-
Guest, UPDATE We went through the site migration runbook and completed all steps. We will need to complete the migration next week, but will leave the forums up for the weekend. A few days after maintenance, a major upgrade revision to the forum site will occur.
-
Roof Top Tent (RTT) Question
- Thread starter Randun
- Start date
FishinCrzy
Rank V
Advocate I
I've only had two and they were both Tuff Stuff. I upgraded to the ALPHA from the Ranger not long ago. I really think I'm going to enjoy the hardtop much better. Upgraded ladder, interior and exterior LEDs, skylight, much easier setup/takedown. Quality seems very good. Compare the materials being used. Most, if not all, of the dealers are out west nearer to you. I would check reviews on-line and around. They pack it really good for delivery so barring any damage and reasonable wear and tear, one should get many years use. I haven't seen much mention of repairs but I suppose you could call around and ask some questions and get a feel for their customer service. BTW, Tuff Stuff does have discount codes that you can find online. At least 10% off based on what I saw. Sometimes maybe more but it's been a tight market for imports lately.
Steward I
I Have a Smittybilt RTT, along with a bunch of other equipment from them. I would say their customer service is pretty good. Although I have been waiting 2 months on a replacement rear hatch for my Jeep's hardtop, which was on back order, they have been very prompt to answer my emails to keep me up to date on its status.
As far as the RTT, it's good for the price. I have only used it about a dozen times, but it's working well. No leaks in rain. I took it to the beach last weekend, and it held up great in sustained 30+ mph winds. Very happy with it.
As far as the RTT, it's good for the price. I have only used it about a dozen times, but it's working well. No leaks in rain. I took it to the beach last weekend, and it held up great in sustained 30+ mph winds. Very happy with it.
Enthusiast III
I love my smittybilt rtt. Great quality that lasts, just like other brands, except i paid a whole lot less. Call it pragmatic. They have good customer service and the tent is very durable.
Randun
Rank 0
Traveler I
Thank you so much for your opinions and for getting back to me.
It's so funny that you mention Tuff Stuff Overland. Out of all of the RTT companies that I have been researching, everyone has been raving that their customer service is the best.
I am so envious that you have an Alpha. I have been eyeing that tent for a while. The Ranger is really nice too.
Thank you for the discount code idea too. I will look into that.
Randun
Rank 0
Traveler I
Thank you so much for letting me know about your experiences with Smittybuilt. I have been looking at their tents too.
Waiting on a back ordered part can be a pain, but I don't think that is the company's fault. The fact that they have been keeping you in the loop is exactly the information that I am looking for.
Good luck with your tent. It sounds like you chose a great one!
Randun
Rank 0
Traveler I
Thank you so much for your opinions on Smittybuilt products.
I really apprieciate you taking the time to let me know about your positive experiences with their customer service!
Enthusiast III
Have Tepui from 2016 (back when they were independent/not part of Thule). Customer service experience has been very good, verging on extraordinary based on other outdoor gear experiences. That written, it may not be the same now that they're owned by Thule.
Needed replacement part last minute before leaving on extended trip off grid. Original part failure was due to me, not manufacturer. Salesman made sure it shipped that day and upgraded the shipping without asking me or charging for it (small parts shipped in small box, but still........). Paid nothing for the part or expedited shipping.
Have 40+ nights in it. With exception of wear on the ladder and travel cover, can't tell it from new.
Needed replacement part last minute before leaving on extended trip off grid. Original part failure was due to me, not manufacturer. Salesman made sure it shipped that day and upgraded the shipping without asking me or charging for it (small parts shipped in small box, but still........). Paid nothing for the part or expedited shipping.
Have 40+ nights in it. With exception of wear on the ladder and travel cover, can't tell it from new.
Ejsandstrom
Rank 0
Contributor I
Most of the (higher end) RTT companies are small enough that customer service is a priority.
Member III
It is usually pretty obvious who will be good and who to avoid during the selling process. A good company will listen to yer needs and sell what fits..... if they have nothing a great salesman will recommend you buy... xyz.... from.. abcompany.... who actually have what you want. IF the guy is trying to convince you to buy the unit covered in dust just walk. Another great way to find a great manufacturer is thru the Overland Rallies. The guys who support our activities are always there. They come to flog their wares sure but they also come to hear what we want. There are far too many manufacturers out there purely to rob us blind. Overland anything will command extra margin. And limited production means any builder NEEDS big profit to justify the risk, and building overland trailers/tents is MASSIVE risk. Find the guy you want to go for a beer with. The guy, builder, who listens to what you need, the guy who wants to talk about his other customers and does that with pride. The guy offering references without bragging, rather just as part of the conversation.
