Rooftop Tents - 4XPEDITION Team 4X Community Forum

New Go Fast Nomad V2 Platform Camper

Scott Leuthold — Fri, 15 Jul 2022 14:43:17 +0000

Well, after much consideration, Heather and I have decided to purchase a Go Fast V2 Nomad wedge camper for the Ram truck. I really wanted a Super Pacific X1 but unfortunately, they have a 5 month lead time. Also, not to mention that the cost of a SPX1 runs about $13k out the door. It is a better product overall than the GFV2.

The GFV2 is lighter weight overall. And, the price out the door with accessories such as the Beef Bars for a roof rack system is about $10k and the lead time is almost nil. We are able to pick it up the first week of August.

Looks like we will be making another road trip to Bozeman MT like I did with the Overland Explorer Camp X.

The Wedge truck camper is much more utilitarian and minimalistic than the Camp X was. That was a lux truck camper with all the amenities. It was also over 1300 lb dry. The GFV1 is around 275 lb. It is basically a canopy shell with a built in wedge RTT that you can access from inside the shell.

I like it. I think it will serve well for Heather and I to bug out for weekends away without having to tent camp or stay in an AirBnb. The upfront cost, like anything of this kind, is a bit steep but at the end of the day, we will save a lot of money when traveling with the truck to Colorado, the PNW, Arizona, the Baja, or Florida. All places we intend to road trip to.

Not that I need to spend the savings between the SPX1 and GFV2 on anything at all...but if you look at it comparatively, I could use that savings to purchase a lift for the truck or some accessories such as a DIY slide out drawer with a bench inside.

For now, we intend to bring along our Porta Pottie and a cooler and cook off the tailgate.

I haven't ever had a truck camper setup where I could use the Tailgate for cooking. This is something I am excited about. The Camp X was so long I had to take the tailgate off the truck all together. I think this will serve us well.

I intend to put a solar panel on the roof. Last year i purchased two Lithium batteries for the cabin that I haven't used yet as I don't have solar on the cabin yet. Thus, I may use them (or one of them) in the camper for an aux battery for lighting, and charging stuff. I don't think for now that I will install a refrigerator.

I don't really want to build out anything in the truck bed that I can't easily remove. When not camping, I want to be able to use the truck for hauling. The shell and tent are easily removed from the truck when not in use.

Here are a few links to check out what I am talking about.

Go Fast V2 Platform Camper:
https://gofastcampers.com/pages/platform-camper-2022

Super Pacific X1 Camper:
https://www.superpacificusa.com/

Super Pacific Switchback X1

Scott Leuthold — Wed, 25 May 2022 15:52:38 +0000

Now that we are nearing completion of the cabin here at Mantle Rock Mountain Camp and our wedding will soon take place followed by our honeymoon, we are now starting to look at adventure travel again. Our honeymoon to Tulum, Mexico will kick off the activities. Once we return on July 3, I will be looking at building my next overland setup on the RAM 1500 Rebel.

The biggest issue with building a rig these days is delays or wait times. Some are a year out. Others about 5 to 6 months. The two setups I am most interested in are:

Super Pacific Switchback X1

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I am considering a truck canopy with a built in pop up RTT. The Switchback in my opinion is the best on the market. Built strong using the same materials and techniques as aircraft. The lead time currently is 5 months but I have been talking to the team at SP about a partnership and hoping to get one in July or August. These are made in Portland, Oregon. I would be looking at a white body unit to match the truck. I would start with just the basics but eventually add solar and an aux battery. Not sure if I would add a refrigerator or just stay with the cooler. Another thing I like about the Switchback is that you can enter and exit the RTT from inside the canopy. I like this for a few reasons. First, if it is raining, we can get up in the morning and essentially put the bed away and stand inside the RTT. Also, this is great for safety. If there is an angry bear outside and he wants to eat us, well, we can climb out of the RTT and bring it down from the inside and remain inside the canopy until he departs. I know, this isn't totally ideal, but it is better than having to climb out of the RTT down a ladder and get inside the truck. Further, I can even move away from the issue with the truck even with the tent up. Lastly, this is great also because we can keep a small porta pottie in the bed of the truck and climb down and use it in the middle of the night if necessary.

Super Pacific: https://www.superpacificusa.com/

Watch the video:
https://www.youtube.com/embed/O-TGHJmWfHE

RSI SmartCap EVO Sport

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I am also considering a SmartCap Sport. These are very similar to the Switchback but have no built-in RTT. I would have to add that to a rack on the top. The SmartCap is a very strong build as well and would fully support the RTT on top. Lead times on these are about 5-6 months as well. They are made in South Africa. I would then purchase a RTT. Likely not another iKamper as I don't want a side flip out RTT this time. I liked my iKamper a lot but I also like the idea of being able to easily move the vehicle around to better spots without necessarily having to drop the tent. Just a smaller footprint in general.

RSI SmartCap: https://www.na.rsismartcap.com/smarter-truck

Watch the video:
https://www.youtube.com/embed/g6EykdHksr0

I am leaning toward the SPSX1 mostly because I can likely get one sooner, they are made here in the USA so I can go get it myself and make a trip out of it, and the guys have responded well to the idea of a partnership.

One nice thing about my truck is that since I had originally installed the Overland Explorer Camp X, my truck bed is already wired with a harness so I have power from the alternator to the rear to keep things charging when in motion.

I like this kind of set-up for our use at this time because I can load the mountain bikes on the roof of the RTT and mount the motorcycle tray on the rear hitch and go. I can also hook a flatbed trailer to the hitch and pull M4X our side-by-side along.

And, of course, being a crew cab, I have tons of room in the rear seat area of the truck to hold clothing, my inflatable paddle board, etc.

Go Lighter

Luke Moussa — Tue, 02 Feb 2021 20:31:01 +0000

Howdy Team,

I came across this rooftop tent and wanted to share with you:

https://gofastcampers.com/pages/superlite

Curious what you all think of it.

AutoHome Air Top : Hardtop

Collin Leuthold — Wed, 27 Jan 2021 13:22:13 +0000

I personally love my hardshell roof top tent! It makes for the best views!

Heres some views!!

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