Ground Tent versus Vehicle Roof Tent. The Overland Workshop
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- Опубликовано: 17 окт 2015
- Ground Tent versus Vehicle Roof Tent. The Overland Workshop
Roof-top tent:
Secure from wild animals, to a point.
A rapid evacuation from the area is not possible.
More secure from insects and scorpions.
Security from mosquitoes depends on tent quality.
Even the large ones can only sleep two adults, and even then it’s cramped.
Leave the bags in the vehicle.
Takes a shorter time to erect, perhaps 20%.
Easy to unpack. Some are awkward to pack up and return to its cover. Some are easy.
Must be collapsed and packed away fully before the vehicle can be moved, for a game drive etc.
Warmer.
If the ground is not level, the vehicle can be made level with rocks etc.
You have to be a bit of a contortionist to get dressed and undressed in a roof top tent.
The mattress and sleeping bags can be left inside as the tent is folded away, saving space in the vehicle. A distinct advantage.
Roof tents weigh between 50 and 75 kgs, thereby reducing the remaining weight permitted on roof.
Lifts the centre of gravity, and therefore caused a significant reduction is safety when travelling at high speed on tar, or at low speed on sand dunes and rough, sandy tracks,
Increases fuel consumption
Ground tent - typical, bow style 3-man
Less secure from wild animals although they are not a real danger, more a perceived one.
Keeping the flap zipped up is more important.
Security from mosquitoes depends on tent quality.
Most tents advertised as three-man bow tents can easily accommodate three adults and their bags.
Often less effort to pack away, depending on the make.
Self-standing. More convenient.
You can almost stand up.
If there is no level ground or it’s covered with rocks, too bad!
The ground can be very hard and cold.
Tent must be emptied when packed away.
In comparison, lightweight and can be carried anywhere.
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![Roof Top Tent vs Ground Tent: Which is the Best Tent for Camping Travel? (Camping)[Overlanding]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/gzYF8rkrqU8/mqdefault.jpg)
One benefit I can see in having a roof top tent is minimizing the risk of getting run over by drunk people trying to drive in busy campgrounds.
by far the best 4x4 show in any media.
Ronny Dahl is good too. Worth a watch.
@@Outland9000 oh yes, I watch both, Ronny has a LOT of experience and Andrew is besides such a good storyteller! always entertaining
You can't beat the view in the morning in a roof top tent...
unless you wake up urgently needing a piss
I have a RTT and one big advantage is that you can camp anywhere you can park. Dirt, mud, gravel, concrete, rocks. Anywhere you can get the truck or trailer it's on reasonable level. Another advantage is that if it rains it doesn't get muddy like a ground tent can. It is also much, much more comfortable to sleep in than a ground tent.
But... you have to park very level. And you can't use your car at all during the day without packing it up.
The packing up and putting the cover on a high vehicle be a problem for me.
I'm falling more and more out of love with the idea of a RTT with each one of these videos on the subject. I think I will stick to sleeping in the truck or using the springbar for bigger groups.
I can listen to this gentleman speak all day long.
"Wow, that's a nice looking pair of Crocs" Said no one ever
Very glad you posted this. I was almost talked into this style of RTT by a few people who said that it was no problem for one person to set it up. Now, I think the AirTop is the best way to go.
i think the rooftop tents satisfy a primal urge for us primates to sleep in the trees.. i like the idea of being up higher even if in reality it's not any safer. The look cool too. For me its going to come down to price. There is a huge variety of choices in ground tents in the under $500 usd range. Coleman makes an good tent that you can find for $130. Rooftop tents seem to pretty much be in the $1200 to $1500 range. That's a significant difference. Excellent video 4xOverland. I love all the great content you put out.
You always give an honest unbiased review and that's why you the best
Great information. Just what I needed to know. Thank You!
This has made me smile knowing that for so long doubted that i had defenitely made the right choice with buying a ground tent
really great points that I didnt even consider. Thanks!!
Thanks, mate! Great video!
I have been camping for many years. I do have many ground tents and a roof top tents. The biggest disadvantage of a rooftop tents is, if you're all set up and need to go somewhere short distance or go down the shop. you have to pack it all up again. with the ground and you can just leave it there. and go exploring. Also it take up too much Space on the roof rack.
And some National Parks in the USA have beautiful walk-in sites only a couple hundred feet from the parking lot. Each has their place, but roof tents were originally designed for an Australian or African setting.
so basically you camp next to parking lots. Meeeeeeeeh. USA outdoors mostly sucks. Tight, controlled and for a fee. Does not have the right feel.
