Hmmm sounds like maybe a Chinamans RTT Tent run is in order 
Maybe if we go on Cheesmans ball busting leader training to Moab as well
Maybe if we go on Cheesmans ball busting leader training to Moab as well
Pros and Cons of a Roof Top Tent
- Thread starter Uncle Ben
- Start date
Bikeman
Hard Core 4+
I'll go on Chinaman's with you with my RTT on.
From what others have been saying on Mud, it sounds like it may not be the thing for the Rubicon. Now that I think back, there were a lot of times on the AZ trip I didn't want all the pine trees to rub all over and hit the RTT. I was seriously thinking Adventure Trailers. Here I go about building a nice, lightweight 80 with tube and low CG, ie no sub-tank, spare inside, no dual batteries, etc, and now the damn thing loaded up is heavy. I believe the best thing is a trailer and set up at base camp and wheel with a lighter vehicle. This doesn't help Ken, though with the Rubicon.
With about 2K into mine, I don't think I would want to damage mine. Ken, I would sleep inside tthe rig this time above your drawers somehow, and enjoy you Jayco for other trips.
From what others have been saying on Mud, it sounds like it may not be the thing for the Rubicon. Now that I think back, there were a lot of times on the AZ trip I didn't want all the pine trees to rub all over and hit the RTT. I was seriously thinking Adventure Trailers. Here I go about building a nice, lightweight 80 with tube and low CG, ie no sub-tank, spare inside, no dual batteries, etc, and now the damn thing loaded up is heavy. I believe the best thing is a trailer and set up at base camp and wheel with a lighter vehicle. This doesn't help Ken, though with the Rubicon.
With about 2K into mine, I don't think I would want to damage mine. Ken, I would sleep inside tthe rig this time above your drawers somehow, and enjoy you Jayco for other trips.
Hee heeeee what a great thread! I had hoped it would bring out comments and progressive thinking! Y'all make me so proud....you really do.....
Robbie never stops amazing me! The last two years as a professional driver have taught him so much the rest of us could only imagine!
I am totally in on a Chinamans RTT camp-out! I think as many of the Rubithoners we can get should do it and I also think a trip to Holy Cross is in order for the same group equipped much like they will be on Rubi! We will learn so much about our trucks reactions with a load, how to work together and what we need for camping as a group. Everyone is a piece of the big picture!
I have not yet wheeled with my RTT either. I have had it mounted for a couple months and I have done some minor trail condition experiments and like Bikeman has mentioned...there isn't a huge difference BUT there is A difference! Rubicon will be a challenge, without a doubt! If it wouldn't be I doubt we would be drive gas guzzling tractors across the western desert just to get there and back! I know my abilities as a driver and a spotter. I do not fear the Rubicon but I have also wheeled it before! I look forward to wheeling the 80 through it as it will be a lot more of a demand of my line picking and driving skills than driving a well set up FJ-40 through it was! Will I get a dent or scrape.......odds say yes- my ego says no. Will I be really pissed off if I dent a quarter panel....not gonna be happy but no one twisted my arm to heard a moose through a garden gate so I'll take my wounds and live with my choices. I have faith in my driving skills and I know my friends and I really don't think I'll have a problem! That said, let me get back to the topic....
Pros
*It's a RTT! Unzip, fold out, drink beer, eat, fall asleep....
*Clothes, food and supplies are in the back of the cruiser tent and sleeping bag is not!
* It's weight is spread out over a large area when folded up
* I don't have to try to get a trailer over an obstacle while my Cruiser is doing another!
* Pull into any parking lot and go to sleep - try that in a tent!
* It is cool...hate to say it but that is a pro!
Cons
* There is an additional 11+ inches up there to watch out for!
* Gonna cost some more premium on the highway!
* CG is higher
* When not in use it is a PITA to store someplace dry and protected.
* Gotta have a buddy help load and unload it .....but sharing a couple cold ones with your helper is often worth the effort!
* Like a snorkel, everyone wants to know WTF "that" thing is.....
* If something goes wrong your sleeping quarters might be a pain to open and keep closed!!!!!!!!
I gotta get to bed but thats a pretty good list so far out of that spooky place between my ears!
I had hoped it would bring out comments and progressive thinking! Y'all make me so proud....you really do.....Robbie never stops amazing me! The last two years as a professional driver have taught him so much the rest of us could only imagine!
I am totally in on a Chinamans RTT camp-out! I think as many of the Rubithoners we can get should do it and I also think a trip to Holy Cross is in order for the same group equipped much like they will be on Rubi! We will learn so much about our trucks reactions with a load, how to work together and what we need for camping as a group. Everyone is a piece of the big picture!
