Great review. Thank you. I’m looking at this pretty hard for my first RTT for my Gladiator. What are the dimensions of the shell? Are there 3 layers underneath (felt, white pad, and matresss). Thanks
Thanks John for this detailed review and it certainly looks like a great option. I have a few questions. 1- I have two HF gun cases on my rack currently and if I was to get this RTT, would the gas struts be sturdy enough to accept the weight of these cases if they were mounted on top of it? Can they even be mounted on top of it? I do understand the less-than-optimal location of these cases for wind resistance and ensuing reduction of MPG... but these cases are an integral part of my overland kit while traveling. 2 - Would you recommend mounting this "backward" meaning opening toward the front of the car? I have a kitchen on the back of my LX and a 4' awning that deploys over the kitchen. I also have two side awnings, 6' each which I use almost every time I am at camp. So, I was thinking I'd install this tent backward and unconventionally I realize. I'd probably create some sort of "stairs landing" on the hood of the LX to access the tent. This could also probably help my dogs climb into the tent without me hoisting them. I am concerned about the waterproofness of the opening while driving since it would be directly exposed to "driving" wind and possibly rain. 3 - Have you had time to test the tent in windy and rainy conditions yet? I am curious about how the "extension" of the pro version holds up to rain pooling on top, especially with that star-gazing window?
Great questions! 1 - I have reached out directly to the factory to see if they have a recommended weight limit. I'll report back once they have an answer for me! 2 - Absolutely! You can mount it however you want. 3 - I have not had a chance to test this in adverse conditions, unfortunately! The extension does have a rain fly over the top, which is actually part of the clear window. Without the rain fly you just have the bug net and the "door". The rain fly has tension straps on the two outermost corners, so I don't suspect any issues with water pooling. Hopefully I have a chance here soon to give it a real test in adverse weather, but we shall see!
Good news! The factory says the tent can handle 35 kgs (77 lbs) if you’d like to be able to open it with the weight on top, and 100 kgs (220 lbs) if you are not going to open the tent with the weight on top.
Im having leaking issues with this tent. Not a ton of water but the bottom where my condensation mat is gets fairly soaked. Im pretty sure its because im not tucking in the liner and i can see orange fabric between the seals in between the two halves when its closed. Can you confirm that you tuck this part up before you close the tent and if there may be other reasons for my leak?