Watch This Before You Buy A Roof Top Tent | Harry Situations
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- Опубликовано: 1 июл 2024
- Roof top tents are all the rage, but there are a lot of compromises that no one tells you about before you drop $1,500 on a tent. Well, no one else at least. Some things to consider before purchasing a roof top tent:
1) They aren’t mobile. I have a bunch of vehicles that I use for outdoor activities depending on where I am going, what I am doing, and who I am going with. A single tent won’t really work for me. Plus, I always seem to be on the move and you can’t move your vehicle with a roof top tent deployed.
2) They are heavy. The average roof top tent weighs over 100 pounds, and that weight is all above the center of gravity of your vehicle. No thanks.
3) They take a long time to set up and an even longer time to take down and put away. Go around the vehicle to undo all the straps. Go around the vehicle again to zip off the cover. Go around the vehicle again to deploy the tent, then one more time to put the poles in the rain fly. Doing all of this is a pain on a stock height vehicle, much less a lifted Wrangler on 37s!
4) They are expensive! Expect to pay upwards of $1500 for an RTT before you even have a way to mount it to your vehicle. The three ground tents that I use cost less than this combined. I’ve slept on the ground in Alaska and Canada where there are bear and moose, and in Africa where there are lions. If you encounter these animals in the wild, being six feet off the ground is a false sense of security. Sorry.
We don’t think that we are alone based on the number of RTTs we see for sale on Facebook Marketplace with ads that say “only used once”. These days though you see RTTs not only on the tops of Tundras and Wranglers but Subarus and vans as well. Harry Wagner has three alternatives that he uses that cost under $500 each; all in for the three tents they are still less expensive than a low-end roof top tent!
Night Cat Pop Up Tent- This is a cheap tent, it costs under $100 and shows in the construction. It packs up small enough to fit in most vehicles, but you wouldn’t want to take it backpacking. The best thing about the Night Cat is the innovative mechanism that functions like an umbrella and sets up super easy in a matter of seconds.
MSR Advance Pro 2- This is a backpacking tent, it costs $500 but it weighs under three pounds and hardly takes up any space in your vehicle. This is a four-season tent that isn’t mesh, the walls are made of ripstop nylon. While listed as a two person tent it is a better choice for one person on the trail.
ARB Skydome Swag- This tent costs around $500 also, and honestly it is gigantic when it is rolled up, removing the included egg crate bedding helps, but you will still take up a good portion of your truck bed with a rolled up swag. It is constructed of heavy canvas, which helps retain heat in cold weather, is dark as a cave inside, and doesn’t flap in the wind.
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“I don’t like roof top tents because I like ground tents” good for you lol 👍🏼
I got schmuck vibes from this guy
You forgot to mention the list he also made. Good for you, too 🖕
@@3uzSwapped55 Not me, I like him. 😅
“I have to decide what vehicle to mount them on”
Also complains about how expensive they are...
It’s all about priorities! 🤣
This video was full of these questionable statements lol
Champagne problems, what a pompous thing to say
This was my favorite comment. "Oh man... I just have too many vehicles, life is so rough when you own only one tent."
I didnt love the idea of a roof top tent at first but I have one now for a few main reasons and glad that I do!
1. I camp mostly while traveling to go on mountain bike rides so I already have a ton of gear non camp related and just being able to have all my blankets and tent on roof of car does save a good bit of space in 4runner.
2. Being off the ground is soooo nice. I just don't worry about critters or insects and if a rain storm decides to come in middle of night I don't worry about waking up in a puddle(Its happened in a ground tent for me
3. I have a clam style hardshell and yes it packs and unpacks super quick. I went with hardshell for that reason because yes soft rtt have same amount of time or more time to set up over ground tent.
Thanks for this. Just bought my first 4Runner, and looking at RTT for exactly this use case. Camp at the trailhead, go shred while the family is still sleeping, keep the cabin free for bike(s) and some luxuries to keep the wife happy to be camping. And having an annex where I can change and wipe down without getting dirt in a tent after a ride? My god that sounds nice.
And yes, it does seem a lot easier to be off the ground, and to not have to find that clean level spot not in a drainage to setup every night.
Do you find it comfortable compared to a good ground pad? The wife has back issues and can get messed up for days by a bad bed, but it’s usually too soft that causes a problem. I would hope the mattress would be better than something on the ground, but I’m wondering if I should plan to add something to help with that.
