RTT's

There are solutions to many of the “cons” as well. It’s easier to level a vehicle than a patch of ground and if you have rafter space it’s not necessary to have a permanent install. Not every solution is a viable one for everyone though. Helping others identify the challenges each of us deals with helps them with their choice.

I personally think pros/cons from actual users is the most valuable input. It’s the sum of the circumstances that helps others make the most informed choice. You aren’t going to get that “both sides” look from haters, fan boys, or infomercials.

 

Sometimes I forget I’m 60 lol. Everything from sleeping in the dirt up to staying in a 5th wheel. Jumping jack trailers, rtt, canvas tents, domes, truck caps and on and on. Settled on this setup and wished I had this advice years ago.

 

I’m 67 now and have gone through the whole camping process, slept under the stars as a teenager, in a ground tent when the kids were young, travel trailer and now a RTT. Have to say that the best overall experience is with the RTT.

 

Thank you for the compliment.

You are absolutely correct. There is no "best" answer.

My set up works for ME.

The "cons" I've experienced are pretty short though (again, for ME).

1. Gas mileage.
When towing the trailer I get on average, only 12-15 mpg, depending on speed and elevation.

2. Cost
It'll cost you quite a bit more to purchase a trailer, then modify it and mount the RTT.

That said, after having this set up for the past 4+ years, "I" wouldn't mount a RTT directly on my truck.

Cheers

.........

Somewhere in Utah, on our way back from Oregon. (my good friend pictured).

 

I started out with the front runner RTT (local pickup so no shipping $$$). After one year, I found that the soft shell RTT's were not my best liking. Windy conditions caused major issues and scratched my truck. I found a roofnest condor almost brand new for $1,500. I'd say buy used, save a ton. I got this thing for dirt cheap. I love not sleeping on the ground.

Cons
Cannot drive until I pack up the tent.
Have to remain stationary with my truck while tent airs out.
Expensive product to take care of. (I make extra sure its dry to prevent mold & mildew)
bedding does not fit (same with a ground tent though)

Pros
fast setup
comfortable mattress that stays in the tent
warmer than a ground tent

Ultimately, if you camp enough and need more Instagram followers then buy it. If you do not mind ground tents with air mattresses, then save the money!

 

I hear ya chinese quality on everything is...crap.
As for my set up. Its been a good so far but as you get up in age (im 62) you are glad you did all the camping when you were younger.

I remove the rack tent easily when not in use.

 

Yeah, thing is, it's supposedly an American company based out of Colorado. The dirt bags push that point really hard, but in reality they are just getting chinese crap and shipping it out of the port in cali. I wanted to return it in person to their CO location, and they said I can't because they don't actually have a business presence. It's like 6 people that answer phones and send emails, and you are lucky if they even do that. They made promises and then ignored my issues for over a week, blaming that the guy who would have responded was out with covid. They sure got on it quick when I told them to forget about fixing it and to just refund it. About an hour after that I got responses. They are low life scam artists. Didn't want to name them because I don't want to spread their influence, but they were mentioned earlier. Roofnest. 100% trash with crap customer service. They also charge way more than others that are selling the same low grade chinese stuff because they have pushed so hard that they are an "American" company. Suckered me in, but I'll never touch anything they make again.

 

I bought a Tepui Ayer (smallest RTT) when they were a new thing for $750. At the time, I put it on a small off road trailer I had for my Jeep TJ. It was a huge improvement from sleeping on the ground. It opens and closes in just a couple of minutes, my bedding stays inside, and is super comfortable, and like sleeping in a tree house. Being a small RTT, it's not the easiest thing to get out of in the middle of the night.




Well, I sold the trailer, and moved the RTT to my Tacoma. I've only used it a few times. The advantage with the trailer was I can leave the RTT at a basecamp.




Last summer I took a two week Jeep trip, without the trailer, and used a small ground tent. It was horrible! I am 50+, and it was no fun sleeping again on the ground.

But, eventually, I think I'll end up with something like a GFC on my Tacoma. I'd do that now, but I can't park my Tacoma in my current garage as a GFC wouldn't clear the garage door. My next house will have a taller garage door.