ARCHIVE Tired of all the "same", big honking RTT's. So I made a new one. - Terrapod!
- Thread starter JJBiggs
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- Thread starter
- #102
Bludozer
SILVER Star
Maybe I missed it, but does this have the potential for some sort of awning attachment?
- Thread starter
- #104
Sure does. The production versions, even more so than the prototypes.
- Thread starter
- #105
Heading to Overland Expo East? Want to see the Terrapod RTTx?
The RTTx prototype #3 is at Overland Expo East at the following coordinates: 38.804253, -108.232804
Feel free to stop by and check it out.
The RTTx prototype #3 is at Overland Expo East at the following coordinates: 38.804253, -108.232804
Feel free to stop by and check it out.
- Thread starter
- #106
RTTx Update: Product testing is winding down.
-- RESULTS! --
The RTTx has been tested in some of the harshest weather conditions imaginable. From hail to monsoon rains, high winds, and of course hot conditions, the RTTx has done its job brilliantly.
MPG results - numerous long trips have been completed. We have logged results with a 2016 4Runner Trail (modified). Average mpg's from 4 trips (loaded) have been 16.5 to 18 mpg. (results varied due to hills, weather, and traffic).
The prototype mounting solutions have worked out tremendously well. The older vehicles with direct mounting were the lowest, while the 4Runner's mounting has been simple and allows the vehicle to maintain it's stock accessories (Ex: Sat radio antenna).
-- MOUNTING --
The RTTx has been designed to work with off-the-shelf rack mounting systems from Rhino Rack. Namely - the Rhino Rack Backbone. All modern / present day vehicles utilizing this system will do so moving forward. It presents an easy, yet solid solution and works extremely well.
For those running older vehicles: The RTTx will be a custom option, specific to your vehicle. Vehicle examples include older FZJ80's, 100's, etc. The tents will be direct mount ONLY to provide the lowest profile / lightest solution.
Rack mounting: The RTTx has been designed to be a lightweight, low profile RTT solution. Therefore, while rack mounting is possible, it will not be recommended. Accessory mounting will be available directly on the tent itself. (Awnings, Maxtrax, etc). Reasoning - the rack alone adds substantial weight above the COG as well as preventing the slipstream airflow....which in turn lowers your MPG's.
Bed Racks: The RTTx will work perfectly with bed racks. More to come...
-- MATTRESS OPTIONS --
We are aiming for 3 options of mattresses. We are presently testing custom foam, NEMO Equipment's Cosmos and the Exped MegaMat inflatable. Each would represent a Good, Better, Best scenario and will be an individual choice at purchase.
-- FABRIC CHANGE --
We have determined the fabric tested is overkill for what the tent actually needs. Simply put - a RTT does not need to be a Poly-Cotton canvas. Why you ask? Modern Poly-ripstop fabrics are lighter, more robust and offer the same amount of ruggedness. Having 32lbs of just fabric makes little sense. Look for future updates we move forward on this.
-- COLOR CHANGE --
The framing will now be an anodized silver with white panel infill. Reason - silver anodizing will result in a longer lasting finish, and the color will be a better reflector of heat. If a custom color is needed - vehicle wrapped vinyl is recommended.
Fabric colors: Custom rainfly color options will be available down the road. For the immediate future, the rainfly color will be standard.
That's all for now...more to come soon.
-- RESULTS! --
The RTTx has been tested in some of the harshest weather conditions imaginable. From hail to monsoon rains, high winds, and of course hot conditions, the RTTx has done its job brilliantly.
MPG results - numerous long trips have been completed. We have logged results with a 2016 4Runner Trail (modified). Average mpg's from 4 trips (loaded) have been 16.5 to 18 mpg. (results varied due to hills, weather, and traffic).
The prototype mounting solutions have worked out tremendously well. The older vehicles with direct mounting were the lowest, while the 4Runner's mounting has been simple and allows the vehicle to maintain it's stock accessories (Ex: Sat radio antenna).
-- MOUNTING --
The RTTx has been designed to work with off-the-shelf rack mounting systems from Rhino Rack. Namely - the Rhino Rack Backbone. All modern / present day vehicles utilizing this system will do so moving forward. It presents an easy, yet solid solution and works extremely well.
For those running older vehicles: The RTTx will be a custom option, specific to your vehicle. Vehicle examples include older FZJ80's, 100's, etc. The tents will be direct mount ONLY to provide the lowest profile / lightest solution.
Rack mounting: The RTTx has been designed to be a lightweight, low profile RTT solution. Therefore, while rack mounting is possible, it will not be recommended. Accessory mounting will be available directly on the tent itself. (Awnings, Maxtrax, etc). Reasoning - the rack alone adds substantial weight above the COG as well as preventing the slipstream airflow....which in turn lowers your MPG's.
Bed Racks: The RTTx will work perfectly with bed racks. More to come...
-- MATTRESS OPTIONS --
We are aiming for 3 options of mattresses. We are presently testing custom foam, NEMO Equipment's Cosmos and the Exped MegaMat inflatable. Each would represent a Good, Better, Best scenario and will be an individual choice at purchase.
-- FABRIC CHANGE --
We have determined the fabric tested is overkill for what the tent actually needs. Simply put - a RTT does not need to be a Poly-Cotton canvas. Why you ask? Modern Poly-ripstop fabrics are lighter, more robust and offer the same amount of ruggedness. Having 32lbs of just fabric makes little sense. Look for future updates we move forward on this.
-- COLOR CHANGE --
The framing will now be an anodized silver with white panel infill. Reason - silver anodizing will result in a longer lasting finish, and the color will be a better reflector of heat. If a custom color is needed - vehicle wrapped vinyl is recommended.
Fabric colors: Custom rainfly color options will be available down the road. For the immediate future, the rainfly color will be standard.
