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

Thanks but let's not hi-jack the OP's build thread.

 

I'm sure the OP won't mind. @BayRunner is a frequent flyer in this thread, they tight.

 

Godzilla might start breathing fire around here

 

Godzilla is all about derailing.... trains, threads, whatever.

 

So small update. I touched base with the vendor that I ordered the iKamper Mini from in hopes that they might have a better idea of the delivery window. Initially iKamper had a really broad window for it, but the vendor said they have been updated and should start seeing tents showing up starting the end of this month and beginning of next. This is welcome news as I am hoping to be able to get it installed before my camping trip the last week of May.

 

…

 

BTW,,we’re going to see just how reliable this RN is with 3+ weeks of camping across the country starting Friday.

 

Nice. I really hope it does well for you. NGL, I still prefer the aluminum design of the RN and I really hope another company poaches it. The irony would be delightful.

 

Yea, I wish some other brands would also come out with an aluminum side opening RTT.

I have planned for the worst by packing not 1, but 2 rolls of duct tape. Shows you my confidence level.

 

Praying for your success!

The concept of it is soooo good. It just needs better execution and QC. I was really wanting it to work out because a set of bars on top would have let me stick my kayak up there and tow the SxS on the trailer. As it stands I need to load up my SxS and see if I can squeeze the kayak on with it.

 

On a different not, just received a marketing email from RN touting their commitment to the environment and support for electrified vehicles. Their going to modify their designs to support EVs and are offering a rebate to EV owners. My eyes are rolling with their utter BS marketing crap knowing the irony that their tents are manufactured in a plant with no emission controls and absolutely no regard for the environment.

 

Yeah, I'd copy/forward that to their customer service email and I'd attach this

 

Well, the place I bought the iKamper from is confident enough to let me schedule my pick up/install with them for the middle of next month. I'm stoked because this means I'll have my RTT for the little camping trip with my buddy and his kid at the end of May.

Between now and then I think I'll start setting aside some funds to see about maybe getting some other things for the trip.

 

Noce, looks like so far you’re on solid ground with this RTT pick.

 

Hope so. The trip you're on right now has me jonesing for a camping fix! Drive safe.

 

This trip is a major life bucket list item for me. Months ago I was telling my wife about it and she immediately replied with that she thought I should go. I was like, “woe….ok”. Defiantly having a good time so far.

 

Wait, is she not with you?

 

LOL, No, my adult daughter is with me. My wife several years back got lung blood clots so she has to get out of the car and walk around every hour and half. She knew it would be a burden and never get there. My son is still in school so he couldn’t go, So my daughter jumped at the opportunity. She absolutely loves camping and road trips. We’re really bonding so all is good.

 

Ooooh! Well that just makes your wife awesome for telling you to go! Family time is awesome, and this is something your daughter will remember all her life.

 

I agee, I defiantly appreciate having a good wife who knows me. She’s doing ok with it. Her many sisters live in the region and one is visiting with her for a while. They spent the day out shopping today so I probably should be worried

 

Nah. You just might have to get used to living in a tent is all.

 

You got that right. May have to sell off my order position with RedRail so I can put fuel in my mobile home. LOL

 

@GODZILLA one of the guys here had the Go Fast Tent. Not the camper, just the top tent. Looked very nice.

 

Nice!

When I have time my next week at work I'll update this with a bit of my way off future hopes/plans for the camping.

I did get a call from the iKamper vendor today. He said that they've been told the tents will start shipping next week. I'm kinda shocked. They updated me without me needing to prod them. Kinda nice to see the other side of the coin in service.

Also asked if they inspect the tents on arrival. They don't check because iKamper ships 4-5 to a pallet and they only check if they box is damaged or when installing. He said they've never had an issue with an iKampers, because they pack/ship them well while using good carriers.

Call me dumb, but I'm kinda hopeful.

 

Congrats on the skycamp mini!
I will say they are packed really well so I wouldn’t worry about them being damaged upon delivery. I have a mini 2.0 and I was pretty impressed with the quality of it, I don’t think you will have another roof nest debacle on your hands

 

Definitely good to hear. I'm having it installed at the vendor (hard to do solo) so any issues will be addressed then.

I'm interested in your experience with the tent. Pros/cons? How long have you been running it? Are the sleeping pads as terrible as everyone complains?

 

I’ve been running the ikamper for a little over a year and 1/2now, we originally had it on my wife’s 4runner but it felt a little top heavy so we transferred it over to my truck, we have used it quite a few times and both love it.
Pros: super compact, high build quality, hardware all top notch, surprisingly roomy (my wife 2 dogs and myself fit comfortably. If you do have dogs the side window is excellent for loading and unloading) customer service and support, easy to mount and unmount.very fast setup and breakdown
Cons: not much, at times the ladder can be finicky, it’s can also be pretty noisey if you park your truck facing the wrong way, the mattress is a personal preference type deal. I like a firm sleeping surface so it was pretty comfortable for me, my wife was not comfortable on it and needed an additional mattress.
I’ve seen cvt and tuff stuff rtts up close and the quality of the ikamper is on another level

 

i run mine “backwards” because when we transferred it off my wife’s 4runner we were ass to ass and I didn’t want to risk dropping it trying to spin it around, now I kind of prefer the look of the big hump closer to the cab of the truck. If you want to see anything specific just lmk

 

Love my Tuffstuf Alpha II. easy set up and break down. It also has 6 additional hook n loop straps in addition to the 2 lockable cable straps. Same on the ladder a little finicky at times to set right. usually OE...Can not say much about the Ikamper mini as I have not seen one other than videos.
This last picture is before the retrax cover so the whole rack and tent sit 2" lower now

 

Sounds like you've got a fair bit of experience on it. I very much appreciate you sharing the info and pics here. I have had some questions pop up in my mind, because without a garage my RTT is going to live on my truck full time.

1. What steps do you take to protect the shell and tent over time? Does it need to be waxed? Any special canvas maintenance or protection going on?
2. How well does it seal when closed? One think RN got right on the aluminum shell Overlander was the rubber gasket around it that sealed really well when the tent was closed. Would the iKamper take a trip through a carwash (touchless only) or getting sprayed down as part of the truck getting washed? The lack of sealing around it is what actually knocked out the Tuffstuff Alpha that @SAGE63 runs. Just doesn't quite fit my use.
3. What would be your must have accessories for the iKamper Mini? They don't include anything like the cheaper tents do, so what items would you prioritize most?