Suggestions please on RT tents, etc.

[gearguywb]

Hey everyone,
We have been reading with great delight about everyones adventures and travels on the board and have decided to do a little adventuring of our own for vacation. We currently have a pretty well built FJ cruiser, lifted, bumper, winch, armor, etc., and we are looking at purchasing a roof top tent for our trip. I have a full length ARB roof rack on the way. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated on RT tents, etc. It will be the two of us, and a spoiled rotten German Sheperd travelling together. Right now we are looking to head north from NC toward Maine. Suggestions on route and destinations would also be appreciated.
Thanks,
Merle

[erod]

not to many people on this forum use roof top tents:) , serioulsy though, search "roof top tents" on the forum and i am sure you will find what your looking for. also, great review in the most recent overland journal...cheers!

[mountainpete]

First thing to do is subscribe to Overland Journal at www.overlandjournal.com. In the first issue there is a comprehensive test of roof top tents.

Also as mentioned, there are lots of discussions on the forum regarding tents. Take a look through the Camping forum (http://expeditionportal.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=30) and you will find lots.

Pete

[spressomon]

First thing to do is subscribe to Overland Journal at www.overlandjournal.com. In the first issue there is a comprehensive test of roof top tents.

Also as mentioned, there are lots of discussions on the forum regarding tents. Take a look through the Camping forum (http://expeditionportal.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=30) and you will find lots.

Pete


The did a good/OK job reviewing...not a great job of reviewing IMO; They missed some loud short comings of the Overland...like the cover isn't even close to keeping dust out of the tent when travelling...unless you never venture off pavement; lots of sharp edges to abrade rather quickly through the cover; the aluminum "poles" (for lack of a better word) that reside on the bottom of each door are not sewn in...so in a moderate wind: #1) They bang around...until #2) they eventually fall out; a moderate rain, unless it falls straight down without any wind effect whatsoever will creep into the gaping holes at the bottom of where all the tent uprights come together...there's a few more glaring short comings that were missed.

They said, in the foreword, they were not going to hold back to protect their advertisers...but the tent review was a little soft IMO.

[xcmountain80]

I honestly don't know which tent will fit your rack that will be one of your concerns. I have a 4runner but have been trying to get an exp. style rack made or modded for it and considered the ARB rack but the measurements weren't good for my roof tent. I have a Hannibal and still cant believe it was the lightest out of the bunch tested, I thought that was the heaviest SOB to put on the roof. Another thing make sure you have a strong friend or 2 to give you a hang when taking it on and off.

Aaron

[xcmountain80]

The did a good/OK job reviewing...not a great job of reviewing IMO; They missed some loud short comings of the Overland...like the cover isn't even close to keeping dust out of the tent when travelling...unless you never venture off pavement; lots of sharp edges to abrade rather quickly through the cover; the aluminum "poles" (for lack of a better word) that reside on the bottom of each door are not sewn in...so in a moderate wind: #1) They bang around...until #2) they eventually fall out; a moderate rain, unless it falls straight down without any wind effect whatsoever will creep into the gaping holes at the bottom of where all the tent uprights come together...there's a few more glaring short comings that were missed.

They said, in the foreword, they were not going to hold back to protect their advertisers...but the tent review was a little soft IMO.
Would you have preferred a 4-5 season tent test like MSR/ Olympic tents used to do with the firehose? I thing they still use that method or something similar. Maybe a test revision is in order, 40 mph drive test for noise and fabric stability, fire hose water pen. pressure test, and flame retardant test (jk). My wife and I were in a tropical storm for a night in the Hannibal, little damp but certainly a tough azz tent.

AAron

[spressomon]

Would you have preferred a 4-5 season tent test like MSR/ Olympic tents used to do with the firehose? I thing they still use that method or something similar. Maybe a test revision is in order, 40 mph drive test for noise and fabric stability, fire hose water pen. pressure test, and flame retardant test (jk). My wife and I were in a tropical storm for a night in the Hannibal, little damp but certainly a tough azz tent.

