RTT or Teardrop

That's not entirely true for the RTT. You may feel slightly (and I mean slightly) more sluggish off the line or at top speeds like trying to accelerate at 85+ MPH, but it has no problem handling the mountains, curvy roads, starts and stops, etc. Maybe if you mounted it high, you could have an argument for a little more body roll or aerodynamic penalty. But it would be pretty minimal depending on how you mounted it and what your weight and aerodynamics are like underneath it. Either way, in that particular case you're likely to notice more of an issue with MPG than speed or handling issues. With my particular set up, it was not at all uncommon for me to see 18-20 MPG at 70+ MPH during my recent trips to Colorado and Michigan's Upper Peninsula.

It sounds like OP would be right for an RTT the size of the one I have (2.5 person) and that weights less than the average adult at 165 lbs, which is also pretty typical for similar size tents. So the weight penalty isn't as dramatic as it seems.

 

I’ve had a Smittybilt small RTT, XL RTT, and now a Hiker Trailer 5x10 with bunks. (Never had a RTT on the Tacoma).

The tents were good, and I couldn’t see paying more for a “name” brand (CVT, Roam, iKamper, etc) if we’re talking soft shell. I never ponied up for a hard shell, although if I add a RTT to the trailer it may be a hard shell. I used the Smittybilt tents for about 5 years, event spend a solid 30 days in it. I was able to set up/tear down the XL without help from my wife. RTTs are quicker, and you don’t get muddy hands when packing up like a ground tent. When closed, it could hold the mattress, 3” egg crate, and four sleeping bags. I typically move camp each morning.

The biggest con of the RTT for me was trying to sleep when it’s windy. Camping on the side of a cliff/mountain on a particularly windy night is impossible.

Since then I upgraded to a Hiker Trailer Mid-range XL 5x10. It has bunk beds for the kids, I can add a RTT for when they get bigger/want to be alone. I added a 270* awning, hot water heater, 21gallon water tank, Air Conditioner. It’s nice to pull up to camp, and have zero set up to just sleep. Windy nights are much easier to sleep through. Being the XL it has a 2” lift and 31” tires. I’m slightly more limited on trails I can take now, but it is still plenty capable for most trails.

Both the Gladiator on 37s with RTT, and the trailer (no RTT) can fit in my standard garage.

 

Y'all really raining down with the pictures are making me jealous!! For reasons, as fast as this was a possibility, it has gotten shoved to the back burner unfortunately. I am truly loving all of the different inspirations I'm getting from this thread though, keep it up!

 

How does RTT handle hail and thunderstorms Compared to ground tents? More durable or less?
I got caught in storm recently while fishing near a campground and saw a lot of ground tents and canopies collapse or damaged.

 

If you don't plan on trying to see how far out you can get the truck to pitch a remote campsite, the teardrop would be a great option.

Unhook it, explore, and come back to a campsite that is all set and ready to enjoy. Camper tops and RTTs are better for getting to those remote campsites where a trailer can't (shouldn't) go.

There is no perfect option- just an option that is perfect for what type of traveling you intended to do. We have a RTT for some trips, and a Minnie Winnie travel trailer for other trips.

Hope you can take this dream off the back burner and really get it going!