Tepui Hybox Announced

[80t0ylc]

There are 2 things that I think the Hybox will contribute to the RTT world and I think they are very notable.

1. User easily removable tent fabric.
2. That with 2 reasonably easy actions, RTT converts to a cargo carrier. Removal of tent fabric (canopy) and removal of mattress. This, IMHO at least, doubles it's value as an accessory to a rig.

Hard shell RTTs have always had that potential, but it looks like Tepui will make it work right. Making a RTT so you can remove the canopy by unzipping it is such a simple, yet brilliant idea! Why wasn't this done from the beginning? Defects, rips or other problems with the canopy has always been a major issue and hard for the manufacturer and user to work out. Now, if it is incorporated industry wide, they can just exchange problem canopies and keep both user and manufacturer happy. And with the canopy removed, pulling the mattress is a piece of cake. Anyone that's pulled the mattress out of your RTT, standing on the ladder can appreciate that. I mean, it was doable, but rolling that sucker up and huffing it down the ladder was not my favorite activity with the RTT. And before, you could, with some severe limitations, haul some things in the RTT. After reflection, I think that the Hybox will have quite a positive effect on RTT usage.

 

[Box Rocket]

There are 2 things that I think the Hybox will contribute to the RTT world and I think they are very notable.

1. User easily removable tent fabric.
2. That with 2 reasonably easy actions, RTT converts to a cargo carrier. Removal of tent fabric (canopy) and removal of mattress. This, IMHO at least, doubles it's value as an accessory to a rig.

Hard shell RTTs have always had that potential, but it looks like Tepui will make it work right. Making a RTT so you can remove the canopy by unzipping it is such a simple, yet brilliant idea! Why wasn't this done from the beginning? Defects, rips or other problems with the canopy has always been a major issue and hard for the manufacturer and user to work out. Now, if it is incorporated industry wide, they can just exchange problem canopies and keep both user and manufacturer happy. And with the canopy removed, pulling the mattress is a piece of cake. Anyone that's pulled the mattress out of your RTT, standing on the ladder can appreciate that. I mean, it was doable, but rolling that sucker up and huffing it down the ladder was not my favorite activity with the RTT. And before, you could, with some severe limitations, haul some things in the RTT. After reflection, I think that the Hybox will have quite a positive effect on RTT usage.

Have you looked at any of the Tepui soft shell tents lately? Every Tepui tent uses a patented zipper gimp that lets the tent canopy be zipped off and removed in about 30 seconds.
Makes replacement a cinch and also allows the user to have different canopies designed for different conditions. Much cheaper to have a second canopy and the ideal setup for whatever conditions dictate instead of buying multiple tents.

This Hybox is a natural extension of Tepui making products have real world practicality.

 

[80t0ylc]

Have you looked at any of the Tepui soft shell tents lately? Every Tepui tent uses a patented zipper gimp that lets the tent canopy be zipped off and removed in about 30 seconds.
Makes replacement a cinch and also allows the user to have different canopies designed for different conditions. Much cheaper to have a second canopy and the ideal setup for whatever conditions dictate instead of buying multiple tents.

This Hybox is a natural extension of Tepui making products have real world practicality.

I have no interest in soft shell RTTs, but thanks for the info. Hard shells, are my limit for RTTs. I did not know other current tents had the "zipper gimp" feature, I thought it was something new. Shows how much I know . I guess if I would have known, the multi-use Hybox wouldn't have caught me off guard. I am a Tepui owner to some extent. A year or so ago, I purchased a double wide canvas sleeping bag, custom made for one of Tepui's tents (I can't remember which one). It fits perfect in my CVT hard shell and I even use it in my Lance Camper to avoid dealing with bedding. If I upgrade out of the hard shell, it'll be a hardside off road trailer, something like the Lead Dog Extreme. Now that's an industry that's exploded - they're being built all over the place.

 

[Box Rocket]

I have no interest in soft shell RTTs, but thanks for the info. Hard shells, are my limit for RTTs. I did not know other current tents had the "zipper gimp" feature, I thought it was something new. Shows how much I know . I guess if I would have known, the multi-use Hybox wouldn't have caught me off guard. I am a Tepui owner to some extent. A year or so ago, I purchased a double wide canvas sleeping bag, custom made for one of Tepui's tents (I can't remember which one). It fits perfect in my CVT hard shell and I even use it in my Lance Camper to avoid dealing with bedding. If I upgrade out of the hard shell, it'll be a hardside off road trailer, something like the Lead Dog Extreme. Now that's an industry that's exploded - they're being built all over the place.

Not trying to sell you on a soft shell, just letting you know about the feature. It’s a significant difference that separates Tepui from the ocean of other RTT brands out there.

 

[hoser]

Every Tepui tent uses a patented zipper gimp that lets the tent canopy be zipped off and removed in about 30 seconds.

