Like the content. This was among the most down-to-earth and informative videos I found on this (and any) rooftop tent. Also, your style has the right amount of entertainment value to it, unlike others who try so hard to be entertaining that they forget the point in their content. Well done and thanks for a very helpful overview.
The ground is just as comfortable as you remember. It's become popular to hate on RTT's because they've become a defacto accessory. And most are overpriced. But they are worth it in the end. I sleep in ground tents when I backpack. It's just as miserable as it has been my whole life. Cold, rocks, and always full of moisture. Even with an expensive Mountain Hardware tent. My RTT is up and down in less than 5 mins, and I can keep all our pillows and sleeping bags in there. It's never gotten me wet. I'm not sleeping on rocks and we're not cold from the ground. Also, I love your boys are playing a board game in the video.
Check out Exped Mega mat. There are also a lot of great new high loft pads for backpacking. But our mega mat ground sleep setup is way more comfortable than our RTT mattress with memory foam.
I had a Gen 1 XL, and like everything else, these RTTs have their + and -. The biggest plus is it’s like sleeping in a tree house. That’s fun. And if you can park, you can sleep. And the ladies like it. One night in Death Valley, the wind blew like a bitch, but it was bolted to my 4Runner, so it wasn’t going anywhere. But it takes about as much time to set up and pack up as a modern tent. And since it’s on your hot, dusty vehicle, you’ll be really hot and dusty deploying and closing it. Storing it when not in use is another issue. I rigged a system in my garage to hoist it on and off my vehicle, but it was still a pain in the ass, especially when my garage was 100 degrees. Ultimately, having to close it up to use my vehicle drove me to purchase an off-road trailer that I mounted it on. That’s the best set-up. Unless you’re going to overland frequently, just use a regular tent. It’s way cheaper, and easier in many ways. For most folks, this is just a gimmick.
Thanks for the review. I cant wait to get mine. But do you know anything about the two year warranty that smittybilt guarantees. If i buy the tent through 4wheelparts will the two year warranty still be included?
This is a Gen 2 tent. The rain fly was greatly redesigned and fits more snugly than the Gen1. I have not tried the Gen 2, but I have a lot of wind experience in the Gen 1. The rain fly was the greatest weakness of the Gen 1 as it was made to fit the system very loosely. I did experience wind that began to remove it, so it can happen, especially with a loose fit. The greatest problem with the tent in the wind is the noise. On the Gen 1 we learned to remove the fly if there was little chance of rain. The result was dramatic, taking away 90% of the noise. I would expect that this Gen 2 would be much better than the Gen 1, but I suspect that the new fly will still be somewhat noisy in the wind. Have never used it in the snow.
Just got off the phone with subaru (I have a 2014 crosstrek) is it okay that the crosstrek roof is 176 lbs? Talked to subaru but they couldn’t tell me anything that wasn’t written explicitly in the manual. The ones that come on the crosstrek are 176 I believe, but obviously I am looking crossbars for this tent, it comes next week. Our total family weight would be like 530lbs. I can’t think that stationary it can only hold that much but he couldn’t tell me the weight stationary (all of us sleeping on it).
Don't think i'd ever be interested in this... I don't see advantages over a Tent Cot by Kamprite or something similar. This style tent is ALWAYS on your roof the whole trip, that's gotta suck for mileage and noise driving. The only place i can see this being a plus is grizzly country, a little more safety.
Like the content. This was among the most down-to-earth and informative videos I found on this (and any) rooftop tent. Also, your style has the right amount of entertainment value to it, unlike others who try so hard to be entertaining that they forget the point in their content. Well done and thanks for a very helpful overview.
The ground is just as comfortable as you remember. It's become popular to hate on RTT's because they've become a defacto accessory. And most are overpriced. But they are worth it in the end. I sleep in ground tents when I backpack. It's just as miserable as it has been my whole life. Cold, rocks, and always full of moisture. Even with an expensive Mountain Hardware tent.
My RTT is up and down in less than 5 mins, and I can keep all our pillows and sleeping bags in there. It's never gotten me wet. I'm not sleeping on rocks and we're not cold from the ground.
Also, I love your boys are playing a board game in the video.
Check out Exped Mega mat. There are also a lot of great new high loft pads for backpacking. But our mega mat ground sleep setup is way more comfortable than our RTT mattress with memory foam.
I had a Gen 1 XL, and like everything else, these RTTs have their + and -. The biggest plus is it’s like sleeping in a tree house. That’s fun. And if you can park, you can sleep. And the ladies like it. One night in Death Valley, the wind blew like a bitch, but it was bolted to my 4Runner, so it wasn’t going anywhere. But it takes about as much time to set up and pack up as a modern tent. And since it’s on your hot, dusty vehicle, you’ll be really hot and dusty deploying and closing it. Storing it when not in use is another issue. I rigged a system in my garage to hoist it on and off my vehicle, but it was still a pain in the ass, especially when my garage was 100 degrees. Ultimately, having to close it up to use my vehicle drove me to purchase an off-road trailer that I mounted it on. That’s the best set-up. Unless you’re going to overland frequently, just use a regular tent. It’s way cheaper, and easier in many ways. For most folks, this is just a gimmick.