Sam Sam The USA isn't always that bad, but if you put it that way, European outdoors is the suckiest then?
Swim in a lake while camping and you get a ticket.
Sam Sam yeah look it does suck but the benefits outweigh it
Watched this video before but now after looking to buy a rooftop tent and researching myself appreciate this video a lot more. Tossing up between a quick launch rooftop tent and a clam shell. Seems most of the clam shells have poor ventilation except the very $5,000+ expensive ones but worried the quick launch rooftop tent cover will get annoying. Will take your advice and go see them in the showrooms and have a play around.
Great feedback!!! It was a clear and experience based feedback.
good review! when you mention the importance of leaving the pillows and sleeping bag on the tent I think in my vw t3, i leave everything inside the pop up roof.
Informative video, Thanks a lot! Although I've used it twice in Botswana and Namibia, in Israel we have very tiny land to cover and usually we use the ground tents
Thank you. Very informative.
Great information, thank you!
Great points. RTT also take away roof storage. In very bad conditions I just sleep in my rig. But mostly a tarp and simple tent! It seems folks want to make things more complicated than it needs to be. Thanks
great explanation, cheers!
Informative video, good narrator with personality.
Thanks for that, as its just for me... a "Clam Shell " Bundutop it is.... like your enthusiasm and info..
Excellent video, for me as a single traveller there are too many cons to a RTT. I will stick with a ground tent or sleep in the truck. Great shirt, Columbia PFG. hard to find in UK so I buy them in SE Asia, they last for years!
very sharp narration, enjoyable
Great video, really enjoyed it.
Good stuff. Really helpful.
excellent video thank you
Great video! With this kind of experience, your advice really weighs heavy! We generally travel with a ground tent. We are two adults and two children. Roof tent ha been on my -really wonder if the safety is worth it- list for some time. I guess now it's not any more.We would need a huge one, or two of them. You can have a really good quality groumd tent for the price of a simple roof tent. And we pack really efficiently, so space is not a big issue. We use a 80 series. Biggest complaint with ground tent is crawly critters, ground conditions and moisture. But all of those issues can be delt with by preparing in advance by having the right equipment.
Hello from the US, great video!
Great video. I think one important thing to mention is that the rooftop tent renders your vehicle immobile. So, if you need to leave in a rush (medical emergency) or just want to go on a game drive; you will need to close tent first. I have found that if I am on an expedition that breaks camp everyday to move on, the convenience of the rooftop tent is great. However, if I am spending several days in the same location and will (or may) need to move the vehicle for any reason, then I prefer to use a ground tent or trailer tent.
you mentioned excellent points as far as center of gravity and likeliness of animals attacking. I will subscribe and watch some more of your videos. good job
just subscribed to you, amazing chanel i'm looking to set up my JK and out of all the videos i've watched you are my favourite, keep killing it guys
I like to give my impressions of the RTT vs ground tent. For many years I have been using 3 person ground tents and found them to be a hassle to set up, crawl into and keep creepy crawlies out of. Since using a RTT, the Jazz in this case, I have been extremely happy. Setup with all poles in position is easy and I do it on my own from within the tent. You need to be a bit flexible for this as it demands some bending and stretching, good exercise though. Same is packing up. I do it on my own and just reverse the procedure. No hassle or stress and still faster then ground tent. Sleeping in the RTT is another positive for me as it is extremely comfortable and feels so good to look into the surroundings in the mornings.
I use the roof of my 2008 Hummer because S. NV snakes can kill me. Thanks for sharing, as always :|
cool channel mate .. keep it up keep us entertained
I do agree with some of the points written in the description above but some additions should be made. A comparable sized roof tent is bigger than ground tent. I have a Bergans 3 man tent, when I sit up in it my head is touching the inner tent but in the RTT I have well over 15cm of clearance over my head. Comfort, the RTT wins hands down every time, try finding a perfectly level spot to pitch your tent and sleep comfortably. Even when I thought I've aced it and have the best spot ever, there's always a small rock or root that's digging in my back. Inclement weather, the RTT is better. Sturdy constructed frame and thick tenting material fends of the outside weather very well. My ground tent is not as sturdy even using the ground anchors plus puddling is a big concern when tenting. As for wild animals in their habitat, it can't be stressed enough that they are WILD ANIMALS! Don't ever assume anything with them nor put any trust in them, be on your guard and be safe. Here in Sweden we have wild boars and bears, I know the the feeling of having wild boars outside my ground tent sniffing around and banging into things outside of my tent, yes sir I'll take my RTT every time I revisit those woods. A RTT may not be as versatile as a ground tent but don't let it restrict you either. I switch between my utility trailer and my Land Rover's roll cage for mounting points. As for COG, I would like to think also that if a person decided to place the RTT on top of their vehicle that they would have done their homework concerning manufacturer recommendations for max roof load, total carrying capacity for their vehicle applying it to the total weight of their kit & RTT. Knowing these figures they seek professional advice and upgrade their suspensions accordingly.
