*THE RTT Owners Thread (With BS)*

Camped at Pine Grove Furnace State Park again with a friend who just got a Turtleback trailer. That thing is a very sweet, very well built rig. Especially beside my early stages converted Lowes utility trailer.


Drove around Michaux State Forest as well and checked out some of the dispersed sites. Writeup on the park, forest and surrounding area is here.

One thing I didn't mention in the linked post is that it was cold the first night. Temps dropped to about 20 or maybe a little less. I thought I was prepared. 20 degree bag, extra tight weave cotton blanket inside of bag, smartwool base layer pants, sweatpants, wool socks, long sleeve t-shirt, sweatshirt, beanie. Did I mention it's a two person bag, and I was the only person in it? Only thing that was cold was my feet, but damn my toes were cold. And even though I woke up enough to crawl partway down the ladder to relieve myself in the middle of the night did I take the time to put another set of socks on? Nope. Dumbass. So l learned my lesson and put another pair of socks on the second night and since it was about 10 degrees warmer I was sweating part of the night. Dumbass.

 

...We spent a good hour - or more - making our way around and over various parts of the Alvord Playa. Our GPS track looked as though a toddler had been scribbling frantically with a large crayon - no rhyme or reason evident in our movement. But, we were on a mission - one that was ultimately a success ... because eventually - in the south west corner of the playa - we found what we were looking for. Three distinct impressions of Jessie's final runs.

read the whole story and see all the pics in
Unfinished Business #3 - We Find Jessie Combs Last Track​

Hope you enjoyed the story!​

 

I have a CVT Mt. Shasta extended. When it’s open it doesn’t fold completely flat and even when I pull it down it goes back up another few inches. Anyone have any advice? I don’t wanna cause any damage

 

The one I had did the same thing. I figured in time the fabric will stretch a bit. In the meantime, I would load the linings, pillows, clothing bag and anything else on that side of the tent and use that weight to ensure the aluminum (tongue and groove) track was properly interlocked.

 

100% wouldnt get the Ayer. I have the ayer and I think it would be tight with just two people nevermind a dog too.

 

Mine does the same thing. All I do is pull down on the ladder to stretch the fabric a little bit. If you hear a loud popping noise when you climb in the tent then it’s not unfolded enough and the tongue is popping out of the groove under your weight.

 

Has anyone had any issues with their CVT's fabric..... shrinking or not stretching out enough!? This last spring/summer, I had to stop using the "stargazer windows" at the top of my tent. The zippers have a lot of strain or tension on them and I cannot open or close them all the way. One of the openings, when you get to a certain point moving the zipper, the seem behind the metal clasp starts to split and open again. ANY input would be greatly appreciated!

I have a Summit Series Mount Shasta, that I bought just over a year or so ago.

 

*** Additionally, has anyone ever replaced the circuit board inside the center frame rail of their tent. Mine stopped working all together, regardless of how I applied power. (the place that holds the 2 USB charge ports, and the plug/light control button) After talking to a guy during the last Overland Expo, he recommended ordering a new circuit board.

 

My tent is relatively new, and I have only opened a stargazer panel once. It was a chore getting it zipped back up. Maybe going around the tent and making sure the fabric is not getting bound up somewhere?

 

might not help with the seam, but if you rub a crayon or a candle on the teeth of the zipper, it will help with it moving

 

So I'm picking up a Smitybuilt 2783 and plan to put it on a Leer 100R with factory installed Thule tracks. I want to mount it as low profile as possible, so I'd like to avoid going with the traditional feet and crossbars. I've seen a few references to some direct mounts or roll your own crossbars but haven't been able to find anything specific.

I'm open to any links, threads or instructions

Thanks

 

For those that have the roam vagabond, how is it during nights with cold weather? I really was set on Roam Vagabond, but recently came upon Freespirit Recreation, and now debating between the vagabond and fsr's high country with tri-layer for cold weather during nights. Does it stay fairly warm during cold nights in the Roam?

 

I can get you 10% off FSR

Plus they are having a sale right now..

 

Hey! I see their sale, would your 10% apply over the sale as well?

Thanks!

 

I have an older FSR similar to the ROAM you're asking about. And the answer is no, it doesn't stay warm. The interior of the tent is maybe 5 degrees warmer than the outdoor temp. Just enough to form condensation possibly (although I haven't had that, issue others have). Tepui makes an insulator zip in insert that I am looking at adding to my tent that should help. Also if you like that style of tent check out OVS tents. They have lots of nice add ons and are a bit cheaper than the roam, but very similar.

 

I am not sure. I can reach out to my contact and ask..

 

If you would do that I'd greatly appreciate it. Both my uncle and I are looking to purchase one each.

 

I promised myself that this trip would be different. We wouldn't attempt to squeeze everything in; I wouldn't over-schedule our time; it wouldn't be like it always is - a mad dash to not miss a thing. I'd do this by keeping us in the northwest corner of the park - in Eureka and Saline Valleys, and by planning at most a single morning and single afternoon "attraction."

Or so I thought.

Read the first part and check out all the photos
In Search of Overlooks - A Fall Trip to Western Death Valley #1​

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I ended up camping Saturday night, and didnt know it was going to rain. I had to put my tent away wet. Its my worst nightmare. On Sunday I was able to open it for an hour and get my buddy heater inside to try to heat things up.

Anyways, tomorrow is going to be 45 and sunny, and I was going to open it back up and try to dry things out more. Think Ill be ok for 2 days being damp?

 

Sure beats lifting it on and off the truck