Alu-Cab Worth The Investment?

[A2ZOVERLAND]

We have been upgrading our rig for the last 2 years with all the "necessities" to include tires, suspension, armor, etc etc. At this point we would like to upgrade our sleeping arrangement to a RTT. After the many months research that we have done up to this point we have concluded that the Alu-Cab is the best options due to is easy of use clam shell design and durability with the aluminum chassis. The drawback is its top tier initial cost, being one of, if not the most expensive option.

We are really looking to get feedback from owners and those who have opted for other RTT options instead of the Alu-Cab. The other options we have looking into as well as the Smittybuilt, 23Zero, iKamper, Etc. Please feel free to provide information on both the pros and cons of your experience with whatever you ultimately ended up going with and what you would have done differently. All feedback is greatly appreciated and thanks in advance!

 

[Brian Glendenning]

Extremely happy with iKamper Skycamp. Very fast setup/breakdown, and very roomy. Main dislike is that there's not enough room to leave our (bulky) bedding in the tent (works for some people, not for others). I find the stock mattress comfortable, my wife doesn't (so we got an Exped Megamat).

 

[A2ZOVERLAND]

Extremely happy with iKamper Skycamp. Very fast setup/breakdown, and very roomy. Main dislike is that there's not enough room to leave our (bulky) bedding in the tent (works for some people, not for others). I find the stock mattress comfortable, my wife doesn't (so we got an Exped Megamat).

How long have you had the tent for? My concerns with anything other than an aluminum clam shell design is potential break down of the materials here in AZ under the extreme heat, coupled with the dust. From what I have researched the aluminum seems to have the best chance over FRP or canvas.

 

[Brian Glendenning]

We've had it for 14 months or so now. We're in New Mexico, so the same basic sun situation as you (we leave the tent mounted and the truck is always outside). Maybe it's a bit faded, but its kind of hard to tell between the dust and the pinstripes :-) Aluminum would be more durable no doubt, but I haven't read any reports about the shell breaking down, just fading (which is a non-issue for me).

 

[Dave K]

Let me add to your confusion. Take a look at the Alpha by The Bush Company. I was going the Alu-cab direction until I found this and never looked back. Similar price point and construction. Has all the features of what your looking at plus a few more.

 

[A2ZOVERLAND]

Let me add to your confusion. Take a look at the Alpha by The Bush Company. I was going the Alu-cab direction until I found this and never looked back. Similar price point and construction. Has all the features of what your looking at plus a few more.View attachment 158893
View attachment 158894

You most certainly threw a wrench into the mix! Everything I have seen point to the fact that its a tank. It costs less and haas everything that Alu-Cab did not do with their Expedition RTT. This is definitely a contender now. Thanks for the share!

 

[df150]

Take a look at BUNDUTEC as well

 

[phlfly]

to me it depends of how are many people going to sleep there, remember max, even if they don't travel with all the time. Comfy sleeping is number success of good camping and everyone enjoying the time. I have max four people sleeping, my set up iKamper sky for three sleeping in, and one person is truck topper with dog or dog in RTT. But it's me. iKapmer was chosen as max spacing from hard shell RTT, and one of the best quality. I had other RTT before just one size down 3 people to sleep and it was tight for the three people to sleep.

 

[Louiston]

How long have you had the tent for? My concerns with anything other than an aluminum clam shell design is potential break down of the materials here in AZ under the extreme heat, coupled with the dust. From what I have researched the aluminum seems to have the best chance over FRP or canvas.

I'm not sure why you think a fiberglass RTT will not hold up to the AZ sun. I've had my Maggiolina Extreme for over 4 years now, it never comes off of my truck and it still looks new. I wax it twice a year and its been perfect. Not even a crack in the gelcoat.
Autohome tents have been used for decades (since 1959) in Africa and all over the world. They stand up to the test of time.

There is a HUGE difference between a "Hand Laid" shell and one that is sprayed with a "chopper gun" using fiberglass strands. Autohome is the only one ( that I know of ) that uses a hand laid fiberglass mat shell.

Just look at all the millions of OLD fiberglass boats out there that have sat in the sun for decades, and are still serviceable. Aluminum RTT's are typically 50 pounds heavier and they SUCK up the heat, fiberglass does NOT do that.

 

[NotGumby]

We’ve had a James Baroud Extreme For about three years and are extremely happy overall. We did look at the Alu-Cab but went for the JB on load bars to save weight and save $. With the JB you only have the storage well on top for extra kit. We store the awning wall set and Takla air jack up there. There is no chance to store recovery boards or install solar on top as with an Alu-Cab. (We prefer in-vehicle storage and like the clean look of just the tent and awning.) If you need additional storage and have the proper sizes, you could put the clam-shell on a roof rack with some rack space left over on the front. But then the combined weight and cost of tent and rack might be the same as with an Alu-Cab.

 

[Dave K]

Dent vs crack was a big factor in my decision. My previous tent took a real beating but made it through by being soft. It a lot of abuse through its life and the cover shows it.

 

[NotGumby]

We have been upgrading our rig for the last 2 years with all the "necessities" to include tires, suspension, armor, etc etc. At this point we would like to upgrade our sleeping arrangement to a RTT. After the many months research that we have done up to this point we have concluded that the Alu-Cab is the best options due to is easy of use clam shell design and durability with the aluminum chassis. The drawback is its top tier initial cost, being one of, if not the most expensive option.

We are really looking to get feedback from owners and those who have opted for other RTT options instead of the Alu-Cab. The other options we have looking into as well as the Smittybuilt, 23Zero, iKamper, Etc. Please feel free to provide information on both the pros and cons of your experience with whatever you ultimately ended up going with and what you would have done differently. All feedback is greatly appreciated and thanks in advance!

What’s your roof’s load rating and what do you think of staying within the rating? Mines 80kg. That’s partly why I choose the James Baroud, which at 52kg, leaves me something left over for the side and rear awning. I may go over when I toss something in the storage well. But that’s not always permanently up there. The Alu-Cab at 72kg was too heavy (and for my wallet too.)