I need something other than a RTT.
Posted by IllustriousMonk1980@reddit | overlanding | View on Reddit | 15 comments
The idea of the RTT is great. I love mine. Came with winter insulation panels. Roomy enough for my two dogs and myself and some gear. Don't even notice it's there year-round. It's been through three Pacific Northwest years with zero issues.
That said, it's cumbersome to get in and out of, especially with the dogs, the latch style it uses is pretty silly, requiring some finesse to get latched properly, and it's a really tight fit to get it put back down. And, frankly, I miss the roof storage for family camping trips. Our Honda Fit has more interior room.
The whole reason I went with a RTT was so that I could avoid having to clean a muddy and wet tent. And I've been able to do just that. But, for the reasons mentioned, I need to find something better. I used to sleep inside my Honda Element when I had it, which was awesome! But the Element didn't get me where I wanted to go.
I'm in an FJ Cruiser, so space is limited. Here's what I've come up with:
- A sleeping platform with at least 12" of room underneath for gear. Platform folds up to be used only as a shelf, then down to form a flat sleeping surface. This and this are the best examples I've found of this. Problem with this idea? I probably won't do it because of the required time investment, and I've never really worked with wood on anything more than a basic level such as cutting a straight cut or a 90º angle. I don't know anything about woodworking, making sure it's structurally sound, etc.
- A tall cot, to sleep inside. I'd prefer a wider and longer one so that the pups could cuddle me if they want. They're 40 and 60 lbs. Haha!
- A tent cot, for sleeping outside. This might be a decent compromise. I don't really know anything about them. I have a Megamat Duo and a single size Megamat, so one of those should work with a tent cot.
Looking for thoughts, experiences, suggestions, etc.
metajames@reddit
How about a swag on legs?
IllustriousMonk1980@reddit (OP)
Care to elaborate? I'm not sure what a swag is, or what "on legs" means. I'm imagining essentially a cot tent when you say that.
metajames@reddit
A Swag is a tent that packs up in a roll, to setup you just place it down and unroll it and stick in a few poles to pop it up. They usually have a nice comfy foam pad you sleep on that you just roll up with it inside. There are versions that setup on a cot like structure to get it up off the ground. I've been thinking about getting one of these myself since I don't want a RTT on the car all the time. Most of these only accodates 1-2 people though.
ewizzle@reddit
Look up the Hele sleeping platform
IllustriousMonk1980@reddit (OP)
Thanks! I've seen a few of these things that are just regular cots but marketed to being used in a car. But this one is pretty neat! It has mattress slats, adjustable legs, and can even be used as a table.
SkibidiBlender@reddit
We use a ground tent and I put a large tarp down under it. The tent comes home wet sometimes, but no mud so far.
desertdawg61@reddit
I have the Gazelle hub 4, excellent tent with a removable floor. Can't praise it's design enough. Light and super fast deployment and take down. Down side pretty long for an fJ. I used to put it up on my rack, now I just shove it inside my 4runner. For ultra comfort I have an Oz Rv5 tent, when camping with my wife and dogs. Expensive but so well made and thought out. Fairly quick setup but very cumbersome, I only use it for at least a 3 day trip where we aren't always moving. I also have oz tent rs1 swag tent and put it on a king cot. Usually, use for solo trips, it's large enough for me and my cattle dog. I actually love it! It's easy to setup and like it because I do a lot of desert camping and I can move it pretty easy to reposition out of the wind. I just noticed they make double now.
For reference, I have a rtt on my 4runner these days. I plan on using the other Oz tents with my Tacoma
Because you have an FJ, I'd default to the Gazelle with a cot. It's literally the best of all worlds. And you and your dogs will have plenty of room.
IllustriousMonk1980@reddit (OP)
Gazelle was my first consideration for a more traditional style tent with quick setup. I haven't heard of OZTENT before, so thanks for mentioning them! Even the RS-1 tent looks like it could serve my needs. It certainly isn't a "30 second" tent like they advertise, but hey.
Do you just use a footprint with those tents to try to cut down on cleanup? Cleanup is the number one consideration for me right now, because if it's raining outside when I get home, I would have to bring the tent inside to clean off, which would just be a pain. I have a garage but it's small, and I wouldn't have room to setup a tent in there.
desertdawg61@reddit
Being in SoCal we don't have the rain like you do. I have a Tyvex sheet for the Gazelle, the Rs-1 no ground cloth needed because it's elevated on the king cot, it's called a tent cot in the U.S. the RV-5 came with a ground cloth, but I bought it used so not sure that tent came with it or was purchased separately? Tyvex is a great layer, light and moisture proof. As I start using my 1stgen tacoma more the tent cot will be my primary, it's just so easy. Sounds like the tent cot would be the least hassle for clean up in your circumstances.
Naive_Adeptness6895@reddit
Consider a small trailer if you have room to store. The shorter the better as length is a huge dot
DodoDozer@reddit
Compromise.
Get a platform inaide.... makes putting clothes harder no sitting up even. Makes ventilation harder ,now need mesh panels or such. Nees more ventilatiln- turn car on before rolling windows down.
Maybe a tent of the back of the FJ attached with a platform in the Fj? Kelt backwoods attaches to a sub but I tried it and it's a small pain to set up and connect
Gazelle might be it but it's also has downside. Ventilation is lucky with condensation The corner grommets are very weak and can tear. In wind it might have an issue per reports. I like mine though throw it on the roof all the time 2 kids me etc..
spetrone@reddit
OVERLANDISH
which ever size fits your needs
ferrulewax@reddit
Quit making things difficult and get the Gazelle… they are great.
-Vengar-@reddit
I agree with the Gazelle option. The new Gazell T4 Overland EXP is redesigned so it fits in a 57" bag now and has built in ports for the diesel heater. We picked one up since it now easily fits in the 5' Tacoma bed or back seat. And the ports make using the heater simple. If you look it up make sure you are looking at the Overland EXP model
Shmokesshweed@reddit
I'd consider an instant tent like the Gazelle if you can fit it on top of your FJ. Pair it with a diesel heater and you've got a lightweight, flexible, and warm setup for the PNW.