AAron

No...I would have expected a review based on more than driveway type use. Like I said it was a good review...but given the type of rag they portray I expected a more comprehensive review.

I have an Overland...bought it new. But I am dismayed at the number of glaring design/construction oversights...for a tent that's been around long enough to not have 1st or 2nd gen issues! Now if it's price reflected its crudeness in some of the areas I mentioned above...then that's a different deal. But Autohome has positioned it in the upper echelon of RT's out there price wise...not to mention Italians are usually better designers than what they supposedly contributed to this thing...

[Skillet]

If I might be so bold, Dave (socalfj) and myself are fairly happy with the knock-off version of one of those other tents, if that is what it is...

Look here for our ideas. http://expeditionportal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=6016

The mounting system is very adaptable and the size would be great for the top of your rig.

The cover zips on and keeps EVERYTHING out. Nothing rattles in the wind.

No sharp edges.

I may get barked at by tent enthusiasts, but the biggest + so far...$1000 savings over the others. That is going to buy my new lighting system or an INTI rack.

Just my $.02. :beer:

[xcmountain80]

Very true, I thought that might have been where you were going. Though I figured some mil. spec test ideas wouldn't hurt either. I do understand a more real world approach as apposed to the "driveway" would have been more suitable . I liked what they had to say none the less and we all like what we like and it did offer a fair review on each. Enough I think for the avg. overland consumer to make a sound selection. Thinking back I don't know that anyone on here is very avg. Im certain we all have our quirks.

Aaron

[spressomon]

If I might be so bold, Dave (socalfj) and myself are fairly happy with the knock-off version, if that is what it is...

Look here for our ideas. http://expeditionportal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=6016

The mounting system is very adaptable and the size would be great for the top of your rig.

The cover zips on and keeps EVERYTHING out. Nothing rattles in the wind.

No sharp edges.

I may get barked at by tent enthusiasts, but the biggest + so far...$1000 savings over the others. That is going to buy my new lighting system or an INTI rack.

Just my $.02. :beer:


Just my point: $1,000 should have bought something bigger than the gigantic OVERLAND on each end of the POS cover. I think between the two of us we just helped a bunch o'folks out! And no subscription dues :REOutShootinghunter to boot (I loved the other articles/stories in this new rag however!).

If I didn't know different I'd say, based upon 9-months of usage, this thing was designed AND manufactured in some crapanese far off corner of the third world =8^|

Sorry for the rant guys...but it IS 2007 afterall!

[Skillet]

(I loved the other articles/stories in this new rag however!).

Mine is right here on my coffee table and I have gone through it multiple times. A great read, well put together and worth the money (that is some high budget paper, man!)

I just can't find the review on my tent! :shakin:

[Mike S]

We have hundreds of OverLand owners (including me) who have used their tents in all kinds of conditions and are more than satisfied. It is a very good tent.

That said, we do not want any unhappy customers. Zero. From the beginning of AutoHomeUSA a we have offered satisfaction guarantee - it's right on our website next to the 5 year warranty statement. Do as you should have done when you became unhappy with our product -- contact me, and I will replace your OverLand or credit the full price paid for your OverLand against the cost of a new Maggiolina. Any model or size.

Mike S
AutoHomeUSA
888-852-2359

[Skillet]

We have hundreds of OverLand owners (including me) who have used their tents in all kinds of conditions and are more than satisfied. It is a very good tent.

That said, we do not want any unhappy customers. Zero. From the beginning of AutoHomeUSA a we have offered satisfaction guarantee - it's right on our website next to the 5 year warranty statement. Do as you should have done when you became unhappy with our product -- contact me, and I will replace your OverLand or credit the full price paid for your OverLand against the cost of a new Maggiolina. Any model or size.

Mike S
AutoHomeUSA
888-852-2359

Now that is service! :beer:

[spressomon]

We have hundreds of OverLand owners (including me) who have used their tents in all kinds of conditions and are more than satisfied. It is a very good tent.