I have not yet wheeled with my RTT either. I have had it mounted for a couple months and I have done some minor trail condition experiments and like Bikeman has mentioned...there isn't a huge difference BUT there is A difference! Rubicon will be a challenge, without a doubt! If it wouldn't be I doubt we would be drive gas guzzling tractors across the western desert just to get there and back! I know my abilities as a driver and a spotter. I do not fear the Rubicon but I have also wheeled it before! I look forward to wheeling the 80 through it as it will be a lot more of a demand of my line picking and driving skills than driving a well set up FJ-40 through it was! Will I get a dent or scrape.......odds say yes- my ego says no. Will I be really pissed off if I dent a quarter panel....not gonna be happy but no one twisted my arm to heard a moose through a garden gate so I'll take my wounds and live with my choices. I have faith in my driving skills and I know my friends and I really don't think I'll have a problem! That said, let me get back to the topic....
Pros
*It's a RTT! Unzip, fold out, drink beer, eat, fall asleep....
*Clothes, food and supplies are in the back of the cruiser tent and sleeping bag is not!
* It's weight is spread out over a large area when folded up
* I don't have to try to get a trailer over an obstacle while my Cruiser is doing another!
* Pull into any parking lot and go to sleep - try that in a tent!
* It is cool...hate to say it but that is a pro!
Cons
* There is an additional 11+ inches up there to watch out for!
* Gonna cost some more premium on the highway!
* CG is higher
* When not in use it is a PITA to store someplace dry and protected.
* Gotta have a buddy help load and unload it .....but sharing a couple cold ones with your helper is often worth the effort!
* Like a snorkel, everyone wants to know WTF "that" thing is.....
* If something goes wrong your sleeping quarters might be a pain to open and keep closed!!!!!!!!
I gotta get to bed but thats a pretty good list so far out of that spooky place between my ears!
We'll talk -- I have another very large tent. So are you in, man?
Almost a positively definite
- how's that for committment RTT, tent, whatever it is, the fact that it will be ON the Rubicon is
my .02:
rtt's bad side:
IF you run expedition style, or wheel to camp, they are pretty impractical in forests. Hard to always find a level (or to level your truck) spot.
not always room above you
unique hardware, and not many plan b options for set up.
they take up a ton of space on your rack compared to separate ten options, leaving less room for provisions and gear outside the truck, where they should be stored for expeditions/wheeling to camp.
heat. having to set up "in the clear" means almost always direct uv exposure. Not very comfortable in the day, and lowers lifecycle.
Ladders. they become a pain, especially after a few beers when you need to drain the tank.
Cleaning. Always a part of the truck, so dismantling and removal a pain.
Repair. See above.
The good about RTT's.
They look cool.
They scream: "I have money and I am definitely cooler than you"
They also mumble: I watched way too much "mutual of omaha" when I was a kid.
I have also heard one say: "I wear pith helmets too some times"
Seriously though, if your concern is being on the ground, you can get a decent 4 person tent, mini cots (really cool ones these days - small footprint and light weight) for less money, and have WAY more flexibility.
If I were going to be camping/traveling in areas with abundant, big, nasty toothed carnivores and lots of poisonous reptiles or arachnids more than 4 times a year for days at a time, where there were lots of options to park, I would consider it. Other than that, they are just for the cool factor when you pull into the campground or into the known open spot at the end of a wheeling run.
rtt's bad side:
IF you run expedition style, or wheel to camp, they are pretty impractical in forests. Hard to always find a level (or to level your truck) spot.
not always room above you
unique hardware, and not many plan b options for set up.
they take up a ton of space on your rack compared to separate ten options, leaving less room for provisions and gear outside the truck, where they should be stored for expeditions/wheeling to camp.
heat. having to set up "in the clear" means almost always direct uv exposure. Not very comfortable in the day, and lowers lifecycle.
Ladders. they become a pain, especially after a few beers when you need to drain the tank.
Cleaning. Always a part of the truck, so dismantling and removal a pain.
Repair. See above.
The good about RTT's.
They look cool.
They scream: "I have money and I am definitely cooler than you"
They also mumble: I watched way too much "mutual of omaha" when I was a kid.
I have also heard one say: "I wear pith helmets too some times"
Seriously though, if your concern is being on the ground, you can get a decent 4 person tent, mini cots (really cool ones these days - small footprint and light weight) for less money, and have WAY more flexibility.
If I were going to be camping/traveling in areas with abundant, big, nasty toothed carnivores and lots of poisonous reptiles or arachnids more than 4 times a year for days at a time, where there were lots of options to park, I would consider it. Other than that, they are just for the cool factor when you pull into the campground or into the known open spot at the end of a wheeling run.
farnhamstj
Hard Core 4+
We rented a rig with a RTT in Australia. It was real small for 4 of us to sleep in. It took about as long to set up as a regular tent by the time you got the wire things pluged into the rain fly and getting the waterproof cover over it sucked. Also smelled like mildew.
