23 Zero Armadillo X2 Review
Looking at Roof Top Tents? Here's what we bought and learned.
After a year of researching and considering a roof top tent for our new Chevy 1500 Trail Boss, we’ve finally pulled the trigger. We are now owners of an X2 Armadillo Hardtop from 23 Zero.
While I’ll be providing a video review of our new RTT, I thought it would be great for readers to learn about our experience so far.
But I’m gonna skip all the unboxing fluff and get to the point. Life is short after all and you have adventures to enjoy.
My Thoughts about the Armadillo X2
As with any product, including RTTs, there will be pros and cons. Even after doing all my research I still discovered things I like or don’t like about the Armadillo X2.
It’s Heavy for Installing
The first thing you need to know is this motherf@cker is heavy and hard to install for older guys who don’t abuse 1000mg of testosterone every week!
At 225 lbs it took three guys to throw that thing on the Billie Bars rack to ratchet it down. Of course we had several beers and two of us are in the over 50’s club, but maybe you’ll heave it up there with no problem.
The YouTube video I watched of a guy and his wife doing the installation makes me wonder how in the hell they did it.
There are No Instructions
Even after watching several videos on YouTube, it would have been really nice to get some sort of instructions on how everything works.
23 Zero needs to do a way better job of explaining how the ladder rings adjust and lock properly, how to get the flaps folded in so you can close the shell easier, warning you to space properly for your truck cab so you can use both side windows, and just basic set up information.
The Mounting Brackets are Crap
The four mounting plates included with the purchase of the RTT are absolute shit in my opinion.
The brackets bent as we tightened them to capacity and the bolts aren’t long enough to extend much longer than the locking nut. I keep having nightmares they are gonna fail while driving and this expensive 225 lbs home is gonna fly through someone’s windshield.
I’m gonna order HD mounting brackets from Billie Bars to give me assurance but 23 Zero should provide something similar.
It’s Not Always Simple to Use
I watched a handful of videos about how easy it is to set up and take down the Armadillo X2. Only for my wife and I, it hasn’t been that way yet.
While we’ve not used this RTT a bunch yet, setting it up requires a little more work than just pulling the ladder and popping up the roof. Sometimes we have to climb on the tonneau cover to open and close it.
FYI: This ain’t always easy when you’re older, tired, or had a few drinks! 🍺
Additionally we’ve learned you have to make sure the air is mostly pushed out, the side fabric must be folded a certain way, and things must be positioned properly in order to close the shell. And you can’t leave sleeping bags or pillows in it.
That being said it’s getting easier to use and we are getting better at set up and tear down. Just don’t expect to be glamping in 2–3 minutes when you’re just starting out.
The Overall Quality is Great
I think 23 Zero made a great product overall and I like the quality of the ECO13B materials they used to make it.
The outer clam shell is tough, the X braces are solid, and the Light Suppression Technology keeps the inside nice and dark.
The tent comes with a 2" rebound foam mattress which is nice by itself, but we will be packing and throwing something thicker on top for sleeping. The insulated headliner is also a nice feature for the condensation which we experienced in the mountains. Plus it’s very spacious for two people!
There are also four locks for the RTT and they provided plenty of keys.
It’s Quiet While Traveling
I was concerned about added road noise by having it on the truck but so far we’ve not had any — even while driving in high winds in Arizona. 23 Zero did a great job of streamlining the shape and size of this RTT.
Even our gas mileage has been very good for most places. We’ve averaged 19–21 MPG on the highway in normal circumstances and 16–19 MPG in the winds and mountainous terrain.
It Will Save Us Money Long Term
Even though the price tag for the Armadillo X2 was $2,949.00 USD, we will be spending less money down the road.
Over the past four years we’ve mostly lived in hotels and resorts. The average price now for a crappy hotel chain is $100 per night. At $3,000 per month just for this expense, you can see how this will easily pay for itself.
If we boondock on BLM land or other places, we’ll save a bit of money, but even using some of the RV sites or state parks that average $30 or less per night, we’ll come out better financially than hotel fees.
I think of this RTT as an investment.
Final Thoughts on the Armadillo X2
Donetta and I are excited and happy with our purchase so far, even though we’ve only used it a few times.
We see a lot of future possibilities to explore National Parks, State Parks, BLM properties, and other places as we continue to travel, because we now have the ability to stop and camp wherever we are.
And even though climbing up and down the ladder for older people might present some challenges at times, I think it’s cool to be a part of the “off the grid” community.
So there you have it.
P.S. For whatever reason, the person who attached the 23 Zero logo did NOT place it on the RTT straight. As a creative this drives me bonkers! 😜