2007 Mombasa Tent

[adventureduo]

Well, both Skillet and I replaced our previous models and bought the new one. Here is my first impressions.. and im sure Skillet will post his up next. He has a thread on mud already.


-They did a way better job making this version. The quality of work is still lacking a bit.. but it's 100x better than the previous version.

-Better mounting. They use extruded aluminum cross beams channels that house the bolts and plates to mount to the roof rack. Their adjustable and much stronger than before.

-Lot of setup and break down compared the 2006 model. I liked not having to do anything but open the old one and toss my sleeping bags in it. We'll see if the extra 5 minutes of setup is worth it.

-The ladder is max'd out. I may need to get the extension from my buddy that i ordered for the last one. However, the ladder is way better built and we feel much safer.

-A zipper for the cover in front? Yeah right! I didnt even try zipping that up! There's no way without a ladder i could do that! Who thought of this? Maybe someone that is mounting it on a GEO METRO.. but not our rig.. it's too hard to manage. Works fine without zipping it up by the way.

-The GF loves the grab handle they put in this model for getting out and climbing down. Very good idea!

-Way taller than the 2006 model when packed up.

-Much higher quality (almost like canvas) tent, still low quality craftsmenship(threads coming undone, straps stretching, found a tiny hole, etc)

That's about all i noticed yesterday... havent really climbed in the thing yet.. just peaked inside. Once again, for the price.. it's a great tent. Im not complaining!!!

Here are some packed up pics... matches the rig perfectly! Love the grey cover! We'll see how it lasts! I now have room for some bundles of firewood between the tent and the NATO cans.

Comparison Shot of the height of the OLD and NEW tent. It's much taller.



Room for firewood between tent and NATO cans.


I mounted it in the rear so i could put the cover on it easier.






All in all.. it must look pretty good.. i got a thumbs up on the way home after installing it
We'll see how well it functions in the field. Thats what matters.

[Skillet]

Well, here is my $.02...


Expedition model Roof-Top-Tent.

I sold the old Mombasa, it was simply too big for me, plus I could not take the cheesy steel ladder any more.

Ordered the 2007 Expedition model from Mel in Texas and so far, I am pleased with the tent. The new ladder design is awesome and very sturdy. Tent material is more stout and much more attention has been paid to fit and finish detail. Setup is a bit more involved with the awnings but I guess that goes with the territory. So it takes about 5 extra minutes to setup.

Many have said that it ripped off Eez-Awn's design, etc., not sure about that, and not sure if the quality is comparable to them as I have never seen an EeZ-Awn up close. However, at around $1000 less, I will take this one all day long and still have a cool grand in my pocket for other mods.

The zipper cover closure is kinda funky but I get it done on mine, much more weather resistant than the old design but a bit more time consuming like the awnings. To my knowledge, both designs were "borrowed" from much more costly tents.

I am thinking that if I am in a rainstorm and I can keep my windows open without getting wet, it will be worth it.

You definitely need the ladder extension, mark my words. I bought it just in case and if I had not had it, this campsite below would have been impossible. JUST DO IT! Another suggestion is to carry a cordless drill with you for the first few trips to make some new adjustment holes. That is what I have been doing and it comes in mighty handy.

Here are some links to to other threads on this site that have many good pics of the tent in action, both open and closed...

http://expeditionportal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=5994

http://expeditionportal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=5829

[MaddBaggins]

I'm in the market for a rooftop tent. Have you tested it in heavy rain yet or with a garden hose?

[adventureduo]

Nope.