Rooftop Tents for Camping - Research Time

[JRSC00LUDE]

**Feels like a "Travel" related thread but feel free to kick it somewhere else if need be.**

Hey. I'm really considering one of these for next summer. At the moment, this one has piqued my interest:

https://burmisoutdoor.com/products/g...nt=33540078147

Pricey? Yes. But should last for years and years with proper storage. My perspective on cost changed this past summer after camping in Jasper. We then went to Canmore for 4 nights, which cost 50% the price of this tent so really, skip a week of hotels a summer and it's paid for. I really dig how easy they go up and how you can pretty much setup anywhere. They seem to be able to take down just as quickly so, using your truck during the day doesn't really get hindered by more than 10 minutes work on each end.

Anyone have experience with similar and have pros/cons to share?

[Nufy]

or...

http://www.cabelas.com/catalog/brows..._SEQ_630564480

[RealJimmyJames]

I've seen tents that set up right on the ground too. Pretty cool system because you can leave your sleeping gear set up and still have your vehicle available for daytime trips. Can't find a picture but it m sure you get the idea.

[IggyB]

I used to have a Hannibal RTT out of SA when they weren't popular yet, about 10 years ago.

The open panels in the roof look great. With the doors and windows having awnings, my tent was dark inside no matter the time of day.
Make sure the ladder is tall enough for whatever vehicle you install the tent on and can be staked out on the ground for stability.
Going up or down from the tent drunk will result in pain and ability to swear like a sailor.
Can't tell how the tent sides are protected when folded. The top and bottom half are plate but what about the sides sticking out when folded?
Vehicle still has to be parked on level ground.
Mine was mounted to unfold the length of the truck so tailgate area was covered by open tent.

[JRSC00LUDE]

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or...

http://www.cabelas.com/catalog/brows..._SEQ_630564480

I have an inbox tent, space is too limited.

If I wanted an on ground tent, I'd use the one I have.

You can fold it down with sleeping bags inside in minutes so day trips are simple, this is especially for non campground situations and to be off ground. There are 1000 places in northern Saskatchewan where there are no campgrounds and being off ground is ideal. It's easy to level your truck with a couple wood blocks if you need to. Luggage etc remains in box of truck under tonneau.

Protection wise, when it's folded down it has a heavy cover.

[Kavy]

I had one very similar when I had my FJ, I had a CVT Mt. Denali and it was spectacular. I own a travel trailer now but I miss just heading out on a Friday and camping with next to zero setup. It slept my wife, myself and our golden retriever. There was easily enough room for another adult or a few kids.

I ended up moving on from it when we had our daughter because I figured the bathroom and heater were needs but I miss that ten every single day of camping season.

[R-Audi]

There are a few local suppliers worth checking out..

https://treelineoutdoors.com/

https://www.boulderoutdoorproducts.ca/

[JordanEG6]

I'm a huge advocate for these, but they are very expensive. I've always wanted an E-Camper for my Element, but never had the money to drop $3K for one. But honestly, it is worth the money if you're an avid camper or drive places and save $$ on hotels.




Fits seamlessly on top year round. Not sure what other vehicles they make this for, but this is another option to look at as well depending on what you drive.

[sabad66]

a friend of mine has a Treeline mounted on his 4Runner and it's pretty slick. He doesn't have any complaints really. They are quite expensive (i think around $2k) but it's worth it if you go out a lot.

[taemo]

was tempted to get this
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects...r-travelers-on
but unfortunately the wife doesn't like camping and prefer staying in a hotel

for now, we setup sleeping bags in our wrx hatchback although it is a little too short for me.


also, one thing to remember with roof tents is to be careful getting out at night to take a leak

[ExtraSlow]

So aside from looking fuckin' pimp and being good in places with wet ground, what advantages do these have over a quality normal tent? Do you need a ladder to set these up?

I like to drink when I camp so I'm 100% certain I'd break my neck.

[JRSC00LUDE]

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So aside from looking fuckin' pimp and being good in places with wet ground, what advantages do these have over a quality normal tent? Do you need a ladder to set these up?

I like to drink when I camp so I'm 100% certain I'd break my neck.

The main advantages to me are being off ground (beneficial in wetness, cold, places where there is no good ground space for a traditional tent), needing minimal setup space and the ease of use. You can setup nearly anywhere in minutes and tear down just as fast, super convenient for one night stops.

Yes you go up a ladder to get into it but, I don't see how that's overly difficult lol. Mind you, my hammered camping days are over as it's always going to be either me and my son or, on a hiking/kayaking/fishing trip so there's never any room for hangovers.

I would install on low racks over the box for it to sit on so when folded down it's below the roof line. Leaves full box access for gear and roof rack access for kayaks, etc. To me, the whole self-contained thing and ease of access in marginal condition areas is pretty great.

[ExtraSlow]

Hey what do I know, I drag a trailer around these days.

[JRSC00LUDE]

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Hey what do I know, I drag a trailer around these days.

I don't mind the questions, gives other people a chance to chime in too. Me, I'm not a trailer guy, I want to spend more time out of campgrounds than in them.

[HuMz]

I've had a CVT one for 4 years now (wouldn't recommend them). You've pretty much laid out the pro's and con's. I can set it up in under 2 minutes They're usually much smaller than the capacity listed as well. While I don't mind the ladder, if you have a significant other they will probably find it a huge PIA to use the ladder in the middle of the night.

[JRSC00LUDE]

What's a CVT one please?

[HuMz]

Cascade vehicle tents.... One of the many manufacturers.

[The Cosworth]

My cousin is a regional rep for one of them. Not sure the exact company but I can reach out to him for you?

[Kavy]

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I've had a CVT one for 4 years now (wouldn't recommend them). You've pretty much laid out the pro's and con's. I can set it up in under 2 minutes They're usually much smaller than the capacity listed as well. While I don't mind the ladder, if you have a significant other they will probably find it a huge PIA to use the ladder in the middle of the night.

Why would you not recommend them? I had mine for a few years and absolutely loved it. Was solid roof (no mesh so it could be used in fall/spring) and all the seems were solid. I was in it for about 4 downpours and 3 or 4 snow storms and it was really nice. I did however only have it for 3 camping seasons so maybe i didn't come across issues that arise later.

On a related note a guy I went with bought one of these:
http://www.autohomeus.com/roof-top-t...na-grand-tour/

And it was built really well, I liked everything about it except the ladder was too short and he had to put it on a wooden step. I would have gone that route as well but I really wanted the extra tented room I had with mine to store our bikes and stuff in at night. Another additional benefit of the tented room that comes down from the RTT if you can place a porta-potty in it and midnight bathroom breaks are quick instead of the long scary walks to the bathroom LOL.

[JRSC00LUDE]

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My cousin is a regional rep for one of them. Not sure the exact company but I can reach out to him for you?

No harm in finding out. At the moment I am really impressed with the Burmis ones however am open to suggestion as per this thread.

And HuMz, thank you. I just didn't know what the acronym was for. Can you please elaborate on the negatives of that brand for you?