My dad built a roof top tent on top of our full size Dodge van back in the early 70's. He built a rack out of plywood and 4 roof racks of the kind that were sold at the time (not Yakima, cheaper looking) and had the waterproofed canvas custom sewn by a professional sailmaker. Four of us kids slept up there. Mom and Dad in a homade bed in the back of the van and my littlest sibling sister slept on the passenger seat. Good times camping. We had no ladder, but none of us ever had any trouble climbing up into the tent.
So I had this crazy idea to build my own truck top tent, because I don’t have $1500 to drop on one… I thought I was equal parts crazy and genius… then I searched it and realized that’s already a thing…. 😂 Of course it’s already a thing, it’s awesome! Thanks for the videos, I’m totally building one ASAP.
This is about my speed. I love anything that beats the man so to speak. I live in bear country Virginia. My girlfriend won't go camping with me unless we sleep in the car. In my car is super uncomfortable. I'm not sleeping in a bucket seat. Until I can swing a camper or buy a pickup bed camper trick out, this may be the way to go. At least I can fight off bears from a elevated position. Lol
Priced out RTT’s and was disgusted with the price gouging that’s been trending on sports, recreation accessories and equipment. this country should be ashamed. Naturally I came to RUclips to see how many hard working American’s got fed up and put their skills to the test! I will follow suit after seeing this! Anyhow I don’t know who’s got the 1st DIY on this topic but this guy deserves the hall of fame for the best design on a budget! Well done brother well done.
This is awesome! My idea for my truck is just make a platform over my hard shell camper and use magnets to keep a similar pop up tent adhered to the platform. I might make a overhang platform that folds out for a deck.
What do think about spraying the tent to make it waterproof? There are DIY Silnylon videos that talk about how to spray nylon with a silicon mixture to make it waterproof. It would make the interior more subject to condensation when you are in it, but it should make it waterproof.
Hello from Argentina, Patrick I have a question, why you didn't put the tent in the direction of the your truck ? Because it's more easy to install the floor in all the roof and you shoudn't needed extend the floor outside of the your truck roof
@@PatrickRemington its all good i actually haven't finished my tent yet. I got busy and just haven't had the time like you. Sewing everything takes forever.
Its a lot cheaper and easier to build! I do like it a lot. Its a few inches wider than my clamshell which I like for sleeping with wife and baby. The clamshell is my favorite tho. It looks cool and It just feels so spacious compared to anything I've camped in.
Patrick Remington I think the thing I like the most about the clamshell design is the fact that everything is contained Directly over the car. But yeah of course building it is no simple feat. And buying them are outrageously priced lol
buenas noches. excelente video. muchas gracias por compartir tu creatividad e inteligencia para hacer ciertas cosas. muchas felicidades un abrazo. slds desde altamira tamps. mexico.
You certainly have me convinced to build my own . The prices for these tents are rediculouse. I plan on borrowing some of your plans. Thanks for the informational videos
cómo haces para fijar la casa de campaña (wakeman pop-up) al sueldo (madera), le pusiste costura o como lo hiciste? tu trabajo es genial, gracias por estas idea How do you go about fixing the tent (wakeman pop-up) to the salary (wood), did you put sewing on it or how did you do it? your work is great, thanks for these ideas
I used 1/2" Lath screws and screwed it to the sides of the plywood. Lath screws come in all different lengths but have a larger flat head on them so it works well for holding fabric.
hi! Loved the video, the idea is really good! I would like to do something like this, but most people i see with RTT have them in trucks, is this possible in a station wagon like a ford focus? Because i was searching for roof racks for my car and i can't seem to get anything "heavy duty" all i see has a maximum load of 100kg/220.46lb.
Hi how are you, I follow you from Italy and I am looking for the video of the realization of the folding roof tent, the union of the base of support with the tent and the internal folding frame of the tent. For me it would be an excellent starting point, I would like to make one for my Suzuki Jimny which being small would fit a folding tent instead of a Maggiolina or Columbus tent. Thank you so much for the help and congratulations for the work you have done.
