I have the Denali Summit Extended Stargazer. What I learned, however, is that contrary to what I was told by the guys making things up as they went on the demo, I am NOT supposed to remove the rainfly when folding up the tent...
RTT
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I have the Denali Summit Extended Stargazer. What I learned, however, is that contrary to what I was told by the guys making things up as they went on the demo, I am NOT supposed to remove the rainfly when folding up the tent...
I am still working on getting clarification from CVT on exactly how they recommend storing their tents if you live in a rainy climate. Thus far, they've said it needs to be "vented" periodically. That is nonsense. Thank about it... So the "waterproof" cover is allowing moisture in. So now you have a wet tent. If you "vent" it, which I assume means unzipping the cover for a period of time, then only if you have the slightest amount of moisture, might that moisture dissipate, an only if the air ambient air is dry enough and you leave it vented long enough. But based on the amount of moisture I have, no amount of venting would have dissipated the moisture. So now what you have is a wet tent. You are not supposed to store a tent when it is wet. So does that mean that one needs to remove the waterproof cover, and actually open up the entire tent, dry it out, and then fold it back up again? And do that, every month? Every other month? Surely that is not what they expect, in order to honor their warranty. What's also problematic is that they do not post their warranty online that I can find, nor to they publish how to recommend one care for their tent. You can find various versions of their warranty from other vendors, but a close inception shows there have been updates. So...
We'll see....
We'll see....
Ditto on the REI garage sales. I picked up a Tepui Kukeman 3 at an REI garage sale last year that was virtually brand new for less than half of retail. I've only used it for one trip so far (no rain), and I was really pleased with it. The quality seems really solid. Set up and take down are pretty easy. It takes about 5 minutes each way.
If you're planning to sleep in it with two adults, go with the 3, not the 2. The 3 is perfect for 2 adults.
At least in my town you can negotiate with REI on the asking price. I did and was able to knock off a couple hundred bucks.
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- #24
Thanks for the responses. I think I’m leaning toward the TJM or the 23 Zero. 23 Zero is a little bigger and it looks like it’s got a really nice mattress. I’m about a month out from pulling g the trigger. My Gamiviti rack isn’t here yet so I’ve got some stuff time.
Prior to living in CO we lived in VA and camped during the hot, humid, rainy summer and never had any issues with mold. We never had a single drop of water in either tent and always dried it out after each use. You mentioned that your sleeping bags were in a puddle of water, could have your mattress absorbed the water and acted like a wet sponge? Maybe there was standing water under the condensation mat? Seal anything wet in a bag and your going to get mold and mildew if the temperature gets warm enough.
Totally sucks the two boneheads who installed your tent told you to take off the rain fly, that’s a significant error and potentially lead to the issue you had with the mold.
Thanks.
We gutted the trailer, had a massive de-humidifer running in there, and then used it quite a few times after that. Everything was definitely bone dry, and its clear that the issue was the "waterproof" cover. Its ultimately my fault for thinking that the cover was a better quality than it really is.
I've had a CVT since 2012. It's heavily used but still running strong. I've never removed the rain fly. It's been in rain but never have had a drop get inside. In fact the only moisture I've seen is condensation (or frost) on this inside. If this happens I either ventilate it in camp before I collapse it or I open it up at home on the first dry day. The tent I've actually had a problem with water inside has been my Alu-Cab, but that's from overzealous post-trip cleaning that pushed water under the seals.
What's interesting is that 23 Zero is mentioned above, I'm assuming with the thought that it's not from China. In looking at their hardware kit, it's the exact same stuff (right down to the brown canvas bag) as with all other tents that come out of the Longroad Campers factory. Their website doesn't show a country of manufacture, but it sure looks the same. Don't get me wrong, each brand can spec their own material, features, etc. So you do need to verify that you're getting an apples:apples spec the fabric, mattress, etc when shopping. I'm sure the 23Z is a quality tent and will serve you well. Not a bash, just a clarification. Pretty sure Tepui comes out of the same plant. It's interesting how there is much perceived differentiation, yet it's a modern Buick/Oldsmobile/Pontiac product re-badging.
Have no affiliation with Bobby (CVT) other than I feel like he treated me right on the two purchases made at CVT, both a tent and an awning (two separate visits). It's very reasonable that he could have a subpar employee that didn't present the information correctly. It's hard to find quality people, get them trained, and retain them.
Lastly, if you need to kill mold smell, this is your tool.
23Z parts kit:
What's interesting is that 23 Zero is mentioned above, I'm assuming with the thought that it's not from China. In looking at their hardware kit, it's the exact same stuff (right down to the brown canvas bag) as with all other tents that come out of the Longroad Campers factory. Their website doesn't show a country of manufacture, but it sure looks the same. Don't get me wrong, each brand can spec their own material, features, etc. So you do need to verify that you're getting an apples:apples spec the fabric, mattress, etc when shopping. I'm sure the 23Z is a quality tent and will serve you well. Not a bash, just a clarification. Pretty sure Tepui comes out of the same plant. It's interesting how there is much perceived differentiation, yet it's a modern Buick/Oldsmobile/Pontiac product re-badging.
