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

Yeah, it's just too much money for too little sleep space, IMO. I posted a spreadsheet of the racks + tents and the most expensive iKamper with the Leitner rack is still over $3000 less expensive than the GFC. I think they are awesome for building in the US, and they are a super smart design. They'll last forever, but the upcharges for just two windows on the shell, side doors for the tent, ladder, and then add in travel or deliver costs... It's just too much for a 2 man set up.

 

Here's one of the videos that pushed me to the other tents. I have it set to start at the downsides portion of the video. The Alpha was a leader for me at first because of the $600 savings over the Roofnest Condor XL, but I've not found any similar complaints about the Roofnest.

https://youtu.be/PZZbPasVwS8?t=153

 

Lots of good info here. Subb'ed. Not sure if it meets your criteria, Adam but for what it's worth... I'm currently rocking the decked system, Cali raised bed stiffeners with a bed tent. Love it so far. Not a big fan of the setup time. I too have been looking for a bed rack and RTT. I'm pretty set on a Leitner rack with a CVT Mt. Hood. I just need it for 2 people and my main criteria is a quick setup time. Unfortunately, you have to drill into the bed for the Leitner rack but at this point what's another hole in my truck. It might be worth looking into if it meets your criteria. I know CVT has other RTT and so far I can't complain about their customer service (granted I haven't bought yet). Cheers.

 

The Leitner rack is hard to argue against. It's a versatile design, and IMO, looks the best on the truck. That sliding rear bar keeps the bed usable, too. The only thing for me is that the Freedom Rack from Overland Vehicle Systems is no drill and matches or beats the Leitner's load numbers. It's also adjustable height. Definitely a hard decision, cuz the Leitner has way more sex appeal.

As far as RTT, I love the thought of the Mt. Hood, and their front flap/rainfly is one of the few with sides (major bonus to me), but it boils down to space. That's a 2 man tent designed for a couple. If you're not intimate, or really really comfortable with somebody, that's not going to be a tent to share. That's why I was looking at the Condor and Skycamp models. They are in the general-ish price range of the Mt. Hood, but they offer enough space that it wouldn't be weird to share the tent with a buddy.

 

Dang you guys, I was wanting to put off this purchase until after Summer and here I am on this thread! Was convinced I was going to get a cheaper RTT setup, but now I'm stuck on these higher end units for inclimate weather. Still holding fast on the Leitner system, but now I need to research that Freedom Rack; I have some mods needed on the bedside connections of that Leitner system to fit the T-slots on my retractable bed cover. Maybe OVS has a system ready-to-fit? Hmm. @AzureNightmare: any thoughts on Roofnest's Falcon XL versus CVT's Mt. Hood?

 

Yakima Overhaul HD not considered here due to lower load limits I'm guessing?

 

Sometimes if feels like this forum's primary purpose is to make you

As for the Falcon XL, it's the same space issue for my needs. Looks solid, but I like the Mt. Hoods rain fly better. Pretty sure both can take cross bars, so that's nice if you want to take a kayak or something along.

Not that, really. It's out of stock everywhere, and the Freedom Rack is the same concept but less expensive. Yakima is proud of their name.

 

Falcon XL is 90" x 60" (88" x 58" interior) and the Hood Large just states 60", so with those things being equal, that rainfly is $300 better for you, or you figure in for a penny, in for a pound? I do like the grey body color option to better go with my SSM paint color on that Hood RTT.

 

Loving that Prerunner bumper,@YotaBro! Mine from FabFours is still one of my favorite mods... I like how the emblem sensor still fully operates.

 

I didn't do a lot of comparison on either because of the size of both tents being small for my needs. That said, so long as quality is equal, space is king. I'm claustrophobic, so I'd go for whichever is bigger.

 

Updated my price spreadsheet to include the Leitner Forged rack. It's a $400 upcharge from the classic ACS, and that's painful. The overall look is better IMO, but I'm not certain that the looks make up for the $400 difference.

