RTT suggestions

Looking to buy a 2-3 person RTT. I’m trying to stay under $1300. What does everyone recommend? Been looking at Tepui Kukenam Explorer and Smittybilt Overlander. I can get 20% off the Tepui for Black Friday. Open to other brands as well. Planning on a 2 week trip out west next spring. Thanks everyone!

 

There is much to consider. Hard shell, soft shell, size, wight, construction. Consider this, most are made in china. Do you want cheap or more quality and durability? Here is a great site that talks about different RTT’s.
https://expeditionportal.com/buyers-guide-hard-shell-roof-top-tents/

https://expeditionportal.com/buyers-guide-soft-shell-roof-top-tents/

 

You're in Tennessee? Do you want insulated?

 

There's a very active RTT thread in the Off-roadinng & Trails forum here. You'll get a lot more feedback there than the 3rd gen forum (considering your question isn't 3rd gen specific). Good luck... I'm doing the same search but have a much longer time table.

 

Ive had a kukenam before. Great tent. No issues or complaints. Im looking at the smaller ayer now and will more then likely go that route. I went from a Smittybilt to the tepui and it was a upgrade quality wise. Nothing agisnt the smittybilt just the fit and finish was nicer.

 

I got the CVT Mt. Bachelor on a group buy here about a year and a half ago for around $800 plus delivery fee. It can easily sleep two adults and a child with room to spare. Three adults is doable if they really like each other. I've used it a lot and it still looks like it came fresh out of the box. The cover is a little scraped from being dragged under trees but still keeps the rain out. I'm very happy with it and have gotten my money's worth from it. That being said, if I had it all to do over again, I would have gotten the long bed and a good quality topper. Mainly because I have nobody around to help take it off and I don't like having to carry it around all the time. I have probably the only RTT in my part of the country (I wouldn't know they existed if not for this forum) and it attracts a lot of unwanted attention. I'm a card carrying introvert so that can be awkward. Anyway, CVT sells a really good quality tent.

 

Thank you for everyone's input. I definitely appreciate it guys!

 

Ive got the Tepui Ayer Sky. With the annex. The annex is nice if you are going to be in the same spot a few days. However I am usually on the go different places on the trips I go on and the annex is just simply not worth the hassle.

Currently saving for the AT Habitat though, eventually selling my RTT. Decided against the GFC upon seeing it at expo.

 

Good thing all your lights are on in the middle of the day and your truck is parked

 

Was actually dusk but I'd be lying if I didnt say I was doing it for the gram.

 

I recommend Free Spirit
https://www.gofsr.com/product-category/tents/roof-top-tents/
Little pricey but high quality

 

Quality and feel of the tent material mostly. The Habitat (Nemo) tent seems far superior.

And lead time. Last I heard it was up to 12 months for GFC. And I'd have to pick up all the way in Montana or pay shipping. AT Habitat has a supplier in Atlanta.

 

Killer website. You get a cookie sir. I fart around on that site often.

 

I just pulled the trigger on a cvt today. I got a really great deal and was told their Black Friday sale is gonna be good. The reasons I went with the cvt are 1)my rainier fits my family 2),it comes with the annex and 3), the mattress is thick. My other choice was the entry level 23zero as it comes with a true queen sized bed.

 

Man im glad im not the only one who had these thoughts after expo.no offense to the gfc guys or other vendors but the habitat its hands down the best looking and most functional camper/topper offered in that category. I want one so bad i cant stand it.

 

Everyone talked up the gfc so much. I almost went for it without seeing it. Glad i waited.

 

My suggestion: don’t.

RTTS gives you the GAIDS

 

I second the recommended!

 

Agreed almost put my deposit down multiple times.the only thing that matched the quality of the habitats was the alu cab. But it still lacks the space.

 

Did you get a chance to see the Vagabond for comparison?