Thank you sir for good explantion ..
Also to add that once the roof top tent is set up, you cant really move the vehicle to go and do anything. At least you have that freedom with a ground tent.
You can move around a bit with the tent open just not over maybe 10-15 mph
Just don't set the tent up till ready to camp.
Excellent points regarding animals. Perceived threat mostly. I've heard that roof top tents stay cleaner on the inside and are better at keeping creepy crawlies away, like ants and ticks. Ideas?
excellent video! I have wanted a rooftop tent for years and I've wanted to hear from someone who owns and actually uses theirs. Great job, this video really compares the two styles of tent well. I just subscribed to your channel and I look forward to your future videos! -Mark
Learn of the day : Don't wear Crocs :)
This being said, cool video!
+CA Guns
9 out of 10 people who wear crocs are brain dead to begin with ;-)
Used a ground tent for a few years as wasnt convinced about a rtt, bought a 1.2m eezi awn, i much prefer the rtt, feels much more comfortable and sleep much better, easy to pack away alone, actually i take a small ground tent also, gives me the option.
The risk of falling in the middle of the night is enough for me, great review.
Having all of the aforementioned tents in this clip, I think that the single biggest omission from the discussion is the quality of sleep that you get. After all, isn't that what it's all about? Would you go for a simple tent that's awful to sleep in or something more complicated that was super comfortable? Maybe something in between. Certainly it's my experience that anything in the Northern hemisphere, getting up off the ground is the single biggest differentiator. You can do that in a ground tent but then you need a cot bed as well. Roof tents whatever sort they are are just so much better in terms of thermal comfort. I slept out in mine in -9 degrees C recently. Awoke to 6" of snow. Superbly warm all night long.
that is why I like my 12oz canvas 4 man tourer tent, 4 pegs and centre pole. the pain is the mattress and sleeping bag etc
How do you feel a roof top tent does in heavy wind?/rain? We are doing the panamarica, but mostly beachside.
another argument in favor of a roof tent is that you are not lying on a cold and/or damp (sometimes flooded) ground, which is the case here in Patagonia, but then on the other side you are far more exposed to the wind, which in this cold climate can develop into a huge disadvantage... being so I would rather go for the pickup truck... so the comparison remains even, and only terrain and weather conditions would make me decide in every case (over here wind is a big issue!)
I've been wanting to add a RTT to my Jeep for a while but the detractors for me so far are 1) requires a good roof rack to hold the weight (Gobi makes a nice one, around $1600 US dollars). 2) The large cost of the roof rack and the tent itself which runs from $800 to $1400. 3) As you stated in your video, it's not a clear improvement. There are pros and cons, but as far as cons go, the cost is a pretty big one. And finally 4) With all that on my Jeep, I won't be able to park it in my garage at home anymore as it won't fit in the door (too high). Sure, I could take it on and off, but it's 125lbs (the one I;m looking at) and my Jeep is pretty high, so that would be a difficult undertaking to do solo every time I want a tent. Consequently, I'm still sleeping on the ground in a $150 dollar standard tent.
Like you, I think price is the biggest complaint that I have with the RTT. The inconvenience of having to carry the RTT around with you everywhere you go (when not out camping) and the ability to park inside a garage - whether yours or a shop for repairs to be made are big cons as well.
That said (a year ago), I bought a Gobi Stealth roof rack and a CVT Mt. Bachelor RTT for my Jeep just recently. I'm kind of tired of sleeping on the ground and setting up / breaking down a tent every day on the trail. The RTT is so much easier to setup, you can leave your sleeping bags and pillow in it when you fold it up. The only real cons are the added weight up high on your Jeep, the inability to park in the garage when its attached, etc...but I went with a smaller RTT (85lbs) that sets up in minutes and breaks down in around 10 minutes. I haven't mounted I yet but will be doing so next weekend, weather permitting. I think I'll be mounting it during the spring and removing it for the fall...but we'll see. I do fancy some winter camping as well, so maybe it will be on more then I think. Who knows.