Great video.. After watching your last build i have really been wanting to do this. In this video what is you told weight of the tent.. It looks fairly light. Thanks. Stay safe
Wow! That's freaking awesome! Knew it could be done. Thanks for giving me some ideas on what to do... Since prices seem to be reasonable for some entry level rooftop tents around $1000, I'd need to run a tight budget if I want to do this myself... I always like DIY, but sometimes the effort is barely break even... which is why we take pride in our work! :o)
the hinges you built are load barring and give you the added space as they are 4 inch tall. What might you suggest if I need something that was 1 inch tall, over all folded high of 2 inches and didnt need to be load barring.. a simple door hinge?
@@PatrickRemington i do space for a tent cross bar 1/2in and tent, but think I figured it out with looking at some pivot hinges. I have some scrap 1inch angle might be perfect in my head.. thanks your video was thought provoking for my own design issues
Roof top tenting is the way to go here in Florida .. I really don't want to sleep on the same level as snakes & other wild creatures lurking around , wild pigs , & such .. lol Anything up off the damp ground seems more reasonable ... rain & wind in the afternoon can be challenge with not having a water proof tent & sturdy tough wind resistance tent poles ...
Two questions 🙂 But before that, you earned a new subscriber. Very cool diy, and I enjoy the additional thoughts on how you might vary designs based on different configurations that the audience may have compared to what you have. That said: 1. Is your roof rack DIY also? I may have missed it, is there a video on it? 2. What are the concerns about weight capacities on the roof? Most specs I've googled says each rail can hold up to 150# or so. When you're actually sleeping up there, you're saying at least 150#, on top of the weight of the platform+hardware. Is weight a concern?
Thank you for joining the team! So.. the roof rack is DIY but did require some welding. The very next video I upload will be on a new roof rack that I am building. It's basically a replica of a prinsu rack. Not super diy friendly but doable. Weight is not a concern. Even with the stock rack, it's fine. You may have seen specs on dynamic load and static load. A roof rack can handle much more weight while sitting still (static) than it can while driving and hard braking (dynamic). So based on your specific vehicle and how much weight you'll be adding to the tent you'll have to make your own decision on that. My wife and I plus a child are over 350lbs added to the weight of the tent and it has been just fine. Hope this helps!
@@PatrickRemington 1 more thing I wanted to say - that I forgot I LOVED how in one of your videos (the 6x8 awning) you said "I don't want this to look like a DIY project." That was the winning statement for all DIY'ers, I'm sure :)
You can do it that way. It's easy and you can get all the parts from lowes. I got some roof tracks from proline racks for my clamshell. The only thing that's different is the track you would do all the hardware exactly the same. The Only benefit is that it saves weight and looks cleaner.
Do you know how much this weighs? I'd be curious if it's lighter then most of the RTT's on the market- which is one of the reasons I don't like RTT designs so far. Putting 250lbs on top of an off road vehicle isn't ideal- but if it's under 100lbls (like the new gofast RTT) it would be awesome.
I used 3/4 Lath screws and attacted the fabric around the edges. You can find them at lowes they have a large flat head on them and hold the fabric well.
I was thinking about buying a rooftop tent for my Xterra until I saw just how overpriced they are... Seeing builds like this have definitely given me another option.
![I.N "HALLUCINATION" | [Stray Kids : SKZ-PLAYER]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/n5B5q1Hwt_U/mqdefault.jpg)
THE ROOFTOP KING IS BACK! OUR PRAYS HAVE BEEN ANSWERD!
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I am so excited! I am a 63 year old woman..going to build this ASAP Thank.you so much!!
Glad to help!
My dad built a roof top tent on top of our full size Dodge van back in the early 70's. He built a rack out of plywood and 4 roof racks of the kind that were sold at the time (not Yakima, cheaper looking) and had the waterproofed canvas custom sewn by a professional sailmaker. Four of us kids slept up there. Mom and Dad in a homade bed in the back of the van and my littlest sibling sister slept on the passenger seat. Good times camping. We had no ladder, but none of us ever had any trouble climbing up into the tent.
This is one of the most valuable informative videos I've seen in a long time.....again, thanks!
