RTT Help

Wasn't sure where to post this, but I'm looking at my 1st RTT. The two i've narrowed it down to is the Tepui Kukenam ruggedized and the James Baroud Horizon Vision. I like the openness of the horizon, but I want something that can hold up in the worst rain storms. I like camping in Maine, and things can get bad there throughout the year. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

Edit: If there are any other brands anyone recommends, I would love to hear about them.

 

I'm happy with my ruggedized tepui, I have not heard of the James baroud so I can't compare the two. I like the extra mile they go for with the ruggedized model, just makes sense to me.

 

What's the worst rain you've had it in? I know it's heavy but can one person manage it off and on?

 

One person can open and close a RTT pretty easily. It's a little faster with another set of hands to tuck the fabric in and get the cover situated and zipped, but still easily doable alone.

Edit: Might have misunderstood the question. If you mean taking the tent on and off the truck alone rather than opening and closing that changes things. It weighs over 100lbs and is a pretty bulky/awkward shape, so taking if off and on the truck is really a two person job. You could rig up a pulley type system to store it hanging from a garage ceiling and that would make it much easier to get on/off.

 

Only had it in one rain storm and it did fine. Wasn't a crazy storm by any means but enough to test the waterproofness. My fiancé and I can manage it together. Be tough on your own but I'm sure you could rig up a system to aid taking it off and putting it on

 

Lodi,

I have a tepui ruggedized. I don't remember if it is the Kukenam or the Autana, but its been able to withstand some heavy hail, wind, and rain. I do recommend it.

 

I have a Tepui Autana ruggedized, and rent out/sell Tepui tents up here in BC. My wife and I have slept through many torrential downpours, for days in a row, and never gotten wet inside, other than any condensation which is normal regardless of tent make. The ruggedized does have the condensation mat to help keep the mattress dry though.

I would recommend Tepui, and not just because I'm bias. Their customer service is second to none

PS, I bought a Tepui tent before deciding to start our business

 

Search function goes a long way. Thanks for the look up.

 

I too was comparing these two models. I ended up with the Kukenam Ruggedized. I don't think you could go wrong with either one. Things that I liked about the JB were the fabric and that no additional fly was necessary. However, when I crawled into the Kukenam it was huge. it is 10 inches longer and only 2 inches more narrow. Also, the Sky feature was exactly what I wanted too for when no fly was necessary I could just gaze at the stars. My shop didn't sell JB tents, but said he could get me one and that they we well worth the money. I'd say see if you can sit in both and then decide. Good luck with the purchase.

 

Thanks for all the help everyone! I am in the long process of being a vw Diesel owner, and trying to get rid of the car. So when that happens, i'll take that money, trade in my 08 tacoma and either get a 4runner or new tacoma, haven't decided which yet, and will need a tent for adventures, so i'm doing my research now.