Smittybilt Overlander Tent review.

About 16.5 inches from the bottom of the base of the tent to the top of the ladder when tent is folded up. This is for the smaller Overlander tent and not the XL Smittybilt tent.

 

Love my XL with annex!!!! Used it multiple times so far.

 

Awesome!!

 

I'm wondering... can that be turned to open over the rear?

Not sure if I'd ever get one - I have a camper trailer with all the glamping amenities... but it would be interesting.

 

This model is the XL Overlander 2883 and pretty long so turning it to open over the rear would make your car way too wide (76 inches wide). So no this won't work.

However, the smaller version overlander 2783 of this tent might actually fit facing rearward (I looked up dimensions and the length of the smaller version is only 56 inches closed) meaning this would end up being the width of your roof. My roof rack is 47 inches wide and width of truck is 65 inches so hope this gives you persective. Then the tent would be able to open over the rear (total length 95 inches when tent opened, which is the distance from the front of your bed going backwards). Hope I explained this well enough. I still suggest you do your own math just in case.

$995 Smittybilt Overlander Roof Top Tent - 2783

https://www.4wheelparts.com/Outdoor-Lifestyle-and-Camping/Smittybilt-Overlander-Roof-Top-Tent-2783.aspx?t_c=88&t_s=565&t_pt=9576&t_pn=S/B2783

 

The xl is massive built a trailer due to the overhang on the truck. Sleeps 3 with plenty of room

 

Man that's badass. Maybe eventually I might have to build a trailer. Can you provide pics of your setup with the tent closed? Of course only issue with that is that I could see difficulty going on tight trails pulling a trailer. My last trip I had to turn around a couple times in some tight canyons.

 

I bought mine during the fall during one of 4wheelparts sales. Free shipping and no tax was like $850 for the XL and $650 for the smaller one. I definitely suggest waiting for the holiday sales if you want the best price.

 

Another shot with the XL which hangs about 10 inches over rear of shell and 8 inches over cab. In my opinion this is a great fit for this length of tent.

 

I also have a a smittybilt RTT I had it for over a year and have about 60 nights in it and no problem but next year will be upgrading to a tent with a overhang over the ladder.

 

Build thread
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/timbos-roof-top-tent-expo-trailer-build.478277/#post-14537976


Picture

 

Damn... yeah, that XL is huge!

Were I to want to use an RTT, I think I'd put it on a trailer. I like the trailer setups, but think it would be pretty cool to have a trailer that raises up... so you can lower the RTT while in transport, then raise up so you could potentially use an awning on the platform, and not have to squat to get under it!

 

I'm gonna try mine on the back. .. 6ft bed once I get the voodoo rack on.

 

Get a arb awning with room attachment. Wife uses that to change and where we keep all of our totes and gear. I can unhook the trailer and go hit the trails when we get back I can set up in 20 minutes. That’s everything on my trailer. Best part is if I have to go somewhere I don’t have to fold up the tent to go anywhere.

 

Another one- Death Valley. They are really good when you are nomadic and moving each day to a new site, especially if the site is rocky or it is dark out. We were ready to sleep in it after just 5 minutes setup time. I also recommend getting a couple wedge levelers like these - so much easier.

$33 Camco Yellow Drive On Tri-Leveler, Raises Your RV Up by 3-7/8" Works on Any Tire , Has Built In Handle, Load Capacity of 3500 lbs, Durable Non Slip Surface (44573)

https://www.amazon.com/Camco-Tri-Leveler-Capacity-Durable-44573/dp/B000BUQOFO

 

What suspension do you use?

 

I have the OME bp-51 with rear dakars and AAL to support the extra weight

 

Thank you. One more question. Does it make sense to install Dakars leafs and/or AAL with stock rear shocks? I'm think about supporting a little bit additional weight(I have the same RTT).

 

Don't quote me on this because it's only based off of what I read and my rational mind thinking. But, I think you could just go with an AAL in your case and that would stiffen your rear more and help prevent sagging especially when you have gear in the back at the same time. The only issue is if you have the stock suspension when you don't have weight in the rear your rear end might sit rather high compare to front. That is why most people lift the front also 2-3 inches.

 

Great review, thanks for taking the time to post. I’ve looked at several RTT’s but just haven’t pulled the trigger yet. This one is a much better price point.