looking at buying a RTT - some roof rack questions

[MDarius]

Thanks @nuclearlemon. I haven't actually camped with anybody that has one. I can see the 1 minute setup option as a real plus. If you have a ladder and aren't climbing down using the tire as a step in the middle of the night it isn't so bad I imagine...but...LADDER! Still cool, but still one more thing.

My setup time is not for a 4 season tent. I use a -20 degree sleeping bag and if it's not raining or snowing and the bugs aren't bad I just sleep under the stars. If I need 4 season comfort and protection I have a good tent I've had for 15 years that's finally showing that it's probably time to replace it. It sounds like a Springbar tent or 4 wall tent is similar in quality to the better RTT's, which is nice and brings the cost closer to similar. The picture I saw earlier looked like a nylon family dome tent on top of the truck...no real appeal there for me.

I don't fit under parking garages either, that was more of a general issue for people moving up to RTT.

Taking up the entire roof is a problem for me. With a crew of 4 to 6 people on any given trip, I need that space for gear, and I use it. I like the portability idea to pull up camp at a moment's notice and head to the next one, but with that many people I don't think the RTT is the right application for me. Maybe when I get down to 2 people it will make more sense.

I probably just need to camp with someone that has one and see it in action.

 

[Box Rocket]

Can someone help me understand the cost/benefit of an RTT over a ground based tent? I see:
Pros:
- Always there. Is that a pro? My rig sits at 7'4" with my rack, it would be higher with a RTT. No parking garages, can't fit in my garage at home, grabs branches, weight, etc.
- fairly fast set up...Maybe? I can get my ground tent set up in 10 minutes or less. That's not bad. At 7'4", is it $1000 easier to setup and take down a RTT?
- Packing is easier...Maybe? I need a rack with specific features for a RTT... Different than mine. That might be several hundred dollars. My ground tent required a couple bungees or straps. No big deal. Where do I put my camp chairs, sleeping bags, clothes, cooler, etc. If my roof is full of tent?
- Smaller footprint. Camp where you park. OK. I don't find that it's that difficult to place a 2 to 4 man tent.
-If the ground is wet you don't have to deal with the mud. OK. But I'm in Utah. The ground is wet 3 times a year.
-Lions. You're off the ground away from predators. Yeah, except every predator I know of can get on a car, other than gators. So, Florida camping wins.

Cons:
-Other than stated, climbing off the roof to pee in the night.
-I can't park under a tree or ledge unless there's clearance for the tent when it's setup.
-Seasonal mounting
-The weight is always there, even when you're not camping.
-Ok, already stated, but I need to buy the tent, buy the rack, buy the ladder, buy the vestibule. Maybe I fab them, but still...
-COG

What am I missing? I think they are cool as heck and I want one just to be cool! But other than being cool and expensive, why? I'm not being a jerk, just seeking enlightenment. Thanks!

@nuclearlemon brings up a good point about setup times. I hear the argument from ground tent users a lot that they can get their tents set up in around 10 min. When asked about whether or not that is "sleep ready" the answer is usually no. They still need to unpack sleeping pads or air mattresses or cots, inflate the air mattress, unpack sleeping bags, pillows etc. So all said and done the ground tents on average take quite a bit longer to get setup and fully ready to sleep. Take down times are similarly affected because all those items that needed to be unpacked need to be packed up again.

Another pro of RTT's is that since you can leave much of the bedding etc inside the tent it frees up space inside the vehicle that would normally be needed for a ground tent and other sleeping gear.

A couple things I value the most about my tents is that I don't need to find a flat spot to pitch a ground tent or spend time clearing the space of rocks or tree roots. Also when it rains (I'm in Utah too and if you haven't been in a desert thunderstorm yet you will at some point) there's no need to worry about a river of water running under the floor of the tent or the need to hassle with packing up a tent that is now all muddy. Did that for too long and hated it every time. That alone will keep me using a RTT and only use a ground tent if I absolutely have to like on a backpacking trip.

You mentioned the need to buy the tent, buy the rack, buy the ladder, buy the vestibule....
The only additional purchase that might be necessary is a rack. All tents will include the ladder. The ladder is an integral part of the tent. Many models include the vestibule so no need to purchase any of that separately.

 

[MDarius]

@nuclearlemon brings up a good point about setup times. I hear the argument from ground tent users a lot that they can get their tents set up in around 10 min. When asked about whether or not that is "sleep ready" the answer is usually no. They still need to unpack sleeping pads or air mattresses or cots, inflate the air mattress, unpack sleeping bags, pillows etc. So all said and done the ground tents on average take quite a bit longer to get setup and fully ready to sleep. Take down times are similarly affected because all those items that needed to be unpacked need to be packed up again.