Thank man! I appreciate it!
So I had this crazy idea to build my own truck top tent, because I don’t have $1500 to drop on one… I thought I was equal parts crazy and genius… then I searched it and realized that’s already a thing…. 😂
Of course it’s already a thing, it’s awesome! Thanks for the videos, I’m totally building one ASAP.
just what I need traveling across America in the summers...
This is about my speed. I love anything that beats the man so to speak. I live in bear country Virginia. My girlfriend won't go camping with me unless we sleep in the car. In my car is super uncomfortable. I'm not sleeping in a bucket seat. Until I can swing a camper or buy a pickup bed camper trick out, this may be the way to go. At least I can fight off bears from a elevated position. Lol
Priced out RTT’s and was disgusted with the price gouging that’s been trending on sports, recreation accessories and equipment. this country should be ashamed. Naturally I came to RUclips to see how many hard working American’s got fed up and put their skills to the test! I will follow suit after seeing this! Anyhow I don’t know who’s got the 1st DIY on this topic but this guy deserves the hall of fame for the best design on a budget! Well done brother well done.
Start a company selling cheaper ones.
Aww I love this idea. I really really like it. This solves the problem if you want to bring your tent alone without the car also.
Hi Patrick, hope you are well.
Really enjoy watching your videos which are very inspiring... Thanks.
This is awesome! My idea for my truck is just make a platform over my hard shell camper and use magnets to keep a similar pop up tent adhered to the platform. I might make a overhang platform that folds out for a deck.
Hi, is this real?
If your videos are not cool enough already, you bring out the sewing machine! 👏
Cool idea 👍
You are super owesome genius iQ , thank for your sharing videos.
I have the same tent. Plan on doing something very similar. Ty.
Well done, great work, very informative & inspiring video. This proves Roof top tents can be made in budget.
You my friend are a genius!!
You're very clever.
Very nice I like your DIY attitude. Great 👍🏽👍🏽
Thank you!
What do think about spraying the tent to make it waterproof? There are DIY Silnylon videos that talk about how to spray nylon with a silicon mixture to make it waterproof. It would make the interior more subject to condensation when you are in it, but it should make it waterproof.
Well done
Works for me. Nice job.
Hello from Argentina, Patrick I have a question, why you didn't put the tent in the direction of the your truck ? Because it's more easy to install the floor in all the roof and you shoudn't needed extend the floor outside of the your truck roof
Finally ive been waiting so long for this video. Good job
Sorry to keep you waiting! been busy moving into my new shop!
@@PatrickRemington its all good i actually haven't finished my tent yet. I got busy and just haven't had the time like you. Sewing everything takes forever.
Awesome job again! Thanks for posting a pic of my truck and RTT. Was a surprise to see it.
Love it great job
I'm curious. How does it compare to your other RTT efforts? Which one do you prefer to use, and why?
Its a lot cheaper and easier to build! I do like it a lot. Its a few inches wider than my clamshell which I like for sleeping with wife and baby. The clamshell is my favorite tho. It looks cool and It just feels so spacious compared to anything I've camped in.
Patrick Remington I think the thing I like the most about the clamshell design is the fact that everything is contained Directly over the car. But yeah of course building it is no simple feat. And buying them are outrageously priced lol
Good job and informative video! Thanks!
This is amazing! Now need to wall in the area under the overhang for a changing room.
Yes! I do need to do that!
buenas noches. excelente video. muchas gracias por compartir tu creatividad e inteligencia para hacer ciertas cosas.
muchas felicidades un abrazo.
slds desde altamira tamps. mexico.
Love this !!
Incredible. This is everything I needed! I subscribed and joined the Facebook group! Hopefully I will be finished with my DIY tent by Nov 23rd
Great project!
You could put your back ladder on the right side of your vehicle and use a Coleman Sundome Tent. It's waterproof and like $65.
Glad to see ya back
I think bungee cord around the perimeter of the cover with four j hooks underneath would make it even simpler to attach.
Very helpful video, well done
Awesome video thank you for the information
Love this thanks for sharing!