@@blakebennett2575 From what I've seen all RTT seems to lean towards a firmer mattress but a lot of them are made so you can leave blankets in and still close it so you could probably put a mattress pad to dial it in for her!
Alu-Cab all the way!
And he says how slow they are to set up and proceeds to show one of the hardest to setup models.
Thanks for your post. I was looking at a soft shell, but then today I've watched some videos on roofnest, cvt and a couple others like it, I'm 6,2 I'm already liking the idea of how quick and easy they look, hard shell should be less impact on mpg on my subaru so I can just leave it mounted
Different strokes for different folks. I've had my Tepui for four years now. Camped all over Canada and up into the Yukon. I love being high and dry and away from the snakes and other creepy crawlers. As for set up and take down, 5 minutes max from start to finish. I can certainly live with that. After all, when your camping, you have all the time in the world. I love the built in memory form mattress for comfy sleeps. Enjoy your ground. I'll enjoy the sky. Happy camping everyone. 🍻🇨🇦🍻
What kind of car do you use for camping and what is the model of your rtt?
“I love being high and dry”…Buy a waterproof tent.
“and away from the snakes and other creepy crawlers”…Zip it up.
“I’ll enjoy the sky”…You’re only no more than 6’ higher. On open land it won’t make a difference, you’ll still see the sky.
@@damiion666 . Telling other people what they like? What to do?
If it doesn't rain IN the tent, when you get out you're full of mud to get to the vehicle.
You are safer from bears & people. 2 women in a tent were killed after the Gabby Petito case. I bet they wouldn't be dead if they were on top of their vehicle!
You have to open the tent to come & go, that's when the snakes & creepy crawlers get in genius. Up top that won't be happening/
It's faster to set up because the much more comfortable bed is already there.
You have a extra safe space for kids (or adults) that you just added on, AND a SEPARATE space to give a teen their own space. AND you've just added a lot of storage space.
It's not flat open land everywhere' That you have a better view of the sky is not up for debate, stay on the ground with the other critters.
Sleep in the snow & enjoy it when it melts & your tent is swimming in mush. And have fun with the wildlife, try Florida in the swamps.
Everything he said was a lie, biased on his personal preference, when guess what? Just like you,. no one cares! ground tents can be just as expensive, good luck with warmth ( or catching a breeze & staying cool while sleeping on the ground.
The truth is they both serve a purpose, but there are many advantages to the rooftop, which is why people like them.
I just don't like your ignorant narcissistic attitude telling other people what they should do, with blatant lies no less.
@@julielea8344 “when you get out you’re full of mud to get to the vehicle”…lol eventually you have to leave the tent to get to your grill, take a crap, etc. wear your boots when u step out.
“You are safer from bears & people”…Sleep with a 10mm handgun.
“You have to open the tent to come & go, that’s when snakes & creepy crawlers get in”…Again, zip it up as you leave, zip it up when you come back.
“It’s faster to set up because the much more comfortable bed is already there”…Use a memory foam trifold mat and throw it in. 2 seconds.
“You have a extra safe space for your kids”…Again, sleep with uncle Glock. What are u so afraid of? Lol.
“a SEPARATE space to give a teen their own space”…Wtf lol you’re camping, tell that teen to join the fam for a change 🤣 (btw they sell multi-room tents smh).
“It’s not open flat land everywhere”…Lol is it really that hard to find a few feet of earth that’s level enough?
“Sleep in the snow & enjoy it when it melts”…Again, waterproof tent and zip it up. People winter camp comfortably all the time. I do too.
“And have fun with the wildlife, try Florida in the swamps”…Actually, I have. Refer to mr Glock. If you’re that scared of wildlife, I’m not sure camping is really for you. You take a few precautions and you’re gtg. Or just stay home if u don’t know how to weather the elements and fend off the critters 😂
@damiion666 think they said there in Canada so you can't take handguns in to the bush only long guns we also have polarbars bred with grizzlys 9mm won't do much slugs have enough trouble
A roof top tent makes sense in north Queensland, salt water crocodiles and deadly snakes!
