Mars versus Urander rack

[Hazard One]

Distinguished CT owners who overland/camp with their CTs,

I'm trying to decide on whether to buy the fully-enclosed Urander rack or the full-size Mars rack or wait for the upcoming Urander full-length camper set up. I would mount a rooftop tent on each (Aeroblade on the Mars, undecided on tent type for Urander). From what I can see:

Urander pros: larger protected volume inside, more customizable

Mars pros: lighter, less drag (maybe even a LOT less drag), can still use truck to move tall or oversized things like bed mattresses or house refrigerators.

One of my intended uses is to drive long distance (Boise to Oshkosh and back) once each year to attend the week long OshKosh airshow. The other is more frequent shorter (4-6 trips per Summer, 70 miles each way) to camp at a mountain lake.

Looking for recommendations from those of you with experience using both setups (ideally) or experience with just one or the other.

Thanks in advance!

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[Urander]

Our new tent is just 3” tall, so it has minimal impact on range. It’s also a pass-through design, giving you an enclosed space for two adults up top and two kids in the bed. We’ll be sharing photos of the new tent in about two weeks!

This is the upcoming Marsag new rack.
They designed a new rack for that tent, but we designed our tent specifically for our rack. You can still remove the tent and use the rack open for hauling large items, and it has 8 flat crossbars on top instead of recessed ones like theirs. Their tent sits a bit lower, but we’ll be adding a lot of new features with our new tent, plus more bed setup options coming later this summer.

Here’s a happy customer just installed the bed cap over the weekend. Pic just shared by them and kids are loving the enclosed bed

 

[carsonag01]

Here's my setup in case you're interested. The Victory 4x4 fairing is a must-have for completely eliminating wind noise for the Mars AG Full Expedition Rack. It installs seamlessly and does a great job. I went with the Inspired Overland Carbonlite Rooftop Tent for a thicker mattress.

However, I really wanted the Cybercamp Pano by Urander for the rooftop tent... but it wouldn't have arrived in time for our 3,000 miles road trip we took last October. I really like that one!

 

[Roger@CYBERTRUCKco]

Just out of curiosity… why aren’t we an option? We have the most internal living space, 1 button open, Made in the USA and stainless steel construction, and first to market - launched in 2024.

 

[carsonag01]

For anyone interested in Roger's solution: https://cybertruckco.com/product/cybertruckco-cybercamper/ and...

 

[Hazard One]

Here's my setup in case you're interested. The Victory 4x4 fairing is a must-have for completely eliminating wind noise for the Mars AG Full Expedition Rack. It installs seamlessly and does a great job. I went with the Inspired Overland Carbonlite Rooftop Tent for a thicker mattress.

However, I really wanted the Cybercamp Pano by Urander for the rooftop tent... but it wouldn't have arrived in time for our 3,000 miles road trip we took last October. I really like that one!

Thanks for taking the time to answer! Question: how did the drag in your setup affect your range/Wh/mi compared to the clean configuration?

 

[Hazard One]

Our new tent is just 3” tall, so it has minimal impact on range. It’s also a pass-through design, giving you an enclosed space for two adults up top and two kids in the bed. We’ll be sharing photos of the new tent in about two weeks!

This is the upcoming Marsag new rack.
They designed a new rack for that tent, but we designed our tent specifically for our rack. You can still remove the tent and use the rack open for hauling large items, and it has 8 flat crossbars on top instead of recessed ones like theirs. Their tent sits a bit lower, but we’ll be adding a lot of new features with our new tent, plus more bed setup options coming later this summer.

Here’s a happy customer just installed the bed cap over the weekend. Pic just shared by them and kids are loving the enclosed bed

Thanks! Any timeframe on the release date for your new product? Also kinda funny that the Mars setup in your pix here has a Chinese knock-off of the aero blade tent they make? https://www.alibaba.com/product-detail/EZNEST-9cm-Roof-Tent-Anti-condensation_1601296346730.html

 

[Hazard One]

Just out of curiosity… why aren’t we an option? We have the most internal living space, 1 button open, Made in the USA and stainless steel construction, and first to market - launched in 2024.

The most direct answer is I wasn't aware of your product. What is its name/website? Oh wait, I see someone posted the answer to that already

 

[carsonag01]

Thanks for taking the time to answer! Question: how did the drag in your setup affect your range/Wh/mi compared to the clean configuration?

I honestly don't know because at the same time I changed out the OEM Pirelli's for the Michelin LTX Defender Platinums which reduced some range too. I went from ~.400 kWh/mi to ~.470 for my overall average (city + hwy combined)

 

[Urander]

Thanks! Any timeframe on the release date for your new product? Also kinda funny that the Mars setup in your pix here has a Chinese knock-off of the aero blade tent they make? https://www.alibaba.com/product-detail/EZNEST-9cm-Roof-Tent-Anti-condensation_1601296346730.html

We’re taking the prototype to Moab for real-world off road testing in late April and will be sharing photos and videos from the trip. This has been 15 months in the making, and we’re already on our fourth mold dialing everything in.

The new tent is packed with thoughtful upgrades. It features a built-in wind deflector that flows perfectly with our rack design, keeping things quiet on the road while improving efficiency. Inside, we’ve added an adjustable backrest and a built-in dining table, so you can kick back, take in the view, and actually enjoy the space.

Can’t wait to show you what this thing can do!

 

[Pixelgeist]

I honestly don't know because at the same time I changed out the OEM Pirelli's for the Michelin LTX Defender Platinums which reduced some range too. I went from ~.400 kWh/mi to ~.470 for my overall average (city + hwy combined)

I didn't know this product existed when I took the family to see Mickey last summer. I bungie corded a plank to the front of my MarsAG rack in front of my rooftop tent and was averaging 390 Wh/mi. The plank was at a more gradual angle from the peak of the roof to the front edge of the tent though. It was pretty funny looking and in hindsight I wish I had taken some pictures for you all.

 

[Pixelgeist]

@Urander Can your rack be installed without the rearmost section to match the length of the current MarsAG rack?

 

[Urander]

@Urander Can your rack be installed without the rearmost section to match the length of the current MarsAG rack?

Yeah, or you can install the rearmost side panels but slide the crossbar forward. That way you still get plenty of awning coverage and can haul a motorcycle at the same time.

 

[CYBERTRUCKco]

Thanks! Any timeframe on the release date for your new product? Also kinda funny that the Mars setup in your pix here has a Chinese knock-off of the aero blade tent they make? https://www.alibaba.com/product-detail/EZNEST-9cm-Roof-Tent-Anti-condensation_1601296346730.html

not a knock off... rebranded for Marsag. All the Chinese venders will sell anybody anything, why we only produce in the USA. Even then, the Chinese brands buy our products and then copy them sell them on amazon... happened with all of our Bronco and Defender lines... they are ruthless and no respect for others companies.

 

[Eka]

not a knock off... rebranded for Marsag. All the Chinese venders will sell anybody anything, why we only produce in the USA. Even then, the Chinese brands buy our products and then copy them sell them on amazon... happened with all of our Bronco and Defender lines... they are ruthless and no respect for others companies.

Yeah, this has been a big problem. A friend who is an glass artist, and only sold in her studio shop, found near exact copies of her hand blown glassware designs on Amazon.

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