REVIEW: Smittybilt Roof Top Tent Overview | Overlander XL
Vložit
- čas přidán 24. 07. 2024
- Smittybilt Overlander XL: amzn.to/47poAkR
The Pillows: amzn.to/3oB4EVo
The Mattress Topper: amzn.to/3nzlRgz
We walk through was we love and don't love about our smittybilt roof top tent overlander xl. We've had this Roof Top Tent for two overlanding seasons, or about 50 nights. Our family of four all sleeps together in this tent. Will walks through what he likes and doesn't like about the ladder, the platform, the size and firmness of the mattress, and the cover. We also take a look inside our tent and show you how what we keep in there (sleeping bags, pillows, etc.). Lastly, we give our recommendation on whether or not you should consider buying this tent vs. other tents.
The Pillows we mentioned in the vid: amzn.to/3oB4EVo
The Mattress Topper we mentioned in the vid: amzn.to/3nzlRgz
We participate in the Amazon Affiliate Program
#smittybilt #smittybuiltrooftoptent #rooftoptent - Auta a dopravní prostředky
We've put this Smittybilt Roof Top Tent through its paces in the two plus years we've been using it. It was about time to weigh in one what we like and don't like. Thanks for watching, please like, comment, and Subscribe!!! To see this tent in action watch more V2Roam vids by clicking here: czcams.com/play/PLv4WOiu-rUDAGLr0qDKP-SFToKXBrSCMK.html
Thank you so much for the review! This is definitely one of the tents we are considering and it is good to have your knowledge to help aid our decision!
We've put a lot of nights in this tent - and just added a winter night of about 12 degrees (video coming). Sleeping on the Roof definitely has advantages and there are a lot of options out there! Glad this video gave you a glimpse of our tent and how we made our decision!
Damn! Thanks for your honesty! Can’t beat this tent for the price. Sure, an iKamper or Roofnest would be awesome to have but they are well in into the $2000-3000 range. It’s been a long time since I’ve seen a video with no dislikes. You’re doing something right!
Thank you so much for the kind words. And I still think that value is key...and after a certain standard of quality, which I think this tent meets (even with its faults) the per dollar value is very high when compared with more expensive options.
Thank you for that review will be definitely getting one!! Prayers for a safe trip where ever the next adventure be!!
Thank you! Hope you enjoy your tent!!
I have had this same rtt for the past few years your review is spot on. I am happy overall with the tent and just ordered the annex. Sometimes we pay more to pay more and don't really get more... I think this is a great example of value over name brand price.
Really glad to hear this! Thank you for watching and commenting!!! We've had the annex as long as we've had the tent, and may do a review of it soon.
Great video and overview of this tent. We've had the same setup, Smittybilt Overlander on the Rhino Rack Pioneer Platform for almost 3 years now. We have the same issues and agree with you on the price point. For the price, there is really no difference between this and other similar RTT that are double or triple the price. If we upgraded, we'd go to a hard shell like the Tuff Stuff Alpha or iKamper Skycamp.
I've been following and chatting with @overland_AZ as he's purchased the Tuff Stuff Alpha. That design, quality, and price point seem similar if we were going to switch to a hybrid. With two growing kids, space is a concern...but maybe we'll just build a trailer to carry and extra tent when they get a bit older 😛
Thank you for what you said at the end. Double the price will not get you double the experience. Ive been looking at RTTs and have been close to buying the CVT or the X- cover but you are right. They will not get me double the experience with my family!
Thank for your comment. I stand by that still. There are definitely tents that have more features and even better materials, but the experience of sleeping in the RTT wouldn’t be significantly different in my opinion. That you so much for watching!!!
Thanks for sharing this video on the Smittybilt roof top tent!
Memo!!! Thanks for watching. We've definitely used this tent hard in our Overlanding adventures. It's holding up nicely!
I bought one 2 weeks ago. Day 6 of using it and I love it. $1300 off of Amazon and a $400 rack is definitely worth it. The bottom is aluminum though, mine hase small dents and creases on it. Plastic doesn't do that. Good video!
I wish we had aluminum on the bottom...but ours is still going strong!!
Thanks for the info! Good to get the (+) and ( - ), but sure seems like a great fit and definitely affordable. Personally looking into the XL to start our Jeep adventures.
The XL with the Annex has been really great for our family of four. The value for the money is really high. Glad to hear your starting your adventures!!
Great review. Not sure a roof top tent will be in my future, but man I want one.
Thank you! I think RTTs are luxury items. Many of our overland friends are very happy with ground tents. That being said - we still like this RTT even with its faults.
This is one of my next purchases, gotta get ready for the US Tour 2021! Lol
Hope you are coming to Idaho during that tour!
Awesome video. I was really hoping for some "BRRRRRRRRRRRRP" from the A10. I wish our garage was taller so that we could get an RTT.
Ya those A10s are a force to be reckoned with. I turn into a 12 year old watching Top Gun every time I see one come in for a landing!
They do “BRRRRRRRRRP” at Lost in the woods @ night time.
The best part was the A-10! Just kidding. You've convinced me. When I take the plunge into rtt's, it'll be a smittybilt. The way I see it, I can buy a large tent AND one of those batwing awnings for the price of one premium tent.
I wouldn't argue with that logic! The price to get in to ANY roof top ten is steep compared to ground tents - so value for your dollar is something we always try to take into account.
Love running roof top tents, but the soft shell (standard fold over models) can be such a pain (especially when it's cold and rainy). I had the same rhino rack on my JKU with a 23Zero tent (base frame is basically the exact same) and loved it but really am thinking towards a hardshell tent.
Thank you for watching! We've only packed ours up in the rain once or twice, and I agree it's not great...Still better than a ground tent when it's raining I think :). We just finished a cold weather trip (video out next week) and I didn't think it was any harder to pack away than normal..but I did need to air it out once we got home, which don't have to do in the summer. Love the Rhino rack pioneer platform! We almost bought the 23 Zero, but opted for Smittybilt simply because they have been around for so long and manufacture many Jeep parts. 23 Zero might be a step up in finishes over the Smittybilt. Hardshells are probably the future, I just hope the prices come down and they make them a bit bigger over the next few years!
Amazing video. My family of 4 (2 kids and 2 adults) are looking into getting this tent. Did you had to upgrade your suspension ? Is it too heavy? Thanks.
We upgraded our suspension, but not because of the tent. You can put air bags in your springs if you bet droop in the back. I did a vid on that too: czcams.com/video/ILPKW0plGDU/video.html
So,great basic review. Could you elaborate more on the rack system and how it's attached to the jeep top? I didn't think they would support that much. Really want to avoid the whole overland cage rack...
Great question. We use the Rhino Rack Backbone system with the pioneer platform. It adds interior support to the roof and rack system that bolsters its ability to carry weight. What we like is that it’s low profile and we can still take the top off of our Jeep. Hope this helps!!
Great review lets hope I can find one in the UK!
Thank you and good luck!!!
Awesome! Did you ever decide on which telescoping ladder to get? thank you!
Hi Blake - we didn't ever wind up switching the ladder. You can get a telescoping ladder from Amazon - and I think most would work - but I'd look at CVT and Front Runner (I think) both have ladders made for tents.
Hi there! Can I ask what type of foam pillows and topper you used? Planning on buying this and taking my little girls on a cross country road trip this summer. We definitely want to be comfy!
Hi Amy! The pillows are Thermarest - here's a link: amzn.to/3oB4EVo We bought: The Big One Graphite and Copper Memory Foam Mattress Topper: amzn.to/3nzlRgz We bought a Full and and a Twin (weird I know) because combined they fit our RTT Mattress dimensions the best. Hope this helps!
Thanks for the review. Have you added a condensation mat? I keep seeing reviews that claim these tents often have condensation issues, even with the vented designs. Have you had trouble with the velcro straps? Seems like the more expensive set ups use buckle/clip in type fasteners. Thx
Thanks for watching! We bought the Tepui cond mat..and returned it. It was rather bulky and stiff and we didn't like it. I wouldn't say we have condensation issues...but on a cold night there can be some condensation. Never had a wet mattress or anything like that. Usually we just open up the tent as soon as the sun comes up and everything dries out quickly (we live in ID with lots of sun). We've never had an issue with the velcro straps - they've held just fine so far. I don't think (so far) there is anything fundamentally wrong with the Smittybilt design. More expensive tents probably do have better designs/features - but $ for $ I'm not sure if the value holds. Hope this helps!
So I took the plunge and purchased the Overlander XL. I did upgrade the ladder and added a 3 in foam mattress topper. I plan to add the condensation mat, but want to use it a few times first. It is all the things you claim and even more. We are in Boise and hope to see your crew in the field some time. Thanks again for the vids. Take care.
I can see you modified the roof at the ladder with PVC, I did the same
and when I tie down that roof portion I do it to the ladder and tie the ladder my trailer because in high wind u don't want the tent to close on you because it can
I think there’s nothing worse that high winds in an RTT! It’s miserable 😖
How about the packing time? Soft Shell RTT seems to be always a pain in the ass to packed it up!
This a legit comment...notice my time lapse edits making it look shorter 😀. My opinion on Soft vs Hard/Hybrid comes down to dollar value for the experience. To me, there are diminishing returns when the cost goes from $1K(already expensive) to $2K or 3K, especially when size is taken into account (we are a family of 4). There are definitely trade-offs (time to set up), and I'm not saying we won't buy a hardshell/hybrid in the future..but for us, the size, annex, and dollar value won the day - and I don't have buyers remorse.
How does the tent feel such as weight on top of your jeep? I see a lot of reviews saying that the tent was to heavy.
Great question. We do have more body roll with the weight on top. The tent weighs about 140lbs...so it’s like having someone riding on the roof. We added airbags inside the rear springs (see install vid) to help keep the Jeep from sagging. All that said, the difference in how the Jeep handles is incremental, not exponential.
What type of frame help with the overhang? The bars are a pain in the butt to put up each time
The overhang frame is 6 aluminum bars that snap into place. It takes an extra 60 secs or so. I wish they had an option without the overhang…but it is nice to have a covered entry.
How does it handle a windy stormy night? Does it have a lot of rocking?
The tent does fine in the wind, but it’s really noisy with the rain fly on. Even with the rain fly off it’s pretty loud in the wind. I started bringing ear plugs to help me sleep. Never noticed heavy rocking, but there is a little if the wind is really gusty. Hope that helps!
I too have a rhino platform on my JK. Once the tent is mounted up top, how do you manage storage? I use my rack for a lot of gear. Is there any room left on the rack?
Sadly there is not much room left for gear on the rack. We have an awning on one side and an ax on the back, but that’s it. We actually made a video on how we pack that might give you an idea on how we squeeze it all in!! czcams.com/video/kAwju4CFulk/video.html
@@Venture2Roam Thanks. Just watched it. Makes me wish for something like an excursion... Will have to play around with the back storage. I may need to thunk about some drawers. Thanks.
After you added more toppers to the foam mattress did you have any issues with folding it? I have a Overland NOMADIC 4 came with a 3" thick with the same issue
Not really. I was constantly amazed at how much I could stuff in there. Over time the plastic base showed slight signs of bowing out, because it was so stuffed when folded…so I’d keep an eye on that if I were you.
What size mattress topper did you go with?
Do you have a way to “ quick disconnect” the RTT? It’s such a pain to remove it for storing it in the winter. We don’t do cold camping haha.
Kind of! I use lawn mower handle wing nuts…they fit the RTT bolt, and are super easy to get on and off with no tools!! I then use a Harken Hoist to hang it from the ceiling of my garage.
@@Venture2Roam awesome dude thanks
hello! i watching from Japan. i like your review about Smittybilt tent.
Do you think this tent has sleep space for 4 people? i can't decide yet. buy it or not. because i have 2kids(6and 2years old) and wife.
please tell me something about tent space.
Thank you for watching!!! We sleep 4 in that tent. Our kids are both under 10 years old, (8 and 6) and we all fit in easy. Hope that helps!!!
What size mattress topper did you go with?
We got two mattress toppers. I can't remember the dimensions but it was like one double and one single
What are your recommendations for the platform? I have a jeep XJ that I want to get a rooftop tent for but I want to know if you need a platform to put it on?
I have the Rhino Rack Pioneer platform, which has been very sturdy. I’d 100% recommend getting a platform or rack to put it on. Stock luggage racks might fail because the dynamic weight limit is usually very low. Hope this helps!
@@Venture2Roam Thank you very much. I. Actually live in the treasure Valley as well, I’d like to go on some of these trips that you’ve done. Where do you get your Maps from?
@@moejr14 Awesome. We use Gaia GPS for our map program. We're so lucky to live so close to beautiful country.
@@Venture2Roam awesome thank you. Idahome is beautiful and I hope it stays that way.
Can you leave the sleeping bags When folding it?
Yep. We had 4 bags and 6 pillows up there all the time.
Do you have a link for where you got the mom and dad pillows???
Love the videos! Looks like you’re nearby. I saw those 1A plates. I’m from meridian.
We are based in Boise. Love calling Idahome!
Taylor - Here's the link to the those pillows. They are rad. www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002PW8SFK/ref=as_li_qf_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=venture2roa08-20&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B002PW8SFK&linkId=19b1e1edfc52fc4c01eb22e77219f4da
GO USA! great review
Lol. I love those A-10s. Thanks for watching!!
What about Rain? Does it leak?
Good question. With the rain fly on it, it’s never leaked. I did get caught without it once, and I thought there might have been a small wet spot in the tent afterward.
Good to know that info. Thank you.
How does this work? The roof is only rated for about 90 pounds???
We have the Rhino Rack Backbone System, which has a support structure inside the Jeep that significantly increases the load rating.
@@Venture2Roam That's cool. I missed that in the video if you mentioned it. It looks like that only allows for 264 lbs max. That wouldn't be enough for 2 people plus the tent, etc.
@@kerplunk38880 The dynamic weight rating and the static weight rating are two very different things. The Rhino Rack allows for 264lbs of dynamic weight, which is the weight it carries while driving. The Static weight is much much higher (800lbs maybe)...which is the weight while not moving (camping/sleeping).
@@Venture2Roam I really want to get this if it’s true. Can you point me to this information on their website?
www.rhinorack.com/en-us/products
would have been better to see set-up and take-down in realtime. For most of us that's the actual crux