Plus sides were it rained more than you could imagine and we stayed dry. We awoke one morning to 4" of standing rain in the campground. We were safe from the kangaroos and dingos.
Plus sides were it rained more than you could imagine and we stayed dry. We awoke one morning to 4" of standing rain in the campground. We were safe from the kangaroos and dingos.
DaveInDenver
Rising Sun Ham Guru
Aw shucks, it's not that good. One advantage that the 'Nest has over a rack-mounted RTT is that I can definitely stand up in my truck and I don't radically change the COG compared to a regular fiberglass topper (about 20% higher COG than just a topper). I'm not about to take the 'Nest off for the Rubithon, but I am not adding a roof rack or anything else up high. I will be putting water and fuel cans inside the truck in the box, so that should help keep weight low.
I've had my sway bars off for about 7 years. With IFS that's less of an issue if the springs and shocks are dialed in for the truck. I feel it handles better with them off in fact. With a solid axle and flexy springs that could definitely be a different ball of wax, though. Dean uses removable sway bar links on his trucks where I've never felt the need to spend the money to put mine back on. Different strokes.
Now for some gratuitous camper p0rn.
Thats a nice setup Dave.
Rezarf
Hard Core 4+
I always wanted to make my 40 top do that, but the small roof makes it impractical for sleeping if you are over 5'8"
Cool, thanks Dave,
Cool, thanks Dave,
RockRunner
Hard Core 4+
Hmmm sounds like maybe a Chinamans RTT Tent run is in order
Maybe if we go on Cheesmans ball busting leader training to Moab as well
I'm up for Chinaman, may even had a RTT by then to practice with
If I decide to get one
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DaveInDenver
Rising Sun Ham Guru
Thanks.
Two or less people = Nice
More than two people = Not Nice (in fact impossible)
I'm a huge fan of the 'Nest and Flip Pac on pickups, but it's far from the ideal solution.
RockRunner
Hard Core 4+
RTT's do look cool and being of the ground does add to the safe factor.
John makes strong points too, for the cost of an average RTT you can get a great tent plus all you need to go along with it. I am trying to figure out how to make all of my stuff fit. If I add a rack I can load up a good amount of items and be safe and comfortable. If I add a RTT I loose my rack space and have to load the inside of the truck to the max. Weight is a factor no matter how minor when you have a 22RE.
I checked out the Oasis II and that is a viable option, lighter and smaller are definite pros. Cost too is a plus, time to do more research.
I am really torn about what to do, a RTT would make it easier on me setting up. Sleeping in a tent or RTT would not be much different I would think, either way I would use a mattress. The ladder would be a pain every time you need to get something or ??? Dogs would have to sleep in the truck since they do not know how to climb ladders. With my truck sitting tall already adding to the COG would not be in my best interest. I do have some ideas and will be experimenting later this spring when it warms up a bit, I'll post the results.
So far I am leaning towards a regular tent and a rack full of camping goodies. This may change as time goes on, we'll see.
John makes strong points too, for the cost of an average RTT you can get a great tent plus all you need to go along with it. I am trying to figure out how to make all of my stuff fit. If I add a rack I can load up a good amount of items and be safe and comfortable. If I add a RTT I loose my rack space and have to load the inside of the truck to the max. Weight is a factor no matter how minor when you have a 22RE.
I checked out the Oasis II and that is a viable option, lighter and smaller are definite pros. Cost too is a plus, time to do more research.
I am really torn about what to do, a RTT would make it easier on me setting up. Sleeping in a tent or RTT would not be much different I would think, either way I would use a mattress. The ladder would be a pain every time you need to get something or ??? Dogs would have to sleep in the truck since they do not know how to climb ladders. With my truck sitting tall already adding to the COG would not be in my best interest. I do have some ideas and will be experimenting later this spring when it warms up a bit, I'll post the results.
So far I am leaning towards a regular tent and a rack full of camping goodies. This may change as time goes on, we'll see.
sleeoffroad
Hard Core 4+
The one place where the RTT shines is when it starts raining. I used one two or three years ago at CM when we had all the rain. Everyone on the ground was wet, tents were wet and they were wallowing in the mud. The RTT was high and dry.
