Soft or hard shell rtt
Posted by CreativeGarage2750@reddit | overlanding | View on Reddit | 17 comments
I have a 2010 tacoma and I want to get a bed rack and rtt. I am looking for suggestions/recommendations on which type to get?
mekoRascal@reddit
If you can swing the cost, hardshell has all the advantages. Quicker setup/packing, less wind resistance, can be installed permanently, better shelter when turned into the wind, etc
CreativeGarage2750@reddit (OP)
Any other recommendations for which brand to look for?
liberty08@reddit
These get pricey fast and there are some good options on the market so ask around. I've been using my ikamper skykamp mini3 for a few years and have over 100 nights in it. I like the setup and take down ease and keep a lot of bedding in when closed. However, I didn't like the cold composite flooring under the mattress so I added stick-on carpet squares. I have yet to see one with a decent mattress so be prepared to get that as well. I also added led lighting. One thing I wish I had was overhead storage. I'll likely add some netting.
armada127@reddit
What’s your budget?
salad_dressing_dude@reddit
Lots of solid ones but I've really enjoyed Autohomes quality. Handmade in Italy.
armada127@reddit
Hard for sure, only reason for soft is if you’re on a budget
No_Tumbleweed_2229@reddit
Hard shell. I had one, went hard shell. My buddy hates now how fast I can set up compared to his soft shell tent
outdoorsauce@reddit
I’ll be the odd man out here. I’ve got the inspired overland thin soft shell, aka it looks like a hard shell but is soft. Bought it for $600 on marketplace.
The actually important part here is the profile, is it low or high? Mine is soft but it’s low and I have literally hammered through tight dessert trees and overgrown mountain trails, never even come close to a rip. I’m sure if I was really stupid and picked a horrible line I could do it, but it hasn’t happened in like 100 hours of off-roading.
It weighs 78lbs and I can take it on or off by myself which is crazy. With my awning and tent I currently get 17mpg on a 2004 4Runner with 31” LT tires. 16.9 with water, wood, full gas, my lovely passenger and dog.
You’ll still likely end up with a low profile hard shell because that’s what’s usually available, but you should have all the info.
poul0004@reddit
Cake or pie trees?
Dkman71@reddit
Aluminum hard shells are HEAVY. iKamper-like synthetic shells are much lighter. Soft shells are light, as well, but a PIA to either pack up or uncover when they’re dirty or wet.
Soilmonster@reddit
I went soft shell only because of my environment. I’m in the south, so it’s always hot - need breathable material all around for better airflow.
CaptainHubble@reddit
Hard if you have enough space. Soft when you want to have some of your roof rack left to strap down stuff.
Mine is very short. 1,8m. And one hard shell would’ve taken up all of it and even stick out. With a soft shell I have 60cm left. Here I have a box, waffle boards, and some tarp rolled up.
They’re a bit more fiddly to deal with. But that’s what a compromise is.
ghetto_headache@reddit
Hard shell. Have had both and 100% hardshell
sneakywombat87@reddit
Hard. Always hard.
Sardawg1@reddit
I got a hardtop for speed, efficiency, and better gas mileage.
CreativeGarage2750@reddit (OP)
What brand do you have if you don't mind?
Sardawg1@reddit
FSR Evo