*THE RTT Owners Thread (With BS)*

I’ve got a couple RTT questions that have probably been answered, but I just don’t have time to read all 708 pages...

1) Are ARB tents made in China like most of the others? I’ve heard conflicting answers on that question.

2) Has anyone mounted an extended style RTT on a middle-height bed rack, and if so, is it a hassle? I have a bed rack on order through Bay Area Metal Fab, and the rack sits at about the top of the back window. Because of this, I’m guessing the annex will be mostly useless, since it is too short to stand under. What I’m more concerned with is that even with the annex removed, is it a hassle to duck under the extended part over the ladder in order to climb in?

Any help would be appreciated. I love the looks of the ARB, but if a low mounting height is bad with that design, I’ll reconsider.

 

The annex will be pretty useless at that height. It’s not a problem ducking under the extension, you can stand upright in the covered space underneath it and it makes getting stuff in or out of the tent easy. Your tent will sit a bit higher than mine.

 

Great photo, and thanks for the info. One issue I was curious about is the ability to open the cab-side window of the tent. From your photo it looks like it might be doable, if you didn't have anything mounted above the cab. And with mine sitting slightly taller than yours, it might not be a problem at all...

 

When I didn’t have the awning mounted I could open it using one of the metal bars and a bungee to the roof rack for the other side.

 

Since you've got the exact tent I'm looking at, let me ask you; Are you happy with it? If you could do it over again would you still buy the same tent/ brand/ etc.? Are you happy with the construction quality?

 

Overall I’m happy with it. When you get you’ll want to epoxy all the plastic fittings that go in the holes on the ladder and into the ends of the tube that supports the rain fly over the ladder overhang. The ladder is a minor annoyance, the plastic plugs being lost from the ends of the support will leave sharp metal tubing directly against the body of the tent in the pockets they slide into. Other than that I’ve had no problems.

That said, the best deal you’ll probably find on a similar quality tent would be a Tepui from REI during a 20% off sale.

 

Thanks! Tepui has always been appealing to me because they are a 5 minute drive from where I work, so no need for shipping. The down side is that I'd have to pay CA sales tax, which is pretty much a wash with shipping from out of state companies. From what I'd been reading, the ARB might not be made in China, while the Tepui definitely is. Whether that makes a huge difference or not, I don't know. Would the ARB quality be on par with Tepui's standard line, or with their Ruggedized line? The other brand I've been looking at is Gordigear. I know they are also made in China, but they have some nice features like the waterproof lining around the pad, so that the pad doesn't absorb water through the tent body. I'm not sure if Tepui or ARB have that.

 

Having Tepui 5 minutes from where I work, or otherwise local, would trump just about all other factors for me. At the end of the day, it is piece of sporting equipment and service after the sale may prove to be just important over the life of tent as the initial acquisition. Immediate, or at least fast-access, to small parts and repair items would be high on my list.

CVT is local to me and although I have yet to have anything go wrong, given how much I use it, I expect it will need repair or service at some point. My experience with CVT leads me to believe they will be there when I need them. I'd expect no less of Tepui.

 

Not sure if you are near a REI but you can always order tepui from rei during their 20% off 1 item. And then you can get all your accessories locally. I have a tepui ruggedized series and it's quality.

 

I have a CVT Mt Rainier on a cbi rack (mid height). The only "hassle" that I see with the set up is the annex is longer then the tent is tall. Annex still servers the same purpose.

As far as the window goes, yes it is true the window is blocked by the cab. There are work arounds for that tho. Cant remember what they are, but I've seen ppl post them here.

 

Bungee cord to an attach point on the rack.

 

Anyone have any tips on attaching a zipper pull back on the vinyl cover? I broke my zipper and got a replacement and cant seem to attach it.

 

Eventually I will get. RTT so this in definitely subbing thanks!

 

Fianlly has its first use this weekend. Worked awesome pulled great loaded down

 

What brand is that?

 

Another 23 Zero Bundaberg in the wild... Bought this demo unit from Jared @OverlandersEXPOoutfitters.
BAMF rack was a Craigslist find. RTT/Rack combo cost me less than 2k and the construction quality of the 23 Zero is impressive. I was originally going to mount the RTT on an Undercover Ridgelander, but the BAMF was priced at a fraction of the Ridgelander. I miss having the easy/secure storage of a tonneau, but I like having the tent clear of the rear view. Spent 3 nights in the 23 Zero; no issues during a Texas hill country thunderstorm last night. May move to an Alu-Cab Explorer in the future for the additional space and security/weatherproof storage.

 

Rendevous in the Ozarks...

 

Tent is the smittybilt xl and awning is the big arb one.

 

How did you attach the awning to the Smittybilt tent? The whole reason I haven't bought the XL was because they do not offer it with one.

 

It has its own mount @Overkill07