RTT's are not for everyone! If I would have tried one before I leaped I would not have prioritized the purchase nearly as much as I did. I would like to give my fellow members in the club a chance to make a better choice about this especially if you are teetering on the fence. If you would have a good solid roof rack and would like to see how your vehicle feels with a RTT on it and also if you would like sleeping in a tree house I will let you bolt mine on your truck for a week. This of course is on the condition that you understand that if you damage it you fix it! This will give you a great opportunity to see if the hassles of loading and unloading it and of course storing it when not on your truck are worth the flavor of using it. My RTT is the Explorer series from Mambossa that Chad is offering. It is a significant upgrade to the bargain blowout tents we all went in on from IH8MUD. I'm not dissing the earlier Mambossa's as they have a couple advantages over the newer style too but the build and material quality of the newer styles is definitely an upgrade! Think about it and let e know....
I will let you bolt mine on your truck for a week. This of course is on the condition that you understand that if you damage it you fix it! This will give you a great opportunity to see if the hassles of loading and unloading it and of course storing it when not on your truck are worth the flavor of using it. My RTT is the Explorer series from Mambossa that Chad is offering. It is a significant upgrade to the bargain blowout tents we all went in on from IH8MUD. I'm not dissing the earlier Mambossa's as they have a couple advantages over the newer style too but the build and material quality of the newer styles is definitely an upgrade! Think about it and let e know....
Thats a great offer Kevin, you are truly a gracious individual.
Curious why you feel differently about it after you bought one.
Thats a great offer Kevin, you are truly a gracious individual.
Curious why you feel differently about it after you bought one.
Thank you Romer....my goal is just simply to provide an opportunity for my friends that is rare.
I think my reasoning has been expressed several times. Obvious question to ask your self right now..... do you have a place to store a non compressible box that you can get to when needed (maybe 1-3 times a year) but doesn't get trashed while it's stored that is 12"x4'x5'? Also, if you decide you want to toss it on and go camping is there someone that can help you lift 60lbs 7' in the air while walking besides your Cruiser for about 10 feet? A crane and platform system is the perfect solution as long as you have an 8+foot garage door or carport opening!
Slightly different topic on the OZ tents (not roof top) but you have to love Kowboy. He calls it like he sees it
RockRunner
Hard Core 4+
Thanks for the offer Kevin, that would definitely help in making a decision. Your points as usual are spot on. Storage is a big concern for us. My shell hangs in the garage during the summer, I guess I could put the tent next to it on my side.
Cost for the 1-3 times it is used is way out of line for my budget but .................
I spoke to an old friend of yours Kevin, Jon Davis. I just bought his old fiberglass fenders for my 4Runner. We talked for about 2 hours about everything and nothing. The Rubicon came up and I asked him the RTT question. His reply gave me some encouragement, maybe 3-4 spots that a RTT would have a problem with. Those spots can be completed usually with a little counter weight on the sliders or a pull on a strap.
Looks like the decision is more of a comfort/convenience factor now versus performance. Also I guess the mileage that would be lost during the drive up and down. I figure a 2 MPG loss with the tent if you only mount that to the roof. If you already have a rack full of stuff wind resistance stays the same and the weight is negligible.
2 MPG at 3000 miles = 30 gallons more in fuel. This is based on a 15 MPG truck, 200 gallons for 3000 miles and at 13 you would use 230 gallons. Average cost of gas during the trip I think will be $3.50 so an increased cost of $105 to use a RTT.
Cost for the 1-3 times it is used is way out of line for my budget but .................
I spoke to an old friend of yours Kevin, Jon Davis. I just bought his old fiberglass fenders for my 4Runner. We talked for about 2 hours about everything and nothing. The Rubicon came up and I asked him the RTT question. His reply gave me some encouragement, maybe 3-4 spots that a RTT would have a problem with. Those spots can be completed usually with a little counter weight on the sliders or a pull on a strap.
Looks like the decision is more of a comfort/convenience factor now versus performance. Also I guess the mileage that would be lost during the drive up and down. I figure a 2 MPG loss with the tent if you only mount that to the roof. If you already have a rack full of stuff wind resistance stays the same and the weight is negligible.
2 MPG at 3000 miles = 30 gallons more in fuel. This is based on a 15 MPG truck, 200 gallons for 3000 miles and at 13 you would use 230 gallons. Average cost of gas during the trip I think will be $3.50 so an increased cost of $105 to use a RTT.
The pro of this tent is obvious. It comes with a nice bumper.
I do like the way the ladder comes up under the tent rather on the edge. Is that an ezi-awn?
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Toyo...018QQitemZ280195673617QQrdZ1QQsspagenameZWDVW
I do like the way the ladder comes up under the tent rather on the edge. Is that an ezi-awn?
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Toyo...018QQitemZ280195673617QQrdZ1QQsspagenameZWDVW
Bighead
Trail Ready
It looks like the ARB RTT.
EDIT: Here is the ARB link for it... http://www.arbusa.com/rooftop-tents.php