I want to start camping again. (The unintentional build)

I take that as prices may vary, until you lock in a quote.
Like everything right now, their cost on raw materials probably changes often.

 

You can still be that happy camper in a RTT. Especially in your area. Please Don't let one company ruin that possible experience for you and your family. Jus' sayin'.

With that said there are again many other ways. There are no perfect setups. There are always compromises with every setup. If my situation didn't change I would still be in the rtt.

I have this setup with the topper now and it is ideal for my current situation. Have probably mentioned at one point I also have a M416 military trailer I reconditioned. My brother who is a welder has had it for two years now( ah family). He is making changes on it to make it able to carry a rtt and other things. This is a very attractive setup also. Basecamp type setup

 

I hear you. With my bed rack sitting below my roofline I would still need a side opening hard shell tent. the wedge style are too long. Hell, some of the side opening clamshells would hang off the back a fair bit. CrewMax only has so much bed.

The trouble is that for a RTT I have to pay, wait, and then hope it doesn't show up damaged. If it does I've got another fight with shipping it back. A trailer can be inspected on the spot, so could a GFC.

A shell sleeper on a CM wouldn't present much room, and getting a reinforced shell with a wedge tent isn't far off from a GFC in function. I've considered this, but I'd get a GFC first.

A little trailer that'll haul a RTT just doesn't fit my situation. Need to be able to haul the RZR and camp.

That all brings me back to a RTT, GFC, or a cargo trailer if I am putting money into it. Of course, I can always get a regular tent and/or a hammock. That'd be the thrifty option.

 

If you want to give another RTT a try, consider ordering an ikamper through diamondback. I can vouch from personal experience that they have impeccable customer service. They replaced my first HD cover when I had a couple issues. Sent out a new one, picked up the original, zero cost to me. They also sent me some extra weather stripping and hardware, and replacement gas struts for free.

Give them a call and see how they would handle any issues with the ikamper.

 

The appeal to a RTT for me is the quick setup and takedown. Looks like those hybrids are a soft tent with crossbars? Spiffy, but I think they still have the bag you have to strap over it when traveling. Can't tell in the pics as none are closed, but I'm trying to avoid that.

 

Diamondback? Like the metal bed covers Diamondback?

 

I appreciate the info on it. The big issue is wind and rain while setting up.

 

I have a Tuffstuff Alpha II that I realky like. rides on a voodoo max modular 10" tall rack mounted in the track of my retrax bed cover

 

Yes, the bed cover manufacturer. They also sell ikamper: https://diamondbackcovers.com/products/ikamper-skycamp-mini

Like I said before, their customer service is very good. See what they say about issues/returns on an ikamper purchased through them.

 

I still think a RTT is a much more practical solution. The MIA RTt was my number 2 choice but it almost with the ToughStuff are all made in the same region as RoofNest which makes QA a gamble. I will say that the MIA tent is the best value when comparing price to features.

Looking at all the options and your existing rack, I think the iKamper mini would be perfect. Just the right size for your rack and the QA reputation seems to be high.

 

We have a company local to us (Alberta) that builds their utility trailer shells from fiberglass. You pay a premium but there is nothing as aero, hail proof, corrosion proof, or easily repaired. Something else to consider anyway.
I put a dickinson stove inside, some bunk beds and lil 12v set up inside.

 

How do you ventilate? While I have not used any of our trailers for camping, I’ve spent my share of time inside them. In the warmer months, it gets outright hot and stuffy inside them. That’s with the back and side doors open. Granted they are all metal and bake like an oven, but just not appealing. @AzureNightmare the link you offered does have an option for electric and A/C but then your limited to RV hookups and/or generator use. Most campgrounds, not open wild, require generators to be shut down around 10 pm.

 

i used regular 5” residential intake and exhaust hoods, one down low, one up high at opposite ends of the trailer which gives a natural draught effect, as well as a maxxair fan in the roof.

 

Went to the warehouse at work to see about a pallet. Well, the truck just took all their excess pallets. Month's worth, and all gone because of stupid delays. Now I'm just scrounging to try and find one from local businesses. Had hoped to get a large one from work, but they're all gone.

