Roof top tent?

[Shlbyntro]

Anybody have one of these? Im strongly considering outfitting the Excursion with one of these and a wrap around awning for some road trips with the boat in tow and getting a suitcase genny and portable ac unit to go with it among some other gear but I'm having a hard time clicking the purchase button as I haven't heard anything about them good or bad. What say the brain trust??

 

[highvoltagehands]

Don’t waste your money. Just buy a nice tent that’s easy to set up. then your tent’s not tied down to the rig and your rig’s not tied down to the tent.

 

[sintax]

Don’t waste your money. Just buy a nice tent that’s easy to set up. then your tent’s not tied down to the rig and your rig’s not tied down to the tent.

seems logical to me. never understood those contraptions.

 

[JDKRXW]

seems logical to me. never understood those contraptions.

I understand the small tents that are attached to, and somewhat sealed around the tailgate....but the garages that you half way park in?? Why would you do this?

 

[sintax]

I understand the small tents that are attached to, and somewhat sealed around the tailgate....but the garages that you half way park in?? Why would you do this?

yea, i have one of the older "truck bed tents" and its been quite good for what it is. The key to those is getting an air mattress that fits around the cutouts in your bed, that was a game changer.

One of my coworkers has one of those fold out rooftop hard tents, it seems like a giant pain in the ass.

 

[braindead]

If u got the coin than go for it!

Those things are for the multiple day trips where you need to bring in and out everything you need, including a toilet, for a multiple night stay and don't wanna crowd the interior of the car. From what I've heard from my 4x club those topside tents are nice, hence the saying u get what u pay for, but unless u got the extra coin laying around I'd stick with a $40 pop up tent from big 5 and an air mattress. If you enjoy the roughin it part and wanna step up u still can, but if u decide it's not for, u can bail without wasting a lotta coin.

 

[Xtrmwakeboarder]

Anybody have one of these? Im strongly considering outfitting the Excursion with one of these and a wrap around awning for some road trips with the boat in tow and getting a suitcase genny and portable ac unit to go with it among some other gear but I'm having a hard time clicking the purchase button as I haven't heard anything about them good or bad. What say the brain trust??

View attachment 828586

Where are you camping? If it’s campsites, I can see the benefit of a nice Kodiak canvas tent, if you’re off the beaten path and in inclement weather, I could totally see a rooftop tent being way better. I’d get something like a Gofast tent though.

 

[Shlbyntro]

I'd like to start visiting some lakes across the US with my boat. 1-2 a year for at least 1week stays and ideally at waterfront campgrounds. Thats the idea anyway. I also have a couple good fishing spots down at the coast that are off the grid in kind of marshy areas. Im not much of a fisherman but would like to start doing it more. LOTO is high on my list but I know there are tons of lakes out there that are worth visiting.

I'm a die hard boater, but the local watering hole is starting to get too familiar if you know what I mean

 

[4Waters]

I think you would be more comfortable with a P/U and a cab over camper that has an A/C unit on it.

 

[Ziggy]

Those are designed more for the explorer type offroader that go out into no-where-land.
Hense the snorkeled truck in the example photo.

 

[JB in so cal]

If there are big animals around where you wanna camp that 6 feet in elevation will give you a couple more seconds to a scream.

 

[DWC]

If there are big animals around where you wanna camp that 6 feet in elevation will give you a couple more seconds to a scream.

Do you think the animals will come up the ladder or just jump up? Asking for a friend who is camping with his kid.

 

[Shlbyntro]

If there are big animals around where you wanna camp that 6 feet in elevation will give you a couple more seconds to a scream.

Bahahaha I travel with firearms
Sounds like even though I like the idea, doesnt really suit any needs of mine whatsoever. I could likely do something like this too. What say ye all on this? Basically just need to be off the ground for sleeping and ac for those places with 90degree nights. All other creature comforts I can deal with.

This is a 3rd of the cost too

 

[DirtyWhiteDog]

You would be better ahead with a cab over or class c

 

[Shlbyntro]

You would be better ahead with a cab over or class c

Ya I need another vehicle like another hole in my head. Trust me when I say I already have far too many vehicles/motorized toys and am already struggling with storage.

