Roof top tent?

I got a good price on a tepui kukenam 3 some time ago. I used it 5 times here in the northeast and didn't feel like I really needed it. It was cool, but i'm thinking that a ground tent would be better .. So I took it off and added a tri-fold bed cover. It's nice to have the truck's bed again.

I'm moving to brazil for some time and everything will go to storage .. I have no idea when I will return but definitely i'm returning next year for a colorado/moab trip. I was thinking about selling the roof top tent and buying a really nice ground tent and an air mattress. But my friend says that I will regret it if I go for that road trip, or ultimately move out west. What do you think? I was looking at the North Face Wawona 4

 

I really like the quick setup of RTT, especially the clamshell.

 

I’m kind of in the same boat.. have an Overland Vehicle systems nomadic 3 ext that I got for cheap brand new. It’s just too heavy, big, and awkward feeling up on top. It was cool for a few trips. But for the price tag these things have I am just looking to sell it and put the cash towards some 5.29’s… I’ll lose some IG credit though….

If it was me, I’d sell it now and recoup some cost before you move.

 

Hey man, Ive been doing some research into Overland Vehicle Systems and their new hardshell RTT. So far you are one of the only guys Ive been able to find on here with first hand experience in one of their RTTs. How was your experience with them & their product?

Obviously you said it was too big and heavy for your style, but that aside was it decent quality?

 

I really have 0 complaints on their quality. I did own a treeline before, and they’re very comparable. I’ve been told they’re all made in the same factories… regardless of what they say online lol.
Up here I’ve started to see more and more of them out in the woods. So they’re catching on for sure.

 

Cool, thats good to know. My buddy @ME OFF Rd and I have been looking closely at several hardshells lately, including the Mamba III from OVS. Had not heard of them before now, but it seems like a good unit for a fair price. And yeah, Im sure they are all from the same exact factory

 

Could you reach out to OVS directly and see if there’s any shops around you that stock their stuff. Check it out in person? But yeah, I wouldn’t hesitate again to pull the trigger in OVS gear in he future.

 

I have an email out to them with a few general questions. Unfortunately there are very few RTT dealers up here in northern New England. And I dont know of anyone in the greater area running one of their RTTs or I would take a drive to look at it. But still good to get first hand info from you and others

 

The mamba 3 isn't quite released yet. I've ordered one and expect is around late March early April

 

How about building an off-road trailer? Utility, military, or find a matching truck with heavy front end damage and snag the back half. It would free up space in the truck, make it so you can set up camp and still go explore, and also give a little more space to haul camping stuff and other items. Use low mounts for the RTT to keep COG down, install sway bar on axle to help handling, and I'd suggest same wheels/tires on trailer as on truck incase you get multiple flats on truck (easier to leave trailer on blocks while going to get flats fixed/replaced than not having enough spares).

 

That confirms what my buddy said. I was under the impression it was already out because their website gives a "restock" date. But the pre-release sale makes more sense.

Have you had any direct contact with the folks at OVS confirming the release date, or are you going off the website?

 

Yes she said they've shipped from China, just takes 2 to 3 months to arrive. I'm assuming she just is giving some room as far as arrival goes.

 

I ended up selling the RTT and buying a tri-fold bed cover. I got lucky that it works with my bike tailgate pad! So I'm going to buy a nice tent when I come back to USA. I should have good rewards from REI coming in march so i'll be getting something there.

 

Sorry to hijack your thread with the Overland Vehicle Systems discussion

 

I've used a kukenam 3 for years now. It's not the fastest thing to set up, but it's been great in all of the weather that I've camped in. Keeps me out of the mud as well. I guess it just depends on what you need, or plan on doing. There are pros and cons for both ground and on-vehicle tents.

 

I can't speak to a RTT but having used a mix of tents over the years I can add a few thoughts.

First, that North Face tent isn't going to be very travel friendly. By which I mean, setting up and taking down each night will be a pain. Even if you stay in one place a few days, these tents aren't made for comfort. I camped with my kids every year for close to 20 years with an REI or North Face tent and while it was functional for a few nights, they are a lot of work to set up - at least compared to some other options. Now that I'm older and like being able to stand up in the morning and get dressed I got a Kodiak canvas tent. This is so much better than any plastic tent. Set up is way easier than my NF/REI tents, I can hang out inside and be comfortable, cook, etc. I does get pretty warm during the day but it has lots of windows. It's still going to be a bit more work than a popup RTT, but cheaper, easier to haul, no mounting, easy to leave set up if you go adventuring, etc. I'm looking to do a long-ish road trip in a few years and to be honest I will probably not use the canvas tent simply because setting up every day will get old. However, so will being in a cramped RTT so I'm not sure what to do. Good luck on your adventure.