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Roof Top Tent utility

Discussion in 'General Tundra Discussion' started by Jaywhy, Sep 18, 2017.

  1. Sep 18, 2017 at 7:07 PM
    #1
    Jaywhy

    Jaywhy [OP] New Member

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    Roof top tent owners -

    I'm considering the purchase of a bed rack and roof top tent setup for next spring/summer, but I find myself questioning the utility of it for my application.

    The intent is to take the kids (6 and 4) on a number of 3-4 day camping trips with in a 6 hour or so drive time and really spend the summer outside the right way. I live in the chicago burbs, and there's nowhere near here that one would consider an "overlanding adventure" type of location. The camping would all be done at state/national park campgrounds. I'm an experienced tent camper/backpacker and already own all the gear to make this happen without the roughly $3000 investment in said bed rack and RTT.

    I guess my concern is the work involved in taking all the sleeping stuff out of the tent every morning and packing the thing up so we can drive somewhere.

    If anyone does this type of camping with their RTT, I'd love to hear your thoughts on the advantages of it, other than the cool factor.
     
    4x4_Angel and TheBeast like this.
  2. Sep 18, 2017 at 7:09 PM
    #2
    TheBeast

    TheBeast The Beach

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    staying only at campgrounds kinda defeat the purpose of RTT imo. Like you said RTT is a pretty big investment up front.
     
  3. Sep 18, 2017 at 7:14 PM
    #3
    ColoradoTJ

    ColoradoTJ Certified tow LEO Staff Member

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    This^^^^


    And to add a little, for 3k a nice used pop up can be had. Park in the campground, set up and go.

    In reality, installing a RTT is more for people that head to the mountains, hike and bike for a day or two and pack up, go to the next spot on their adventure.

    Don't forget about suspension upgrades that may be needed as well.
     
  4. Sep 18, 2017 at 7:30 PM
    #4
    Black Wolf

    Black Wolf Bigfoot Hunter, Sasquatch too, but not Yeti

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    Ditto on the pop up camper^^^^
     
    Jaywhy[OP] and ColoradoTJ like this.
  5. Sep 18, 2017 at 7:44 PM
    #5
    Backslider

    Backslider Thirsty...

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    This is precisely why I haven't purchased on RTT. I want to set up camp and then still have access to my truck without packing up to leave.
     
  6. Sep 18, 2017 at 7:55 PM
    #6
    Krezz

    Krezz Doesn't want to be new member

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    Love our RTT, but it's because we plan on doing the overland thing, or whatever it'll be called once we kind of camp away from others in more remote locations.
    Currently being used primarily at provincial parks. I got 2 dogs and the 2 kids, so the space it provides is great, but you do want to know that once you setup you're either staying for a bit or will be wanting to pack up to move onto the next location.
     
  7. Sep 18, 2017 at 8:02 PM
    #7
    gladecreekwy

    gladecreekwy Wyoming

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    image.jpg Popimage.jpg up.. Easy to tow and set up. Kids love it
     
  8. Sep 18, 2017 at 9:57 PM
    #8
    gosolo

    gosolo You Don’t Know Who I Am But I Know Where You Live

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    IMG_0707.jpg This:
    IMG_0709.jpg
    Let's you set up a base camp and you are free to explore.
     
  9. Sep 18, 2017 at 10:12 PM
    #9
    4x4_Angel

    4x4_Angel Perfectly Imperfect Tomboy....TTC #132

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    i wouldn't mind one of these until my girls get older
     
    Jaywhy[OP] likes this.
  10. Sep 18, 2017 at 10:14 PM
    #10
    Muleycrazy13

    Muleycrazy13 New Member

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    I thought about the RTT route and i agree with everyone else it would be a pain to put down just to use your truck. I am looking at it from a hunting stand pount and i need to be able to use my truck and just leave camp set up. Plus i do believe the RTT's are very expensive for what they are.
     
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  11. Sep 19, 2017 at 7:05 AM
    #11
    gdiep

    gdiep I like cookies

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    The problem is that it all snowballs and gets expensive anyways. I had a used pop up, which I then modded and fixed up to what we liked, then we bought a travel trailer because it was bigger and had more amenities, which we are now modding up. It never ends...

    The best thing is to buy a good, large tent. Period. End. Don't go any further.
     
