*THE RTT Owners Thread (With BS)*

I have a newbie question. What’s the consensus on hard shell RTTs? I don’t see many on here. Was wondering if the soft shells are just better all around or if there was a real downside to the hard shell versions. Thanks

 

They each have their pros and cons. Hard shells are typically a bit more aerodynamic and sometime lighter weight, but most are quite a bit more expensive than soft sided RTTs. The main drawback to hardshell tents IMO is that because of the vertical opening or "clamshell" design they do not have the same amount of space you can get from a softsided tent the essentially doubles the size of it's footprint when open. The footprint of a hardshell is the same open or closed. That means most will fit 2-3 people at most. There are several softsided tents that will fit 4+ and with the addition of an annex can have even more room.

Many hardshell tents use a crank handle to open the tent. It's not uncommon for people to lose the crank. It's not necessarily a bad design, just one more piece to keep track of.

I think cost is one of the primary reasons you don't see more of them. That, and the limited space.

Not everyone needs the space provided by a softshell tent, so a hardshell might be a good option if you typically travel solo or with one other person and can afford the price tag. As with soft sided tents, no two tents are created equal and quality can vary quite a bit from one brand to the next. Whether you choose a hard shell or soft sided tent, it makes good sense to buy the best quality you can afford so that it will last and be durable and comfortable for years.

 

I'm Ben Bacher, and I endorse this statement^, well said Adam.

 

Alright, hope I don't get flamed for a stupid question but, here goes...

I've never been in a RTT so all I have to go by is pics. Can someone explain how the folded out side of a set up tent is supported? Browsing thru the pics and it doesn't seem like the ladder supports the weight. Am I wrong? Seems like there should be some supports on the outside corners that would do this. It just seems like too much weight on the "floating" side could damage the structure. Looking to get one of these but wonder about weight limits and such.

 

Thanks @Box Rocket . Yeah, some of the basic ones I looked at from James Baroud started at $3k. Had thought I had seen some left overs or a refurbished CVT version for $2200 at one point. Just looking for a 2 man and the simplicity of the hard shell seemed appealing.

 

The ladder supports that side of the tent. Some people have "side supports" that go from the corner to the ladder to support the edges a bit more.

 

The inherent design will hold itself up, much like a suspension bridge, but the ladder adds quite a bit of support.

 

ARB Series III Simpson Rooftop Tent is it any better than the other RTT or just high priced for the name?

 

Difference in pricing usually indicates a difference in the material and finishes of the tent. There is a great article on expo portal that had a breakdown of all the tent companies. Research is a key component before you purchase - just because it's cheaper/more expensive doesn't mean it's the same product.

 

Can someone give me the measurements for how far apart the rails are on a tepui Kukanam? Need ASAP.

 

Just measured: 32"

 

Thanks!

 

@SilverGhost was finalizing my rack... and we wanted to make sure the cross bars were going to work.

 

Keeping the soft topper?!?

 

already sold. kinda wished I'd kept it... but honestly... I don't think I'll be removing this rack very often

 

Was hoping to see you run the soft topper with the tent on top. Always thought those looked so clean. I thought Id take mine off when i wasnt using my tent... Only time its come off is it to get powder coated then went right back on. Think it looks better with it on anyways.

 

Can somebody snap a picture of how a tent mounts to a bed rack please? I'm going to order one soon and I am running ideas through my head for the rack.

 

I loved the look of the soft topper, but wanted the tent to sit lower. I'll still have a little visibility below the tent with my rear view, not much, but at least a little. The rear hoop my 4' ARB awning will be mounted to it, and extend over my tailgate for cooking and what not.

 

there's plenty of picture if you look through the thread... probably in the first couple pages