Have no affiliation with Bobby (CVT) other than I feel like he treated me right on the two purchases made at CVT, both a tent and an awning (two separate visits). It's very reasonable that he could have a subpar employee that didn't present the information correctly. It's hard to find quality people, get them trained, and retain them.
Lastly, if you need to kill mold smell, this is your tool.
23Z parts kit:
Skip the rtt they are a pain in the ass. Get your self a good ground tent and a cot.
90% of the time we camp/off road I can’t find a level spot to park. Some times we also don’t want to break camp and just go for a day trip in the rig, be it down to a lake or what not. With a rtt you have to take it down to go an a day trip.
90% of the time we camp/off road I can’t find a level spot to park. Some times we also don’t want to break camp and just go for a day trip in the rig, be it down to a lake or what not. With a rtt you have to take it down to go an a day trip.
There are definitely pros and cons to RTTs, though level ground is easily cured with maxtrax - or rocks if you’re a savage 
Don’t get me started on maxtrax’s they are like hipsters beards. Everyone likes bolting them to the roof of their 4x4 just to drive around with them 365 days a year.
And that makes them ineffective?
I think the Maxtrax is one of the best things to own for an suv if you plan on taking it off-road. I personally just wouldn’t drive to the Mall with them. Seems silly how many SUVs/Jeeps that are driven 99.99999% on pavement, drive around with full off-road gear on the roof, to simply park at the Mall 
This is one of the most frequently made comments online. All the gear mounted on my rig stays there. My garage is already full enough. I don't live in an area where I have a theft problem. I don't have time for the extra work of taking things on and off, and most importantly, I am spontaneous. Some days I am sitting here and decide that I am going to go hit the trails. I don't want to go home first. Matter of fact, about 3 weeks ago on my way to work I decided to do a bit of exploring and found myself in deeeeep mud. There was no getting out. The previous week I had winched someone out of a massive ditch filled with mud after a record month of rain, and so my winch gear was in the garage from getting cleaned up. Thankfully I was within cell phone range and was able to call my wife and have her bring me everything out of the garage, so I could winch myself out. That was my final reminder to keep everything with me. Being able to just go, and no that I have what I need, is priceless.I think the Maxtrax is one of the best things to own for an suv if you plan on taking it off-road. I personally just wouldn’t drive to the Mall with them. Seems silly how many SUVs/Jeeps that are driven 99.99999% on pavement, drive around with full off-road gear on the roof, to simply park at the Mall
Most people don’t have the frequent/convenient access to nearby trails. If I lived with such access, I would have my rig outfitted 24/7 for the reasons you mentioned. In fact when I lived in Boulder, CO I always had my previous LC ready for the trail as I was within a 20min drive to play in the dirt and or snow
True. Somewhat. Where I am in the PNW, nobody is too far. But it is a comment that I hear frequently in other local groups as well.. It seems like a version of the 'I drive a LC because its blends in' argument.
Yeah, i could careless about blending in. Life’s too short to be boring or hide. Not like most of us live in a 3rd world country and going to get carjacked on a regular basis. Some people in the U.S call it Stealth wealth by buying an LC or F-150. I could give two $h!ts if someone thinks I am rich(I’m not) otherwise I’d be flying private and rolling in a Ghost with a bumper sticker that said “Get over it”.True. Somewhat. Where I am in the PNW, nobody is too far. But it is a comment that I hear frequently in other local groups as well.. It seems like a version of the 'I drive a LC because its blends in' argument.
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- #37
So Iron Man has another sale going and has their 2 person tent for $799 which includes shipping in the lower 48. Looks like a great deal. Anyone have any experience with their tents? I have their 2” lift on my truck and really like it. If the quality of the tent is as good as their suspension stuff I may have found what I’m looking for.
ironman4x4america.com
on a side note, got my Gamiviti rack in today. It is amazing. Can’t wait to get it mounted!
Rooftop Tents
Off-road awnings and rooms from Ironman 4x4 are conveniently portable, easy to use, and perfect for camping, overland trips, off-roading and more.
ironman4x4america.com
on a side note, got my Gamiviti rack in today. It is amazing. Can’t wait to get it mounted!
I would never have gotten a roof top tent without a trailer to put it on permanently. That being said, after going back and forth on the decision to buy a RTT for a couple years I wish we would have gotten our current setup years ago.
I would agree a RTT on a trailer would be the perfect set up. We have a 80’s pop up trailer for car camping and it’s great.