Another pro of RTT's is that since you can leave much of the bedding etc inside the tent it frees up space inside the vehicle that would normally be needed for a ground tent and other sleeping gear.

A couple things I value the most about my tents is that I don't need to find a flat spot to pitch a ground tent or spend time clearing the space of rocks or tree roots. Also when it rains (I'm in Utah too and if you haven't been in a desert thunderstorm yet you will at some point) there's no need to worry about a river of water running under the floor of the tent or the need to hassle with packing up a tent that is now all muddy. Did that for too long and hated it every time. That alone will keep me using a RTT and only use a ground tent if I absolutely have to like on a backpacking trip.

You mentioned the need to buy the tent, buy the rack, buy the ladder, buy the vestibule....
The only additional purchase that might be necessary is a rack. All tents will include the ladder. The ladder is an integral part of the tent. Many models include the vestibule so no need to purchase any of that separately.

Cool! Thanks. I didn't know you could leave the gear inside, I assumed the pack size was for the tent and mechanical origami that goes with it. I've camped in Southern Utah monsoons. No bueno. I was wishing for something off the ground. I just avoid that now. Leveling a truck is easier than leveling a site for a tent. You learn to put your backpack or duffel bag under your legs, but that's not the point.

I also didn't realize all the gear comes with the tent. I figured they were add on features that increased the base price from expensive to stupid expensive.

What's the sleeping capacity for a good tent as described? One that stands up to winds, monsoon rains, and negative temperatures? As you stated earlier, a rack solution that is exclusively for the tent is pretty inexpensive. I think I would miss my full basket trail tailor rack though.

I don't know. It's changing habits. I put my fuel on top in a custom spot on the rack because I didn't want to deal with swingouts 24/7/365. With sleeping gear in the tent on top, that opens storage space in the rig for a cooler and such, but I still need a swing out for fuel.

The tradeoff's are what's at stake. I would like to see someone set up with a RTT and how they pack to support 4 people for 4-7 days.

 

[crikeymike]

Can someone help me understand the cost/benefit of an RTT over a ground based tent? I see:
Pros:
- Always there. Is that a pro? My rig sits at 7'4" with my rack, it would be higher with a RTT. No parking garages, can't fit in my garage at home, grabs branches, weight, etc.
- fairly fast set up...Maybe? I can get my ground tent set up in 10 minutes or less. That's not bad. At 7'4", is it $1000 easier to setup and take down a RTT?
- Packing is easier...Maybe? I need a rack with specific features for a RTT... Different than mine. That might be several hundred dollars. My ground tent required a couple bungees or straps. No big deal. Where do I put my camp chairs, sleeping bags, clothes, cooler, etc. If my roof is full of tent?
- Smaller footprint. Camp where you park. OK. I don't find that it's that difficult to place a 2 to 4 man tent.
-If the ground is wet you don't have to deal with the mud. OK. But I'm in Utah. The ground is wet 3 times a year.
-Lions. You're off the ground away from predators. Yeah, except every predator I know of can get on a car, other than gators. So, Florida camping wins.

Cons:
-Other than stated, climbing off the roof to pee in the night.
-I can't park under a tree or ledge unless there's clearance for the tent when it's setup.
-Seasonal mounting
-The weight is always there, even when you're not camping.
-Ok, already stated, but I need to buy the tent, buy the rack, buy the ladder, buy the vestibule. Maybe I fab them, but still...
-COG

What am I missing? I think they are cool as heck and I want one just to be cool! But other than being cool and expensive, why? I'm not being a jerk, just seeking enlightenment. Thanks!

My #1 con to a RTT (and I've sold them for years and also had one myself for a short time) is that once it's setup, you can't jump in the car and ride anywhere. No night wheeling, no running to the store, etc. If you're camping in one place for a 3 day weekend, each morning you have to pack up the tent to go out wheeling for the day. Sure, it doesn't take long to pack up, but it would be nice to just leave it setup. I had an RTT for myself for one summer, then sold it. Then I had an OzTent for a year, then sold it. I'll stick with my 10+ year old REI ground tent ($300 back then), mostly due to initial cost, but also due to clearance up top, and not wanting to reset camp each time I'm out car camping, which is the only type of camping that I do.

