Rooftop tent group buy potential

[witoke]

This came up on a Vanagon site, I know people have talked about wanting these and this may be a good opportunity. As usual, "I know nothing about this, just thought it might benefit some people".

Hi Guys,
> I'm planning to do a Westy transplant onto my Syncro hardtop. Until I can afford that, I have been thinking about rooftop tents. The fiberglass shell versions really seem to be the perfect solution for my lack of poptop & for ease of deployment. Much more aerodynamic than the fold up fabric tents. You can use it like a bit of a rocketbox when you won't be camping in it & they look great. The down side is the price & the weight. I think I can overlook the 140 lbs, since I would eliminate some tent & camping bits in the upgrade. I have found several of the sources that the different tent vendors are getting these from & if I get 10 or more, I can get them for about 1/2 of the $2500-$2700 I find them for. Several vendors show a $5000 regular price & $2500 on sale, but I bet that is a never ending sale.
>
> Here's a few available in the US at consistent prices:
> http://cascadiatents.com/index.php?m=94&s=594&c=&id=118
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> http://autohomeus.com/rooftop/maggiolina.php
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> http://www.ebay.com/itm/321220599212
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> These are all coming from China, but get great reviews. The version I am considering is a wide version that sleeps 2+ (2 adults & 1 kid) comfortably & has the gas struts instead of hand crank, but if the crank was a lot cheaper, I'd be fine with that. I'm trying to track down a shipping quote & will know more soon. Choice of Black or White on the shell, but we all have to get the same. Grey fabric color. They are just under 5' x 7' with a closed height of about 12".
>
> If you are interested in something like this for your Vanagon, or even your passat, (or anything else that you can throw racks on), please let me know. I'm shooting for $1500 or less including shipping to the NW if 10 people want one & the price goes down if say, 20 people wanted one. Please pmail me if you are interested, have any thoughts on these or have found them waay cheaper in the US.
>
> Not looking to start a long thread to debate these, but any experience with these may be appreciated by others.
> Thanks!
> David K
> Portland
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