Can't help but chime in on both topics from this thread.
As for RTTs, there is a part of me that really wants one. But I had one. For about 3 months. The Yakima one sold at REI. I bought in Oregon (Eugene REI), mounted it and drove home to Denver (have since moved to Bend, OR) with it on top. But I didn't open it up until later that summer at the LCDC in Breckinridge. Or at least that was the idea. When I arrived at my campsite it was dark and late. When I thought through that the meet up for the trail runs was at 7AM the next morning and that I would need to break it down and pack it up in the dark I ended up just sleeping in the LC (with the ARB drawers I have an easy, albeit low ceiling, sleeping platform). It was then that I realized the RTT was not for me. I returned it to REI. Now I just sleep in the LC. My wife, too, when she comes which will only happen if we camp where there are relatively clean outhouses.
. Bottom line, I believe the RTTs can be a great solution for those who are going to be breaking camp and heading to a different location each day and especially if they have the cargo area of the LC permanently setup with camping gear that prevents it from being an effective sleeping platform. I also think it is easier for those who are more "spry" than I am at 67 years old - though a hard shell would probably make this easier. The other issue for me is that it pretty much needs to be on the roof permanently (at least for me). That has a ripple effect when it comes to where I would store other stuff that I like to put on the roof. But, again, for those who have fully kitted out their rigs with swing away rear bumpers, etc. that may not be an issue. And I can easily see how convenient it would be to put one on a trailer but given that we already have a full size travel trailer having a 2nd off road trailer is way outside our budget.
Now, about keeping Maxtrax (and shovel) on my roof rack all the time. It is absolutely not about making other people notice. If I were into "hey, look at me" vehicles I wouldn't have bought a Land Cruiser. Case in point. When at a local car wash a couple weeks ago the attendant came in to the waiting area and announced that the "White Toyota Highlander" was ready for pick up. Made me smile. As for Maxtrax and shovel. I live in Oregon and before that in Colorado. We are very spontaneous. We'll even be driving down the interstate with no intention of going off-road and my wife will spot some forest road or whatever and say, "I wonder where that goes" and off we go. Every time I have gotten stuck it was when I didn't have my recovery gear. Very simply, we don't leave home without it. And if people think it looks silly or that a 67 year old is trying to be "hip"?
Whatever.
All that said, when I see a rig going down the road with an RTT on it, there is a part of me that dreamily thinks, "Cool. Seems really cool.".
As for RTTs, there is a part of me that really wants one. But I had one. For about 3 months. The Yakima one sold at REI. I bought in Oregon (Eugene REI), mounted it and drove home to Denver (have since moved to Bend, OR) with it on top. But I didn't open it up until later that summer at the LCDC in Breckinridge. Or at least that was the idea. When I arrived at my campsite it was dark and late. When I thought through that the meet up for the trail runs was at 7AM the next morning and that I would need to break it down and pack it up in the dark I ended up just sleeping in the LC (with the ARB drawers I have an easy, albeit low ceiling, sleeping platform). It was then that I realized the RTT was not for me. I returned it to REI. Now I just sleep in the LC. My wife, too, when she comes which will only happen if we camp where there are relatively clean outhouses.
. Bottom line, I believe the RTTs can be a great solution for those who are going to be breaking camp and heading to a different location each day and especially if they have the cargo area of the LC permanently setup with camping gear that prevents it from being an effective sleeping platform. I also think it is easier for those who are more "spry" than I am at 67 years old - though a hard shell would probably make this easier. The other issue for me is that it pretty much needs to be on the roof permanently (at least for me). That has a ripple effect when it comes to where I would store other stuff that I like to put on the roof. But, again, for those who have fully kitted out their rigs with swing away rear bumpers, etc. that may not be an issue. And I can easily see how convenient it would be to put one on a trailer but given that we already have a full size travel trailer having a 2nd off road trailer is way outside our budget. Now, about keeping Maxtrax (and shovel) on my roof rack all the time. It is absolutely not about making other people notice. If I were into "hey, look at me" vehicles I wouldn't have bought a Land Cruiser. Case in point. When at a local car wash a couple weeks ago the attendant came in to the waiting area and announced that the "White Toyota Highlander" was ready for pick up. Made me smile. As for Maxtrax and shovel. I live in Oregon and before that in Colorado. We are very spontaneous. We'll even be driving down the interstate with no intention of going off-road and my wife will spot some forest road or whatever and say, "I wonder where that goes" and off we go. Every time I have gotten stuck it was when I didn't have my recovery gear. Very simply, we don't leave home without it. And if people think it looks silly or that a 67 year old is trying to be "hip"?
Whatever. All that said, when I see a rig going down the road with an RTT on it, there is a part of me that dreamily thinks, "Cool. Seems really cool.".
