Tacoma Habitat AT

I just shove bedding in a bag or tote. The true win is how fast it sets up and tears down. It's so much faster than a RTT, plus the built in awning over the tailgate, and the fact that I can stand up inside, really sells it all for me. I'm too spoiled with this thing.

 

Hm I like the awning idea but I'm looking at the Alucab expefyipn tent and that thing looks incredibly quick to set up (buddy has one). Factor in the topper and rack needed and I'm close to 5-6k. Maybe I'm overthinking the bedding

 

I was thinking the same set up Garret, except without Alucab. I've heard they have had some quality control issues.

Mitch, from Adventure Wired was informing me, his friend was making a aluminum rtt, that had a height of 6" in closed position, or something like that. (Less resistance and less drag).

Lots of options out there, just not sold on what to get. I really like the Habitat, but won't spend $10k. That's a lot of trips I can go on, in the name of a tad faster set up.

For now, I'll tent camp

 

What bumper is that looks nice

 

I am so close to ordering a habitat its ridiculous.... finally justified the 8600$ price tag in my head, called and had them send me an invoice.... OTD is 9,600$.. what really turned me away for the time being is the 500$ charge for installation. How long did this take for those of you that had it done? I mean you would think installation would be included when your customers are paying over 9k$ for your product.

 

The installation is so that the VARs can actually have an opportunity to make some money on the product. VARs don't make any money selling the Habitat alone.

 

Had to google what VAR was.... If your saying that a separate company is making money by charging for the install that is not the case because that quote was direct from Mario at AT overland, and included me going directly to his shop for install by his employees

 

Ouch... that's ridiculous if that's the case...

 

Agreed.. I mean Im assuming they use a forklift or some other sort of lift to install it... can't take more than a couple hours, and they are charging their very niche, devoted clientele 500$... Their may be other factors that Im not considering but I don't think so.

 

I think the biggest problem right now is that they really have 0 competition so they can charge what they want be it justified or not.

 

Pelfreybilt full hoop powdercoated black.

 

highly unlikely. I've seen the videos on Youtube of the installation. From what I've seen it's a forklift and they just plop it down. Is the install needed? I mean the thing weighs sub 400lbs can you just bring a buddy and load her up?

I think this is probably more the case... There were two members on here who did custom shells that were a mix between this and an alucab hard shell tent.

 

I understand your concern for price, but to be honest, they do top notch work and you get an incredible product. Every additional item costs money and time to install. I enjoyed the fact that the costs were itemized rather than wrapped up or hidden away. They're honest and upfront with everything. I had mine shipped to Ohio and installed it with a buddy of mine, I'd happily buy it again. I've had nothing but good support from the Adventure Trailers team. It's a new product, it takes time and money, but they do it right and stand behind it.

 

Completely understand they make a good product and it takes time and money to make... that is why they are charging 8,600$ (base price) My invoice was for a 100% basic version with 0 add-ons.

Couple questions for ya if you don't mind.

How much was the shipping?

Were you and your friend able to lift it on your truck?

How long did it take to complete the install?

 

Problem is I would be driving down there from my place which is about 12 hours and would only have my girlfriend with me.

 

For 10 k I'll buy an Rv lol

 

There is a certain amount of compartmentalized knowledge needed to install a habitat without literally fucking it up. A regular installer would likely use a standard bulb seal instead of the one AT ships with their Habitat. They'll likely use a fork lift and poke a hole into the Habitat tent and a bunch of other potential issues. The install accounts for specialized training to become an authorized reseller and installer. It's no different than when you get a cap installed at a local dealer with the exception that standard caps are just that, standard and easy to install. The Habitat does require a certain amount of care.

You gotta pay to play, nobody is forcing you to open your wallet.

 

Yeah, there is also a certain amount of knowledge needed to work on cars, and that is why many shops charge ~100$ an hour for labor, if this thing takes ~3-5 hours to install then I can understand the 500$, but if it takes (as I would imagine) more like an hour or less for someone that has done this 100 times and they are charging 500$ that is nothing but ridiculous.

 

I'm not trying to argue but I don't just throw away money and I find this hard to believe. How difficult can it be to install? How would anyone poke a hole into the tent that's even remotely competent? It looks like AT installs with a Forklift but if it is ~#400 then it should be no different than any ol' cap. Get a buddy or three lift it up set it into place and tighten her on.
https://vimeo.com/165890050

... NOW if he were getting specialized parts (USB, power, lights etc) then I can understand the price increase but to just plop a camper on top should take less than 30 minutes.

 

As it comes packaged, it's completely wrapped to prevent abrasion during transport to the VAR. The VAR is also required to painstakingly clean the paint surface and also remove trim, remove bed rails, triple layer of bulb seal, brake light wiring, and some other modifications. It took 3 guys at least 3 hrs. And keep in mind they have to test to make sure the tent opens and closes just fine too without any issues after mounting. Imagine if someone's bed was tweaked but not obviously until after install.