 

[81Sprint]

Pros- sleeping off the ground with no animals/bugs to worry about
cons- pricey and take up vertical space if that is of concern

i had an excursion with 8.5' lift on 37's, there was plenty of room in that thing for a blow up mattress and be totally comfortable. if i didn't have a nice comfy 5th wheel i would have a rooftop tent on my wrangler. maybe just me, but i don't wanna wake up to a strange visitor while i'm sleeping on the ground, 6' off the ground offers some piece of mind.

 

[bluebleeder]

I like the idea but if you are bringing your boat and have to launch and retreave everyday, it would be a bitch to take down and put up the tent twice a day.

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[Shlbyntro]

I like the idea but if you are bringing your boat and have to launch and retreave everyday, it would be a bitch to take down and put up the tent twice a day.

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Agreed. I'd be specifically looking for places that have overnight mooring or beaching. When I had the bottom resprayed last winter I had it laid on extremely thick with the intention of being able to beach it and not worry about it. It was something like 2.5 gallons and 5 coats of gel.

Really just looking for the best option for exploring different lakes and not buying an rv

 

[Headless hula]

Hotels at loto can some with a slip. They're also quite reasonable according to my buddies that have stayed there for shootout weekend. My old neighbor used to go there for a week with his family and a nice condo wasnt very expensive either.

I paid around 40 per night for dockage in marinas in northern Michigan. They all had really nice amenities. Modern facilities, gas grills, helpful staff, fuel, etc.
The state parks in Michigan and cheeseland are all quite nice and with the exception of big holiday weekends, aren't hard to get reservations.
Don't hesitate to hit me, hydroskreamin, or snowhammer up if you venture this direction.
Its looking like it'll be loto in August, with a bunch of sections of the Wisconsin River getting explored this summer. Possibly a Mississippi river trip tossed in also.
The river trips are mostly a weekend deal for us as they're all close to drive to.

I pounded the hell outta the lake and river system I live on. There isn't much left that I haven't seen.

Door County here in cheeseland will get some attention, also the Apostle islands up on lake superior is on the short list of places to go.

We sleep on the boat in marinas. Have found that there's plenty of restaurants within walking distance, usually a grocery store too. We travel light.

 

[aj923]

Cabover camper if you have a 3/4 ton or bigger truck. Watch craigslist for a cheap one and you will be much happier than the roof top tent. Those roof top tents are set up for someone that likes to go way off road.

Also it would be super loud running a generator and ac in a tent..

 

[WhatExit?]

I like the idea but if you are bringing your boat and have to launch and retreave everyday, it would be a bitch to take down and put up the tent twice a day.

Not true. One of the best things about a Roof Top Tent is the ability to set up and take down quickly. As in about 3 minutes or less.

I wouldn't recommend a "flip-over" RTT - I'd suggest a hard shell type. I've looked at RTT's for some time and I'm still considering pulling the trigger on a James Baroud XXL sized RTT. https://www.jamesbaroudusa.com/product-category/hard-shell-roof-top-tents/

When we go off roading we don't do a base camp so that means setting up the tent and air mattress, etc. at night and tearing it down in the AM each day. We've got to do that in addition to making and cleaning up breakfast so a RTT has lots of appeal for our off road travels.

There's another option I've recently learned about...inspired by, of all things, a trip to Burning Man. It's SHIFTPOD...

https://festivalsquad.com/2016/05/pros-cons-shiftpods/

https://www.google.com/search?q=Shi...i60l2j69i65.5255j0j7&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8

https://shiftpod.com/shiftpod/

 

[Harry Sachz]

Cvt

I also wouldn’t put too much thought in the expert advise given up above

 

[bluebleeder]

Not true. One of the best things about a Roof Top Tent is the ability to set up and take down quickly. As in about 3 minutes or less.

I wouldn't recommend a "flip-over" RTT - I'd suggest a hard shell type. I've looked at RTT's for some time and I'm still considering pulling the trigger on a James Baroud XXL sized RTT. https://www.jamesbaroudusa.com/product-category/hard-shell-roof-top-tents/

When we go off roading we don't do a base camp so that means setting up the tent and air mattress, etc. at night and tearing it down in the AM each day. We've got to do that in addition to making and cleaning up breakfast so a RTT has lots of appeal for our off road travels.

