I'll throw my two cents in here.
I've used all kinds of shelter over the more than fifty years (I know, I can't believe it when I count it up) I've been wandering and camping, from tarps over a rope between trees to fancy two room ground tents with floors, to vans with cupboards and counters. I have to say having a hardshell RTT is the best single solution to having quick up/quick down shelter I've ever used. It's always ready to go in any kind of weather, for just one night or more, or even if moving around during the day. No need to find a flat smooth piece of ground big enough for your tent--which can be difficult in some backcountry places. Just anywhere you can pull your vehicle will work when you have a RTT.
PREFERENCE: Even if I did not have it on my trailer, I'd keep it and put it on my van or more regular height vehicle, I like it that much. It is just such an easy, comfortable, solution. It has been completely trouble and maintenance free. Bought mine used from a guy who used it on a trip with his son, then didn't want it any more. I didn't think I'd like it at first, I really didn't, and got it primarily for company, along with an OZTent RV-5, which is THE best ground tent over, but has proven to be too much of a package to haul around regularly.
Then everyone who slept in the hardshell said how much they dug it, never slept better, how comfy, etc. So I started using it and now I hate giving it up when others come to camp. I haven't brought my OZTent in over a year. Might sell it, actually.
MOVING REGULARLY: Even when traveling with my adult kid and moving around more than I do when solo camping, we'd stop in a roadside pull off, overnight it in a park, or could use it for afternoon naps or to get out of the sun. Undo four latches, give it a shove, and it pops open ready for either of us to use. All bedding, sleeping bag, comforter, pillow, paper towels, LED light, all stay right up there when it's closed. Closes up just about as quick, so no big deal to close up if you want to run into town or go exploring. Seriously, not cumbersome in the least to open or close back up.
LADDER: It really is no big deal either, not at all. I'm retirement age and have had this tent out camping somewhere around 500 nights in the last 22 months. I don't find the ladder too narrow or too hard to navigate getting in or out, daytime or nighttime. It's a ladder. If you've ever used an extension ladder, this is no different, just nowhere near as tall.
Kids love it and none have had a problem crawling up there or getting down. They always want go up in the tent to read, nap, or play house when in camp. I havent met a kid yet who didn't know how to climb all over a jungle jim or huge playground set; getting in and out of this hardshell RTT is easier.
And, I have never had a hard time at all with the ladder after having a mess of beers.
RELAXING: Perfect for chilling on a rainy day even without an annex,--I do it all the time--though I am designing a snap-on or hook-n-looped cover/annex for the ladder/entry side that will contain my shower and potty area and do double duty as a changing area on the ground. I doubt I'll use it as an area in which to hang out, though, when the RTT is right up the ladder.
FOOTWEAR, PERSONAL STUFF IN THE TENT: What I do is keep a TV tray up there at the corner by my shoulder and a regular small doormat inside at a corner by my feet . I tried keeping my boots hanging right outside, but they stay drier and gather less morning dew if inside. I use the TV tray for keeping a cup from spilling and books, flashlight, whatever I want to keep from rolling away or getting lost in the covers.
Here's an image or two of using it in different situations but for quick overnights:
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Borderlands in West Texas when I didn't even bother raising the rack or setting up anything else but a table and chair. Just undid four latches and gave the top half a shove. Looks small when seen with the trailer and canoe, but is 54" wide and 82" long inside. Plenty roomy for two adults, and even a kid if all family.
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Beach camping on the Gulf of Mexico. Pulled in here after dark and popped the tent up in minutes, again, not even bothering to raise the rack or get out other gear. Got my bike out in the morning to scout down the beach.
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Last week lake camping in the woods of New Hampshire, ready for big rain with the whole awning out and four corner extensions up and rigged. The RTT is perfect in the rain: I usually leave both end window covers down about half-two thirds open, and the entry flap not zipped down at all, just screened.
After having this hard shell RTT and using it so much over the last couple years, you couldn't convince me to even try a folding RTT for myself. No cover to mess with or store or have cover half your vehicle, and I have a hard surface on which I can strap my solar panels or other gear when driving, and take 'em off when in camp.
There are a lot of hard shell vendors out there, and some are made in the same two or three factories, just private labeled. I've learned you don't have to pay top dollar for the bigger names to have a product that will last and serve you well.