I'll give you that, but come on - anyone who camps near Salt Water Crocks deserves what they get., and for those down under you might as well toss in those insane (Ill burn down my house) spiders.
bloody oath mate , dam buggers those crocs
That's the reason I want one, a trip to the Cape is on the cards next year 👌
Can’t snakes slider up the ladder
@@curiosityredpill7030 The 2 types of snakes that I would worry most about, Eastern brown and Taipan, are more ground dwelling and prefer burrows so I personally feel you would be safer up high 😀
Biggest advantages 1. Speed - you can setup by yourself in under a minute. This is for hard shell models. 2. Comfort - off the ground with a nice thick foam mattress. 3. Durability - material tends to be the thickest reinforced poly you can find, it won't get damaged in stiff winds as the skeleton is usually large diameter tubing. I've never slept as well as I do in a RTT.
Video Title: “What I don’t like about roof top tents”. Content directly related to that topic, 30 seconds. But 8 minutes spent talking about why he likes about ground tents. 🤔 Should have been called “Why I like ground tents”
The guy has a convuluted mind. Talks about how many pickups/trucks he has, then goes to talk about the tires needed for offroading, then why he doesnt like the rooftop tent for less than minute, and finishes with different types of lightweight tents. Lol. He doesnt know what to focus on
Doesn't mention how much those bag, megamat and a good quality tent are...because together thats over 2000 ...might as well buy a rooftop
ikr lmao
❤❤❤❤❤
This video was really in tents...
🤣🤣🤣
Dad confirmed 🔥🔥🔥🤣🤣🤣
Hilarious! Iam a dad so i found this funny.
You should have said "this is like a circus, it was in tents"
Snap
I think it’s awesome to see a new wave of people camping, regardless of what they purchase. Awesome video!!!! Let keep people off-road and camping !
Well said John. 👍
But not toooo many.
It is good, it will make more people appreciate the outdoors and want to preserve them.
Too funny.. why does it seem like this video was more about the tires than the tents?
And the tires are crap imo... I have Nitto graplers on my tacoma and I can't wait to swap them out with some BFG KO2s. The Nittos are garbage in snow and rain. They lose traction just trying to go up a damp paved hill.
A set of 40” tires cost more than a roof top tent
He literally talked about tires for 10 seconds out of the 9 minutes.... God damn haters man!
The only reason I prefer the roof top tent is because I feel a little more secure being at a higher vantage point and hard to access especially on top of a tall suv with the ladder pulled in. Everything else I totally agree with.
They great thing about the affordability of a traditional tent is you can own both a RTT AND a ground tent and take advantage of the options!
I like my RTT for several reasons. 1. I don’t have to find the best terrain--I’m sleeping on 4” of foam, not rocks. 2. Stays dry when the flooding begins. 3. Never had any bugs or snakes. 4. I sleep a lot on bear country and just feel a little better (I may not be, but I feel like I am). I have one on my trailer and one on my car, so I can detach the trailer and claim my spot. 5. Never have to clean the ground off my tent or the ground tarp. Just my thoughts.
I think the bear country reasoning is pretty sound, higher off the ground and you're 'part of the vehicle', a big scary mass of metal, seems to me like a bear wouldn't really take that much interest in at RTT
Great video if your comparing RTTs to ground tents!👍
I bought the Smittybilt Gen 2 RTT. My first and I love it! 118lbs. I mounted it with low racks on my pick up so it sits below the roof line. No drag
My son and I can get to free remote camping areas and have a nice camping area!
I sleep so well in the tent! Great mattress and ventilation!
I like the idea of a hard shell roof top tent. A lot more aerodynamic, you can keep your bedding up there, and it goes up and down much quicker. For me on the wet west coast, its kind of nice to be off the ground in the wet and the snow. Also give me a sense of security.
It does weigh a ton up on top of the jeep though. The body roll is noticeable
I have 3 tents. Roof, ground and truck bed/back of suv.
They all have their uses.
My van is my hard wall tent.
I’ve had both. Definitely prefer a RTT for my situations and I hate sleeping on the ground.
Unless you get a shift pod mini tent 😎
I love my rooftop tent.. here in Australia RTTs are great cause high of the ground, the amount of times it’s poured with rain, and ground tent friends ended up being flooded out etc warm during winter etc I think someone who is happy sleeping on the ground isn’t going to see the value, but for people like me, I love camping with my RTT
The way I camp and travel, a RTT fills my needs. I'm looking at it from the perspective of someone considering a small camper trailer. And it has a lot of advantages when comparing those.
honestly the benefits outweigh the cons. idc how you look at it. spend 6 nights in it over an expensive hotel and it's paid for. Its not permanent.