Good to see ya back at it! I’m looking forward to this build video!
What a great idea!!!!
Thank you so much for this video! Im going to make one ASAP!
You certainly have me convinced to build my own . The prices for these tents are rediculouse. I plan on borrowing some of your plans. Thanks for the informational videos
Great job sir! Kudos, congrats, awesome, and above all......THANK YOU!
Great job!
Thanks!
cómo haces para fijar la casa de campaña (wakeman pop-up) al sueldo (madera), le pusiste costura o como lo hiciste? tu trabajo es genial, gracias por estas idea
How do you go about fixing the tent (wakeman pop-up) to the salary (wood), did you put sewing on it or how did you do it? your work is great, thanks for these ideas
I used 1/2" Lath screws and screwed it to the sides of the plywood. Lath screws come in all different lengths but have a larger flat head on them so it works well for holding fabric.
@@PatrickRemingtonthanks bro😍 ERES GENIAL.
What type of wood can I use or is there anything that I can use beside using wood?
do you have a link for the mattress topper?
AWESOME!!! GREAT WORK!!!
How much does this one weigh?
Also there are waterproofing solutions you can put on different materials.
Wow it has been a while...I was just thinking about your channel yesterday
Amazing! Can't wait to try to give this build a try! So glad I found your channel! Just joined the fb group too!
hi!
Loved the video, the idea is really good!
I would like to do something like this, but most people i see with RTT have them in trucks, is this possible in a station wagon like a ford focus?
Because i was searching for roof racks for my car and i can't seem to get anything "heavy duty" all i see has a maximum load of 100kg/220.46lb.
Hi how are you, I follow you from Italy and I am looking for the video of the realization of the folding roof tent, the union of the base of support with the tent and the internal folding frame of the tent. For me it would be an excellent starting point, I would like to make one for my Suzuki Jimny which being small would fit a folding tent instead of a Maggiolina or Columbus tent. Thank you so much for the help and congratulations for the work you have done.
Great video, keep em coming!
Nice one mate!
Looking forward to more videos on this!
Good idea tq❤
Awesome build!
Could you please clarify, what are middle struts made from? Looks like some aluminum pipes?
Look at my other build videos. This is just the overview of the project. I have a full build video on it.
Might try an old table tennis table.
Great video.. After watching your last build i have really been wanting to do this. In this video what is you told weight of the tent.. It looks fairly light. Thanks. Stay safe
What did you do to support the inside of the tent? I see some aluminum tubs inside
I have a build video on this project that shows exactly how I built it
Wow! That's freaking awesome! Knew it could be done. Thanks for giving me some ideas on what to do... Since prices seem to be reasonable for some entry level rooftop tents around $1000, I'd need to run a tight budget if I want to do this myself... I always like DIY, but sometimes the effort is barely break even... which is why we take pride in our work! :o)
Awesome
the hinges you built are load barring and give you the added space as they are 4 inch tall. What might you suggest if I need something that was 1 inch tall, over all folded high of 2 inches and didnt need to be load barring.. a simple door hinge?
yeah, that would work! I assume you won't have anything that needs to be folded down in between the two halves?
@@PatrickRemington i do space for a tent cross bar 1/2in and tent, but think I figured it out with looking at some pivot hinges. I have some scrap 1inch angle might be perfect in my head.. thanks your video was thought provoking for my own design issues
Hi there, great build, is there a name for the hinges you made ? I tried googling them but cant find them :-) thank you
There is a link in the description for them! Welcome!
Roof top tenting is the way to go here in Florida .. I really don't want to sleep on the same level as snakes & other wild creatures lurking around , wild pigs , & such .. lol Anything up off the damp ground seems more reasonable ... rain & wind in the afternoon can be challenge with not having a water proof tent & sturdy tough wind resistance tent poles ...
I noticed the reviews for this tent were saying that it rips easily. How has this tent held up after being opened and closed over time so far?
Thanks I can’t wait to do mine
How thick is the plywood? im just curious, and did you use 1 full sheet just cut in half?
This thing rules
Where did you get the mattress? This looks perfect to me!