Oh, and not being able to stand up in a tent is another thing that turns me off them. You can get an annex for under the RTT, but those take extra setup time too.

But the absolute best thing about an RTT is if you're on a long trip, camping every night and driving every day to a different place, nothing really beats it for ease of setup and teardown, and having the same sleeping experience every night, except for weather differences. Nothing to stake down, no rocks or leaves and branches to have to move. Setting up a ground tent plus bedding and everything takes me about 15 minutes if I'm doing all the work for me and my kids, and then packing that stuff up can take a little longer, getting the air out of the mattresses, etc. Me plus my 2 kids in an RTT driving for a week was excellent.

 

[MDarius]

And really, this isn't hijacking. I think how you pack what you've got is a big part of choosing your roof rack for your roof top tent. Is it possible to have an extra 2 or 3 feet of roof rack with the RTT? That would be ideal in my mind. Put the coolers and some camping gear in that space, have the RTT in front of or behind the gear. Keep the inside for people, travel snacks, and day packs.

I do like the idea of taking my house with me. I've always been nervous about leaving a couple thousand dollars of camping gear on the side of the trail. I trust that other campers are loaded to the max and don't have room to steal my stuff and keep theirs, and have only had one issue in 20+ years on the trails, but still.

 

[MDarius]

BTW, @Box Rocket, you really should link your sig line to your product line. I want to look at the Tepui tents, but now I have to go searching for a link to your vendor site.

 

[retrofive]

FWIW. This will be my first season in a RTT (CVT). I used Yakima 1A gutter mounts and bars as I already had them. I used 3 crossbars, but again because I already had them. I bought the RTT used in great condition. My daughter has been begging for one as she them as the coolest tree fort on 4 wheels.

Granted, I am nervous about tight trails and limbs. And makes make truck seem a mile high, but it doesn't fit in my garage or most places anyway without it... so.

I haven't done the camp then wheel thing in some time. Typically get to location setup camp and just enjoy hanging out there.

The thing does take up the whole freaking roof, space I used in the past to haul a rocket box that I would stuff chairs, tents, pillows, bags etc in. So some of that will need to go back in the truck with me. Fortunately it's just my daughter and I and we camp pretty light and not much needed.

 

[erymer]

My #1 con to a RTT (and I've sold them for years and also had one myself for a short time) is that once it's setup, you can't jump in the car and ride anywhere. No night wheeling, no running to the store, etc. If you're camping in one place for a 3 day weekend, each morning you have to pack up the tent to go out wheeling for the day. Sure, it doesn't take long to pack up, but it would be nice to just leave it setup. I had an RTT for myself for one summer, then sold it. Then I had an OzTent for a year, then sold it. I'll stick with my 10+ year old REI ground tent ($300 back then), mostly due to initial cost, but also due to clearance up top, and not wanting to reset camp each time I'm out car camping, which is the only type of camping that I do.

Oh, and not being able to stand up in a tent is another thing that turns me off them. You can get an annex for under the RTT, but those take extra setup time too.

But the absolute best thing about an RTT is if you're on a long trip, camping every night and driving every day to a different place, nothing really beats it for ease of setup and teardown, and having the same sleeping experience every night, except for weather differences. Nothing to stake down, no rocks or leaves and branches to have to move. Setting up a ground tent plus bedding and everything takes me about 15 minutes if I'm doing all the work for me and my kids, and then packing that stuff up can take a little longer, getting the air out of the mattresses, etc. Me plus my 2 kids in an RTT driving for a week was excellent.

I had the same argument about the tent being on the truck. This is what kept me from doing this for so long as well as the added weight on the top. Ultimately I decided to get a trailer for expedition use and I will be mounting the tent on top of it. I rarely have to break camp for a complete new set up the next day so once I park and set up the tent, it can stay there while we camp and I can take the truck and ride.

 

[Box Rocket]

There's some truth to the inconvenience of taking down the tent do go explore. That's one of the trade-offs for a vehicle mounted tent. You quickly learn to not set it up in the evening until you know you're done exploring/running errands for the day. My solution for when I have a base camp for several days is to take my trailer with a tent mounted and leave the tent off the truck.

@MDarius you might still have room for your fuel on your rack if you want it up there, depending on what size tent you want. Here's the Tepui Kukenam/Autana (2-3 person tent) on my 80 There is still room in front of the tent on the rack, and the tent could even be slid farther back on the rack for addition room if needed.


same tent opened up.


Cost wise for this standard model you're looking at $1655 for the tent including the annex with the forum member discount. For the Ruggedized version you're looking at $2155 with the discount.

