- Thread starter
- #21
I've heard of this brand but not seen one in person.
Roof top tent
- Thread starter Angelo1
- Start date
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I am beginning to think that the EEZI-AWN would be a great second tent, especially if your experience with a rooftop tent is limited or non-existent (such as mine was). The first tent would ideally be a cheap Chinese model to familiarize yourself with some of the added hassle of the tent on your roof, parking and storage issues, what size would be right, how much room is left for gear, etc.
I bought a Ruggedized Tepui Autana. With my now perfect hindsight, I would have bought the next size up in an EEZI-AWN.
The Tepui is pretty well built (and mid-range price), so it might be a few years before I can justify the trade up.
I bought a Ruggedized Tepui Autana. With my now perfect hindsight, I would have bought the next size up in an EEZI-AWN.
The Tepui is pretty well built (and mid-range price), so it might be a few years before I can justify the trade up.
I have an ARB Simpson 3, the annex and an ARB awning which I have been happy with. So far we have used the RTT about 10 nights, four of us and a border collie in it, my kids are 3 and 1. It works great now but in a few years will be too small for all of us. I looked at the bigger options but decided the ARB was a good RTT to start with.
Last week we got stuck in a strong thunderstorm, the tent was great, even with all windows open the rain was not an issue. It's pretty robust and bolted to the LC so I wouldn't be worried in a storm.
I like the RTT but it's not easy to get on and off of the LC, I imagine the larger the RTT the more of a challenge to move it. I have a pretty good system now and can load it on or off by myself in about 10 min with the Prinsu rack, it was a little more time bolting it to the Yakima/factory rack. I don't leave it on the LC all the time, just when using it, otherwise it's hanging in the garage.
Overall, it's a nice RTT and has suited us well. Seems like good quality, no issues at all so far.
Last week we got stuck in a strong thunderstorm, the tent was great, even with all windows open the rain was not an issue. It's pretty robust and bolted to the LC so I wouldn't be worried in a storm.
I like the RTT but it's not easy to get on and off of the LC, I imagine the larger the RTT the more of a challenge to move it. I have a pretty good system now and can load it on or off by myself in about 10 min with the Prinsu rack, it was a little more time bolting it to the Yakima/factory rack. I don't leave it on the LC all the time, just when using it, otherwise it's hanging in the garage.
Overall, it's a nice RTT and has suited us well. Seems like good quality, no issues at all so far.
I have owned a CVT Rainier for 5 or 6 years and spend 25+ nights per year in. It fits myself, my wife & two sons (ages 6&8). But it is getting a little tighter every year. I'm considering getting 2 smaller RTT's or putting the kids on the ground. CVT makes a larger tent now (Denali), but it has 2 ladders which would be a PITA IMO. I don't have any experience with the other tent makers.
I just ordered the largest James Baroud version they make. Grand Rapid XXL, supposed to sleep 3 adults. Hard shell RTT and still has room on top for a spare or some gas cans. Expensive, but it's what my wife wants. I had an older CVT (Cascadia) hard shell and loved it, but it had no rooftop storage and the hand crank was work. This one has automatic shocks to lift it plus a fan built in and the roofrack. I would recommend a white one if you go hard shell, my CVT was black and got pretty warm even up here in Alaska during the summer.
Grand Raid XXL Rooftop Tent
Grand Raid XXL Rooftop Tent
I have the EEZI-AWN Family mounted on a M416 military trailer. We have crammed two adults and four kids in there. Was it comfortable? Not really, but we all slept through the night.
We currently have an Eezi-Awn 1800 on our adventure trailer. You can definitely see and feel the difference in going with a good tent. Extremely well made. Very easy to open. Mattress is very comfortable. Big enough for 3 adults.
In the past we have had a Camping Lab (now out of business) and a Tepui Kukanam ruggedized. Both fine tents and stood up to all kinds of weather. Tepui Kukanam would be a little small for 2 adults and 2 kids.
Eezi-Awn Series 3 Roof Top Tents | Equipt Expedition Outfitters
I now have a real problem sleeping on the ground, especially in bear country. Love being up off the ground.
In the past we have had a Camping Lab (now out of business) and a Tepui Kukanam ruggedized. Both fine tents and stood up to all kinds of weather. Tepui Kukanam would be a little small for 2 adults and 2 kids.
Eezi-Awn Series 3 Roof Top Tents | Equipt Expedition Outfitters
I now have a real problem sleeping on the ground, especially in bear country. Love being up off the ground.
- Thread starter
- #28
That's why I like the idea of the RTT. Bear population is increasing in Colorado and the Moose can be pretty dang nasty. I like the idea of not feeling the need to stay in one spot. Another great reason for these in CO is our big downpours. Don't have to worry about getting flooded but I wonder if any proTection is added in a RTT vs ground tent during lighting storms. So many choices. I really only need it for two adults or one adult and one kid. Annex and awning are certainly key as well.
- Thread starter
- #29
Makes a great case for the RTTI have the EEZI-AWN Family mounted on a M416 military trailer. We have crammed two adults and four kids in there. Was it comfortable? Not really, but we all slept through the night.
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Interesting mainstream entry from a major rack manufacturer in 2017...
A Tent With a View: Meet Yakima’s New Roof Top Option | Gear Institute
A Tent With a View: Meet Yakima’s New Roof Top Option | Gear Institute
- Thread starter
- #31
If REi ends up selling it, I may just buy it. Easy to return if I don't like it and it it's only 90lbs. They made a great point about 14'ers. I hate trying to get to a climb by 3am when I could just sleep in my RTT at all the different trailheads.
Here is an LX/200 Series with the James Baroud Grand Raid XXL. 64" wide. It fits my wife, our 4.5 year old and myself comfortably.
I am not sure the four of you will fit plus the kids will just get bigger. You might need to get an Eezi Awn. They have one that can fit Five people.
I am not sure the four of you will fit plus the kids will just get bigger. You might need to get an Eezi Awn. They have one that can fit Five people.
I'm in the same boat as the OP. Need a RTT for two adults and two small children. After much research, I'll be going with the Tepui Gran Sabana with a 6'x8' sleeping area. I chose this over the CVT Mt. Denali for a few reasons.
- Thread starter
- #34
What were the few reasons?
It's lighter than the Denali, a few hundred bucks cheaper, and only has one ladder which I prefer. I don't need anything larger than 72"x96" to fit 4 people. I also don't need the extra 15" in width to be able to convert the tent into two rooms (which the Denali offers, hence the two ladders).
So now it's between the Gran Sabana and the iKamper... but I'm 90% positive I'll be getting the Gran Sabana.
- Thread starter
- #36
iKamper looks pretty cool with the big Anex room.
- Thread starter
- #37
That thing is so nice... but I don't have room to park a trailer and I don't have an extra $53k. I think the iKamper Road Trip will be too pricey, since the hard top is $4k.
- Thread starter
- #39
Yeah, I saw the 4K price tag but it's pretty sweet looking and love the idea of being able to extend the floor outward and the full Anex setup. But still freaking pricey.
Mt Rainer extended is that size also
