Roof top tents, thoughts?

[achjimmy]

Hi all

Thinking about getting a roof top tent (RTT).  Read a good review on the gordigear. But I am wondering about the downsides.  What's it like 2 m in the air sleeping on a suspension system ? Iam thinking a lot of movement ? Or are they superior to a swag ( my preferred choice ) interested in swaggers thoughts.

[dirtpilot]

They are great. No movement when sleeping or doing other things. Downsides, ladder acess can be a bit so so if you have a few, can impact fuel economy and once set up car cannot be moved without packing up. Good things are easy to set up, lots more room than a swag, great views, off the ground, optional tent is great. Get a quality one like Hannibal or Howling Moon. I mounted mine on top of our camper. Can still transfer to car if needed.

[ATC]

I have an ARB Roof Top Tent on the BT-50.

First few times up / down the ladder might make you think twice, but you quickly get used to it.

Last trip Lisi & I headed out of Sydney aiming to get 4 hours out, pull up in the bush and set it up.

Once we stopped it was 5 minutes to get the tent up & be in it.
Just make sure you park on level ground.

2nd night the ground had a slight slope, I just parked on a MaxTraxx to level it up.

Brought mine 2nd hand, about $950 including the annex that goes around the base.

One tip, is to make sure you have a least 1 window open, it's a lot smaller space than the Blackwolf 300Plus that we also use so it can get a bit of condensation in side it.

I'll thow some photos up when I'm on a laptop.

In short, awesome

[DannyG]

Hi Jim
Pretty much everything the others have already said if you do go the way of a RTT.

However we just sold ours and we are going to buy a quick erect touring tent and self inflating mattress to replace it. The reason being is the RTT was only good for us when we were pulling up stumps for a night and packing up the next morning. Not being able to set up camp and use the 4wd was a pain for us. But that is the only negative.

[fishfinder]

Hi Jim
Pretty much everything the others have already said if you do go the way of a RTT.

However we just sold ours and we are going to buy a quick erect touring tent and self inflating mattress to replace it. The reason being is the RTT was only good for us when we were pulling up stumps for a night and packing up the next morning. Not being able to set up camp and use the 4wd was a pain for us. But that is the only negative.

I think there may be another negative

[areyonga]

Have just gone through the decision process of a RTT and opted for an Oztent due to the flexibility of being able to use the vehicle without packing up, and also getting up at 2am feeling tired and unsteady on the legs was the clintcher.  I looked at most brands and would have settled on the combo RTT from Kulkayne Kampers as it suited my needs and budget, but now will probably buy the RV3 Oztent from the same place as it was $120 cheaper than BCF

[rodw]

Have just gone through the decision process of a RTT and opted for an Oztent due to the flexibility of being able to use the vehicle without packing up, and also getting up at 2am feeling tired and unsteady on the legs was the clintcher.  I looked at most brands and would have settled on the combo RTT from Kulkayne Kampers as it suited my needs and budget, but now will probably buy the RV3 Oztent from the same place as it was $120 cheaper than BCF

X2, climbed up the ladder of one at a show years ago and the thought of climbing up and down at my age left me cold. Bought an Oz Tent and then upgraded to a Coromal Poptop!

[Hodgies]

Good decision, we bought a RTT for the cape, was excellent but in hindsight wished we had purchased the oztent.
Main reason being packing up each time we wanted to explore.

[cyberess]

I use a light weight Roof Top tent on a light weight camper trailer --  which is like a so called Cot tent  --  I don't think that these are available any more..



Yes i put that together 3 years ago  ..  and it's been great.

I Documented my camper build at http://www.myswag.org/index.php?topic=12356.0 

In the process I scored a double Cot tent -- or roof top tent for free  --  and I have been using that as well

You could try a Cot tent, they are just so easy and your off the ground  -- When my roof top tent wears out -- it's probably what I will use to replace it.

http://www.bcf.com.au/Products/TentGuide/RapidPitchTents/DoubleTentCot.aspx

Kamprite Tent Cot Double - Tent Guide - BCF	Small | Large

Might be able to set up on a trailer  as well ..  or just use it on the ground.

Just ideas.