Great idea , I have a trailer now you got me thinking of building one to fit that , heck yeah great idea . 👍
Thanks for the video, great job! It definitely helped me make up my mind to purchase a RTT. The only draw back to a RTT is having to take it on and off your vehicle. But my Jeep XJ is kinda going to be mostly used for Overlanding!
Seems to me that the complaints about slow to setup and put away are more to do with the choice of roof top tent than roof top tents in general. Hard shell tents are quite fast to setup and tear down. It's literally ready in under a minute.
Other advantages of a rooftop tent: frees up space in your vehicle, it's away from the ground so you don't have to worry about wildlife or creepy crawlies (other than bears I guess). And you get a much better view from up there when you wake up in the morning.
Drawbacks: Weight on top of your vehicle, they are a pain to install and remove from the car (if you have a garage a winch helps a lot). Oh, and they are expensive mofos, but still much cheaper than a camper van
What if you have to move your vehicle? That's why I don't understand why people are so gaga over these things. If it takes you 6 minutes to pack everything up, then that means it'll take you TWELVE minutes to move the tent to a new location and that does NOT include driving time.
Great reply... trying to decide now thanks for the information
@@largol33t1 I really don't get this, if you have to move your vehicle, it's even worse and more time consuming with a ground tent.
@@largol33t1 You remove the ladder and reposition the car (with your RT set up and open). Then replace ladder. (takes 5 seconds) No problem at all.
@@Derzull2468
Don't be silly, of course it isn't.
If you are camping for a week in a lovely campsite then there may be many times you want to either explore the surrounding areas in your car or get some shopping or even go to a pub or restaurant.
You just leave your tent in situ and drive off no problem.
"Once they are set up you can't move them"
Proceeds to set up tent and bust down camp before leaving every time
From my experience, the benefit for these rooftop tent is the ease of take down. When we need need to clear out, a quick wipe down, take out anything that needs washing and then just fold it back up. Compare to a ground tent where the pain starts with proper cleaning both the tent and the tarp. Then you have to make all the right folds to get things to fit in their bags. This becomes especially time consuming if there has been a rain with some mud getting between the tent and the tarp. Been using ground tents for 20+ years, but a few weekends w/ my friend's roof top tent has me convinced that if possible a roof top or some sort of RV is the way to go.
My experience is that a ground tent is easier to pack up, particularly if the RTT is on top of a listed vehicle. I do agree that no tent is fun to put away when it is wet though.
@@HarrySituations if it’s a hard shell they take less than a minute
I want a RTT, but I just realize that I like to go drive around a lot after setting up camp. Thanks for reminding me. :D
Takes less than 5 minutes for one person to setup. Just get everything else out and ready,, go drive around and when its time to go back just pull out the tent. Really if you set it up a few times you can throw it off and on in a minute once you find your groove.
RTT sounds pretty good, I build a sleeping platforms along with my drawer system inside the 4runner, kind small for a 6’1” guy, but pretty easy to set up and comfortable. Mainly build for overland, comfort wasn’t the top priority. Roof rack for extra fuel, recovering gear and other essential gear like chainsaw if you are around Northwest region (take one, 80% of the chance you will need it, unless you are a normal camper)
going on 3 years with the Autohome Airlander+. My Tundra already has lumber racks for work so mounting was not a problem. One of the many advantages is that we don't need to set it up until we are ready to go to sleep. We love the Maggiolina.
As a very very frequent camper and often on motorcycle I can tell you that having a self supported tent may be a little heavier but in all conditions it's best and in setting up camp in the rain..or at night..in the rain it's super helpful..I have seen people car camping and been in caravans where people have roof tents and if you know what you are doing they can be really really beneficial. Stop.. deploy the tent..do not get in it.. get whatever you need to eat or drink, sleeping materials, toss inside the roof tent and now critical..use the bathroom.. even if you don't need to go before climbing into the tent.. The ultra fast set up time.. especially in snow and rain and darkness is an advantage to digging all your stuff out and finding and clearing a clean spot..in my opinion.. when I am w people who have a roof tent they are saying goodnight..dry while I am still setting up
I mount my RTT on cross bars to a utility trailer. Alleviates many of it's negatives for me. Main benefit (still) being up and off the ground and the fact it's so very comfortable.