Great video! I ordered mine a month ago from 4WP and am very excited for it to come in! Thanks for the review
The guy at my local branch told me they'd be getting the next shipment in around Aug 15th. XL or regular?
@@Fadeux XL, Hopefully mine comes into the SATX branch then. It has been five weeks since I ordered.
How long did does it take to break down the tent approximately?
Less than 10 min not including straightening up the bedding. The stuffing makes it longer than setup.
Lol yeah my trucks lifted 12”. Bullet proof kit with 37 in boggers and I’m 5’10. I guess I’ll be bringing a step ladder camping
Thanks for the review. I cant wait to get mine. But do you know anything about the two year warranty that smittybilt guarantees. If i buy the tent through 4wheelparts will the two year warranty still be included?
4wheel parts = Smittybilt. So yes.
Do you have a video on your new rig, the Tacoma? What happen to your 3rd gen 4runner?
Coming soon. 4Runner is in the RV parking spot.
hey can u tell me how long/wide the baseplate is '' the part where you put 2 bolts trough to mount to a rack ''
You ever find out?
@@Bow-Fiend nah i just bought one and had custom brackets made by a local shop so it has 2 bolts per corner instead of 1
What camper shell is that? How much weight can it hold?
It’s a Snugtop GB Sport. With the Sportsman package it’s rated for 500#.
Pro tip, after folding you can put the poles under the mattress along the edge of the base. Just remember to take them out before flipping it over.
Are the gen2 tents all season?
I don’t know if they claim to be, but I’d expect to get wet in heavy rain or snow storms.
Love your honesty!!!
When did you get a Tacoma? Did it replace the F-150?
This is replacing the 4Runner. But we still have that for now.
All-Terrain Family How many miles on the 4Runner? What would you consider letting it go for?
Almost 280k.
@@CalebCissna 278k. I would entertain offers, but with the 5 speed, factory e-locker and it's condition I'd start the bidding at $5800.
How’s the tent in snow and wind ?
Have not tested in those conditions. I can tell that in wind it will be flappy. Noisy at least.
This is a Gen 2 tent. The rain fly was greatly redesigned and fits more snugly than the Gen1. I have not tried the Gen 2, but I have a lot of wind experience in the Gen 1. The rain fly was the greatest weakness of the Gen 1 as it was made to fit the system very loosely. I did experience wind that began to remove it, so it can happen, especially with a loose fit. The greatest problem with the tent in the wind is the noise. On the Gen 1 we learned to remove the fly if there was little chance of rain. The result was dramatic, taking away 90% of the noise. I would expect that this Gen 2 would be much better than the Gen 1, but I suspect that the new fly will still be somewhat noisy in the wind.
Have never used it in the snow.
I don’t think the gen2 will be better. The little wing flaps come off easily. The whole thing can’t get properly tight.
Just got off the phone with subaru (I have a 2014 crosstrek) is it okay that the crosstrek roof is 176 lbs? Talked to subaru but they couldn’t tell me anything that wasn’t written explicitly in the manual. The ones that come on the crosstrek are 176 I believe, but obviously I am looking crossbars for this tent, it comes next week. Our total family weight would be like 530lbs. I can’t think that stationary it can only hold that much but he couldn’t tell me the weight stationary (all of us sleeping on it).
I don’t know that. Maybe check the Subaru forums.
Thanks!
The 2022 Outback Wilderness can handle 700lbs stationary. I believe most Subarus handle around that. They have 2 weights: Moving and Stationary.
They actually provide a rating? Toyota doesn’t. Snug top does.
@@AllTerrainFamily I just watched a review on the new Subaru Outback Wilderness and they talked about both weights they got from Subaru.
Cool vids! Do you do any driving at night? If you do, what lighting have you found to work best in all weather applications?
Thanks! We don’t do much night driving. Only stock lightening.
Do you have the specs on extrusion separation? I'm building a rack and want to make sure I can mount this. Thanks
Good video 👍🏼
Great job on the honest review Mike!
Not worth the multiple hundred dollar price hike they just did
at 2:27 looks like those to Tower is broke / cracked just saying good video
Nope. It’s in one piece. The crack your seeing might be the quick release tab.
My x-wife would not accept wrinkled tent in public.
I like Smittybilt.
Don't think i'd ever be interested in this... I don't see advantages over a Tent Cot by Kamprite or something similar. This style tent is ALWAYS on your roof the whole trip, that's gotta suck for mileage and noise driving. The only place i can see this being a plus is grizzly country, a little more safety.
👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