Smittybilt Overlander Tent review.

So far so good.

Not the greatest in wind. Rain fly takes a beating.

Rain caused ladder roof to cave in. Slightly bent bar.

Mattress is stiff but I'm slim so ok. LED light is great. Super bright.

Bought mine on black Friday last yr for $1100 cad.

 

What happened?

 

The skies opened up. Couldn't handle the onslaught of rain. Still works fine.

 

I used it in different conditions, but not for very cold winter nights. Just a cold wet mountains/forests, deserts and ocean high shores. It works very good for me, big enough for my family. One thing is poor fasteners, need to double check all and use loctite. Default mattress is not good for me personally, I added memory foam. Now it's cool to sleep inside. Rain fly is flapping when it's windy but can be quickly fixed by bungee cords. Another thing is poor sheeting but it's ok because this RTT is very cheap, I spent ~900$ usd for XL last xmas.

 

the weight of the rain bent one of the tent frame bars? (loops, whatever they're called)

Sorry if it seems like a dumb question, its just really surprising, and ive never heard of it happening before.

Mine has withstood a couple hours of frozen rain which turned into a 1/4" of ice, then another 3" of heavy wet snow and no issues.

 

What is the size of your family? Two adults and two toddlers? I ask because I would also be camping with my family and wonder how sleeping arrangements work and how comfortable a family would be in this RTT.

 

2 adults, one child(9y) and we have plenty of space inside

 

I have enjoyed my XL on my truck and now on my trailer.

 

Nice set up! I’m liking your awning, is that also a smittybilt product?

 

It is a Tuff Stuff, probably came out of the same factory in China. It has been a good little awning, it is mounted on my trailer now. I put a larger Dobinsons awning on my bed rack.

 

I’m working on my own overland trailer just welded up the rack on an old Toyota truck bed trailer I found online. I have a lot left to get done but it good enough to take out.

 

I see. Has anyone ever looked into buying some of this stuff direct from China? I image cost would be lower?

Solid set up! How’s the RTT for you? Any mods you’ve done or would like to improve on the tent?

 

I did replace the ladder with a Tepui telescoping one because of the height.
I need to set up a battery and power outlets on my trailer so I can get some lighting. It came with an LED strip and a long cord, but I don't want to close-line anyone.
I also want to put a small solar panel to keep the battery charged when sitting.

 

Very nice, is that a Datsun bed?

 

The main frame held up. Although I lost one the rain fly poles. Wind pushed it out. The bent one was the ladder roof extension. So much rain weighed the roof down it bent the bar.

 

The Smittybilt Overlander and Overlander XL Roof Top Tents provide you with the "Best Bang For Your Buck" from our experience. Yes, you could spend more and receive a higher quality RTT but you should expect to spend upwards of $1,500.00 - $1,750.00 if you were to go that route. Smittybilt has been around for many years and has established a great name for themselves. Both the Overlander and Overlander XL come packaged with your main necessities for an enjoyable camping experience. Combine the quality, products included, and the size (ability to sleep 3-4 adults), it's very fairly priced.

We actually did a "Product Spotlight" Blog Post on the Smittybilt Overlander and Overlander XL. I'll post the link below for those who are looking for a quick read / overview of the product.

Blog Post: https://www.truckbrigade.com/Produc...land-and-Overland-XL-Roof-Top-Tents_b_17.html

 

so what's the lowest anyones ever paid for this bad boy?

 

When I was looking at RTTs earlier this year I saw it on sale via eBay for just under $800, during one of their 20% off sales promos. There might have been another discount on top that I don't remember

I waited too long to decide though, ended up getting a near-identical Tuff Stuff Delta Overland tent for $800 cash at their warehouse out here.

 

Love mine as well. Used it for 2.5 weeks on my road trip through Colorado, Utah, and AZ, slept in it every night except 1. No complaints here. The stitching on the cover seems to have some loose strands coming here and there if i want to be super picky but nothing that's even close to a problem.

 

$800 and a little change delivered to my front door