There's another option I've recently learned about...inspired by, of all things, a trip to Burning Man. It's SHIFTPOD...

https://festivalsquad.com/2016/05/pros-cons-shiftpods/

https://www.google.com/search?q=Shi...i60l2j69i65.5255j0j7&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8

https://shiftpod.com/shiftpod/

Learn something new everyday. Appreciate the insight.

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[Mandelon]

I see lots of vehicles with those tents on top. I wonder how many actually get used though. They seem quite popular.

I think for added safety against creatures they would be better. But if you tend to have a couple beers around the campfire and have to get up in the middle of the night to take a whiz... it seems like an accident waiting to happen. Although there is always the gatorade bottle alternative. But accidents can happen with that in the dark too. LOL

Last time we went camping, it was stormy as hell. So I set up the tent. Loaded all the camping stuff into it, and slept in the back of the suburban. Definitely felt safe and dry. Half the campground had emptied out over night. Didn't hear a thing.

 

[SKIA36]

I see lots of vehicles with those tents on top. I wonder how many actually get used though. They seem quite popular.

I think for added safety against creatures they would be better. But if you tend to have a couple beers around the campfire and have to get up in the middle of the night to take a whiz... it seems like an accident waiting to happen. Although there is always the gatorade bottle alternative. But accidents can happen with that in the dark too. LOL

Last time we went camping, it was stormy as hell. So I set up the tent. Loaded all the camping stuff into it, and slept in the back of the suburban. Definitely felt safe and dry. Half the campground had emptied out over night. Didn't hear a thing.

Back of the 4x4 Suburban with large air mattress. XL storage pod on top of the roof rack for equipment.

 

[Cole Trickle]

I had a CVT with the Annex. Installed it on top of a custom little trailer I built. Wife and I slept up top and kid slept down below on a futon with the dog.

Worked awesome really wish I would have used the set up more overlanding before I sold it. Had a stereo tv, custom lighting as well as onboard water and pump.

 

[2Driver]

Rooftops are still a tent with all the draw backs ( wind, rain, noise, security etc. but now the whole thing is a boxed air dam on your roof. I just don't see it especially for the price. .

A minimal approach for a camper is four wheel campers. https://atoverland.com/pages/four-wheel-campers

There are so many ways to skin the cat. If you have time go to the annual overland expo in Flagstaff in May. It is huge.

Personally Id just go large and be done .

 

[Gelcoater]

Do you think the animals will come up the ladder or just jump up? Asking for a friend who is camping with his kid.

Neither, lol.
They rip the whole damn thing off the truck and drag it and it’s content off into the woods to eat

 

[Shlbyntro]

Rooftops are still a tent with all the draw backs ( wind, rain, noise, security etc. but now the whole thing is a boxed air dam on your roof. I just don't see it especially for the price. .

A minimal approach for a camper is four wheel campers. https://atoverland.com/pages/four-wheel-campers

There are so many ways to skin the cat. If you have time go to the annual overland expo in Flagstaff in May. It is huge.

Personally Id just go large and be done .

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That's nice and in a perfect world.... but like I said. Not enough parking for what I have already. Garage is full, side yard is full, driveway is (as much as it can be without looking trashy) and I've even got a few items i keep at the shop.

Cvt
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I also wouldn’t put too much thought in the expert advise given up above

So for you guys that do use these. how/what time of year do you mostly use them? What are your thoughts on my ideas on how I would want to use mine, am I overcomplicating things??

 

[Lucky Larry]

Depending on where you travel, it might be a good idea.

My brother just traveled Africa for 3 months and this was kind of a necessary rental.

“L W”

 

[Dana757]

I had a CVT with the Annex. Installed it on top of a custom little trailer I built. Wife and I slept up top and kid slept down below on a futon with the dog.

Worked awesome really wish I would have used the set up more overlanding before I sold it. Had a stereo tv, custom lighting as well as onboard water and pump.



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I like that. I'm getting ready to build a trailer with a RTT. What suspension did you use?

