It is decision time  for getting a tent.

Trying to decide between ARB and Maggolina. ARB is mostly cloth with a cloth rainfly. Maggolina is fiberglass and a lot more rugged for the cross section of weather that I will encounter. It will be mounted on a M416 trailer so the aerodynamics are not an issue as it will be towed behind a pinzgauer (with the aerodynamics of a cinder block).

Any tips will be appreciated and if there is a place where I might see them and physically feel the differences it would add to the experience.

Morris

I have not heard any complaints about the Maggiolina tent, Other than multiple days in the rain with opening and closing, the bedding can get wet.  I would expect that could be the case on a Poly-cotton/Canvas tent as well.  They make a great product. The only downside is that they compact only vertically, so the foot print won;t get any smaller when travelling, but that may not be an issue on the trailer.  Mostly, Maggi owners are smiling and think their tents rock.

The ARB will drive you nuts with the T-Top on a trailer. You don't want to have to crawl under to get up inside. At roof level it is fine if you like the T-top, but when the entrance is at 4 feet, I think it would be a nuisance. plus you cannot see out of that side unless it rolls up somehow.  Otherwise it would be a fantastic choice and, quality wise, I think you'd be happy with it.

For a trailer, and if you like the styling of the clamshell tent, the Eezi-awn (non t-top) or the Mombasa Roof-Top-tent would be a better route in my opinion. I have heard really good things about the TechniTop as well but have not seen them first hand. Finding an eezi-awn or Mombasa near Seattle shouldn't be too tough, finding a Maggi might be tougher. Hanibal makes a nice tent as well, but I think you will be safer with one of the forementioned tents for your application.

There are a number of folks on this board who have the Mombassa and a couple with the Eezi-awn who could give you real world opinions. In the interest of full disclosure; I sell the Mombassa tent but will sing the praises of any of these tents and am happy to answer questions. You cannot go wrong with any of them in my opinion, it is just finding which is best for you.

How many folks do you expect to sleep in it?

EDIT:   It just dawned on me that my Avatar is probably killing any credibility I might think I have...  Curse you Kevan, nobody listens to a guy wearing a TuTu...

The 300d nylon fabric has a "pvc like" coating on the inside and is more waterproof but less breathable so good to keep a window cracked when internal condensation is a concern. Not that big a deal unless in conditions where condensation is likely.  It is however darker if you like to sleep in. For comparison, a hiking tent is typically 30-40d nylon I believe.  I think this fabric would be better for the concern of lots of rain on a many day trip.

So,  I thought Craigs list was interesting as many will be on the Steens trip.  Here is a list of Steens folks and what they are using.  Oddly it turned out that nearly all have roof tents.

Todd Eliason - Mombasa
Norm Brady - Likely borrowing Todd's Oasis II
Craig Miller - Mombassa
Davis Miracle - Eezi-Awn
Britt Pinson - Mombassa
Dan Cronin - Mombassa
Kevan Wiser - Oasis II
Scott W - Mombassa
Brad Mendenhall - Mombassa 
Mike Falconer - Mombassa

Alternates:
Peter Carey Crew - Eezi-Awn
Tony Sims - ground?
Brent Frazier - Mombassa on order
Ed Sanman - Oasis II

I don;t think I have ever been on a trip where everyone had a roof tent (save Tony)...  This should be cool!  We can camp ANYWHERE!

You're offering to save me?!  So you've given up S&M gone back to SAR?  

If the gods are benevolent (and by gods I mean the board of directors), I hope to come chasing you for a tent after bonuses are handed out.

I've figured out how to go on the Steens trip even if I don't get called up to the bigs.  I'll just trail along 5 miles or so back and claim I'm on a solo trek.

Craig,

A meeting of 'tent people' sounds like a capital idea.

Actually, before I moved to WA I  had called Todd to inquire of his tents and he let me in on the NWOS site. Very kind of him. I had mentioned that I was offroading with a group of jeepers and he said I would be welcome in a group that also enjoyed offroading and camping.

I did not know there were so many tent options available. I appreciate the information.

Todd, if coming to your shop will help me with my decision, I have a friend in Beaverton and I could combine it with a pleasure trip.

Morris

You can come by my garage, but I don't have a real shop. In fact, right now, I don;t even have any inventory other than the Oasis. I should have the new fabric version here in a couple of weeks. Not sure if I am going to do that or the old fabric as my personal tent.

But you can certainly come and we can get a frosty beverage.

Winters are awfully slow in the roof tent business but it should pick up fairly soon and I'll probably have some inventory then.  I mostly drop ship as shipping these things twice get's spendy.

When did you call?  Unfortunately I get a lot of calls from folks kicking tires so conversations kind of run together.  Glad you joined the site though...

My wife and I love our Mombassa Roof-Top Tent so much, we hired an architect to plan the removal of the upper half of our house and replicate the the roof top tent for the three bedrooms and two bathrooms up there.

The best part of this move will be no one has to climb down a ladder to take care of business.

Dan
ALWAYS thinking.

Fixed it for ya.

Todd,

I am not surprised that you do not remember my call, it was last year, around August. Besides, I have heard that wearing a TuTu too tight can cut off blood flow to the brain and have a very profound impact on the memory.

Anyway, now that I am retired my days are my own and scheduling a trip is not the chore it used to be. The offer of a brew is very welcome. I would like to see what you have. Maybe in a couple of weeks.

I am going to contact that shop in Bellevue and see what they have. Thanks for the contact info. I am told ARB has a warehouse in Renton but they may not be able to help me with this part of my search. I have a friend in Quebec that has a trailer similar to mine and he has the Maggi and seems happy with it. He has sent me pictures of his trips in the snow and he says it is comfortable even in the cold and rain.

Morris

I did not even know my tent had a name...  Mombassa.  I like it.  I just need a cd playing of roaring lions on the car stereo to make me feel like I'm on safari.  I have not used mine yet as winter hit just when I picked it up from Todd.  But I very happy with the construction and how easy it is to set up.  Really looking forward to putting it to the test.   

There has been some interest in the larger tents recently so I thought I would upload these pics of it mounted on a trailer.  They should be available fairly soon (although I have been saying that for a while).  It is a big dog.  Eezi-awn makes a big'un as well.

I think it's comfortable, and I am no Calista Flockhart myself. 

You'll probably bottom out a little but I sleep very well in it and haven't felt any need to make changes.  Then again, I usually have a couple beers around the campfire as well.  You could always put a  pad beneath it if you want more loft.   Don't expect a sleep number bed but I think all of the RTT's are pretty comfortable.  Especially compared to the ground.  Eezi awn has a big one as well, and the Overland (www.loftyshelters.com) allows you to put two together for a big tent.  I have not heard complaints about that tent (other than the colors which is trivial).

I have heard that Eezi-Awn has one side of the mattress that is firmer than the other but have not felt it to confirm.  Smart idea though...

Edit:  I hope I am not coming across as salesy here with all of my posts.  I don't think forums should be the place for pushing products and it kinda bugs me when I see it on other sites, especially product bashing.  I have had experience with a number of tents though and hope I am providing good info for folks to find the right tent for their needs.  Roof tents in general are simply awesome.