    Jaywhy[OP] likes this.
  12. Sep 19, 2017 at 7:59 AM
    #12
    pbcolt

    pbcolt New Member

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    I've owned three RTT's. The only way I will own one again is if I have the set-up I sold before moving to OR - a small off road trailer with an RTT on it. IMO that is the ultimate set-up. The RTT really is better for warmth/comfort/weatherproof-ness than a ground tent, but having to pack it up to drive somewhere is a PITA. A utility trailer allows you to park and go, while also giving you a dedicated place to store camping gear so you can always be ready to come home from work, hook up and go camping.

    edit: And a small trailer doesn't necessitate suspension upgrades.
     
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  13. Sep 19, 2017 at 8:18 AM
    #13
    Muleycrazy13

    Muleycrazy13 New Member

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    Another thing i have seen people do with pretty good success is buy a enclosed trailer and build some fold down beds put some cabinets in there and cut in a window or 2. Then you have a nice dry secure place to sleep and store gear. The only downside is no shower. But there is so many options out there now for tent showers with little water heaters that u could make work. I personally dont believe there is a perfect setup, you have to decide whats impoetant to you and go from there.
     
    Jaywhy[OP] and 4x4_Angel like this.
  14. Sep 19, 2017 at 8:31 AM
    #14
    smslavin

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    Totally agree on this and there are tons of options for small off-road trailers. Eventually, this is where I'd like to be. For now, we have a large Snow Peak tent that can hold the five of us but not the dogs. Been considering selling it and moving to this one from Big Agnes.
     
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  15. Sep 19, 2017 at 8:36 AM
    #15
    Eclipsed & Floating

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    Provincial parks....must be a Canadian phenomenon :canada:

    In Murica we have KOA :D
     
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  16. Sep 19, 2017 at 8:40 AM
    #16
    Eclipsed & Floating

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    I have an RTT but I'm on the move. Most sleeping gear stays in; sleeping bags, pillows, dog bed, flashlights, bottles of water, books, blankets.

    It folds up perfectly. And I have 4x4 beams to set my bedrack on and make it stationary if I want use of my truck without the rack on it,but it's much easier to just fold up daily. It only takes 3 minutes in total
     
    Last edited: Sep 19, 2017
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  17. Sep 19, 2017 at 8:45 AM
    #17
    Krezz

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    We also have KOA, but those are more cookie cutter in their plots. I guess our Provincial parks would be like your state parks? lol
     
  18. Sep 19, 2017 at 8:47 AM
    #18
    joonbug

    joonbug °°°°°°°°°°

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    3 mins?? We're going to need some video proof of that.
     
  19. Sep 19, 2017 at 8:48 AM
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    gdiep

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    This quote can be interpreted quite badly without prior context.
     
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  20. Sep 19, 2017 at 8:49 AM
    #20
    joonbug

    joonbug °°°°°°°°°°

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    :D
     
  21. Sep 19, 2017 at 8:50 AM
    #21
    Theonlyway

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    Precisely why I'm opting for a James baroud grand raid
     
  22. Sep 19, 2017 at 8:51 AM
    #22
    gdiep

    gdiep I like cookies

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    For those of you joining this thread late, Joon is asking Almaboy to post a video proving that he can get it down in under 3 minutes.
     
  23. Sep 19, 2017 at 8:52 AM
    #23
    Eclipsed & Floating

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    Can i borrow your GoPro headband?

    BTW....3 minutes feels like a lifetime to me. I'm usually only good for 2
     
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  24. Sep 19, 2017 at 8:53 AM
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    Eclipsed & Floating

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    i usually take a 15 second break every 30 seconds until 3 minutes is up..... :transformer:
     
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  25. Sep 19, 2017 at 8:55 AM
    #25
    joonbug

    joonbug °°°°°°°°°°

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    How long does it take for you to open her up?
     
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  26. Sep 19, 2017 at 8:57 AM
    #26
    smslavin

    smslavin Behind a lens...

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    damnit. i just snorkeled smoothie all over my desk. choked. coughed. people on the other end of webex are asking if i'm okay.
     
  27. Sep 19, 2017 at 8:57 AM
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    Eclipsed & Floating

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    depends on how cold she is
     
  28. Sep 19, 2017 at 8:58 AM
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    Eclipsed & Floating

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    you're welcome
     
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  29. Sep 19, 2017 at 9:00 AM
    #29
    Krezz

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    All this RTT talk has me hot and bothered.
    I'm looking at my truck through my office window all differently now.
     
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  30. Sep 19, 2017 at 9:11 AM
    #30
    Eclipsed & Floating

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    the tailpipe doesn't do the trick unless you spray some foam insulation in there
     
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