Roof top tent (2 Viewers)

[Angelo1]

I'm looking for the best all-season rtt for my family of 4 that can handle anything but tornadoes in the Colorado Rockies which is my backyard. I've heard Gordigear,ARB and Automhome are the best quality. If anyone has real world experience, please help me make a decision as these tents aren't cheap. Thanks in advance.

 

[WoodyCreature]

4 people is a lot to sleep in a RRT. Might I suggest you look at Kodiak Canvas. Super tough, super fast to pitch and water tight.... like a dolphins butt. Also way cheaper and easier to store than a RTT.

 

[Angelo1]

4 people is a lot to sleep in a RRT. Might I suggest you look at Kodiak Canvas. Super tough, super fast to pitch and water tight.... like a dolphins butt. Also way cheaper and easier to store than a RTT.

Thank you and a great choice indeed. However bears and worst of all Moose are and can be a problem as to why I'm looking for something on the roof. I've had friends chased out of camp at 1am because of a bull moose staking his claim of territory.

 

[r3run33]

I agree with the bear and moose thing; Had a bear come thru our camp a year back luckily all of the adults were still awake and were able to scare him off. Now 4 people is tuff for one tent unless some of them are kids. I have been searching this exact topic and decided upon 2 up top and then 2 in the back set up on the rear drawer system and the 2nd row folded down.
Biggest thing I have to warn you about is that you really get what you pay for; I think ARB has then best one out there. I have not seen all in person but have seen ARB and a no name at a expo and from far away you can't tell the difference. but the fabric and sewing is superb. I think CMT makes one similar but try to get out and look a them (which is hard to do if you are shopping online). I have not purchased my tent yet so keep us posted on what you decide.

 

[Angelo1]

I agree with the bear and moose thing; Had a bear come thru our camp a year back luckily all of the adults were still awake and were able to scare him off. Now 4 people is tuff for one tent unless some of them are kids. I have been searching this exact topic and decided upon 2 up top and then 2 in the back set up on the rear drawer system and the 2nd row folded down.
Biggest thing I have to warn you about is that you really get what you pay for; I think ARB has then best one out there. I have not seen all in person but have seen ARB and a no name at a expo and from far away you can't tell the difference. but the fabric and sewing is superb. I think CMT makes one similar but try to get out and look a them (which is hard to do if you are shopping online). I have not purchased my tent yet so keep us posted on what you decide.

It's my wife and two girls 10 and 7. It will rarely be all 4 of us as my oldest is the camper and my wife and youngest like hotels. :-/

 

[jwestpro]

I'm looking for the best all-season rtt for my family of 4 that can handle anything but tornadoes in the Colorado Rockies which is my backyard. I've heard Gordigear,ARB and Automhome are the best quality. If anyone has real world experience, please help me make a decision as these tents aren't cheap. Thanks in advance.

I have an ARB Simpson version 3. There are a few design aspects I preferred on the version before this one where the lower annex zipped on as opposed to now sliding on and zipping which is terribly cumbersome but overall this new version is better.

Hannibal makes a similar tent and very good build quality but what they also offer is other sizes which are expensive but really cool . You can see the "family" sizes on Hannibal usa or the main website.

 

[maujkar]

Check Autohome ! http://www.autohome-official.com/en/

 

[Angelo1]

I have an ARB Simpson version 3. There are a few design aspects I preferred on the version before this one where the lower annex zipped on as opposed to now sliding on and zipping which is terribly cumbersome but overall this new version is better.

Hannibal makes a similar tent and very good build quality but what they also offer is other sizes which are expensive but really cool . You can see the "family" sizes on Hannibal usa or the main website.

Thanks for the info. I'll look into Hannibal RTT's. How does the ARB hold up under harsh weather if you've had the opportunity to experience it with the version 3.

 

[jwestpro]

Thanks for the info. I'll look into Hannibal RTT's. How does the ARB hold up under harsh weather if you've had the opportunity to experience it with the version 3.

During a few days of rain it stayed dry inside but closing it up wet for travel is not a good thing seeing as that moisture stays in there but that's how any system would be if not dried out first.

Look at this guy's double wide on a G wagen:
http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/117643-Project-quot-Great-Basin-G-quot

CVT Mt. McKinley RTT (6 Man)

 

[Angelo1]

During a few days of rain it stayed dry inside but closing it up wet for travel is not a good thing seeing as that moisture stays in there but that's how any system would be if not dried out first.

Look at this guy's double wide on a G wagen:
http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/117643-Project-quot-Great-Basin-G-quot

CVT Mt. McKinley RTT (6 Man)

That thing is huge. I'll look into reviews on them. Thanks for the helpful link to pics

 

[jwestpro]

I forgot to ask, what vehicle and/or rack would you be putting it onto?

Here's mine opened up:

ARB version 2

 

[Angelo1]

I forgot to ask, what vehicle and/or rack would you be putting it onto?

Here's mine opened up:

I don't see a pic of yours but it's going on my 200. How has your LR3 treated you? I had a 2008 LR3 but sold it because of chronic issues with the suspension. I heard the upcoming model will have an 8spd but also a SC V6. I really like the newer LR's

 

[jwestpro]

Never had any problem with the suspension. Compressor replaced under warranty after it had been running too often. No failures though.

I doubt I'll be buying another Land Rover unless it's diesel.

 

[Angelo1]

Never had any problem with the suspension. Compressor replaced under warranty after it had been running too often. No failures though.

I doubt I'll be buying another Land Rover unless it's diesel.

Great set up! I would love a diesel option!

 

[Angelo1]

Check this video out on the ARB tent

 

[Haggis]

I have been leaning towards the Autohome mainly for aerodynamic reasons. My rig is tall enough with a lift and larger tires. They are much more expensive than the ARB.

 

[Angelo1]

I have been leaning towards the Autohome mainly for aerodynamic reasons. My rig is tall enough with a lift and larger tires. They are much more expensive than the ARB.

The cost savings in fuel will never be offset by the cost of the Autohome. The option for an attached annex is a huge bonus that allows someone to expand the living space for changing in, taking showers via portable shower system, etc. The hard shell RTT are very limited and small in space.

 

[Haggis]

I agree, but I don't even factor in fuel cost, I'm more concerned about stability on the HWY and with high winds, especially out here in Wyoming.

 

[Angelo1]

I agree, but I don't even factor in fuel cost, I'm more concerned about stability on the HWY and with high winds, especially out here in Wyoming.

Gotcha. Check out the Maggiolina Carbon Fiber. That's the route I would go if I were to go hardtop to save weight and it looks nice on the roof

 

[xkennx]

As said before you get what you pay for. EEZI-AWN is a company that builds RTT that last for yrs made out of polycotton heavy duty ripstop fabric (almost like old ARMY tents). They have a large series 3 that is 1600mm x 2440mm and 1800 x 2440mm http://www.eezi-awn.co.za/new_site/products/Series_3.pdf and they have the family series that is 2200mm x 2440mm http://www.eezi-awn.co.za/new_site/products/family.pdf (which is almost like two smaller tents together as there is a divider in the middle.