The reasons it is being considered is because it significantly increases the dynamic payload over the classic, and has an added bonus of not needing the two thinner supports up front. That means there are 2 fewer holes to drill in the truck, and the rear window maintains a cleaner look. Both are equal on the ability to accessorize after the fact, and both justify their higher cost over other racks with that same flexibility.

 

Ok, so in the quoted post I stated that I had emailed Roofnest some questions. Below are the questions and their responses.

• Does the rainfly have to be rolled up when stowing the tent? I've seen it done both ways in videos and have seen comments that it must be rolled up to close.
  • No, it does not. I've see that video and have no idea why they thing that. Stuff away.

• How well does the hard cover seal around the tent when collapsed? My concern is water/mud from my tires might be thrown up and get into the tent bedding material if there is a gap in the hardshell.
  • Very well. It has a gasket seal and overlaps the bottom by several inches.

• Is the tent material removable/replaceable on the Condor XL? Some of your other tents have this feature.
  • In theory yes, but it's not easy to replace (but we have sent out a few replacements).

• Are there any revisions or additions planned for the Condor XL in the next 12 months?
  • This question was skipped in their response. Perhaps revisions are in the works?

• Is it possible to special order the hard shell in a grey color? If not, is the hard shell paintable?
  • We only make the Condor in Black and White, no other colors. You would probably have more luck getting a vinyl wrap than paint (it's painted ABA/ABS and you would want to prep it like you would a car bumper - several steps).

So, this was all good info for me. The only thing that's a bummer is the color, but that's cosmetic. I'll live. I did find it interesting that they glossed over my 4th question with out addressing it at all. Not even to say that they can't disclose the info, or anything. Just totally skipped it.

 

Wow! That’s pretty nice. I could probably build that too

 

Might be a good way to save you some money. I'm not handy at all, and would injure myself.

 

For anyone else looking into RTT, here's an article with some info. Not saying I agree with their choices, but they do provide some info.

https://www.switchbacktravel.com/best-rooftop-tents

 

I found another Tundra with a Roofnest Condor XL on here! https://www.tundras.com/threads/welp-i-just-needed-tires.72692/#post-1872089

So, @TwoWheels, what's the verdict? You've had it a while now, and I would love to know if there is any must know info on that tent.

Not going to lie, it's at the top of my list right now, and that article I linked is playing to my confirmations bias. Don't pull any punches. Tell us your likes and dislikes.

 

@ryanryan34 I see you have one, too. https://www.tundras.com/threads/bed-rack-for-rooftop-tent.83173/#post-2104560 Any words of wisdom specific to the Condor XL for a prospective buyer? I know you said you like it earlier, but is there anything that stands out?

 

If you haven’t already done so, look at this video on bed racks. It is eye opening and made me rethink my original bed rack which was the RCI. My biggest thing that I was looking at was the mounting location. I know RCI recently changed their mounting design but I’m unsure if I would still trust it with all of that weight.

https://youtu.be/Hw4wn5Vd_l8

 

Very good PSA there! Thank you, @YotaBro.

So, @Squatting Pigeon, how would you say the Cali Raised rack would handle to the issue in the video? Do you know if they've seen it and adjusted their design for it?

 

My RCI rack has been nothing but stellar and my tent is not exactly the lightest (Approx 195lbs) and it has a full time awning mounted to it, along with the bike rack. No issues in a year and a half of use and abuse.

 

Good to know, on both racks. I like the idea of the rubber. Might have to steal that one.

I was just asking out of curiosity, mostly. I doubt I'll be into anything that requires more than the standard mounts. My truck is my daily, so the SxS gets to play on the rougher stuff.

 

The bolts on the brackets broke. It wasn't loose for lack of tightening.

 

Correction: the welds holding the studs on the bracket broke.

 

I consider that bad luck but with any aftermarket parts you have to frequently monitor things. I frequently check and monitor the mods I have made. It's just good practice with aftermarket products.

 

Mine has been solid. I wonder if they over tightened the stud nuts on install?