RTT's

I didn't see a dedicated camping forum section. I want to know why RTT's cost almost 10x's as much as a regular tent you can pick up for around 200 dollars? Most ground tents are bigger and have more room. Is there anyone here who can help me justify buying one? or at least steer me in the right direction for the information? I love the concept of having one and being able to have it mount over my bed. But I cant justify the price tag...

 

I think Andrew can explain it better than I can.

 

I'm researching RTTs myself, but here's my guess at your question about the why these cost so much is, these are a niche product and no where near as mass produced as the more inexpensive ground tents. Economy of scale is likely the strongest reason these are more expensive than even the largest ground tents. Since these are so niche, and people are willing to pay the $1k+ prices to get one, they'll keep selling them at their current prices, and why wouldn't they? If they ever catch on as popular as ground tents (and there's no way they will), more manufacturers will get in the game, more market share will be grabbed by making less expensive models.

In other words... they "why they cost so much" is because it's expensive to make so few of them and people are willing to pay that much.

I'm struggling with the justification on replacing my groundtent now too (or more likely supplementing my camping stuff). I don't think anyone else can justify it for me (or you), as we each have our own financial responsibilities and plans. Watch the video above, and all the recommended ones to get an idea of why they might be something you'd like.

A couple days ago in the automotive group buy forum someone listed a potential inexpensive RTT group buy that quickly got filled up. Tent prices were about $500-600 pending how many people signed up. The max number of folks quickly filled and there's lots of interest by others that got shut out (including me). I assume they'll likely be a bit below the quality of the current offerings by CVT and Tepui, but maybe that'll be good enough. Maybe keep an eye out there and see if a inexpensive RTT group buy is something you'd want to join.

 

Wow that was a really good video. Lays out some benefits that would help me but mainly disadvantages. Thank you for the link.

 

Thanks for the post. I figured that would have a lot to do with it. Its not really a spending money issue I could get one. But for me I don't want to just waste money either. I am glad both of you had really good informative posts. It helps me choose that a ground tent is going to be better for what I plan to do. Having a family and going on 3-4 day trips at one location pretty much cements it. I don't plan on only staying at places for one night and I can put the money I don't spend into better camping equipment.

 

Here's a RTT thread with tons of information.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/the-rtt-owners-thread-with-bs.312269/

another:

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/truck-camping-photo-thread.407866/

 

This, to me, is the number one reason for ground tent. I have a RTT, and there were times where I was camped at a state park "near" the beach. When I say near, it was biking, hiking distance, but otherwise inconvenient. It sure would have been nice to drive my truck out to the beach and onto the sand, but the RTT made that impractical. Then again, I am planning a trek where we will be moving each day. RTT works great for this. All in all, I think you are making the right choice going with a ground tent. They are generally considerably cheaper, so opting for a RTT later is still open to you. Find out what works best for you by actually experiencing some camping - that's always a great approach. Good luck! Whatever you decide.

P. S. Watch the other videos posted by 4XOverland. He does that stuff for a living and they are high-production value videos and very educational and inspiring.

 

Well I just found this on www.popupexplorer.com. This is definitely in the future as I planned to get a trailer and already have the small Jon boat. Look like the ground tent will have to suffice while I get this setup going. I am still open to a RTT but I do think now is not the right time for one.