That said, we do not want any unhappy customers. Zero. From the beginning of AutoHomeUSA a we have offered satisfaction guarantee - it's right on our website next to the 5 year warranty statement. Do as you should have done when you became unhappy with our product -- contact me, and I will replace your OverLand or credit the full price paid for your OverLand against the cost of a new Maggiolina. Any model or size.

Mike S
AutoHomeUSA
888-852-2359


Mike,
That's a gracious offer...but I'd rather you tweak the Overland and address a couple of the shortcomings; because I do like it better for my purposes than the Maggiolinas. There are a number of positives of the Overland as you are well aware: Like the sturdy well designed ladder; the tent fabric material is wonderful...dark when the full moon is out and breathable to keep cool even during hot nights; and the fact it folds into a fairly compact unit. Tweak it just a bit and you'll move from the third ring to the bullseye! And then I'll take you up on your offer to swap :) .

[gearguywb]

Sorry guys, didn't mean to stir up a hornets nest....

I have searched through some of the past threads and there is some great info there. I was more concerned with mounting on this vehicle as I have not seen one done. Thanks!

[Desertdude]

I am using two different style RTT's made by Autohome you can see them mounted

here (http://web.mac.com/desertdude/iWeb/80.series.landcruiser/maggiolina.tent.html)

here (http://web.mac.com/desertdude/Clolumbus.Tent.Site/index.html)

and on the Tacoma (http://homepage.mac.com/desertdude/PhotoAlbum133.html)

I have made te trip up to Maine on many occasions and always have a great time. Be sure and check out Camden Maine as well as the campgrounds up in the hills there, with its great hiking and views of the coastline. If you can get up to Bar Harbor the National Park and rough coast is also a must see.

[Mike S]

Mike,
That's a gracious offer...but I'd rather you tweak the Overland and address a couple of the shortcomings; because I do like it better for my purposes than the Maggiolinas. There are a number of positives of the Overland as you are well aware: Like the sturdy well designed ladder; the tent fabric material is wonderful...dark when the full moon is out and breathable to keep cool even during hot nights; and the fact it folds into a fairly compact unit. Tweak it just a bit and you'll move from the third ring to the bullseye! And then I'll take you up on your offer to swap :) .

By July I expect to have final specifications, and maybe a prototype of a new fabric tent that I am certain will be better than anything else on the market. I expect Fall deliveries. We will keep all of our newsletter subscribers posted.

I am planning on attending the Adventure Trailers get together at Blackrock. Perhaps I will be you there.

[spressomon]

By July I expect to have final specifications, and maybe a prototype of a new fabric tent that I am certain will be better than anything else on the market. I expect Fall deliveries. We will keep all of our newsletter subscribers posted.

I am planning on attending the Adventure Trailers get together at Blackrock. Perhaps I will be you there.


Good news...and I will be at BR...look forward to meeting you!

[adventureduo]

I have to agree with Jeb. Im buying my aux fuel tank with my $1,000 savings. :shakin:



If I might be so bold, Dave (socalfj) and myself are fairly happy with the knock-off version of one of those other tents, if that is what it is...

Look here for our ideas. http://expeditionportal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=6016

The mounting system is very adaptable and the size would be great for the top of your rig.

The cover zips on and keeps EVERYTHING out. Nothing rattles in the wind.

No sharp edges.

I may get barked at by tent enthusiasts, but the biggest + so far...$1000 savings over the others. That is going to buy my new lighting system or an INTI rack.

Just my $.02. :beer:

[Desertdude]

I just can't find the review on my tent! :shakin:

Posting this for another point of view/experiance on the knock off rtt

http://forum.ih8mud.com/showpost.php?p=2222959&postcount=51

[adventureduo]

Here's a link of ALL the comments.. good and bad.

http://forum.ih8mud.com/showthread.php?t=108461

That was the old model by the way.

