of the JB... as I feel it'll meet all of my needs without ANY issues. However the only real concern I have with the CVT (or even the Autohome Columbus) was the length... so if that's not really going to be an issue - and from the sound of your experience it isn't, then I think this is the direction I'll go in.

One question you had asked re the bottom/top rollup doors... Having had a RTT with the top roll up doors... My complaint with them was that I couldn't drop the door and still have privacy inside and be able to have the screen open to get the breeze. Where as if you have a door that rolls up from the bottom, you can close the door, but leave the top half open so that you can still get the breeze, but no one can see in. Might not be an issue when on the top of a vehicle, but as my RTT is on my trailer, it's only ~4/5' off the ground.

 

[Septu]

Can't edit the above post, but I see now that they have a GB on here too.

 

[80t0ylc]

I want to thank you for the review, and for the updates.

I'm fine with making small changes to make the mattress work. But the one question I have that you didn't seem to really address is how you at 5-9 can stretch out in it (I'm a short 5-9). You said that occasionally you hit the shell when rolling over. Is that the only time you notice the length? How often is sometimes (I know that's subjective)? When you do hit the roof, is it noticeable enough to be a bother?......

I'm in a sleeping bag in the tent, so even turning over can be challenge depending on how cold it is and how zipped up the bag is. Might be different if you were using regular bedding. Since it's tough to find a perfectly flat spot, I'll usually park and err with my feet lower than my head to avoid waking up with a headache. This makes me tend to slide down and make the lack of footroom issue seem worse. I've generally camped with a bag to keep warm and I imagine warmer weather would free you up to use bedding instead of a bag and then you might not even have this issue.

......Another question. You have any issues with inside temps when it's hot and sunny out?

Any other thoughts, observations, etc?.......

I only use the RTT for sleeping at night, so I'm not in it much during the heat of the day. I would get a fan like my Coleman, though, if you were going to sleep during the heat of a summer day. As an additional note, in the times that I've slept in, the daylight is kept out very well with the black color and tent fabric, even in direct sunlight.

......CVT has a group buy going on (on expo portal) with a 30% discount, and are willing to give a raincheck option for those wanting a hardshell tent (production is getting moved to the US, with a May 2014 timeline). I've been going back and forth between this and a James Baroud Espace Evolution (same idea as the Mt Baker, but the front pops up 18"). However it'll likely be $1000-1500 more than the price of the Mt Baker (with the discount) after shipping.

Reason I ask, is this is purchase that I only want to make once... I'd be okay with the ~$3500 pricetag of the JB... as I feel it'll meet all of my needs without ANY issues. However the only real concern I have with the CVT (or even the Autohome Columbus) was the length... so if that's not really going to be an issue - and from the sound of your experience it isn't, then I think this is the direction I'll go in.......

I don't know any thing about the JB tents. I've read good reviews about them, but have never seen one in person. This is a choice you're going to have to make. The latest website info on CVT tents shows that you can get an extended version of the Mt. Baker and also some of the others, now that they will be built here in Oregon.

.....One question you had asked re the bottom/top rollup doors... Having had a RTT with the top roll up doors... My complaint with them was that I couldn't drop the door and still have privacy inside and be able to have the screen open to get the breeze. Where as if you have a door that rolls up from the bottom, you can close the door, but leave the top half open so that you can still get the breeze, but no one can see in. Might not be an issue when on the top of a vehicle, but as my RTT is on my trailer, it's only ~4/5' off the ground.

You have an excellent point about privacy. Also, I prefer to have the screens on the outside, so you dont have to open them to adjust how much you want the doors open.

 

[Denverblake]

You're welcome, Blake. If you would have posted interest earlier, I could have shown you the tent in person. I was in Vegas from Jan. 2nd to the 8th visiting my Son & family. He's stationed at Nellis AFB. Oh, well... What tent are you interested in and will you be putting it on your 40?

Hey Tom,

Bummer, would have liked to check your setup out.

I am leaning toward the St Helen's or the Mt Baker. Yes, I plan on mounting this on top of a Gobi Rack on my FJ40. I spend a lot of time in Yellowstone & the Teton area during the Summer months taking pix. So I need something that is on the warmer side.

I am going to take advantage of the GB in May, just hope it isn't delayed.