Happy Shopping 😀
totally agree instead of a $1500 RTT my solution that i used for many years was a $100 dome tent with my bedding and mattress inside all the time and rolled up like a swag. for overnighters it was unroll, install 2 poles and i was all done. no more than 2 minutes and that includes bedding. it was soo easy i would wait till bed time and put it under the awning so i didn't need the fly. if iwas there for longer another 5 min and its all set up for the week. the best thing though was the pack up. fly just shoved in the bag because its only half full and you roll the tent, mattress and bedding in one go. throw in the back seat and away you go.
I like being off the ground. I don't have a rooftop tent. I bought a truck bed trailer that had a camper shell/topper and put a full size bed mattress inside that with storage space underneath. When I went beach camping with my friend and his family, they all had ground tents. The second day there the wind picked up really bad and blew hard inland all day. This caused a tidal surge and they all woke up with the tide washing into their tents (the previous night the tide didn't even come close to us - that's how bad the wind was). I was elevated so I was clear.
On another occasion we got rained on really bad over night. The water started pooling around some of their tents making for a miserable night.
My friend's wife wound up buying this tent that folds out like a cot off the ground. It is a single person tent, but seems to work really well - she loves it.
We've got a rear fold camper trailer and an Oztent RV5 both get used depending on the trips. Having been away with a couple with an RTT, my thoughts are that both of mine are faster than an RTT...
I solved most of the disadvantages of the roof tent by getting myself a Bundutop. Sure you cant stand up in it, though there is an add on annexe room available. I just uploaded a video to my channel showing me putting it up and down in the wind in real time with a timer so you can truly see what its like. If you have time have a look.
Great, but not all ground tents are equal. Be nice to see a ground tent comparison, e.g. Quecha pop-up, Caranex, Oztent
Try the jimba jimba by sheepie, does have more space and you can open the windows from the inside
In my experience the great advantage of a ground tent, not mentioned, is that once you’ve set your camp your vheicle is free and you don’t have to pack it all every time you want to drive around. While visiting Southern Africa National Parks we use to wake up very early, go for the morning game drive, then at 9 or 10 am we’re back at the camp, we pack everything and spend the hottest hours moving to the next camp. When we arrive at the new place is the same... we arrive about 4 pm, we pitch the ground tent and all the camp and we exit for the afternoon drive. This way we can stay out until the very last light and when we’re back we don’t have to struggle with tents in the dark. Double value if you stay 2 or 3 nights in the same camp.
You can open the side window from inside the tent than climbing up from outside
For me the worst part of a rooftop tent is that once it is deployed, it makes it very difficult to go for a quick game drive. Ditto for an early morning drive. A plus not mentioned is the view of your surrounding bush with which you could wake up in the morning with a RRT by far surpasses that from a ground tent.
Part 2? please show how it opens and closes as well as the interior. Plus the space with people inside.
thanks for the info! what chairs are you using? they look very supportive
Have you had any experience of the Bundutec Bundutop electric roof tent?
Very objective review. Key words. 'Reasonably athletic' and add, have a constitution which does not require frequent toilet visits at night. After 12 years of using both, I cannot disagree with anything Andrew has said. Go and try one out first.
My issue with roof top tents and I'm surprised he didn't mention it. I like to set up camp quickly and head off exploring/fishing etc... You cant really do that with a roof top tent... You can drive off with a ground touring tent.
can you get the canopy youve put on your truck in Canada? I love it!
Would you say this or the alucab gen 3 is best Andrew ?
Ps I have a jacklore too :)
Excellent video and information. What is a "clam shell" style tent, though? I would have thought you might call any folding roof-top tent a "clam shell" style???
In Idaho, United States, so many people are incredibly fearful of bears. I consider myself lucky to even get a glimpse of one. Most animal fears are totally unfounded.
A little difficult to see but it looks like they sent him a older model to use, the newer ones have an improved ladder with the rungs flat and they have a non-slip surface and not mounted on the ladder with the skinny edge up like this one, and it looks like this one has a plywood flooring, again the newer ones have a aluminum honeycomb floor.
I could see how you could slip on that ladder when it is damp and really hurt yourself. I have the newer version and I still have to be careful getting out of the thing, but I am 60 and not as agile as I used to be.
