RTT... A first time buyer's questions.

[3d fj]

I've been a lurker here for a long time. Only recently did i register here and i'm glad i did. I'd like to pick some of your brains here. My family is finally at the point where i can start to plan for camping trips. I have a 100 series LC and I will be camping during the spring/summer/fall months at any given time. I won't be camping in the winter. My wife is not that willing.

I've been reading and searching, and doing more reading and searching. There's autohome, hannibal, ironman, arb, camping labs, cascadia, mombasa, so on and so forth. If i am not looking for a hard shelled RTT, (to the first time buyer) they all look the same for the most part. Unfortunately, there isn't a store near me like EMS or REI that has these things on display to really evaluate. What i'd like to know, especially from those of you who have seen/experienced more than one tent, is... Are there key things to look out for or avoid when choosing a RTT? Of course if you have one model, you'll easily say "this tent suits me just fine, or my tent is awesome." My thinking is if everything is equal, apples to apples, why wouldn't you buy the less expensive model? What makes a similar suited ARB more expensive than a comparable camping lab or ironman? Brand? Country of origin? --> What's so bad about the made in china tents? Any and all input is appreciated.

[Uglyduck]

One primary difference between less expensive RTT's and the top shelf brands is the materials used. I don't know if you've read it yet but here's an article discussing various RTT materials and their properties. Ever wonder why a tent made of synthetic material gets condensation on the inside? This will explain why fabric selection can help remedy that.

http://www.expeditionportal.com/reso...s-an-care.html

[Finlay]

Like you, I spent a good couple months shopping around and stuff first. I got a Cascadia tent. I'm pretty happy with it, so far, although we haven't really used it yet; just set it up a few times and tried it out. The first time I use it will be next weekend. I'm pretty excited, I think it's going to serve us well.

But my rationale for choosing that one was that the (comparatively) low price compared to the others. That meant that I had more money for the other gear I needed to buy. Plus, used ones are rare in WI, so there wasn't much opportunity to save money that way. The plan is for us to start small/cheap and upgrade later when/if we need to.

In fact, I want to get a trailer for it next, and then maybe upgrade the tent. Depending on how it holds up and developing a better understanding of what I care about in a RTT. I'm imagine we'll probably go with a popup style next for better fuel efficiency, although the larger size of the conventional style has more appeal to me at this moment.

Anyway, The ARB and Eezi-Awns of the world use a better canvas (here's a good article) and are a bit better construction. On balance, I would prefer that; however, as I say, I have some competing priorities and that requires some compromise. Others would have chosen differently, I'm sure.

[Saiyan66]

I know that at least Cascadia will rent tents, so you could plan a trip near them (if thats feasible) and check the tent out for a week to decide if that is the way you want to go. Their stuff looks to be good quality and comes in pretty close to the lowest priced range.

[FrenchieXJ]

I have had 4 different RTT's and been around clients who have other brands from what I have had. I will say that the finest (for my needs) is the Autohome brand. Until the last couple of years I used my RTT's 150 to 200 days a year. I have used the Autohome Extreme in all kinds of weather, desert at 95 degrees at night, mountains where I have 12" of snow on the tent, winds measured to gusts of 68 knots, rains from light mist to downpours and all of this without any problems. Note; the winds were hard to sleep in as the vehicle was rocking, but not any problem with the Autohome tent. I do have the winter hood and awning with the changing room, which the wife really likes. I did make my own 12' X 12' awning for additional shade on the hot desert trips. This awning uses the Autohome awning attachment points, but gives me additional shade.

From my experience when you know a product is the best (even if it cost a little more) why buy a cheaper product to replace with a better product, only to replace with the best in the end.

As you can see I like the Autohome brand as this meets my needs. What your need may make a different brand suit your needs better.

[3d fj]

Thanks for all the input here. This is a pretty tough decision. Initially, i wanted a large tent (ie. cascadia mt. rainer). The potential occupants would be my wife and two kids (3 y/o and 6 months now). This summer we are planning a trip somewhere with just my 3y/o and my wife. By getting a larger tent, i am trying to do a little future proofing. Now, i'm beginning to think i want a smaller tent with an annex. Now my thoughts are toward the ARB simpson or the ironman. The most significant difference that i can find by reading the specs is in the fabric used. The arb uses a poly-cotton fabric whereas the ironman uses a rip-stop nylon. All the ground tents i've ever used have been rip-stop nylon tents. If i've been fine with those, i should be fine with the ironman right? The price difference between the two is about $600 including annex. What i'm trying to figure out is, is the ARB worth $600 more? decisions.

[gotink]

Not in my mind ....only thing you get with arb in my mind, is the service ...I've got one of the knock offs, no problems with it so far had it a year and a bit know...the only people I known that have had problems with there tents had arbs....yes they got it fixed had great support,ect ect ..is it worth $600 bucks,not to me I saved enough that when the time comes to upgrade Im already that much ahead

[Colin Hughes]

I've been using either an Autohome Maggiolina Extreme or Columbus Variant for the last five years. The hard shell tents are well worth the extra money. Either one works for me, I do like the larger rear opening on the Variant though. Great on starry, clear nights. I've been able to adapt the roof rack on the Extreme to take Thule bars and carry my canoe on top of the tent.

[GS1150]

I was a first time rtt buyer until I bought and sold my ARB Simpson III with annex. It was a nice tent, but the things i didn't like was: I'm 5'9 180 and the mattress was too hard. 2nd is that sometimes, even as agile and flexible as I am I found it somewhat difficult to climb out of the small door. I researched for months before I ordered one in Colorado, never seen one before in person, and drove from Alabama while on vacation to pick it up. Without seeing one in person it's difficult, but if I did it again I'd go with one with a large entry like the Autohome, then look at other options especially with a family.

[kramme]

I've been using either an Autohome Maggiolina Extreme or Columbus Variant for the last five years. The hard shell tents are well worth the extra money. Either one works for me, I do like the larger rear opening on the Variant though. Great on starry, clear nights. I've been able to adapt the roof rack on the Extreme to take Thule bars and carry my canoe on top of the tent.

Hi Colin, I have a Maggiolina Airtop, and yes I also love the Autohome products! When you get time I would love to hear more and/or see via a pic how you worked out carrying a canoe, I have been wanting to set something up to carry a Kayak.