Trail Blazer II
Once I sort out my rack situation I may look into that. However, what if it rains? Don't you end up with a wet tent?
I'm thinking of getting the LFD ruggedized crossbars and then eventually getting the 3/4 rack.
Gazelle Tents
- Thread starter BrianMalone80
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I'm thinking of getting the LFD ruggedized crossbars and then eventually getting the 3/4 rack.
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The bag is water proof... I accidentally dropped the tent (while in the bag) into the river. and then we were caught in a rain storm on the way back home... the tent was dry both after dropping it, and after the trip home.
Trail Blazer II
Thanks for your thoughts! It sounds like I need to decide if we're going with two big cots or Exped double wide mattress. If it turns out the Exped mattresses are as good as everyone says, the smaller packed size of the T3x is likely going to outweigh having room for two cots.
My thinking so far....
The price diff between the two is a non-issue (I'm actually kind of surprised how cheap these tents are). The extra standing height of the T4 is nice, but mostly a non-issue (I'm tall but used to crouching). The packed hugeness of the T4, however, is an issue, both physically and philosophically. I have what I consider a huge rig (1st Gen Sequoia). The t3x will fit inside crossways behind the middle row, but without much room to spare. Coming from a human-powered backcountry experience that in-the-bag-largeness blows me away. So the fact that the T4 is so much bigger and either has to go the front to back (which messes up my existing organization system) or on the roof is a huge negative to me. Sure, I could *make room" for it, but philosophically, I just don't want to have so much stuff in my rig or campsites or basement.
I realize it's all a juggle. Though 'm used to having a small, compact kit, I'm getting older and more sore, and less able to sleep (and enjoy myself) when I'm not comfortable. As I move to a more vehicle-dependent mode of travel I'm really trying to balance that desire for comfort + my ability the bring it all along (curse of the large rig) against the "small, compact kit" way I remember my younger self. Back in the day, I'm sure I held some disdain toward those guys with the overstuffed truck and the giant campsites. Thankfully the disdain is long gone (I've "walked a mile" in those guys' shoes. Everyone has different needs. Do what you need to do to get out there!) but my desire keep the kit and campsite on the compact* end of the spectrum remains.
*definition of compact TBD. In a couple years I'll probably have to come back and edit this post to talk about how I got a bigger rig to bring more stuff ;-)
is that the t4 hub with the screened in room?
question, do you think you could cook inside it during a rainy day or nah?
Trail Blazer II
I suppose you could close the wall to the big room (it's zippered) and cook in the screened room. You can also remove the floor separately from the room floor.
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It’s the T4 Plus. Yes I have cooked inside with one of the rain fly sides open.
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I usually keep the floor in the screen room out... it gives me a second floor for the sleep area...
So the heat wont set anything on fire or melt the roof? Im talking about cooking like with a coleman stove and nothing much bigger. And possibly the stove on a table.
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Colman 2 burner propane stove and a LifeTime Table Is how I do it... With the rain fly open... so the heat can escape...
this is really good news. I wanted to get a shiftpod (i made a thread and signed up today but nobody answered it ): )
How much room does the tent have? can you lay down 2 cots in the main room?
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Both rooms (screen room and the sleep room) are the same size. We sleep with a Queen Mattress with enough room to walk all the way around. If you look at the T4 pictures early on in this thread, you will se a picture with 2 bunk bed cots set up in a T4. The T4 Plus and the T8 are both two T4s placed back to back in size. I chose the T4 Plus because it’s the same size as the T-8, so can sleep 8 adults comfortably if I need to, but when I’m needed, I have the screen room to relax in.
Fantastic you have almost sold me on the tent. Last question. The floor. It doesnt look like it "zips" up. I have read that bugs can get in because of the floor design , is this true? is the bottom not sealed properly?
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The floor Velcro’s in... I’ve not had a problem with bugs... but I haven’t camped with it yet where bugs are... I thought they fixed the issue when they released the new T4 Plus late summer 2020... I got one of the first new T4 Plus tents. New materials, double reinforced seams, better zippers, better floor, better screen, and better bag.
last thing... check the OB store upgrade your membership and get discounts on the gear we use.
last thing... check the OB store upgrade your membership and get discounts on the gear we use.
ya i watched a video saying there was like an overlander version that OB discounts of the t4 but i really want the screen room.
anything else i should know? im much warmer towards the tent but i dont think it will fit inside my bronco anyway , and if im going to be putting something on my roof i might as well go with the shiftpod.
Advocate III
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Advocate III
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I dropped the order on a T4 today. It'll have to be carried on my roof rack on trips, it won't fit in the back of my XJ with other items. And will only go with the CJ if I take a trailer lol.
