Topic: Best RTT Design

[Ghost65]

I'll just leave this here...

RTTOTG...LOL

I've been debating the RTT for a looong time now, and after listening to feedback from friends/users, may be sticking with the ground option and using the extra $$$ for adventure instead.

Thoughts?

[JFanaselle]

Interesting read John. I've been having the exact same dilemma as you. The ease of camp setup is the number one draw for me... who wouldn't want to just park your car, flip the tent open and be ready to relax? But I'm having such a hard time deciding how I'd overcome several drawbacks:

1) no longer being able to haul the stuff I do on my roof. I purchased my roof rack specifically to haul firewood, cans of fuel, and my massive 3 burner stove and griddle (which fits perfectly between the roof rack side rails). I could get creative enough to haul the fuel (It's been mentioned that 4 gallon rotopax cans slide under most RTTs nicely if your side rails are tall enough on your roof rack, but I can't imagine how I'd then tie them down), but the firewood and grill would have to move inside the vehicle, and they easily take up more room than the tent, sleeping bags and sleeping pads I carry now.

2) Losing the ability to keep your camp set up while you use your vehicle. Obviously, every trip is different. For the types of trips we tend to do as a group, an RTT is awesome. You simply end your day wherever you end up, unfold the tent, and you're good to go. But if you're planning to stay at the same campground for a couple of nights or more (like a family style trip), you basically have to break camp everytime you want to use your vehicle to explore or need to go into town to buy supplies.

3) Weight/aerodynamics on the roof.

4) Ease of entry/exit in the middle of the night (those late night "I have to pee" moments, especially after some beers around the campfire).

My wife told me I could get a RTT as my combined birthday/father's day gift this year, especially after she saw everyone enjoying them on TMR. But I'm just having such a hard time justifying the expense when I don't think I'll use it for every trip. If money was no object, I think I'd own one and pop it on the roof for certain trips while just using my ground tent for others.

In the end, I just ended up purchasing a new Coleman instant-setup style 10x10 ground tent. It's the same size as the tent I own now (which is admittedly a little too big, but is great because I can stand up inside it), but has the quick setup poles that are already attached to the tent. We're taking a little family trip up to big bear in a few weekends and it'll be perfect for that trip. But the next trip I take through the middle of the desert, I'm sure I'll wish I had an RTT at the end of a long day of wheeling.

[Ghost65]

I like your comments Joe...and my reasoning was this:

1.  I don't like having to break camp to explore or grab necessities if...well...necessary.  Might as well buy a Class A motorhome...same dilemma.

2.  Feedback from both Jordan and Clint has given me serious pause...the whole stepping out, down to pee thing is a big deal, and sh1tting in your annex, well, heat (and smell) rises, as they say.  Plus, on the less expensive models, interior condensation/ventilation seems to be a real issue.

3.  Timing...the last five trips we have taken I have actually timed the tent/sleeping pad/sleeping bag deployment...and it hovers around 10-13 minutes, which is pretty damn close to an RTT setup, not including the annex which I would want.  And Jordan mentioned that the annex is a real PITA to set up, so much so, that he and Jill skipped it the last couple of times they camped.

4.  Weight/space on the roof...I have actually been looking at roof racks for an RTT, which I gave up on because like you, I want that space reserved for firewood, spare fuel, etc. 

5.  Taking the time and muscle to remove/install/store a rather unwieldy tent for the daily drive after each Xcursion...because as Jordan LOVES to point out, I ain't getting' any younger. 

So, my next venture was to think about purchasing an off road trailer to mount the RTT on...are you seeing the $$$ logic here? 

Lol! 

So, to get the storage space, and "convenience" of an RTT (in my mind...), I was looking at roughly $7,000 (baseline, as the off road trailer market is limited only by the blue sky!!!) to sleep off the ground and MAYBE set up camp quicker? 

And, if I did mount the RTT on the roof, this completely flies in the face of aerodynamics and CG issues when wheeling...

This is by no means a disrespect to any of the RTT crowd...not at all.  Just an hopefully informational post for those considering jumping on board with an RTT, and the cost/benefit formula that has been knocking around my head for the last few months...years?

For me, I'd rather save the dough and use it for the actual time off/adventure experience than the perceived/real convenience of an RTT/Off road trailer set up.

[RikRong]

I read the article, and it seemed like it was written by someone that already has a strong bias against RTTs.  That aside, here are my opinions.  I have no experience with a RTT, but after TMR, I feel I gained some knowledge. 

1.  Footprint:  Sure these are designed to minimize camping on the ground and taking up space, but I feel like they actually take a lot of space.  For example, the first night we camped, if every single person had a RTT, there's no way we could've used that spot.  I was parked in a spot where I could barely open my doors, let alone set up a RTT. 
2.  Storage on roof:  I feel the same as everyone else, don't want to lose it.
3.  Time:  The first night took us slightly longer to set up our tent, but the second night we had our camp set up just as quickly as the RTT guys, maybe more quickly.  From what I saw, the quickest guys were the ones that sleep in the truck.  I also felt like we were able to tear down more quickly than the RTT guys.  Sure, we have to figure out where to stuff the tent in the truck and the RTT guys just fold it up and stow.
4.  Sleeping space:  Anyone with a large family will probably not be able to sleep in a RTT, unless they have an annex
5.  Mobility:  Already touched on, but it would be nice to have a camp separate from the truck, if you're using your camp as a base for wheeling. 

[Ghost65]

I totally agree with your observations Rick.

