ARCHIVE Tired of all the "same", big honking RTT's. So I made a new one. - Terrapod!

[JJBiggs]

Well...it's official. I'm now a Small Biz sponsor. Let's see where this goes.

 

[spressomon]

I missed it somewhere, but what is the max thickness mattress and/or total bedding height (including mattress, etc.) this will accept?

 

[JJBiggs]

I missed it somewhere, but what is the max thickness mattress and/or total bedding height (including mattress, etc.) this will accept?

I am not offering mattresses. Reason - it is a personal choice. I will however, have recommendations (2).

1. NEMO Equipment Cosmos 50L insulated inflatable mattress. (I am personally going this route...very comfy)
2. A custom foam (your desired thickness and quality of up to 2.5-3") from thefoamfactory.com

I have personally experienced both products. Both are solid.

Version 2 offers less storage space, but still possible on a minimal basis. Version 1 offers the most versatility.

 

[BMThiker]

I think the real question @spressomon is asking is what does the interior space measure when closed? So that one may shop for their own or confirm what they already own will fit with (hopefully) a few cm to spare.

So, you are saying 2.5 to 3" is the interior space?

 

[JJBiggs]

So, you are saying 2.5 to 3" is the interior space?

The actual total height of the interior cavity, when closed is about 3.4". I'd recommend a max of about 2.5-3" to allow for the fabric to fold in.

Reminder - the tent was designed for the lowest possible profile, while retaining some functionality for keep bedding up there. That is why, I'd recommend the NEMO or a 2"-2.5" foam.

 

[yotadude520]

Sub'd.

I know it's probably too early to ask, but what's the price going to be on one of these once they're in full phase production?

 

[JJBiggs]

Sub'd.

I know it's probably too early to ask, but what's the price going to be on one of these once they're in full phase production?

It is a touch early. Final pricing is due to be completed once summer testing is finished. These will be bespoke custom tents with a price range similar to Autohome. The exception being - the buyer gets a custom tent exactly to their preference and options selected.

 

[Jarred]

Good stuff. Expecting the price will be highly competitive compare to outside suppliers.

 

[JJBiggs]

UPDATE... RTTx001 is now mounted up and ready for an adventure. Here it is mounted on my 2016 Toyota 4Runner Trail. The mounting rails are Rhino Rack Backbone with 3 custom 3/4" high extruded aluminum crossbars. The tent then directly bolts to those and is completely removable.

Also note - I mounted up a Rhino Rack Sunseeker awning. With the custom crossbars, this mounted up very easy. (Big fan of Rhino Rack products).

Since mounting up 001 & 002, I have road test each one. I am blown away by the results. Virtually ZERO wind noise. Buffeting from semi's is virtually zero. I am extremely pleased with the highway tests to date. More to come as these begin their adventures in the coming weeks.

(Note - this is 001. Meaning, it's the ugly one. The one a lot of lessons were learned on. 002 & 003 are much prettier.)

Closed:

Open:

 

[Box Rocket]

Very interesting and impressive! Looks well thought out and constructed. I've been looking for something like this to put on my 80. Was considering the GoFast RTT but it hasn't seemed quite *right*. I'll be sure to check it out at Cruise Moab next week!

 

[JJBiggs]

Very interesting and impressive! Looks well thought out and constructed. I've been looking for something like this to put on my 80. Was considering the GoFast RTT but it hasn't seemed quite *right*. I'll be sure to check it out at Cruise Moab next week!

Yes please do. Mark is supposed to be there with his 80. (He has 002).

 

[8cam]

Yes please do. Mark is supposed to be there with his 80. (He has 002).

Whaddaya mean "supposed to?" Will be.

 

[Jarred]

That looks very impressive!

 

[JJBiggs]

Sometimes...poo happens.

Did a water test on 001 last night. It failed. Upon inspection...I found the reason. My own fault - a rushed fabric install. (Insert a facepalm here).

Well...that’s what I get. In my haste (..excitement?) to install 001, I screwed up the orientation of the bonded fabrics. And...found a couple places that I didn't fully sew up. As a result, created a water wick that pulled the outside water along the bottom edge directly into the interior.

Not gonna lie, cutting away all the fabric with a razor knife was a little unnerving.

Moving forward with the updated design (currently on 002). Not all bad - this is why 001 exists. To fail...so others can be made better.

Welcome to the world of product design.

 

[BMThiker]

Is the clamshell designed in a way to make the fabric removeable/replaceable?

 

[JJBiggs]

Hahahaha...no. It is bonded and will require a ridiculous amount of elbow grease to get off. FWIW - I am NOT looking forward to this whatsoever.

 

[BMThiker]

oooh, that is unfortunate. I was thinking something like a bead seam or t-slot would hold the fabric into an extruded track inside the perimeter of the box.

 

[JJBiggs]

oooh, that is unfortunate. I was thinking something like a bead seam or t-slot would hold the fabric into an extruded track inside the perimeter of the box.

Not at all. During the R&D phase i looked heavily into all types to allow for removal. None allowed for total dust / water intrusion. Bonding - did. A 100% closure. In fact, nearly all hard shell RTT's are mechanically hard fastened or used in combination with glue to hold it in place.

 

[BMThiker]

I get it, I'm just participating in my own brief internal charrette over here

 

[Jarred]

At least you found the possible future issues. Way to go