Any of these guys building overland stuff can go bankrupt overnite and your deposit will be history. Or go bankrupt after the sale and leave you with zero parts, repairs or lol warranty. Big names with multiple products like Smittybilt or ...... are a bit less risk .... maybe. Some builders have a track record, history like Tepui and are likey well established with solid financial backing ... but .... Anyone in business next year after a year of COVID is likely a good bet for stability, warranty, service.
Any of these guys building overland stuff can go bankrupt overnite and your deposit will be history. Or go bankrupt after the sale and leave you with zero parts, repairs or lol warranty. Big names with multiple products like Smittybilt or ...... are a bit less risk .... maybe. Some builders have a track record, history like Tepui and are likey well established with solid financial backing ... but .... Anyone in business next year after a year of COVID is likely a good bet for stability, warranty, service.
Randun
Rank 0
Traveler I
What a beautiful set up you have! And your tent looks brand new!Have Tepui from 2016 (back when they were independent/not part of Thule). Customer service experience has been very good, verging on extraordinary based on other outdoor gear experiences. That written, it may not be the same now that they're owned by Thule.
Needed replacement part last minute before leaving on extended trip off grid. Original part failure was due to me, not manufacturer. Salesman made sure it shipped that day and upgraded the shipping without asking me or charging for it (small parts shipped in small box, but still........). Paid nothing for the part or expedited shipping.
Have 40+ nights in it. With exception of wear on the ladder and travel cover, can't tell it from new.
Thank you so much for your opinion on Tepui too. I have heard that they have gone a little in the wrong direction now that they part of Thule, but maybe the incidents that I heard of were isolated.
Thank you again!
Randun
Rank 0
Traveler I
Randun
Rank 0
Traveler I
Great points and everything you said is so true! Thank you so much for your time and your opinions.
I have heard horror stories about two companies that I am staying clear of. It is sad that in today's times we still need to worry about these things. Hopefully covid will act in our favor and the strong companies will survive.
Randun
Rank 0
Traveler I
I am so glad to hear that you are happy with your tent.
Your opinion on the tents being built in the same 3-5 factories is completely accurate. I have several friends in the RTT industry and this very fact has been confirmed.
That is also the reason why I want to support a RTT company with great customer service. All the RTTs are about the same but customer service can set them all apart.
Randun
Rank 0
Traveler I
Explorer I
Does anyone have experience with Roam Adventure Co. gear tents or CVT? Thoughts?
Member III
Just another happy Smittybilt customer I'm afraid. I'm sure the other brands are well made and are good products...haven't seen any major complaints anywhere. But a lot of them are three or four times the cost of the Smittybilt. The biggest surprise was finding the cheapest one to be so acceptable.
Member III
I have 5 years and counting on my Smittybilt. I have contacted customer service a couple times. Once was a couple years ago to order a new cover and rain fly. Both of mine had minor leaks from extensive use. I think I paid around $150 for the two. The replacement items were of even better quality than the originals. I contacted the again after a storm bent one of the 3 inner hoops/arches that hold the body of the tent. I really just called to see how much it would be to get a replacement, but they shipped me 3 new ones at no charge. I have also contacted them for parts for an 8x6 awning I let a storm tear up. As for giving back to their customers, somewhere in the last 5 years, I won a contest with credit for $400 worth of gear or something like that. I selected their version of MaxTrax, a new 8x6 awning, and a tailgate table. The value was slightly over the prize amount, so I offered to pay the difference, but they let me have all 3 anyway.
I know some of their products are of questionable durability but I'm over 100 nights in my tent and it's held up great. I've probably had the awning out 3 times as much as the tent. The new Gen 2 rooftop tents have a ton of upgrades over the original stuff. I wouldn't hesitate to buy from them again.
I know some of their products are of questionable durability but I'm over 100 nights in my tent and it's held up great. I've probably had the awning out 3 times as much as the tent. The new Gen 2 rooftop tents have a ton of upgrades over the original stuff. I wouldn't hesitate to buy from them again.
