New Autohome Maggiolina/Columbus tent, the AirTop

Mike S

Sponsor - AutoHomeUSA
TacomaWithMaggiolina2.jpg


Anyone ever mounted one like this? This is the only picture I have ever seen where it is mounted directly above the bed but no information. Not sure if it is a custom rack to make this work or not.

Thanks.

This is very simple to accomplish. We have several customers who have set up their tents this way.
 

pyrate

Rollin' along
Pyrate, I believe that belongs to member HHR?
I have seen the rig and posted it numerous times, but I forget the full membername.

Here is an AirTop in action, very nice setup.
http://www.fjcruiserforums.com/forums/1864276-post146.html


I've tried reaching the member who posted the picture of
TacomaWithMaggiolina2.jpg
but no responses. Posted, PM'd etc. Thought I would try and see if anyone else had tried it.

As to
5515013287_b2775045a5_z.jpg
It looks great but if I end up w/ a RTT of any kind, it can't be any higher than the top of the cab when closed for me to get it in my garage. It's the drawback of having a garage that opens into the alley and the whole thing is built on a hill. Just no way to have anything higher than the truck and make it out w/o damage.

I like the idea of those set of rails to mount on but I imagine I would have to get something custom to lower the RTT enough to do what I need.

Thanks.
 

Lemsteraak

Adventurer
I've seen a lot of Maggiolinas mounted on pickup truck beds. The concepts seem to be as varied as the uses. It sounds like you are looking at this so that it is easier to get in your garage.

Normally, you want to mount a RTT above and out of the way so that you have the bed clear for gear, after all, that is why you buy a pickup.

I would first measure your truck's clearance going through the garage door. Many times, you can clear a couple extra inches more than you think. It sounds like your approach is lower than the garage floor, In that case, your truck's wheels will actually be lower than the lip at the garage door, where it crests. So, if this is the case, measure above your truck while it is half way into the garage and you can get an idea of the real clearance.

My personal favorite is an expensive approach. It sounds like if you are looking at a Maggiolina, you are looking for quality. Thule makes a system called the Xporter rack system for pickups, expensive but really nice.

http://www.thule.com/en/US/Products/BaseRacks/Feet/422XT%20Xsporter%20Adjustable%20Aluminum%20Rack.aspx

This system will allow you to tailor the height to fit your needs. If you don't have the Maggiolina yet, talk to Mike, I know he has a relationship with Thule and can bring the price down to a more manageable level. You will also need to get some special mounting brackets from Mike that are larger to fit the Maggiolina to the Xporter rack, the bars are really wide and thick.
 

kilimats

Observer
I did HOURS of research before purchasing my black storm Maggiolina Airtop/Awning and this thread was the most informative i found so I decided to register and post here that I will soon own this superb product. Reseller gave me a 2 month ish ETA so I'll need some patience i guess.

One thing i noticed with this model is the lack of locking feature for security. The previous model was fine since you needed the handle to open it but now it uses straps that anyone can access, I'll have to get creative, maybe drill a hole in the strap with a lock, will see.

I'll follow up once received

ps: this is the car it will go on, Maggiolina will look HUGE on it lol

clinic065.jpg


similar to this guy picture found on flickr

4401182283_edfa18a253_z.jpg
4408490961_fa3566a6cb_o.jpg
 
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Corey

OverCamping Specialist
Glad this thread was of help to you.
I do not see to many roof top tents on smaller cars.
I did see an AirLander like mine the other day on a Honda Element though in my town.

I am sure you will figure out a way to lock the top down to prevent a scumbag from opening it.
 

4RunAmok

Explorer
The shape of these is meh.

If the front can sit that low, so can the back as well. I would love to see an ultra-flat version of this tent, for those willing to take everything out (pillows, blankets, etc.)
 

Corey

OverCamping Specialist
The shape of these is meh.

If the front can sit that low, so can the back as well. I would love to see an ultra-flat version of this tent, for those willing to take everything out (pillows, blankets, etc.)
That is one of the reasons it is higher in the back.
I have two full size pillows stored under the higher area back there, and it also allows you to throw other bulky gear there as well.

As far as taking out the stuff you mentioned, this is only one of the high points of this style of tent is that you can leave your bedding right in place and have your tent set up in seconds to konk out fast.
I would rather have all the bedding n place than to have to make up the bed when the tent is opened.
 

ETAV8R

Founder of D.E.R.P.
Even though I don't have a Mag' it is somewhat of a pain to roll up sleeping bags in the flippac. I can imagine just poppin the mag RTT and get right to sleep. If I had all the money in the world of course I would have one of each. Flippac for now.
 

INSAYN

Adventurer
I'd rather keep it unlocked and not store valuables in it so a thief can easily open it and see that there isn't anything worth stealing. They could do some serious damage to the product if they have to hack around any kind of locking feature you install.

Replacing bedding is way cheaper than repairing the unit.
 

kilimats

Observer
I'd rather keep it unlocked and not store valuables in it so a thief can easily open it and see that there isn't anything worth stealing. They could do some serious damage to the product if they have to hack around any kind of locking feature you install.

Replacing bedding is way cheaper than repairing the unit.

very good point you make, agreed 100% ! I won't bother then :)
 

HongerVenture

Adventurer
So for all you Maggiolina owners, I've got a few questions.

1. Anyone got an interior dimension on a small? A medium? A large?
2. Anyone with a kiddo manager to sleep three to a tent?
3. My wife and I have a 1-year-old. Will he fit with us in any of these size tents? I know what the pictures on the website show, but I'd love to hear some firsthand experience.

The supplier here in the UAE has a small available. It's the only thing he has because someone ordered it and didn't end up taking it. He's offering it to me a for a deal, but I would rather spend the extra coin to get one that will fit the three of us... plus maybe another youngin'.

Should I be looking at something other than Maggiolina if I want to have room for kiddos?

Thanks,
Joel
 

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