This first time I saw a roof top tent I thought it was the coolest thing I had ever seen and I wanted one. But then I started having second thoughts. First they cost at least 4 times the cost of a ground tent but more importantly when you put them up you have just immobilized your vehicle. When I go camping I normally stay in one spot for more than one day. I setup my camp, go wheeling during the day, and return to an already setup camp each night. So I was wondering how those of you with the roof top tents use them. Obviously you must set the up and take them down every day. Do you normally only stay one night in a spot anyway? Are they easier to setup and take down than a ground tent? What about all the rest of your camping stuff? If you don't have a tent to leave it in during the day does it all go back into the FJ? Then you also have all the weight and tent on the roof while on the trails. Ever catch them on trees? Please some of you guys that have them help me understand how you use them and take care of these nit picky details.
This first time I saw a roof top tent I thought it was the coolest thing I had ever seen and I wanted one. But then I started having second thoughts. First they cost at least 4 times the cost of a ground tent but more importantly when you put them up you have just immobilized your vehicle. When I go camping I normally stay in one spot for more than one day. I setup my camp, go wheeling during the day, and return to an already setup camp each night. So I was wondering how those of you with the roof top tents use them. Obviously you must set the up and take them down every day. Do you normally only stay one night in a spot anyway? Are they easier to setup and take down than a ground tent? What about all the rest of your camping stuff? If you don't have a tent to leave it in during the day does it all go back into the FJ? Then you also have all the weight and tent on the roof while on the trails. Ever catch them on trees? Please some of you guys that have them help me understand how you use them and take care of these nit picky details.
RTT were born from expedition travel. Where you would travel mostly during the day, setup camp for the night, and travel the next day.
Setup for most of these is pretty quick. They fold open or the roof raises and you set a couple windows open, thats about it (and set up the ladder).
I wouldn't want all that weight on the roof if i was tackling harder trails.
If i did a lot of expedition type traveling, i'd buy one. But i don't so i have my regular tent.
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I wish they made a bigger tri fold option and I'd be on it. They set up in under 5 minutes and no poles, and other crap to get lost and shove into bags, Now as for the quality of them, there are a few different grades and types of materials. I personally wouldnt pay 2 grand for a nylon one but thats just me. I love em, I also wish it would fit in my garage with it. lol
It all depends on your needs, obviously. I did the Rubicon (Rubithon '08) with my daughters and we had to set up camp every day, take it down, pack and repeat for the trip. Not that it was a big deal, we had a great set up, just part of the price you pay for a great day of camping on a great trail...
Set up and take down are minutes, no more than 5 min taking your time. Nothing like putting setting up a ground tent. No need to worry about finding the right spot, ground cloth and all the other associated issues like pumping up air mattresses (yes, I'm a wimp) and everything else.
With the RTT, I set up all the other stuff around the campsite and leave it when I go out wheeling. Yes, it is an issue to go out with an extra 100-125lbs on the roof and having to put it away to go. But, if I'm staying for days in one spot, all else stays behind and all I put in the rig is the spare parts box, tools...
Then, you might consider doing what I finally did, going with an ExPed trailer. There are times when I'm wheeling tougher trails, I didn't like the extra weight up top. So, I decided to build myself a trailer so I could leave it all behind. It's basically a "mobile campsite", something I can drop anywhere and have all the creature comforts of home...
However, driving with the RTT is often no more weight than I see many with a couple jerry cans of gas, water and other things on top. Look at Athena's rig and the trails they travel with their 35" tire on top, it sure doesn't hold her back in any way.
Its really about convenience and comfort. My wife and daughters love the RTT, no worries about rocks and uneven ground, bugs, dirt as well as if a rain storm decides to drop in on the trip. You don't have to worry about water running between the ground cloth and the tent bottom. We keep the bed ready for sleep inside the tent so that it is literally ready for sleep upon opening the RTT up.
When I camp I tend to stay in one place for two days or more, so setting up the roof top tent is not a problem.
Even before I got the roof top tent when I had regular tents and two tent trailers, we would camp up to a week or longer in the same spot, and use camp as base camp and explore.
Now that I have the roof top tent, I do not mind having my rig in one spot.
I have the mountain bike I picked up this summer to explore the area.
Roof top tents are pretty easy to set up too and take down.
Same thoughts as Coach too, I would find it hard to sleep on the ground again.
Something about being up off the ground is like reliving ones past when you use to play in and build tree houses.
Plus the advantages to not tracking dirt, mud, or rain inside.
I usually camp in wind(storms), and I dont see these standing up to wind very good...
Quote:
Corey previously said:
Quite contrare.
Roof top tents are used all over the world in howling winds that would fold a ground tent.
I know my type I have is used all over the world in high winds, snow, ice, you name it.
Agreed, bolted to a 5k+lb vehicle via 4 u-bolts onto a permanently mounted rack as compared to pounding some stakes into the ground...I'll take the RTT any day.
The construction is much more stout, being mounted to a solid surface, bolted to the aluminum/plastic base. Is there a condition that could damage the RTT, surely. Yet, I'm confident that the construction of "most" of the RTT would fair well in the most severe conditions.
To each their own, I didn't sell my ground tent but can't see using it anytime soon...
I usually camp in wind(storms), and I dont see these standing up to wind very good...
Quote:
Corey previously said:
Quite contrare.
Roof top tents are used all over the world in howling winds that would fold a ground tent.
I know my type I have is used all over the world in high winds, snow, ice, you name it.
Corey and I have the same tent and I've camped in storms here and in Montana. Including winter storms in that tent while others in their ground tents were wishing they had mine!
It stands up to the wind, rain and hail with no problems.
It's really nice when it's time to go, pouring rain, everybody on the ground trying to put away all their soaking wet tents and all I do is put the handle in and crank it down - 10 minutes - stowed and ready to roll.
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