To be totally clear...this is my opinion formed over the last couple of years and during that time had given serious consideration to my own RTT purchase. 

I think that the article isn't so much biased, but more providing options regarding sleeping options/ground tent variations that the marketing/overlanding gurus may have overlooked/purposely downplayed in the rush to go "roof bound." 

I think the people that have them enjoy them, and don't necessarily regret the purchase for how they use them.

I have just come to the conclusion this is not a format for me in the foreseeable future because of a lot of the reasons in the article, as well as shared opinions/experiences of friends...but mainly because I have a tent/sleeping set up that works for me and just don't see the need to head out and spend another $1,000 for a roof top sleeping option.

Forums are great places to discuss/debate/respectfully post new views, and that was my intent.  Not to say any one sleeping format is better etc., because each one suits the individuals needs.

[JFanaselle]

Ideally, the best situation would be to own a trailer, and an RTT, and a ground tent. Then you could just decide which one to bring/use on each trip.  There are many different scenarios where each setup has it's benefits and disadvantages.

[Ghost65]

Ideally, the best situation would be to own a trailer, and an RTT, and a ground tent. Then you could just decide which one to bring/use on each trip.  There are many different scenarios where each setup has it's benefits and disadvantages.

#lotteryticket

[xxSVxx]

I'm a ground sleepin, CB talkin, white gas stove burnin fool!!!!  #OLDSCHOOL  #ONLYBECAUSEIMBROKE  #ACTUALLYIHAVEAHAMRADIONOW  #PUTMEINTHECOOLKIDSCLUBPLEASE  #NEVERMINDIPREFERBEINGANOUTSIDER  #HASHTAGSAREGETTINGMESSY  #ILLSTOPNOW

[RikRong]

John, I apologize if my post came off as "RTTs suck, I don't like them.  Why does anyone buy them?  Why did you post this article?"  That's what happens when I post quickly.  There are benefits/downsides to each one.  Like you, I'll probably stick to ground tents because they're the most cost effective for me, and I don't feel the benefits of a RTT outweigh the benefits of the ground tent.  However, if I do strike it rich, I will be looking at trailers.  Though, like you said, base prices usually start in the $7K range and only go up from there.

[Sage Bromax]

Here is my version of a RTTOTG:

http://www.amazon.com/Kamp-Rite-DTC443-Oversize-Tent-Cot/dp/B000I641UQ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1464046024&sr=8-1&keywords=kamp+rite+oversized+tent+cot

Used it on the Winter MRT.  I could set it up/take it down in under five minutes and I wasn't directly on the ground.  They have a double-wide version, for those wanting to get frisky.

[Ghost65]

John, I apologize if my post came off as "RTTs suck, I don't like them.  Why does anyone buy them?  Why did you post this article?"  That's what happens when I post quickly.  There are benefits/downsides to each one.  Like you, I'll probably stick to ground tents because they're the most cost effective for me, and I don't feel the benefits of a RTT outweigh the benefits of the ground tent.  However, if I do strike it rich, I will be looking at trailers.  Though, like you said, base prices usually start in the $7K range and only go up from there.

Lol...no worries Rick. The more I post, the more I get keyboard remorse anymore. Who will I offend?

[Ghost65]

Here is my version of a RTTOTG:

http://www.amazon.com/Kamp-Rite-DTC443-Oversize-Tent-Cot/dp/B000I641UQ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1464046024&sr=8-1&keywords=kamp+rite+oversized+tent+cot

Used it on the Winter MRT.  I could set it up/take it down in under five minutes and I wasn't directly on the ground.  They have a double-wide version, for those wanting to get frisky.

Tony...I think we saw this at DV?  I like it, except in wind.

[Sage Bromax]

I had the smaller version at DV.  I got the bigger version for Christmas.  It doesn't pack up as small, but it is roomier inside and has a more robust tent support frame.

[Celt]

I had the smaller version at DV.  I got the bigger version for Christmas.  It doesn't pack up as small, but it is roomier inside and has a more robust tent support frame.

 I remember seeing that tent/cot combo during that 1st morning of the Winter Mojave and it looked like it was holding up real good with that silly wind we had the first night and morning. As to the RTT opinion thread...... I really like the idea of them, especially being able to sleep where it's much cooler instead of the hot ground when things start warming up. The biggest drawback for me would be it would make my X just too darn tall and top heavy. I more often than not look for a level spot to park because I generally sleep in the back and over the years have gotten pretty good at it. Not sure how difficult it would be in a RTT but would think it's about the same. I guess getting in and out during the middle of the night to take a whizz might be a pain but so is climbing in and out of a tent on the ground with a low ceiling. Based on the things I like to do with my vehicle alone the tent really isn't an option for me but I am also jealous when I see guys pulling up and open up a large tent to sleep on a mattress on in the middle of nowhere.

[ultrapc40]

I think the RTT is a fad. It all comes down to what type of camper you are. If you like multi day multi location. I think RTT is the way if you have the money and the cargo room. I personally wouldnt use a SUV as a platform. It just put the COG too high, I would opt for one of those rear hatch tents if I have a Xterra

Now if you are just going to go on one or two trips a year where camping is involve, a 80 dollar Coleman is the way to go.  If you camp often and like to maintain a base camp, a trailer will work out better. Plus the ladies will like it more... Something about pooping in a hole in the ground turns them off... So having a trailer you will have some amenities for the spouse.

Ultimately, it doesn't matter if you are sleeping in your car/suv/truckbed/ ground/ tent/ RTT or Rolling palace, the important thing is you are out there making memories with family and friends.