RTT or ground tent

I bought a RTT back in 2015, Tepui Kukenam I think is the model. Me and GF had a lot of fun doing some trips in it, and a lot of camping around home on the weekends just to get out of the house. I loved it the first couple years but am defiantly going back to ground tent. Have a dog now and a baby, and I always found it to be an inconvenience having to pack up every time you had to go somewhere.

Also pretty crazy expensive compared to a ground tent. I had a case of the fuck it’s and to many beers and got a little trigger happy with my credit card the night I ordered my Tepui. No Ragrets

 

I'd say at least for now go with a ground tent and see if it's something you really get into and keep doing. I have a 10 and 12 year old and we've been camping with a ground tent since my youngest was 2 1/2. I've thought about a RTT but having it mounted to the truck is not something I want because I lose the functionality of the bed. We have been using a ground tent and it hasn't been an issue for us. The only thing I will say is with having the SB space is vey tight and i feel like I'm playing Tetris every time we pack to make things fit. We're looking at getting a bigger tent, so now I'm looking at cargos trailer too for additional space.

Your kids are small and as long as they're having fun don't thing they'll care whether it's a RTT or ground tent.

 

So I have a RTT. Wayyyy up there on top of my bed rack.
And I have 4 kids. 3/5/12/16. NONE of them have ever fallen out of the tent or had any issues wanting to even explore the edge.

If you truly want a RTT. Get one. And sleep by the door. If you’re still worried about them somehow opening both zippers without waking you up and somehow getting out to fall out, then buy some D rings or simple locks, hell a zip tie and just secure the zippers.

You can debate this whole thing (and it has been SO much) but at the end of the day it’s up to you OP. There are awesome ground tents. And there are awesome RTT. It’s your adventure, your time with your kids. As long as your having fun that’s what matters.

oh and btw, same argument for ground tent, what if kids get out and wonder off... blah blah blah. We can go on for days.

 

I have a 3 and 7 year old. Plan on getting a Smittybilt XL this march. Cant wait. The kids are so excited about it.

 

We went to the RV show and looked at all the fancy campers that i cant afford lol.

On the way home I asked the kids if they still want an RTT. They instantly said YES! I was so proud lol.

Whether it be a ground tent or RTT, getting out in nature and having a blast is all that matters

 

Would like to get the front runner system for a rtt. Already have a diamond back. I think we are going to stay with a ground tent first.

 

As a long time ground tent and backpack tent user, I’ve been looking at a rtt set up since I got my Tacoma. All the cons mentioned are relatively minimal for what I like to do outdoors

No kids, but two dogs. Even with the ground tent, they always preferred sleeping in the bed of the truck.

 

I’ve got RTT and have enjoyed it so far. Kids love it but, they prefer to sleep on fold out cots in the Annex. Son loves to help set up and take down. My kids are 9 and 11 so big difference in age of your children.

 

Wife and I have an REI Big Agnes
(Ground tent). When he have kids, we will probably use that or a trailer. Either way; our kids will grow up with some outdoor experience.

 

The kids will have a good time either way. I have both and use both often. I just happened upon an amazing deal on a Yakima rtt at an REI garage sale. If you have an REI nearby, check out their garage sales for tent deals. I have a Gazelle ground tent that is just as quick to set up/take down as the rtt. I prefer the ground tent if I’m setting up a base camp for a few days.

 

How much did the front runner rails, towers, and bars cost? I'm debating on adding that setup to my diamondback or going with some used voodoo bars I found on FB. Ideally, I'd like to mount the front bar on the center panel to allow me to open the front panel to access the crossbin.

 

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/cheap-rtt-for-those-on-a-budget.478273/

I’m super sold on this guys setup. If you wanna use as a ground tent just undo the u-bolts. Light inexpensive and versatile

 

It was steep, almost $500 with shipping. But I gotta say, very happy with it. Quality is great.