 

Well, you can always order a tent so that you can use the pallet to return a tent

 

No worries at all. Never bothered me.

 

This stupid Roofnest situation has me all discombobulated. I had a clear vision to start with; RTT, basic camp kitchen, ready to roll at a moments notice and useable for days as needed. Now I'm so damn gun shy about any purchase that I'm stuck in analysis paralysis. Over the last week I have been utterly certain multiple times for every option.

"The GFC is the obvious choice."
"No wait, I should just get another RTT"
"Well a trailer has so many uses beyond just camping that it's the best way to go."
"Trailers are more maintenance, so the GFC is the right choice."
"A GFC is so overpriced! Definitely just need a RTT."
"A Trailer is the true 4 season solution."
"It's all too expensive. I should just get some nice regular camping stuff and save my money."
"Saving money is for the poors. I want fun toys! GFC FTW!"
"If I were ever to get rid of my truck, I have to get rid of the GFC. It'll only fit specific trucks. That'll be hard to move."
"Trailers have universal appeal. I could sell it easy if I decide I don't like it."
"RTT are cheap enough that a total loss won't break the bank."

 

LOL, save some grief and just get an iKamper mini. There! Done! Problem solved! Aren’t you glad I’m around?

 

Sounds like a fun time!
I pretty much go through the same process with our next family vehicle on a weekly basis, so I know how ya feel. I'm trying to take more time now to make big financial decisions, I used to do the opposite up until a few years ago.

I know you want to have a camping setup by spring, but with what you went through with RS I would let your ideas marinate for a while.
My .02, keep the change.

 

Definitely topping my list of possible RTT replacements for the Roofnest trash, but my biggest concern is how well it is sealed. As a solo act on install and such with no garage, whatever I get has to be able to live on the truck full time. I was pretty confident in the RN ability to take a wash without leaking because of their thick rubber gasket around the bottom, and I confirmed with GFC that a pressure washer or automatic touchless wash would not get into the tent. The iKamper Mini has had some complaints about dust intrusion just from driving down the road, and IDK how well it would handle permanent life on the truck. That's really my biggest concern with it. I may see if I can find one in a store somewhere down in SLC and see if I can examine it more closely.

I've also considered the Skycamp 2.0 as I have a brother that swears by it, and if I am willing to put up with that kind of overhang, then a lot of the wedge campers may fit too. Those might be more weather proof, but I'm not certain.

I do the same thing with any large purchase, so I can relate to your vehicle dilemma. I seldom get it right on the first try. Took me 3 new vehicle purchases in 3 years to settle there, and took 2 SxS purchases to be happy. At least with the RTT I am getting a refund so I can do it without a major loss.

I am trying to let everything just stew for a bit. See if I can get it all to settle. One thing I have noticed is that the lower bed rack and tent blocking my rear window vision bothers me much more that I though it would. Worked off my CDL for several years, so driving by only side mirrors is entirely within my capabilities, but I find that I'm mildly irritated by the lost visibility. A GFC has windows, so I would get better visibility, and a trailer only impedes it when it's hooked up. I could always see about going with a taller rack, and if I do I'd almost certainly go with a wedge tent.

 

Hmmm..... iKamper is updating their line of RTTs.

https://ikamper.com/tent

Definitely like the color changes. The bit of research I have done indicates they reversed the cable latches to make it easier for tight clearances on racks, "improved comfort" mattresses (apparently their previous ones were about like sleeping on plywood), improved the space so more can be stored in the tent when closed, added a blinds function to the window awning/closures, and moved the awning pole locations for easier access from inside the tent. Don't know when they will release these 3.0 versions, but I'm intrigued.

Maybe I'll want one of these? Maybe I can get an outgoing version at a steep discount?

 

Definitely not alone there!

 

I wouldn't get a traditional travel trailer. I would be getting a cargo trailer that my RZR can be towed it. Once the RZR is outside a cot or two can be set up inside pretty easily. There's bunches of people that have actually converted them to full blown travel trailers/tiny homes with plumbing and everything. Way more than I would want to do. I just need something that is quick and easy to set up that keeps me out of the wind and weather. Off the ground is preferable as well.

Every option has it's pros and cons. I'm just wrestling with each and at various points each has it's own appeal.