I gotta say I was a bit surprised a removable shell was something that could be patented. The iKamper also has a zippered removable shell, that is also swappable with an optional screen style mesh.

The Roost tents also has had a removable shell for at least 6 years now.... and can be used a rooftop cargo box.

 

[ravenplague]

I just want to say hi and state that I also have an opinion but who really cares.....

 

[Box Rocket]

I just want to say hi and state that I also have an opinion but who really cares.....

Hi

 

[80t0ylc]

I gotta say I was a bit surprised a removable shell was something that could be patented. The iKamper also has a zippered removable shell, that is also swappable with an optional screen style mesh.

The Roost tents also has had a removable shell for at least 6 years now.... and can be used a rooftop cargo box.

Interesting! Thanks for sharing. After looking at both of these links, it makes me wonder why Tepui is claiming:

"Tepui's is proud to present the first hybrid rooftop system: a rooftop tent and cargo box, now built into one sturdy, easy-access hardshell.
A comfortable tent or a spacious gear container- you no longer have to choose between the two for your vehicle's rooftop. HyBox utilizes Tepui's patented ZipperGimp™ to allow for easy conversion between uses; simply zip on the canopy when you're ready to camp!"

I just want to say hi and state that I also have an opinion but who really cares.....

fo·rum
/ˈfôrəm/
noun
noun: forum; plural noun: forums; plural noun: fora
1.
a place, meeting, or medium where ideas and views on a particular issue can be exchanged.
"it will be a forum for consumers to exchange their views on medical research"
synonyms: meeting, assembly, gathering, rally, conference, seminar, convention, symposium, colloquium, caucus; More

Hi......does it really matter if anyone cares? Everyone has an opinion. Maybe yours can help someone. That's what this is all about - helping others.

 

[hoser]

Tepui's latest Patent dated 9/18/18, "Hardshell Roof Top Tent with UTILITY RAILS."

This is not really a new/unique design either. The Autohome Maggiolina Extreme and Grand Tour have had Rails and Load Bars for years now.

Some people care, I'm sure. Will they patent the "First Hybrid Rooftop System" next?

 

[Box Rocket]

I doubt Maggiolina was the first to use some variation of that idea as well. There have been roof tents of some kind around almost as long as there have been cars so just about any design element could traced back to something earlier. Tepui apparently has been the only one to apply for the patents on these particular ideas.

 

[hoser]

I agree, Maggiolina probably wasn't the first RTT with rails but they aren't claiming to be the first either. Maggiolina was the first tent with rails I could remember. Patents are generally for protecting original ideas and protecting others from copying their ideas. Tepui did not invent the rails, other companies have had them for years.

So why is Tepui taking out patents on un-original ideas? Well, I'm sure it's a business strategy... to differentiate their product and to prevent other companies from offering these important features. I've owned/used many different RTT's over the years and I'm not loyal to any one brand. I'll buy what suits me at the time. If I wanted rails on my RTT, I don't want my choices limited to just one company.

Excerpt from an interview with Tepui's Director of Marketing/Sales:

“We have several new items for 2018 and even more for 2019, it’s exciting. We have always pushed to evolve the RTT market, bringing the first skylights and ruggedized RTT to market. Our newest developments will be patented so they won’t be copied”.

So, the ideas are not original but they are the first to patent them and will use it to their advantage.

Regarding skylights, again, I'm positive Tepui wasn't the first to bring skylights to RTTs. Technitop offered them years before Tepui was even a company. Several vendors in North America sold Technitop including Slee Off-Road. Will skylights be the next patent?

 

[Box Rocket]

You need to take your questions up with Tepui regarding their patents, claims and the reasons behind them if it's important to you. I'm not involved in any part of the patent application or process. I'm just a rep sharing information.

I have my own thoughts as to the claim of "first" skylights and the reasons behind the claim, but they are just my own thoughts and nothing official so I won't speculate here. Also, those Technitops haven't been available for some time. I've also seen photos from the 50's of tents with "skylights" so.....

I appreciate the fact that Tepui has made a genuine effort to either innovate with new designs, or improve on existing designs in a market where so many just copy each other. Take their hardshell Lightning tent. They didn't just take an existing hardshell tent that was already available and add some load bars to it. It's a completely unique tent on it's own, even though it may incorporate ideas/features that may exist elsewhere. Adding the zipper gimp to the softshell tents is another example of how they've tried to improve on their own designs with unique features. The Ruggedized versions of their tents is another example of an idea they developed and offered that has since been mimicked by others. I guess my point is that they are trying to innovate and improve and bring new products to the market, where so many others are fine to just slap their logo on and existing product.

 

[hoser]

My apologies for derailing your thread. Not my intention but this is an open Gear Forum and not the Vendor's Forum.

As for the Tepui Hybox. I suggest, at a minimum, they change their marketing to...

"Tepui's is proud to present the THEIR first hybrid rooftop system: a rooftop tent and cargo box..."

