$3500 VS $1800 ROOF TOP TENT | WHY DO THEY COST SO MUCH | 23ZERO ARMADILLO X2 VS IRONMAN NOMAD 1300

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23Zero Armadillo X2
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Armadillo X2 full walk around at Overland Expo West
• BEST NEW ROOF TOP TENT...
Ironman Nomad 1300
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Lowepro LP37177 ProTactic BP 450 AW II Camera & Laptop Backpack
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[@robertyoung8289]

I'm sporting a underwear tent just watching this! 🤠

[@AdventureBuilt]

Hahaha

[@3GFinn]

I have the 23Zero Walkabout 62. My family and I absolutely love it. The quality really is amazing for a soft shell.

[@Skinz_inthegame]

I have the 23zero Yowie, is the same as the armadillo, just named different because I’m in Australia. I absolutely love this tent, but I hate the mattress. I had to replace the mattress after my first trip to something more comfortable & supportive. I think all the top tent manufacturers need to focus more on the mattress, because to me at the end of the day if you can’t get a comfortable sleep, it doesn’t matter how much you pay for the tent.

[@26parma]

Buying a 2 man tent for $2,000-$5,000 is crazy. I'll take my Kodiak Canvas tent over any RTT!

[@robertyoung8289]

What's your other man think?

[@djr01974]

Yes I have a Kodiak canvas 10x10 and it’s superb. Throw a Mr buddy heater in it and you’re golden. I’ve been in that think with snow wind and rain and it’s solid. All for 500 bucks and maybe 15min one man set up time

[@blombardo83]

I went with the same type of tent of the 23zero but didn't want to spend that money. I got the 4x4 Colorado elite tent and I couldn't be happier.... except i wanted an aluminum and at the time they were not making one. I can fit 3 fs pillows and 3 blankets in the cubby hole. Im going to try to put my teton 0 degree double sleeping bag in there in the fall.

[@j.r.777]

I just bought an IKamper Skycamp 3.0 for my 21’ JL Rubicon. It scheduled arrive any day now and I can’t wait to get it put on my Jeep and to go and try it out. Yes, they’re expensive but if they last a decade or more and in any weather then they are well worth the money.

[@AdventureBuilt]

I have a buddy that is still running his iKamper that he bought like 9 years ago. Quality is quality!

[@desertarmorcssales1877]

This is a great video to highlight how two tents can look very similar but are actually very different. Great comparison!

[@AdventureBuilt]

Thank you very much!

[@HikerTV]

Great video Kelly. I have the GFC SuperLite with their ladder and Air self inflating mattress $1800. Just spent 4 days in California, Rained for 3 1/2 days, stayed dry the hole time. I was impressed. On the other note (not selling or advocating) Kevin from another channel has a Roofnest Falcon Pro at $3995 and it leaked it's first rain storm in Colorado. S5E35 at 1736 minuets if you'd like to see the details of what leaked. Plus that tent has the built in light darkening technology, mines a big bright yellow banana in the AM to wake up too, no alarm clock needed. Cheers to Montana.

[@OttoVonWienis]

I believe you meant to spell it “whole” not “hole time”. Please use proper grammar on this KZbin channel. The creator doesn’t spend his time filming and editing to see comments with incorrect grammar.

[@brohammer]

@@OttoVonWienisdamn bro

[@eljefetaco]

I have an alpha 2. Was at Big Bend SP week before last during the storms. Was camped at Guale2. The rangers reported gusts of 90mph, with sustained winds of 64mph. We kept the hard side to the wind, and made it through pretty good. Loud! But dry, and intact. I had questions about a more budget end RTT. But it was awesome. Tuff Stuff for the win!

[@AdventureBuilt]

Nice. I have heard Tuff Stuff makes a decent tent for the money! Glad you came through on the other side!!!!!

[@badbartman]

Great breakdown of F&B of each! 🙌🏻 Thanks for the insight!

[@gabrielreyes8476]

FSR for the win. I only plan on buying this thing once; all metal with a 4 season interior....yeah. My grandson will be taking it camping when he's old enough, THAT is how well this thing is built. Unless abused, it will absolutely last that long.

[@ron8975]

Roof Top Tents are silly money just for Starbucks Parking lot bragging rights. When I did the TAT I shopped Roof Tops and soon realized I could stay in a Motel every night for the same money. I brought a tarp and a cot for the nights I didn't make it to town.... 3:05 "it doesn't creak or bend" as the ladder flexes an inch or two under the skinny jean test.... 23Zero on sale right now......

[@aznboymix559]

I assume you never camped before. Please take your KAREN attitude to the crotch rock channel.

[@delvinmorales9458]

Textured finished seems like it'll hold up better in the AZ sun than the gloss. You'll have to do a follow up in a year.

[@Skinz_inthegame]

I’ve got the 23zero tent with the gloss hard shell. I’ve had it now for over a year camping in the hot Australia sun & I can say, the tent still looks brand new, it holds up extremely well to hot Australian conditions.

[@eric_vde]

Such a great video, you literally answered so many questions I had and others I didn't even know I had.

[@AdventureBuilt]

Totally awesome.

[@scottbrown321]

What is the reason for putting a tent on top of your rig, instead of just a tent on the ground. That would be a good video, cost vs utility. Thanks!

[@AdventureBuilt]

There are lots of advantages. Weather, animals, ventilation, speed, comfort. The cost and weight are the main drawbacks. I’ll definitely look into doing a video. Thank you!

[@betterl8thannvr]

The new Ironman Ursa 1300 seems to have addressed your issues with the latch. It's too new though, hard to find reviews to see if they have addressed your other issues. Living in the PNW, the leaking is kind of a deal breaker for me.

[@AdventureBuilt]

I actually just got my hands on the new Ursa Tent. I’ll have a solid review up as soon as possible. Definitely gonna get that tent wet and see what it does!

[@betterl8thannvr]

@@AdventureBuilt nice, subscribed and looking forward to it.

[@vanniek71]

I just bought a RTT with an annex for $1250 direct from the source. Some companies get them built to custom specs, but they all come from basically the same few places. If you know where and how to look and are patient you can follow my path and save thousands.

[@Toglander]

Can you share how you purchased directly?

[@vanniek71]

@@Toglander Alibaba > Found what I wanted > reached out to 5-6 places (one was legit) > bartered > ordered > waited 45 days > success!

[@thejason51873]

Except the Ironman Nomad 1300 is $2499 (you cant compare a sale price to a non-sale price that's just silly) and also is on pre-order and not currently available as of this post 1/25/23.

[@MrJoelinq77]

The true reason these tents are so expensive is because of OVERLANDING. You mention any product with OVERLANDING and the price automatically triples. I work in manufacturing and can tell you from experience, these RTT's have huge profit margins in them. Especially all the ones made in china but branded by companies like Tapui, 23zero, and quite a few others. That being said there are some american made tents where the profit margins are'nt as good but, that's because these are smaller companies that do not have the rescources to negotiate or buy in bulk the raw materials needed to make their tents. Great video as build quality is definitely part of the cost but, you missed the main reasons.

[@bluejeans8001]

Very good video comparison and visually the difference between the two tents was obvious. Thanks for sharing

[@AdventureBuilt]

Thank you!!!!

[@paraengr0770]

Very informative video. Question; are there slots or zipper openings to route USB, electrical or diesel heater hoses into the RTT?

[@wildernesslife6479]

My Naturnest hardshell looks identical to these. Same quality lower cost. Nice tents tho

[@rhonbriones2286]

I have the same rtt and i used it this weekend in Alabama hills camping. It was raining and strong winds but the tent is very solid even thou strings and pegs are not included.

[@deanlambert5002]

My Ironman, purchased a couple of months ago (Oct 2022), has the same buckles as the 23Zero. No more D rings. I have used it several times and it is very comfortable. I agree with the sleeping surface not being great and also use a supplementary mattress. However, the pad that came with my tent is 2” thick! My rod mounts are also reinforced and not double drilled. My ladder is also quite secure and the headliner of my tent seems very secure. You must have received a sub-par unit.

[@AdventureBuilt]

It’s a definite possibility. Glad you got a good one.

[@christianball2909]

I have the same tent from Ironman. The plastic top started cracking after being on my truck for a little over a year. They only warranty it for a year. So I’m stuck with this cracking tent on my truck. Also it was 2700 after tax and shipping. I refuse to do business with this company after my experience.

[@josemuniz2878]

You guys should test out a James Baroud XXL

[@JT_Adventures]

This demonstrates why Ironman RTT is actually worth about $200, paying anymore for a poor quality disposable tent is silly.

[@camghowie]

Great video and info. Your thoughts on putting a rooftop tent and awning on top of a ARE topper? I am considering going this route, just not sure it will support the weight?

[@AdventureBuilt]

I started off with an ARE camper and switched over to the RLD Designs. I have a buddy that does fiberglass work and he told me that with the amount of weight and abuse I put the camper shell through, eventually it will start to crap. Fiberglass in that capacity won’t hold up long term. I would definitely look into something stronger. RSI Smartcap is steel, there is a new one out, Tactical Cap that is Aluminum and AluCab makes an aluminum one also. Might be worth investing a bit more for a lot more longevity. Hope this helps.