 

[Box Rocket]

Here's all you need if you're looking at Tepui tents. Take 10% off the prices listed there and that's what I can get you with the forum discount. Just contact me when you're ready and I'll take care of the discount.

Tepui Tents | Roof Top Tents for Cars and Trucks

 

[b16]

FWIW. This will be my first season in a RTT (CVT). I used Yakima 1A gutter mounts and bars as I already had them. I used 3 crossbars, but again because I already had them. I bought the RTT used in great condition. My daughter has been begging for one as she them as the coolest tree fort on 4 wheels.

Granted, I am nervous about tight trails and limbs. And makes make truck seem a mile high, but it doesn't fit in my garage or most places anyway without it... so.

I haven't done the camp then wheel thing in some time. Typically get to location setup camp and just enjoy hanging out there.

The thing does take up the whole freaking roof, space I used in the past to haul a rocket box that I would stuff chairs, tents, pillows, bags etc in. So some of that will need to go back in the truck with me. Fortunately it's just my daughter and I and we camp pretty light and not much needed.

Which model CVT do you have?

Any of these comfortable enough for 2 adults and 2 kids (7-5) that will fit on top of the LC?

 

[retrofive]

Which model CVT do you have?

Any of these comfortable enough for 2 adults and 2 kids (7-5) that will fit on top of the LC?

Pretty sure I have the Rainier (3ppl), but would have to ask my friend I bought it from. It is larger than the Bachelor (2ppl). The Denali 4ppl) is the huge one.

 

[b16]

Pretty sure I have the Rainier (3ppl), but would have to ask my friend I bought it from. It is larger than the Bachelor (2ppl). The Denali 4ppl) is the huge one.

Thanks, I'm considering the Denali and wonder how big it would look on the roof.

 

[Box Rocket]

Thanks, I'm considering the Denali and wonder how big it would look on the roof.

The Rainer is the same size as the Tepui I posted the photo of. Yes the Denali is HUGE. It will cover the entire roof of an 80 including the sunroof area.

 

[retrofive]

Thanks, I'm considering the Denali and wonder how big it would look on the roof.

The guys over there are super friendly. I would just give them a buzz. Being somewhat local to us, almost everyone has a CVT. (That being said I like the Tepui's as well). Anyway, point being they have outfitted quite a few 80's. I just wouldn't be able to tell based on looking at them which tent they are rolling around with.

 

[MDarius]

The trailer with the tent is pretty cool. I could see that as my preferred option for many reasons.

 

[retrofive]

The trailer with the tent is pretty cool. I could see that as my preferred option for many reasons.

If I like the RTT style this will eventually be my route. Funny thing. Had a trailer for the intended for this reason for some time. A RTT just wasn't in my future ($$$) and sold the trailer. Sure enough a used RTT comes along at a price I could chew on and now no trailer.

 

[sbman]

I have a Tepui and I used Gamviti gutter mounts:

Rain Gutter Towers

I then bought some 1" square 0.125" wall aluminum from the metal yard, had them cut it to the length I wanted, drilled holes in it and mounted it to the gamviti's. Plenty strong and the 'load bars' only cost me $12.

I'm just finishing up my own custom roof rack and my whole RTT mount system is probably going to be for sale in the very near future.

I love the RTT, it has made camping easier and more fun, at least for me. When I take the kids most of the setup and work falls on me. Unfold the RTT and the mattress is ready, sleeping bags already laid out. Weather is bad? Tent can handle it. Finding a flat spot? no problem. Mud? Not an issue. I've got my departure/get ready loading down to about 30 minutes, the only sleeping arrangements I need to remember to pack is pillows. The only downside I've found is the need to fold it down each day if the cruiser is being used for transportation. Most of my trips are go-camp-go so it's not an issue on those trips. I'm leaning towards getting a trailer to put it on for the go-stay trips.

 

[nuclearlemon]

(I'm in Utah too and if you haven't been in a desert thunderstorm yet you will at some point) there's no need to worry about a river of water running under the floor of the tent or the need to hassle with packing up a tent that is now all muddy. .

or if you've gone to overland expo west :) ground tenters had indoor pools
[ATTACH=full]1426200[/ATTACH] [ATTACH=full]1426201[/ATTACH]

 

[MDarius]

or if you've gone to overland expo west :) ground tenters had indoor pools
[ATTACH=full]1426200[/ATTACH] [ATTACH=full]1426201[/ATTACH]

Well, there's a compelling argument.