[JeepUniq]

Hopefully someone will find this informative:

I'm one of those people that perennially are searching for the right tent. It seems that I finally found it ... for now.

I didn't go with the "classic" hard top JB due to its significant weight. I use my Jeep for moderate rock crawling at times, and don't need my off camber to be any more hair raising.

Instead I went with one of their Horizon Vision Soft Rooftop Tent. I had the ARB before so here's my quick comparison:

JB:
+ Much, much lighter than the ARB. Still needs two persons to put on top, but it's not a hernia inducement exercise anymore. Approx. 90 lbs. (I estimate).
+ Significantly lower profile (8.5")
+ Detachable ladder, super light and easy to use to set-up the tent.
+ Ladder can pe carried separately, thus reduces weight and tent profile.
+ Super easy setting it up but ...
+ Super easy to fold (pack), as long as the windows are not closed all the way (to allow air to escape)
+ Nice fabric and no need for a separate rain fly.
+ Gorgeous interior - lots of ventilation, and light due to its 6 windows.
+ Made in Europe (Portugal) - It seems much higher build quality.
+ Comes with a removable roof insulation. Stays put - no need to take out unless explicitly desired. Perfect for cold nights or Arizona sun.
- Cost - twice that of the ARB
- Pain to put the cover on (at least on by FrontRunner rack). It has an elastic cord that needs to be pushed behind some buttons which are a bit hard to reach.
- Shorter mattress (and shorter overall length) than the ARB.
- No interior net pockets
- Needs leg extensions inserted for support. Not a biggy, but worth noting
- No annex available in the US
- Entry might allow for some water in if opened when raining


ARB:

+ Cost / Quality / Value ratio
+ Cost / Quality / Value compared with its competitors (IMHO)
+ Roomier than the JB due to its covered entry design.
+ Can get an annex which doubles as another tent. I had two cots in it w/ plenty of space. However, note that annex for new model lacks a floor, so it needs a tarp (if desired).
+ Has some interior net pockets
+ In an emergency can sleep 2 adults and 2 kids (both me and my wife are not tall)
- Heavier than the JB. Approx. 140 lbs. (I estimate)
- Taller profile (14" in the middle over the ladder, otherwise 12")
- More time consuming to set-up (need to put in the wire supports for the rainfly, take out the elastic cords, etc)
- A bit of a pain to fold, with lots of coercion needed for the fabric to clear the zipper.
- Made in China (or Taiwan - depending on who's answering)
- A bit darker inside - nothing claustrophobic, but has smaller and fewer (4 vs 6) windows than the JB.

Bottom line, for pure value, ARB wins, but for me JB is a better choice (weight/profile/ease-of-use).

[dzJeepChic]

It's a good write up. I'm sure someone who is shopping for a RTT will appreciate the information.

[Bradywgn71]

Good comparison, Dan. Thank you for writing it up!

[gino]

Thanks for the info. Super useful.

[theksmith]

nice comparison Dan, thanks for posting!