[@grahamkearnon6682]

Say good bye to those prices, the publics wallets are thinner , these play toys are not high on the list now the early adopters have bought.

[@Utubeisazzho]

When the hard shell gets sun damaged can they be replaced?

[@AdventureBuilt]

I don’t know of any RTT companies that offer replacement top to their tents. That’s a great idea I never thought about.

[@gevorgnazaryan8720]

Awesome video. Just to mix things up, can you also do a review on desert armor? They seem to be decent quality affordable option

[@AdventureBuilt]

Thank you. I have done a walk around with the owner of Desert Armor at 2021 or 2022 Overland Expo West. They are good tents and have a good reputation. I have actually tried to get a loaner tent to test from them since they are local to me but it just didn’t work out.

[@johnbaucom9366]

You added a bit of time on armadillo bc of tire swing gate too

[@AdventureBuilt]

Yea good call. Thanks!!!

[@KissmyBasss]

Camping is like fishing, everyone is trying to retire off my purchases.

[@350Bow]

What about the mounting I have the smart cap also and I’m looking into getting a 23zero but not sure of what to use to mount it

[@AdventureBuilt]

I actually mounted Yakima Aero bars through the T-Track of the bar directly in to top of the canopy. It’s a solid mount and very low profile. However it is a challenge to install and remove the tent because clearance is small. Hope this helps.

[@seanwatson3790]

I just ordered the armadillo x tonight to put on my Cherokee trailhawk. Pricy but I can not wait to get it. How has the mattress been for you ? I know you had to upgrade your other mattress. How has the armadillo mattress been by comparison?

[@AdventureBuilt]

The mattress is leaps better than the Ironman. Now obviously is isn’t a 4” air mattress that I got off Amazon but not having to roll up that air pad in the morning is the best. 23Zero for the win!!!!

[@garrettpeterson8781]

Great video. I’ve been looking at buying the armadillo for minute but the Ironman tent is tempting because of the price. Are you still liking your Foam Cell Pro suspension? If you could go back would you get the same suspension?

[@AdventureBuilt]

I have heard that Ironman is fixing a lot of the problems with the tent, that is why they are on back order. Maybe it will be better. Also the Foam Cell Pro Ironman suspension has been awesome. No complaints at all.

[@crazymerlin]

Do you guys have any links to use? Would love to start giving you credit for all of the good gear ideas you have given my husband and I!:)

[@AdventureBuilt]

Actually yes. There are links in the description for both Ironman and 23Zero. Thanks!!!

[@highpro1394]

Hey how is your RLD truck cap holding up. I want to buy one for my 2020 tundra. I saw videos on you tube of a guy having his powder coating flaking off in the first year. Any info on where to buy and how it is holding up is much appreciated.

[@AdventureBuilt]

I don’t think you can get them anymore. I have gotten a lot of messages that they stop importing them and I can’t get a hold of the importer in Washington. I would check out the RSI Smartcap. They are good looking and stainless steel.

[@highpro1394]

@@AdventureBuilt i have also seen this new company called bynd 4x4. They make one similar to a smart cap

[@Pccpy]

You get what you paid.

[@user-tj3yi9zj4m]

Can you do a review of the 4x4 colorado alto elite?

[@ashadventurer1130]

Cool

[@TheMattfranz]

Why would anyone pay this for the Ironman when Roam's Vagabond is still available for $1,800?

[@mtnmandeluxe5429]

The price of EVERYTHING titled "overland" is rape priced. Just ridiculous. I cant watch overland west or east or whatever,, seeing these guys shilling their products and then giving the price,,,,with a straight face. Companies got the perfect storm,, pandemic price increases,,and popularity,,,and none of the thieves lowered the price when the price of materials decreased. I've been doing this since it wasnt a thing,,I'm being priced out of my own game

[@Toglander]

Exactly! You should see the ridiculous prices Patriot Campers charges for a small trailer with a tent on top…$60K!!! You can get an RV with a bathroom, kitchen, and bedroom for that price. But since they are selling to “overlanders” they charge 7 times what they should be and still find fools willing to shell out the cash.

[@philipwilson3454]

Because they are the latest trend.

[@revnation_auto]

That Ironman seems like a cheap pile of crap. Not worth the $1,800 imo.

[@ntime2095]

Is 23 Zero a sponsor of yours?

[@AdventureBuilt]

No they just make amazing tents!!!

[@gustavelomack8060]

P r o m o s m

[@SuperSilence23]

The 23 Zero is a crappy looking design

[@AdventureBuilt]

Then my video didn’t do it justice. It’s actually the nicest looking tent I’ve ever seen. The fit and finish is impeccable and the design is on point.

[@SuperSilence23]

Then I would have to do it in person, it looks really busy