Thanks,
Blake

 

[80t0ylc]

Yeah, that GB is a good thing. It seems to me that a RTT would be great for early morning wildlife pics, depending on where you are camped of course. If you have your camera up with you and already have both screens and doors open before dawn, you might just get some good shots. Unzipping either in the a.m. would be too noisy and scare game away. The screens on my tent are too fine a mesh to take pics through.
Not too long after I got my RTT, I was camped out and it was, I'd say, about 2 a.m. and got woke up by a bugling bull elk. What a rush He was less than 50 yards from my rig and quite unexpected. I had heard the bugling of him and others earlier in the evening, but way off in the distance.
Anyway, if you're quiet and in the right place, they'll walk right up to the rig. I'm a Wyoming Native, born and lived not far from there so I know the big game you can see. The level that you'd be at in a RTT would be about head height for moose. Anyway, you can see the possibilities.

 

[80t0ylc]

Well, I haven't updated this in over a year and no excuses. Just done more camping in the Lance, than my RTT, but I can't get to the neat places with my F350 and slide in, that I can with the 80 and RTT. Like a club run to Christmas Valley in April, McGrew 2014 in July and another club run to Steens Mtn. back in October. On all runs the advantages were obvious camping in the RTT, compared to others with ground tents. The only time that I'm in it is sleeping and changing clothes. Lounging is done on the ground, not in the tent as some do with ground tents. Of course I was alone in my rig. It remains to be seen by me how camping with a companion would be, with this setup. But, the tent is holding up very well. Moisture, bugs, critters and dust stay outside. McGrew was the best test so far and I have to say, I'm still impressed.

Christmas Valley:

McGrew:

Steens:

 

[concretejungle]

I must admit that i really do like that simple but neat feature of the little awning that covers the rear window. They should do that on both side entrances as well. I think putting 6 very small tent poles about hold the little awnings out and fit in the tent when closed is very doable.

 

[80t0ylc]

I must admit that i really do like that simple but neat feature of the little awning that covers the rear window. They should do that on both side entrances as well. I think putting 6 very small tent poles about hold the little awnings out and fit in the tent when closed is very doable.

Great idea! As long as it was made so you installed the small poles after set up and removed them before tear down, I think it would work well and greatly improve entry and exiting the tent in wet weather. Gives me some ideas that I might try on my own .....I'll post if anything works. Thanks CJ!

 

[concretejungle]

absolutely. I have a really, really old North Face dome tent and it has that very thing over the front door. Two little poles, one side fits on a reinforced little patch on the tent, the other tucks into the corners of the fly, it holds it out like an awning. Pop the two poles out and toss them inside when you roll it up.

Thanks for the update post.

 

[80t0ylc]

Getting the 80 & RTT ready for McGrew and I noticed the top of my tent is in need of some fiberglass polish. Other than that, it seems to be holding up well to mother nature & other challenges - bugs, bird crap, using it as a rescue platform to retreive a friend from a high spot, lol

 

[80t0ylc]

absolutely. I have a really, really old North Face dome tent and it has that very thing over the front door. Two little poles, one side fits on a reinforced little patch on the tent, the other tucks into the corners of the fly, it holds it out like an awning. Pop the two poles out and toss them inside when you roll it up.

Thanks for the update post.

Your post in another thread gave me an idea about what would be a really neat awning/room attachment for RTTs such as ours. Since for entry/exit, our RTT style is so exposed to weather and no privacy. What if you took the awning, like yours in this pic, and directly below the RTT entry door, right where you put the ladder, you cut a 30" square hole to put the ladder through and then fabbed a tent fabric "channel" from the RTT door back to the top of the awning. It could even be an option on an awning. Attaching it to the RTT should be simple - velcro or snaps - so setting up could be quick and easy, even in bad weather. And it doesn't need to seal completely to the RTT, since any protection is better than what we have now. The awning could also come with walls to keep out bugs and moisture.

 

[80t0ylc]

Took my CVT and rig to Baja for 10 days, with ROF group from Expedition Portal, camping at several beaches on the Sea of Cortez side. The tent is holding up well. The tent fabric is fine and showing some wear in spots, I think from opening and closing, but could also be blemishes in the thermal lining because it's only noticeable from the inside. The struts are just as robust as new - not hard to close, but plenty of support to hold tent up without support pole. Only casualty is the closing strap - it is nylon and appears to be suffering the typical rotting from the suns rays and will need replacement soon. Oh yeah, and the CVT logos are fading...lol. The 80 performed outstanding for the 3900 new miles on the odometer - only using 1 qt of oil. The biggest concern was the Yakima towers that support the bars that the RTT sets on. The roads we traversed to some remote beaches were rough and had a consideral amount of washboard and shook the hell out of everything. At one point I noticed 3 out of the 6 towers the main bolt on the bar clamp had come loose - one had actually backed completely out and I could not get it started again with out removing the bar and towers. I'll be keeping a closer watch on these bolts from now on. Here's some pics - Yak mount and some beach shots: