Has anyone used one of these? How do they do in rain. The rain fly looks a little small to be really effective. It looks interesting for the family. Thanks

http://www.tentsontrucks.com/newsuvtent.htm

Various people have tried these tents with sleeves, but I don't recall which model has gotten the best reviews. I too am distrustful of some which look like modifications of discount store family tents. If I went this direction, I'd seriously consider Cabela's version:
http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/product/horizontal-item.jsp?id=0003781512246a&navCount=9&podId=0003781&parentId=cat20139&navAction=jump&cmCat=MainCatcat21412&catalogCode=IF&rid=&parentType=index&indexId=cat20139&hasJS=true

I bought the Sportz SUV tent this summer and used it a few times in Shenandoah NP and Acadia NP. It's been through some doozy thunderstorms.

The weak point -- water-wise -- is the tunnel. I've used seam seal and taken the added precaution of putting a small tarp over the tunnel.

The only time I had water enter the tent was when I decided one night to sleep in the E with the doors locked and did not disconnect the tunnel. Major rainstorm that night. Without the rear hatch to prop the tunnel up, several inches of water collected in it. I didn't know any had gotten into the tent until the next morning I lifted the tarp that I always put inside the tent to protect the floor, and there was water underneath. My stuff stayed dry.

I had the same concern about that itty bitty rain fly but, so far, that has not been a problem.

Takes some adjusting to get a tight seal around the Element. What I like best about the SUV tent is it's utility for gear storage, as a changing room and being able to sleep with the tailgate open and having that much more space. I prefer to sleep in the E so am off the ground and can see out the skylight at the stars.

The Skreenz (www.skreenz.com (http://www.skreenz.com)) are a must for bug-free ventilation in the summer.

What I like best about the Sportz tent is the height and the three large windows for cross-ventilation. The tent is so tall I have to stand on a gear box to hook up the gear loft.

I think that Cabellas tent is more attractive but I'd want to see more detailed pics of how many windows it has and the tunnel attachments.

What I really wish is that Honda would work with a tent manufacturer to design a custom-fitted tent that would work off the back and the sides of the E. Growing up, my family had a pop-top VW camper van with attaching side tent. A sensational set-up.

I would be concerned about sleeping in the SUV tent if it was at all downhill from the E. I've been in a couple campsites sloped like that and was mindful that I would not want to be on the ground behind the wheels.

I don't trust the emergency brake and transmission enough for a sound sleep, and I have an automatic. Sure wouldn't do it with a manual transmission, especially because I store a lot of stuff up front -- including the cooler and food box. If something hit that stick shift...

Once that thought goes through your mind it is hard to dismiss.

The SUV tent does detach and would work fine as a stand-alone. It's not the highest quality but, as I mentioned previously, mine has been through some wicked storms, including very high winds, and held up fine.

I also use two guy lines per corner on all my tents.

Good review Hiker Chick. We have considered a tent like that to put the dogs on the ground/tent part with us sleeping in the Element. Figured they'd be happy enough to be in the same enclosure in general, but we'd be happy enough to not share the back sleeping area with two dogs (60 and 40 lbs). Does that sound like it would work? Our two would be good about not jumping up/in.

Thanks Hiker Chick! That is the type of review I was looking for. I wanted it primarly for changing and a place for the dog to sleep. If it got soaking wet inside I would pass. Looks like I'm going to have to order one. Can't wait to go camping now.

Well what do you know? We are going to Austin tomorrow and there is a Cabela's about 15 miles down the road.:D I may just have to take a quick ride on over and see if they have their tent in store.

Good review Hiker Chick. We have considered a tent like that to put the dogs on the ground/tent part with us sleeping in the Element. Figured they'd be happy enough to be in the same enclosure in general, but we'd be happy enough to not share the back sleeping area with two dogs (60 and 40 lbs). Does that sound like it would work? Our two would be good about not jumping up/in.

Absolutely, I think it would be a great setup for the pups and you.

One concern I have had when a friend's dog with a strong prey drive has come along is that if she heard a chipmunk, or some other critter, near the car she'd try to get out where the tunnel meets the E.

Fortunately, she hasn't tried that yet and I don't know how hard or easy it would be for her to escape that way.

I should also note that to get the snuggest fit around the E, I use small clamps -- metal laundry types of clamps -- to cinch it so there are no gaps. Next time I use it will try to remember to take more detailed photos of the connection.

It does not fit like a glove, you have to tuck and pinch here and there.

But for $200 and after 4 camping trips with it, I feel like I've already gotten my money's worth.

Can hardly wait for camping season... :cool:

Good feedback, thanks. I'd like to think our dogs would be okay, but it's good to be aware of those outdoor/nature issues! Others have suggested using clamps and/or magnets to help secure the gaps in this type of tent.