GFC Superlite RTT Review (1 Viewer)

[TeCKis300]

Finally found the RTT that works for my needs. Long time in the making, I ordered this in pre-production, back in Nov of '20, with promises of light weight, lithe profile/aero, easy setup, easy mounting, and semi-hardshell. All the things that my previous bookfold RTT (CVT Summit) was not, to the degree that they were all deal breakers, and I didn't think an RTT could ever be workable.

GFC delivered on its promises, received it Sept of '21, and I put it through its paces in Joshua Tree. Specs at 80lbs, 4" tall empty (up to 6" with bedding), 50" wide x 90" long. A hybrid soft/hard-shell wedge RTT that sleeps 2 average height people on about the equivalent of an extra long full size bed. Mattress and ladder are optional. I opted to re-use gear I already had: a collapsible aluminum ladder and an Exped like QOMOTOP 80"x52" TPU mattress (which came highly recommended on this forum, love the thing).

More detail below but overall, very satisfied!

 

[TeCKis300]

Wind? Don't care. Closed up on the freeway, there's some minor noise, with hardly any aero impact. I'd be very comfortable taking this on longer road trips. When deployed, and those that have been to Joshua Tree knows how gusty it can get at times...with the right facing (wedge / hard top into wind), and supports tight keeping the fabric walls taught, it handles wind great. Minor ruffling of the fabric sidewalls, but stays stable, and better than any tent I've used in winds.

Being a smaller wedge, it's cozy and likely great for winter weather. First time using will take some getting use to and figuring out how best to use the different opening and screens to let it breathe.

Closed up, the height is variable from 4-6". 2" margin does allow me to keep the deflated 4" mattress, sleeping bag, and fleece blanket all inside with a lightly taller profile.

Light weight is one of the best qualities, and allows reasonably easy mounting and installing as needed. That's a hard thing to do with most full weight RTTs. As it sits at the very top of the car, weight impact on handling can also be huge, particularly in turns or off camber off-road as I experienced with a previous 140lb RTT. Barely feel this one up there.

Length may seem accommodating at 90", but being a wedge, feet clearance can be a problem for taller people. I probably wouldn't recommend this tent for people taller than 6'. I used a hack with an inflatable pool noodle stuffed at the bottom of the wedge, increasing the foot clearance incrementally.

Setup and teardown is a few minutes for tent. It's about 6 straps and two interior manual supports that work much like hiking sticks. Add in a few minutes for the ladder. And few minutes for bedding depending on what's being used. Not as quick as some higher end hardshell wedges, but faster than any other type. And most have other compromises.

Mounting is probably specific to the roof rack being used. I'm using an OEM LC rack (longer than LX rack), with 3 stock cross bars. Worked out great and supports the tent well when deployed or store and off-roading. Secure and stable, even on extreme washboards. I did have to put together my own clamping kit as I didn't like the ones provided. Won't get into this too much but here's an idea of what I did.

As it's pretty lightweight, I was able to use a relatively simple hoist system setup in my garage. Useful in both storage and installing. Easy enough between the hoist and mounts that this is 10 minutes to install/removal even for short weekend trips.

I couldn't be happier. My kids were pretty excited to use it and can't wait to use it again. Even over the Airstream. Was great to open the panel and watch the sunrise from bed. That's what it's all about after all, enjoying the outdoors, and for that it's a win.

 

[TeCKis300]

Bonus pictures

@WesSiler

@dntlflosstycoon

 

[TNhunter]

I ordered mine Aug 2020 and it got delivered May 21. My 2 youngest kids left on May 23 on a 44 day trip around the country and hit 28 national parks along the way. They stayed in the Superlite all except a few nights - the first two nights (they stayed in the back of the Pathfinder the first night in a Cabelas parking lot in Ft Worth and with a friend in El Paso the second night. They also stayed in the pathfinder when they were in grizzly country. We also flew out and met them in Yellowstone and the Tetons (five nights in hotel with us). Other than that they were in the rtt in national forest or other BLM land. They had an incredible once in a lifetime trip for sure. They loved the Superlite. I’ve used it about six nights hunting and camping.

 

[TNhunter]

Recently added an awning and it comes in handy.

 

[TNhunter]

This is how they were loaded for their trip. Had a platform built out in the back and they stored four Plano storage boxes underneath and lots of other gear in the holes. They each had a big weather resistant duffle for their clothes.

 

[TNhunter]

Few more pics of the Superlite in use on their trip

 

[Metto]

Great pics, moved from SoCal to WA 6 years ago and miss those Joshua Tree adventures. One of my favorite National Parks. Dig that lightweight clamshell you have. Went with the Roofnest and the weight makes load/unload a real task.

 

[dbbowen]

sorry to update an old thread, just wanted to add another pic to it since they discontinued them until they can catch back up with demand.

I dig the superlite, does everything i need it to do, without a bunch of extra stuff. Not the fanciest RTT out there, but i can install and remove this thing in my driveway by myself before and after every trip by hand. I dont leave the rtt on my vehicle all the time. I really dont see the need in spending more than 2 grand on a RTT other than instagram clout. So far its been great.

 

[TheLCProject]

I'm so jealous. I ordered early too and wanted to make it work, but at 6'9", even the pool noodle hack just didn't give me enough room.

 

[reddog90]

Sounds like GFC doesn't plan on making any more superlites?

 

[TheLCProject]

They might iterate the model in the future but they won't be producing this same tent again.

 

[bryson]

Sounds like GFC doesn't plan on making any more superlites?

They might iterate the model in the future but they won't be producing this same tent again.

Can you elaborate? Does that mean my Superlite is now worth 100x?!?

 

[TheLCProject]

For you Bryson: RIP SuperLite... Long Live SuperLite - https://gofastcampers.com/blogs/manufacturing-updates/rip-superlite-long-live-superlite

You would think so given the prices some people are asking..$2500+

 

[Land Caesar]

How much?

 

[Land Caesar]

I can get one… pondering if I should. It’s like new. After selling my Rig (100) I now have a Sienna… outfitting it. Not sure yet I think that would work pretty good. Just reading up on it.

 

[brewsky]

GFC making another drop this month. I may scoop one up then.

 

[dbbowen]

I still like mine. Its nice to just take the tent off and not have a tent on my truck when i drive to work...

 

[brewsky]

I still like mine. Its nice to just take the tent off and not have a tent on my truck when i drive to work...

Did you get their mattress or have another brands?

 

[dbbowen]

Did you get their mattress or have another brands?

I have an exped megamat duo. Its like 1-2 inches too wide. It still works and zips up, but it looks kinda puffy with it in there and inflated.