I think price is a big negative for a decent RTT as well, coupled with having to climb down a ladder to go for a pee in the middle of the night! Although biggest negative is loss of the roof for additional storage. However a big plus, esp. when in the desert/sandy environments is that you don't get sand blowing in and through the tent, same with water in the event of heavy rainfall. Overall it's just more comfortable for less effort - I sleep with a duvet/sheet rather than sleeping bag for instance.I have a Medium Autohome AirTop, there's loads of room, marketed as two plus a child which is totally believable. It's one of the best purchases I've made.
Roof top tent from '4wdsupacentre' if price is issue. Personally I go with ground touring tent
The only real benefit I can see about the roof top tents is that there's no worry of groundwater issues but if you know how to pick a campsite, that's not really a concern.
As always, good sensible, based on experience advice.
an other good thing whit a roof tent is that you will always get a plane surface to sleep on....witch you need luck to find and some wooden area
Thumbs up.
this video gave me a very interesting thought and id like to get some advice from you or really anyone who feels they can give me a good answer
i have a Jeep, i love the concept of overlanding and thats slowly the direction my jeep has started to head as far as build. i love adventuring traveling and i want to spend my life exploring this world. what would you guys recommend as a career path/ program i could get in where i can travel/ overland or anything along those lines. im not so much concerned about pay because i dont need millions of dollars to be happy. obviously ill need some source of income for food and gas etc but at the end of it im more concerned with what kind of job would allow me/ involve a lot of traveling the world/overlanding. any ideas?
Wish you'd gave demoed assembly and packing away ,, but thanks man helpful :)
We shot that a week ago in Namibia. Will be released sometime in the next month or so. Keep watching!
great stuff ,,, great vid and great to see you man, hows that special troopy?
Andrew, there’s a roof top tent from S. Korea. Clam shell design that can sleep 3-4 person. Could you review the iKamper. Is the quality and durability really worth the huge price compared to others? I’m looking for a a hard shell and you are more detailed in your reviews compared to other youtubers. Does this RTT hold up to harsh conditions. Are there cheaper one that could hold up to 4 seasons that won’t break the bank.
Does the car move a lot when you're stroking in there?
Bit of skateboard tape on that ladder will solve the slippery thang. Simple. Cheap. Effective.
I’ve been thinking about the difference myself… contemplating a Shiftpod III
I live in the US where we have zero elephants or hippos, yet suddenly I'm worried about them and keeping that in mind with my next tent purchase.
how do these support weight and how much can they support?
Do they protect against squirrels?
So... the only thing to fear are Croc's.
No, just their shoes
I want to get a Roof Top tent for my Land Rover!
Have you ever come across ikamper? I've seen on their IG nice looking hardtop roof tent on a LR 😅
How do these hold up in heavy winds?
could have sworn i was watching Attenborough at the start
A roof top tent is way more comfortable because you have a actual mattress compared to air beds and those useless roll up foam things, you also don't have to go looking for a spot with no rocks or anything so you don't have to sleep awkwardly to avoid the thing
What chairs are those?
Adventure Kings RTT is awesome
LOL! In the city this could protect us from Human animals! Cool!
I think that is a clamshell tent, the other kind he's talking about is hardshell tents.
When you add up the amount of time getting all the stuff out of the rooftop bag, getting it into the tent, blowing up the air mattress @ 8000 ft, then rolling up the sleeping bag, folding the air mattress, getting the tent back onto its bag, and getting it all neatly tucked back in the rooftop bag, there is no comparison. The roof top tent wins hands down.
oztent about the same than RTT
My biggest problem with roof top tents is the cost. For the number of times I'd use one in a year, I just can't justify it.
RTT's generally weigh 60+ kilo + whatever they're mounted to. The ladder on that RTT looks crap. The rungs are too narrow which is both hard on the feet and dangerous as there is reduced contact area with your feet. It's far safer to climb RTT ladders in socks or bare feet. This keeps the ladder rungs free of mud and dirt and the inside of tent cleaner. Have a bag or such at the top of the ladder for your shoes so no animal carts them off and they don't get wet from rain or dew.
Will it protect me from mosquitoes. Those are the most dangerous beasts that I would be worried about.
Great tip, I start to use this for catching mosquitos and for now do the work done. Check my video how easy it looks.
Love your videos. So, there was a long list of disadvantages to roof tents and the only advantage was storage for pillows and sleeping bags...really? Everyone is spending $2000+ for a roof top tent for pillow storage?...I'm surprised. I thought it was for protection from nasty spiders and snakes and other crawlies.
+ More warmth (if needed) + quick assembly + cleaner + he did mention psychology re perceived animal fears