Now the group is at 17k 😀
💪💪💪💪
I need to ask , how are you fixing these two steel pipes on a tent? Thanks bro ✌️
Build video: ruclips.net/video/LOrYlMAi95s/видео.html
Two questions 🙂
But before that, you earned a new subscriber. Very cool diy, and I enjoy the additional thoughts on how you might vary designs based on different configurations that the audience may have compared to what you have.
That said:
1. Is your roof rack DIY also? I may have missed it, is there a video on it?
2. What are the concerns about weight capacities on the roof? Most specs I've googled says each rail can hold up to 150# or so. When you're actually sleeping up there, you're saying at least 150#, on top of the weight of the platform+hardware. Is weight a concern?
Thank you for joining the team! So.. the roof rack is DIY but did require some welding. The very next video I upload will be on a new roof rack that I am building. It's basically a replica of a prinsu rack. Not super diy friendly but doable. Weight is not a concern. Even with the stock rack, it's fine. You may have seen specs on dynamic load and static load. A roof rack can handle much more weight while sitting still (static) than it can while driving and hard braking (dynamic). So based on your specific vehicle and how much weight you'll be adding to the tent you'll have to make your own decision on that. My wife and I plus a child are over 350lbs added to the weight of the tent and it has been just fine. Hope this helps!
@@PatrickRemington 1 more thing I wanted to say - that I forgot
I LOVED how in one of your videos (the 6x8 awning) you said "I don't want this to look like a DIY project."
That was the winning statement for all DIY'ers, I'm sure :)
How much weight can it hold. If someone 300 pounds stand on it will it break?
Hey Patrick, thanks for this amazing video. Always wanna get one rooftop tent, but the price is way too much to afford,
Brilliant! Asked to join the fb group. Can’t wait to see more diy rooftop tents! 👍
I'm currently building the clamshell. Did you attach the clamshell to the rack the same way you did this one?
You can do it that way. It's easy and you can get all the parts from lowes. I got some roof tracks from proline racks for my clamshell. The only thing that's different is the track you would do all the hardware exactly the same. The Only benefit is that it saves weight and looks cleaner.
www.prolineracks.com/proline-roof-end-track-slats.html
Ok. Thanks!
concept is great and good video however I feel the used materials plus design scrapes more than needed your fuel efficiency right
Hey hey!! Great to have you back! Hope your daughter is well👍 I had this same thought for a build! Looks pretty easy, I might give it a try
I can tell you know what you’re doing cause you drive a 4Runner... this guy knows what’s up.
Are you going to show finishing the clamshell?
Good to see wayne rooney enjoying his retirement
Nice job looks great. Bargain price for what you get.🙂
What kind of roof rack you use?
Its a custom rack that I built.
Anyone know a reputable site to get the rooftop tent hinges? Tepui no longer has an official site
Isnt it very cold at Night ?
How did you Connect the tent to the plywood?
Do you know how much this weighs? I'd be curious if it's lighter then most of the RTT's on the market- which is one of the reasons I don't like RTT designs so far. Putting 250lbs on top of an off road vehicle isn't ideal- but if it's under 100lbls (like the new gofast RTT) it would be awesome.
Its definitely not 250lbs. Its probable more like 100-120
Looks good! But I think it can be better quality spending more bucks on the 2 second tent.
Yeah definitely. I just wanted to show that it can be done for less first. Its tough finding tents that work.
Not sure why the clip of me about to open the tent gets cut short but just imagine it opening beautifully!!
Is the tent sewn to the board or nails?
I watched the build vid..Im doing this to my jeep Xj lol
Nice! I'd love to see it!
how did you attach the tent to the plywood?
I used 3/4 Lath screws and attacted the fabric around the edges. You can find them at lowes they have a large flat head on them and hold the fabric well.
I was thinking about buying a rooftop tent for my Xterra until I saw just how overpriced they are... Seeing builds like this have definitely given me another option.
Where’s the link to this tent ?
looks like i’m going to reactivates my facebook just to join that group 😂
good~
Which are the dimensions of the base?
Salam dari indonesia...