 

[Shlbyntro]

Well I pulled the trigger tonight, just in time to make my 2019 write offs sheet. I went with the smitybuilt xl+annex and also got a batwing awning. Also seamed like the perfect time to purchase the last suspension parts I needed for the 4wd conversion

 

[buck35]

Well I pulled the trigger tonight, just in time to make my 2019 write offs sheet. I went with the smitybuilt xl+annex and also got a batwing awning. Also seamed like the perfect time to purchase the last suspension parts I needed for the 4wd conversion

View attachment 829916 View attachment 829917

Nice rig,but why not just have a canopy on the truck to sleep in and a tent for day use?
What am I missing here.

 

[Shlbyntro]

I cant speak for everybody, but for me there is definitely a bit of a cool factor but also a huge convenience factor. If you look at videos of setup on these things, it literally takes all of 5minutes. For the tent anyway; it also provides a lot more sleeping area than just the inside of my truck. Think king size bed vs twin size bed. The deciding factor for me though was having something with some comfort that would still allow me to tow a boat or whatever else my heart desires.

I also ordered a generator and a 12k btu ac/heater system to go along with it

 

[Lumpy]

OH Children...there is a place I know. A place that your wives will not want to DIVORCE you half way through the trip. Your kids will love the tent but your wife will want to kill you
and begin plotting. Its called..........HOTEL.

 

[mesquito_creek]

I cant speak for everybody, but for me there is definitely a bit of a cool factor but also a huge convenience factor. If you look at videos of setup on these things, it literally takes all of 5minutes. For the tent anyway; it also provides a lot more sleeping area than just the inside of my truck. Think king size bed vs twin size bed. The deciding factor for me though was having something with some comfort that would still allow me to tow a boat or whatever else my heart desires.

I also ordered a generator and a 12k btu ac/heater system to go along with it

You either get it or you don’t! Every detail counts and I think the rooftops can add a lot of convenience and clean factor. You can use the inside for all your other gear and equipment and not have to worry about the sleeping set up. I just got back today from a 5 day 1200 miles fishing trip where we moved several hundred miles a day with set up and breakdown. I have a truck shell with a custom built sleeping platform not a RTT, but I would consider a RTT if I needed one. Look into a separate house battery with a 100 watt solar panel with inverter etc and have fun making every detail work to your advantage.

My wife went with me on my fishing trip camping and we both are 50 years old. We don’t like people and crowds so the trade off is the fact we are remote off the grid. Can’t take an RV where we go.

 

[coolchange]

Congrats on the purchase. I see those as being good for overlanding, if you have to break camp everyday.
I have a Kodiak springbar tent. One of my requirements was to be able to stand up, and to sleep off the ground on a cot. I think mine's 10 x 10, they call it a six-person but its not really.
My wife and I pulled into a campground, which is not usually the type of camping we do, and there was a group at a table outside of a fifth wheel.
I threw the tarp out, threw the tent out. Steked the corners. And in more than five, but way less than 10, had the tent up and throwing stuff inside.
When we got done the people next door at the table stood up and applauded.
They had been sitting there all Friday evening watching and laughing at people try to set up their camps.

 

[coolchange]

I cant speak for everybody, but for me there is definitely a bit of a cool factor but also a huge convenience factor. If you look at videos of setup on these things, it literally takes all of 5minutes. For the tent anyway; it also provides a lot more sleeping area than just the inside of my truck. Think king size bed vs twin size bed. The deciding factor for me though was having something with some comfort that would still allow me to tow a boat or whatever else my heart desires.

I also ordered a generator and a 12k btu ac/heater system to go along with it

Elaborate on the AC heater?

 

[Shlbyntro]

Elaborate on the AC heater?

Ya well.... I've never been accused of doing things half assed haha

 

[yz450mm]

Ya well.... I've never been accused of doing things half assed haha

Im thinking that he wanted some more info on the HVAC setup that you ordered... [emoji16][emoji28]

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[Shlbyntro]

Nothing special there. Just one of those roll around stand up units where you stick a vent hose out a window. I just picked one that was capable of doing heat also which is why I got a tent with an annex and then a little 2000w inverter generator