Cheap RTT for those on a budget.

Do you know which one he uses? My thing is the double cabelas folded is massive. I can’t really gauge a size for the single, but it looks more doable.
The kamp rites fold a lot better.. but the cabelas ones are on sale hehe

 

I think it was the double from cabelas. Him and his wife would both sleep in it. Might have been the single and they crammed themselves in.

This was awhile ago

 

Ive been looking online and emailing some places. Can’t get one of these on Amazon. Looks like I can get one from eBay. Shipping to Hawaii is my issue. Would you guys say high $500 to $600 is still worth it for one of these? A roof top tent would be in the $1000 and hassle of going down to the docks to pick up. Your guys opinions would be greatly appreciated. When I first saw this it blew my mind.

 

That is a very high price.

 

Thank you. I would agree... it looks like I have to put that on the back burner for now.

 

I got mine for 170 shipped. It was a second that needed some work, but I was willing to do that.
I see they have a new one there now:
https://www.vminnovations.com/Product_127977/Kamp-Rite-Oversize-Camping-Tent-Cot-Gray.html
Not sure on the size or if shipping to you would be an issue.
Check it out. Good luck.

 

Thank you sir. They dont unfortunately have the double right now that I was looking for, but I appreciate the link and your input! I’ve realized in the past couple of weeks that camping might not be do able realistically until my kids are a little older anyway... so til then I’ll keep an eye out for an opportunity to present itself !

P.s. your thread was one of the ones I read thru for inspiration as well. It’s great that there are people such as you who make contributions.

 

I appreciate that.
Thank you.

 

Took my setup for a test and I'm happy with the results. Aside from being cost effective ($140) the tent breaks necks, lots of people camping were impressed by the setup.

Thank you for all the write-ups that shared information.

 

Damn it...I wish I never saw this thread or saw it before I bought my shell a couple months ago...the weight and money savings plus functionality seem amazing when combined with bars over a tonneau.

 

I put mine on a shell.

 

Just picked up the Cabella double deluxe tent cot lat night and spent some time this morning mounting it





Ill be giving her a proper test in a few weeks time, but tonight ill see how well it does in the cold north at -1c temperatures

 

Up for sale ... a great set up that works very well. Decided to go another route as I'm getting older and climbing in and out of the truck bed doesn't make sense. $100, includes custom waterproof cover.

 

Smoking deal!

Don't suppose you would ship to Nova Scotia?

 

PM Sent!

 

@Tooshort

 

Howdy Y'all, I want to start off by thanking the thread for some valuable info and ideas regarding this thrifty RTT idea.

I'm running a Cabelas double cot tent with the Exped MegaMat Duo 10 LW+ and an REI Siesta 30 Double Sleeping bag with everything mounted on 12ga Unistrut bolted directly to the bedsides. The tent is then covered by a Harbor Freight canvas tarp strapped tight with tie-downs.

Everything works flawlessly as a budget entry-level RTT without all the bells and whistles of a $1,000 plus option. It's gotten me and my girlfriend outdoors comfortably and off of the ground. The real star is the Exped mattress, I couldn't believe how much more comfortable it was compared to the Hikenture Double Sleeping Pad that was recommended in the thread. We used the Hikenture for two trips but eventually stopped keeping air but the Amazon seller was nice enough to give us a full refund.

Noted by other users of the Cabelas tent is, the support bars are extremely uncomfortable so without a quality air mattress you're gonna have a rough night. Another complaint is it gets a ridiculous amount of condensation inside because of the flat roof and small size. The tent itself fits two people but at times feels more like a coffin than a tent.

All in all, if you're really on a budget this is a great alternative but if you can afford the nicer options with vaulted type ceilings, I would invest in a legit RTT.

 

if you're willing to modify the Cabellas double tent cot - i figured out a method that solves the condensation issue.

cut the plastic vinyl moon roof out and replace it with a proper bug mesh.


Yes, you'll need to run the rainfly when it rains, but we both know how wet you get inside that tentcot with it on...

tried to sleep in it the day before and the condensation finally got to me since i got it and figured to do something about it. But ever since cutting the moon roof out and replaced it with a bug mesh, it's infinitely more bearable without needing to get an

$36 Eva-dry E-500 Renewable Wireless Mini Dehumidifer

mini dehumidifier like i was planning to, though it might be useful if you have 2 people inside the RTT. also to note, i do run a little usb fan for about $5 on sale to help circulate the air.


this coming weekend i have another trip i'm heading up to to give it another go

 

Wow that is a great idea! I'm not sure how soon I'll do the bug mesh mod since I don't have a proper sewing machine but I can only imagine how much of a difference it makes. A mini fan will definitely be in the tent next time I use it