[cruiseroutfit]

...That was the old model by the way...

Be sure to take that into consideration, as it has been pointed out the new Mombasa RTT is VERY different than the previous model. Vastly improved IMO...

[adventureduo]

here's a side by side comparison of the EEZI AWN and the RTT.

http://www.racktents.com/Eeziawn.html

[Scott Brady]

First off, thanks for the comments on the article, but it is important for you to know that the article was already 10 pages long and we reviewed five tents. It would be nearly impossible to dedicate any more copy to the review. Our goal is to offer the most comprehensive testing possible, and I believe Chris accomplished that. The review contains testing and results not found anywhere on the Internet or in print, including set-up and pack-up times, interior light and noise readings, tent and cover thickness, ladder evaluations, detailed pros and cons of each unit (cons are certainly not a positive spin for the advertisers), water ingress testing, pad thickness, etc. We even declared an "editors choice", which certainly shows that we are not just pandering to our advertisers.

I am sorry to hear that you believe the review was a little soft, and would be open and grateful to receive your comments on how it could be improved within the confines of the pages available. Feel free to email me anytime scott {@} overlandjournal.com


The did a good/OK job reviewing...not a great job of reviewing IMO; They missed some loud short comings of the Overland...like the cover isn't even close to keeping dust out of the tent when travelling....

I have used that tent on hundreds of miles of silt and dust in AZ without any measurable ingress of dust into the tent. More importantly, the cover keeps the majority of the dust out, but given that, it is still the exterior walls of the tent that might get some dust on them. I have not seen any dust inside the tent where we sleep.

We did comment on the shortcomings of the cover, which is installation and removal time.


unless you never venture off pavement; lots of sharp edges to abrade rather quickly through the cover; the aluminum "poles" (for lack of a better word) that reside on the bottom of each door are not sewn in...so in a moderate wind: #1) They bang around...until #2) they eventually fall out; a moderate rain, unless it falls straight down without any wind effect whatsoever will creep into the gaping holes at the bottom of where all the tent uprights come together...there's a few more glaring short comings that were missed.

We did not have high wind during any of the testing of the Overland, so it was not that we missed it, but that conditions did not exist to create the failure.

This was absolutely not a driveway test of these tents. We have tens of thousands of miles and hundreds of nights in these units. From 90 degree nights in the desert to -40 in the Arctic. Of course some of the test specifics were done in controlled settings to ensure repeatability and validity, which is necessary for credible results.

[Scott Brady]

Be sure to take that into consideration, as it has been pointed out the new Mombasa RTT is VERY different than the previous model. Vastly improved IMO...

We have a Mombasa RTT coming and will be testing it with the same methods used for the other tents. It should give us a good idea of how it compares, which if it is even close, the value will be pretty impressive.

[adventureduo]

I just got off the phone with Mel.. he told me about you testing them. That's great to hear Scott.

[jeffryscott]

We have a Mombasa RTT coming and will be testing it with the same methods used for the other tents. It should give us a good idea of how it compares, which if it is even close, the value will be pretty impressive.

Hey Scott, since you are getting a new Mombassa RTT to test, what about trying to get one of the Oasis II .. a test of the budget tents. I'm still very curious about that one, and it seems others are too.

[cbmontgo]

I have one of the older Mombasa RTTs mounted on my M101 military trailer. It is a decent tent for the $$. The trailer has a lid and I store fuel, water, or any other necessary gear underneath. It's a lot of fun and is great for longer expeditions. Here's a pic:

[cbmontgo]

Another pic (sorry, I couldn't edit and add on the last one):

[EricGagne]

Me and my friend are both shopping for RTT's right now and we're wondering, has the Mombasa been tested finally and if so where can we read the results ?

[Mekinac]

We have a Mombasa RTT coming and will be testing it with the same methods used for the other tents. It should give us a good idea of how it compares, which if it is even close, the value will be pretty impressive.

BuMp!


:REOutIceFishing: