That my friends is a gnat's ass...

[Pion]

Got my RCI rack and Roam tent mounted on the LE. Also got my vanity plates. I was really worried about garage entry and I literally clear my garage door by about an 1/8 inch. If I'm smart and load the bed with the camping stuff first I'll have even more room. I'd ask my wonderful wife to just sit on the tailgate as I exit but she might not take kindly to being used as dead weight. I'm totally kicking myself for not going with a higher garage door when we built the house. I had the option but like a retard I was "duh, why would I need higher than that?"

The RCI rack is awesome and really solid. It allows full view through the rear view mirror. The tent arrived within 2 days of ordering (goes to local Fed-Ex hub).

I am trying out having the ladder near the tailgate. Will give some cover to the tailgate while using it to get stuff from the bed of the truck. I have the annex for the tent so I can enclose that whole area around the tailgate. I also got the cheesy vanity plate.

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[Slapping_Rabbits]

This looks like a great setup. I'd like to know how it works with the annex and if that really does close it all in. I can see myself doing this if it does.

 

[Pion]

This looks like a great setup. I'd like to know how it works with the annex and if that really does close it all in. I can see myself doing this if it does.

I'll be heading out next weekend for a night or two and I'll take pictures with the annex on it.

 

[Sgt Beavis]

That's an interesting setup. Most folks put the ladder off to the side but the extra shelter over the tailgate kinda makes more sense. I'm only wondering if the ladder gets in the way much from being back there.

I've been thinking of getting the iKamper Skycamp hardshell after I get my Gladiator. But now you've got me thinking I should consider am X-Cover instead. The Skycamp would only be practical with the ladder on the side. Another consideration for me would be the height of the bed rack. I was thinking I would keep it a half height so the tent is roughly flush with the roof of the Gladiator. But again, you've got me thinking about it. Of course I'm also planning to run 35-38" tires so there's that too.

Please keep us informed on how that configuration works out for you.

 

[attworth]

@Sgt Beavis - (LLOD) Last Line of Defense on YouTube is testing a new Skycamp meant for 5’ beds. It looks really nice. If I end up going that route in the future, that’s what I plan to get. Currently we really enjoy our Gazelle.

 

[Pion]

@Sgt Beavis - (LLOD) Last Line of Defense on YouTube is testing a new Skycamp meant for 5’ beds. It looks really nice. If I end up going that route in the future, that’s what I plan to get. Currently we really enjoy our Gazelle.

I had looked at the iKamper X-Cover and the Skycamp - the price is way up there though. The X-Cover being $3200 + $690 for an annex, after shipping its easily over $4k and the Skycamp is similar. Nice tents, just a lot of scratch.

I'd put the Vagabond into a large category of what I think are ARB Simpson III clones. There's also the Tepui Autana 3, CVT Mt. Shasta Extended, and 23Zero Litchfield. All have the same basic design with different fabric weights, matress thicknesses, and such. The Roam tent has a heavier tent fabric than the 23Zero and the same as the CVT, at about $100-300 less. It also came with an anti-condensation mat, which not all did and the ARB and Tepui also had a thinner mattress at 2.5".

I'll post more thoughts when we finish our first stay this weekend.

 

[RockytheGladiator]

Great looking setup, Pion. Hopefully all goes well for your outing, look forward to your updates. Considering something similar myself.

 

[attworth]

@Pion I’ve heard nothing but good things about Roam, so it’s good to hear they are living up to the hype.

As far as I’ve been able to find, they’re the only ones who offer a 5’ long 270* awning (at least in the US). Unfortunately they’re out of stock and have been for a while, and I haven’t found anybody reviewing them on YouTube. I wonder if it’s a new product line?

 

[Pion]

After dropping our daughter off for college we went up into the mountains and stayed a night. Having the tent over the tailgate worked great. We had some evening rain so we used the annex and even with the portions of the RCI rack open on the sides of the bed it was dry. There wasn't a ton of wind though, so YMMV. I used a two burner propane stove on the tailgate and could not feel any problematic heat at tent height. I'm tall (6'4") so I had to bend over a little bit, but my wife had no issues. We sat and ate on the tailgate for dinner (didn't have to duck for that). In the morning I pulled off the annex, so I have a pic of the little "kitchen" area. Very rudimentary, but the proof of concept is there. Once I get a 270 awning I'll rotate the tent to go off the side of the bed, but for now I'll keep it as is.

 

[fivegrain]

That setup looks fantastic, I’m hoping to do something similar.

I see you have a roll up tonneau cover mounted. Will that close with the rack mounted, or do you take the rack off when not using it? If so, about how long does it take to install and remove that rack?

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