That's all for now...more to come soon.
Following
I've been following this project on Expedition Portal -- interested to see how it progresses. I'll be in the market for a RTT before too long.
- Thread starter
- #109
Testing out the Lux Foam mattress... Oooo, so comfy. 
Just some feedback on the color change from someone who is definitely interested in this project. The anodized black would be far preferable cosmetically to the silver anodized and anodized regardless of color should have the same wear characteristics. I do understand the choice of white for the top and bottom panels themselves and don't see that as being an issue for most and if it were that would be far easier area to wrap than the aluminum frame and hinge areas.
Keep up the good work, I'm looking forward to updates as they come.
- Thread starter
- #112
Based upon testing and material research, black anodizing has a tendency to fade and dull faster than the silver. It will also show "trail striping" more easily. The decision to change is a direct result of field testing. And...the cosmetic appearance will look fantastic, I assure you.
Besides, anyone can wrap one of these very easily. In fact, Autohome recommends this method as well.
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Neat! I like. Just one thing.
I'm not trying to be fussy, but my OCD is kicking in.
Aren't topo map contour lines usually marked every 10', 50' or 100' interval? And usually the bold lines represent higher deltas, like 100'?
According to the gradient of this map, the very first contour line represents -50', below sea level. Is this intentional?
I'm not trying to be fussy, but my OCD is kicking in.
Aren't topo map contour lines usually marked every 10', 50' or 100' interval? And usually the bold lines represent higher deltas, like 100'?
According to the gradient of this map, the very first contour line represents -50', below sea level. Is this intentional?
- Thread starter
- #114
This looks awesome. I've been casually eyeballing RTT for awhile and with a cross country trip on my horizon for next September, this is good timing for me. Any link to the kickstarter campaign or to pricing?
- Thread starter
- #116
Happy New Year, everyone!
The RTTx status as of 12/30/19:
- A lot has been accomplished. As such a lot of inquiries and questions have come up as well.
- In-the-field testing has concluded with numerous results taken
- Overall, the tent has passed many hardcore weather events. Including - hail, heavy winds, downpours, etc.
- Coming out of testing some design changes are being implemented. Namely - materials, fabric and rainfly modifications.
- Final designs are being completed that will enable some state-of-the-art material and fabric improvements.
- Work is currently underway to secure final parts sources and vendors. (this is the stuff that takes crazy time)
What's left?
Once we have secured all partners and parts vendors needed for a smooth transition into production, we will open up ordering and get things moving.
Reason: Once we open up things on Kickstarter, etc...we want to be able to quickly implement production and the resulting orders in a minimum wait-time versus, having our customers wait for product. (as seems to be the case with the usual Kickstarter Campaign).
All of this is dependent on the lead time of parts. Please note - usual time to raw materials and custom parts is approximately 6-8 weeks+. We are working on reducing this as best as possible. But this is usually something that improves with time and numerous orders.
The simple fact is - Terrapod would rather come to the table offering a product that is ready-to-go, versus the usual routine of having customers wait months if not year's for the product they paid for.
The Terrapod RTTx has already been designed, prototyped and tested in the field. It is ready to go. The rest is making it happen.
Stay tuned. We are working hard to get there...properly.
Cheers and Happy New Year! Here's to a great 2020.
The RTTx status as of 12/30/19:
- A lot has been accomplished. As such a lot of inquiries and questions have come up as well.
- In-the-field testing has concluded with numerous results taken
- Overall, the tent has passed many hardcore weather events. Including - hail, heavy winds, downpours, etc.
- Coming out of testing some design changes are being implemented. Namely - materials, fabric and rainfly modifications.
- Final designs are being completed that will enable some state-of-the-art material and fabric improvements.
- Work is currently underway to secure final parts sources and vendors. (this is the stuff that takes crazy time)
What's left?
Once we have secured all partners and parts vendors needed for a smooth transition into production, we will open up ordering and get things moving.
Reason: Once we open up things on Kickstarter, etc...we want to be able to quickly implement production and the resulting orders in a minimum wait-time versus, having our customers wait for product. (as seems to be the case with the usual Kickstarter Campaign).
All of this is dependent on the lead time of parts. Please note - usual time to raw materials and custom parts is approximately 6-8 weeks+. We are working on reducing this as best as possible. But this is usually something that improves with time and numerous orders.
The simple fact is - Terrapod would rather come to the table offering a product that is ready-to-go, versus the usual routine of having customers wait months if not year's for the product they paid for.
The Terrapod RTTx has already been designed, prototyped and tested in the field. It is ready to go. The rest is making it happen.
Stay tuned. We are working hard to get there...properly.
Cheers and Happy New Year! Here's to a great 2020.
Well, I was completely sold on purchasing a GFC RTT, but my only complaint was that there is not a direct bolt on application for it on my GX470. I started a thread to discuss mounting options this morning and smittcrusher was quick to point me in your direction.
Early on in this thread, it was noted that custom mounting options would be available. Fingers crossed that includes the 470!
Early on in this thread, it was noted that custom mounting options would be available. Fingers crossed that includes the 470!
- Thread starter
- #119
Howdy - if there is a Rhino Rack Backbone for your GX470 (I believe there is), you are good to go. The only special setups we will offer are for rigs that have rain gutters like 80 & 100 Series. The Backbone provides an off-the-shelf direct bolt on solution...it looks like this:
I'll email Rhino Rack. All I'll I've seen on their site are options for the GX460/Prado 150.Howdy - if there is a Rhino Rack Backbone for your GX470 (I believe there is), you are good to go. The only special setups we will offer are for rigs that have rain gutters like 80 & 100 Series. The Backbone provides an off-the-shelf direct bolt on solution...it looks like this:
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