Can a big guy fit in a Magiolina RTT?

[Jim McCann]

Probably going to buy one of these RTT for my use here in Alaska, on my Wrangler, and on some sort of rack over the bed of my Dodge Mega Cab pickup. But I'm 6'3" tall, and maybe 225 #s. Looking at the specs for the Extreme model - 'cause I live where conditions are often extreme - it looks like I could fit inside okay. It would likely be just me inside.

Thanks for any guidance offered!

Jim

[mrchips]

Go to www.autohome.it the official website, and look under Maggiolina Safari, they make an extra long model. As I have come to understand it will fit you no problem.
I am going to look at the same unit next month, as I am 6.6 and Mike S from Autohome USA has told me I should fit just fine. Shall see.

[Corey]

Here is a good thread.
http://expeditionportal.com/forum/sh...ad.php?t=35969

And the US site www.autohomeus.com will have the Maggiolinas listed soon in the extra length size according to Mike who runs the site and posted in the above thread and this single post.
http://expeditionportal.com/forum/sh...3&postcount=14

[Jim McCann]

Thanks, gentlemen. I did talk with Mike one day this fall and he said something about a larger model coming out. By that I thought he meant a larger model of the extreme. I tend to buy anything with the word "extreme" in it because our weather can get downright nasty at times-a lot of the time. So I'm not sure the other tents will make me happy?

Jim

[Mike S]

Thanks, gentlemen. I did talk with Mike one day this fall and he said something about a larger model coming out. By that I thought he meant a larger model of the extreme. I tend to buy anything with the word "extreme" in it because our weather can get downright nasty at times-a lot of the time. So I'm not sure the other tents will make me happy?

Jim

Jim -- We now have the Maggiolina AirLand in XLong in stock. Mattress is 6' 8" long. I think that you would like it.

[BIGdaddy]

I'm 6'0" 265lbs with fairly broad shoulders. I JUST fit in our maggiolina. I think ours was considered a "medium" model.

[BIGdaddy]

Jim -- We now have the Maggiolina AirLand in XLong in stock. Mattress is 6' 8" long. I think that you would like it.

There you go. That'll do ya. The matress is very comfortable on these tents. You won't be disappointed.

-B

[Corey]

I would go for the one Mike just posted.
I have the medium regular length Maggiolina AirLand and really dig it.
I am only around 5'9" or so, so no problem with it.

[Jim McCann]

Mike,

In terms of "extra tough," as mentioned on your web site for the "Extreme" model, how does the Airland figure in? I'd be using it in high winds, heavy rain and snow, and possibly downright frigid temperatures. But then again, the plan is to chase the sun somewhat in retirement, ending up in AZ to hunt quail till February 8. Of course, I must keep in mind the long, cold trek home after that AZ season ending. It gets pretty nasty between the lower 48 and Fairbanks in February! Seems to me I'd be better off with something having a tougher roof and such?

Jim

[Mike S]

Jim

The Maggiolina Extreme is a nice tent - I use one myself. The difference between the Extreme and other Maggiolinas is the construction of the top. Since the Extreme has a built-in rack system it requires that we stiffen the roof, which is done by using a double shell in parts of the rear of the shell that creates a space that is filled with injected structural foam. In order to support roof loads the lift mechanism is re-inforced. These two variances make the Extreme heavier than a standard Maggiolina by about 15 pounds. Weight is critical in RTTs, so the Extreme is only made in small size.

If weight were not an issue, a tent could be built like an ice-breaker. But we keep the weight of our heaviest tents (large Maggiolinas) to less than 155 lbs. in keeping with roof rack loading limits imposed by OEMs and the largest suppliers of racks - Thule and Yakima.

The composite upper shell of a Maggiolina is designed to flex under stress. This is accomplished, in part, by the fiberglass fabrics selected, the lay-up process, and the resins employed. About the only damage we see in these tents is when someone forgets the tent is up there, and drives into a parking garage or under an overhanging tree limb. Fortunately the upper shell can easily be repaired by a boat repair shop using standard marine fiberglass repair techniques (West Systems publishes a series of very good guides, as well).

In short, the single real advantage in choosing an Extreme over other Maggiolinas is the ability to carry modest loads on the roof rack. All the Maggiolinas have the same materials and capabilities (except as noted above) and performance in extremes of weather. I have used my Maggiolina down to 15 or 20 degrees F. Other users report use in temps below zero. The materials used operate very well in extremes of temperature, and, with the addition a of a winter hood and appropriate bedding, will serve you well in Fairbanks - even in winter.

PS: The internal volume of a tent is very important in cold weather camping. A low ceiling and minimum interior volume will retain the sleeper's body heat much better than a large, high top tent. This is the same idea that is employed in the small mountain tents used by climbers and arctic travelers. The addition of a 12V under mattress heater further insures a warm night's sleep.