Thougths on James Baroud and Campteq

This site may earn a commission from merchant affiliate
links, including eBay, Amazon, Skimlinks, and others.

Overland Tailor

Overland Tailor

Boltripper
10 Year
Joined
Jun 24, 2012
Threads
81
Messages
1,142
Location
Birmingham, AL
Website
www.overlandtailor.com
If the Campteq is not available again my decision becomes much easier..

BUT

I've been looking at both the James Baroud Discovery Space Evolution roof top tent and of course the Campteq....

http://ok4wd.com/james-baroud-discovery-space-evolution-rooftop-tent.html

I like the ability to remove things completely, but would not be opposed to a Campteq remaining even though it will come off if I don't do any roof cuts.

I also would prefer to support someone like Eric that has a US made product and who supports the LC product line, even with a fairly large price discrepancy between the two setups... And I do understand that it is somewhat of an apples to oranges comparison so I want to be fair.

Just looking for your collective wisdom on the two models and what you think might be more appropriate for someone who will take a few local trips each year and a big Colorado or Out West trip each year.

Very much appreciate everyone and their thoughts.


Best regards,

John
 
I like the JB rtt as well.
However the Campteq is a unique product and I wouldn't compare it to any rtt.
It is just far superior than any avail tent out there.
If my rtt could support my weight if I was to stand on top of it that would be great, but it does not.
The campteq does this with ease and it takes away the middle man (roof rack) from the equation.
It is made of aluminum.. so no worries on low branches... unlike my rtt that already took a beating...

My $0.02
 
Agree, it's hard to compare. I don't ever feel like I have a tent on my roof while driving. My roof is a tent and, trust me, it's a whole different animal. I've sat up there and smoked cigars late at night in a camping chair looking over the lake. It's enough to support more than one adult, too. I'm biased, but I went with a Campteq top after doing the same research so it's not just fanboy talk.
 
mickeyt said:
Should the Campteq appear more seamless/refined for the premium price associated with it?
Click to expand...

Lets start with their web site, should it work? Been trying to check them out, can only find some prelimary posts here and there....is this a real option or someone's garage invention?
 
^ one thing: Unless its something offered not listed on his website I don't see a fabric headliner to deal with potential condensation; relative temp to dew point could be a drip-drip-drip issue from raw aluminum ceiling/top...for those using in not-so-bone dry climes. And how is that aluminum ceiling for hot day temp? Gotta think it be a solar heat radiator...

There still seems to be room for design and materials refinement, for the real world users, in the upper-end hard shell RTT systems from all the mfgs.
 
spressomon said:
^ one thing: Unless its something offered not listed on his website I don't see a fabric headliner to deal with potential condensation; relative temp to dew point could be a drip-drip-drip issue from raw aluminum ceiling/top...for those using in not-so-bone dry climes. And how is that aluminum ceiling for hot day temp? Gotta think it be a solar heat radiator...

There still seems to be room for design and materials refinement, for the real world users, in the upper-end hard shell RTT systems from all the mfgs.
Click to expand...

CampTeq was modeled after innovation-campers in Germany There tops have been around for 25+ years and are used world wide. I have done side by side comparisons and many of the materials are the same or similiar. In terms of quality of workmanship Eric of CampTeq should be proud.

In the beginning I was all about installing an insulated headliner but after ~50 nights I'm not willing to give up ~3/8 of space required:meh: with no regrets.
CampTeq's owner Eric with over 350 night logged does not use a headliner and living in the hills of Aspen he has experienced all types of extreme weather condition.

If you ask Eric, weather is never an issue not to travel. Eric is now traveling and living in his CampTeq somewhere in Northern CA as of a couple days ago. Living the dream!
thumb.gif



The only CampTeq addition I see down the road is a rain fly for my special ordered rear window so I can see the stars at night:princess::flipoff2:. In the AZ summer monsoon rain storms I welcome the ventilation. Other then that you would have a hard time getting my CampTeq away from me.

My latest CampTeq picture from yesterday...wishing I was living the dream.

IMG_7019.webp
 
mickeyt said:
Refinement was referring to the version where he cuts the roof off, not the standard RTT.
Click to expand...

There's no difference between the two products - it's just a difference in installation, which is priced completely separate from the product itself. It took a good 10 hours of physically and mentally demanding work which worked out to about $50/hour. I've spoken to customers of full on 4x4 shops doing pop-top conversion who paid quite a bit more for less.

To my knowledge there are only three trucks with the roof cut in existence - Eric's, the couple from Canada who are headed south down the Pan Am, and mine. Eric was upfront about the fact that each install with the cut turned out differently.

That said, I'm still not really sure what the lack of refinement comment means. Does it look factory? No. Does it serve it's purpose and then some while looking pretty damn good in the process? Absolutely.
 
Refinement term has apparently struck a nerve. It was not intended to be an insult but to throw an analogy refinement meaning that it is not at a point where it appears seamless, not so much factory but like it belongs and really an integrated and professional look. I spoke to a well known LC guy from CA who looked at the build thoroughly and came away with those feelings. He likes it but it needs "refinement" to justify chopping off the roof etc. I think they are great, but can be greater-errr.
 
The roof cut is not for everyone, but again it's an installation thing so not sure you can ask for more "refinement" for your buck vs. the RTT. I think I understand, but still not sure I agree. Show me a more refined option for an 80 pop-top in the U.S. and we can talk. Either way, we're talking about a very custom, handmade piece. The quality is there and if you want it look more refined I think there are probably options. Throwing a matching coat of paint down is one, but I'm a cheap bastid and wasn't paying for that:). Seriously, though, we're discussing function and form. I'll take the former any day.
 
I spent quite a while "revising" (cutting and re-welding) the frame to work with an open roof plan. IMHO, The Campteq accommodates best those who do not want to cut there roof.

No relation to the 3 Innovation Campers I've seen on the road.

I would recommend swapping out the front piano hinge though - unless the design has since changed.
 
mickeyt said:
http://www.autograph4x4.com/autograph4x4.com/Land_Cruiser_78.html

The pop top tent seems to be standard protocol in Germany, Africa and a few other countries. I am surprised there isn't a company here that would provide this for a multitude of vehicles.
Click to expand...

Retirees in Europe seem to be much more adventurous. I have yet meet an American retiree on the Pan-am. Europeans? 99%. I mention the Pan-am as its similar to North Americas version of Africa. You would need to do a pretty big trip like this, to make cutting your roof worth it.

How many people do you know willing to pay 10 - 12k for a conversion? Who are going to use it?
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Share this page

Back
Top Bottom