 

[Dirty Koala]

Tough crowd, I am all for innovation, keeps the market fresh.

 

[Box Rocket]

My apologies for derailing your thread. Not my intention but this is an open Gear Forum and not the Vendor's Forum.

As for the Tepui Hybox. I suggest, at a minimum, they change their marketing to...

"Tepui's is proud to present the THEIR first hybrid rooftop system: a rooftop tent and cargo box..."

Feel free to give Tepui a call and offer your suggestion to their marketing team. They are always open to feedback and happy to answer questions.

I'm all for discussion and you're correct this isn't a vendor forum so all views are welcome. However I'm a bit surprised by the apparent "bone to pick" and the idea that there was something more sinister at play here from Tepui. Simply not the case.

 

[hoser]

Tough crowd, I am all for innovation, keeps the market fresh.

Heck, I love innovation. Box Rocket and I have different definitions of "Innovation" though. Tepui's full line of soft-shelled tents are largely similar to the early Mombasa/car-top-tent clone tent I purchased back in 2005... 13 years ago. Their "all-new" Lightning tent has taken heavy design cues from the James Baroud tents down to the mesh/canvas design and the fan/vent on top. I'm not seeing the innovation.

To me, the latest innovation in RTT's is from Go Fast Campers. With their RTT, there is no need for a roof rack, load bars and any of that extra weight or cost. Just needs mounts. A total of 6 inches tall and a massive reduction in mounting height. I don't know the actual performance or quality of the tent. But design-wise, that is innovative. It also has tracks the FULL length of the tent. You can mount an awning/lights to the lower section and a bike rack and solar panel to the upper section. Not bad for their first version RTT.

 

[80t0ylc]

Heck, I love innovation. Box Rocket and I have different definitions of "Innovation" though. Tepui's full line of soft-shelled tents are largely similar to the early Mombasa/car-top-tent clone tent I purchased back in 2005... 13 years ago. Their "all-new" Lightning tent has taken heavy design cues from the James Baroud tents down to the mesh/canvas design and the fan/vent on top. I'm not seeing the innovation.

To me, the latest innovation in RTT's is from Go Fast Campers. With their RTT, there is no need for a roof rack, load bars and any of that extra weight or cost. Just needs mounts. A total of 6 inches tall and a massive reduction in mounting height. I don't know the actual performance or quality of the tent. But design-wise, that is innovative. It also has tracks the FULL length of the tent. You can mount an awning/lights to the lower section and a bike rack and solar panel to the upper section. Not bad for their first version RTT.

I agree with almost all you said. @Box Rocket is not Tepui, he's just a sales rep, that's why he keeps telling you to contact Tepui.

 

[Box Rocket]

I never said the softshell tent was an innovation. They are clearly based on a design that's been around a while. That wasn't the specifics I pointed out. The development of the "Ruggedized" was innovative by improving on existing design with more durable materials that weren't part of that design any where in the market at that time. By your logic the Go Fast Camper is no more innovative because it's essentially a FlipPac or AT Habitat with some tracks in the frame. The tracks were stolen from dozens of other roof racks out there.

I get it, you're not impressed with Tepui. But c'mon....I could draw similarities from anything if I wanted to. Was James Baroud the first hardhell tent? No. To say that Tepui is just taking ideas from James Baroud is like saying a Honda Civic is stealing ideas from a Land Cruiser because it has 4 wheels and a steering wheel amd used leather for the seats. Give it a rest. Any and every hard shell tent (and softshell) tent is going to have similarities in some way or another. Besides a basic functionality a Tepui Lightning is in no way the same as a James Baroud tent. Different dimensions, design, completely unique mold to the shell, materials. But because it has a hardshell and opens in a similar direction and has a fan it's now the same? Gimme a break. By that logic James Baroud stole the fan idea from every RV out there, who stole it from the swamp cooler on someone's house, who stole that from whoever invented a fan who stole that from the Egyptians who's slaves used palm fronds to fan the Pharaohs.

I'll happily have a discussion about pros and cons of different aspects of a product. This conversation has become nothing more than a bone to pick with Tepui over their wording in a marketing campain. Take it up with Tepui.

 

[hoser]

The development of the "Ruggedized" was innovative by improving on existing design with more durable materials that weren't part of that design any where in the market at that time.

Their "Ruggedized" tent is just a different version of the same clone tent. You are confusing "Innovation" with "Improvement." They are NOT the same. Another example of innovation would be iKamper's SkyCamp. It's folding mechanism allows for the largest opened footprint of any hard-shelled tent. Now, if they came out with a version with thicker canvas and gave it name, would that be innovative? NO, it would be just a different version of the same tent.

 

[a_traut_man]

Really interested in the dual-purpose of this. @Box Rocket from looking at the Tepui site I cannot tell or sure but it looks like there are no load bars correct? Any idea how much weight the hardshell/gas shocks could support?