Considering this option for the very same reason. Avoids many of the negatives and means I can just hook up the trailer and I’m ready to roll. Can I ask how high off the ground your RTT is? I’m older and need that midnight pee break but climbing down 3-4 feet is much more appealing than 6-7 feet.
Yes, between 3 and 4 ft. I use one of those brown colored "pee" bottles, esp. when it's on the actual roof (or raining). I bought 2 of those spring pull down stabilizer bars for tent trailers and mounted then on the rear underside. This so it doesn't tip if unhitched. You have work out some kind of 2x4 support or just a 1/2 ladder for the fold out side. I think they are 3 inch (tube) cross bars I bought at a steel yard. Just drop a bolt inside. My Good luck!
Once you wake up with a bear walking around your ground tent, you'll start thinking twice about your decision making, especially if you have kids.
Since I have a RTT (hard shell) I don't even look at my regular tent anymore! It's mounted on a 1984 Fj45, so I don't care about mileage, center of gravity, etc.... because that's the car I use for slow and relaxed overlanding..! I love setting up in 20 seconds (ARB Esperance), it has already a mattress and the sleeping bags and pillows are already inside. It's also super fun for the kids
My buddy brags about his $2500 rooftop tent setup a lot. We went camping and he laughed that I was sleeping in a deepsleep mattress inside my jeep. The noise of his tent in the wind kept everyone in the camp up all night and it took like at least 15 min every time setting up or taking down. It's cool that it's a family sized rooftop tent but...
I have a 6 person coleman that was $65, a bug net hammock for $50 and my jeep mattress was $185. That's 12% of the price for 3 rain proof shelters, 2 of them being totally off the ground.
Plus I don't have to carry a 300 pound load around all year just to hit some fishing overnighters like we do.
one big downside of regular tents is that the bottom tarp gets dirty when humidity kicks in, and you have to dry them out before you can stow them away. Doesn't happen with a rooftop.
If you compare the worst rooftop tent setup style to the absolutely best ground tent then it will be faster. My rooftop tent sets up in under a minute and takes about two minutes to put away. Where I live in the South, it rains quite a bit and being up off the ground is ideal and using a ground tent puts you in a mud hole a big portion of the time.
The whole “I have multiple vehicles” thing is not an “issue” most people don’t have to worry about.
I also keep all my bedding inside my tent so it’s ready to go as soon as I pop it up.
To each it own and I do realize that taking the opposing view of anything popular is a great way to get views.
You make a great point about the multiple vehicles Chad, I am kicking myself for leaving that in the video. What I was trying to articulate is that an RTT is a challenge to take on and off your vehicle, I should have just said that.
I’m glad someone else said this. The price tag was a deal breaker for me.
I have done the ground tent(s), roof top tents and now, at my older age, I have settled upon the Alu Cab Canopy Camper. I am 62 years old and have camped all over North America from the Arctic to the Tropics and setting up camp and breaking it down has never been easier. After putting up items like chairs, stove, table etc, it takes me roughly, when I am running relatively slow, about a minute to break camp, the same for setting it up. The breakdown ease is what I like the most though. We all know it is pretty much always easier to set up camp than to break it down, well, this solution, on my built up Gladiator Rubicon makes camping easy at my age. It ain't cheap, but it is the "Cadillac solution" to vehicle based camping in remote and hard to get to areas, especially if you are hunting, fishing, prospecting or whatever.
The security and elevated views of roof tents are worth it
What does it keep you secure from? I've slept in ground tents in Canada, Alaska, and Africa and never had an issue with animals.
@@HarrySituations perhaps you been lucky? I’ve also camped all over the country, but have had a couple scenarios with bear entering the campground... RTT is definitely more secure than a ground tent.
I agree with you on rooftop tents that are mounted to vehicles. But a hard-shell rooftop tent mounted on a compact offroad trailer is pretty awesome.
It’s a roof top tent parade everywhere you go here in Bend Oregon, but I’ve never actually seen one in use around here in the woods , and we spend better than 45 days a year camping.
True that!
So true, Bend has become poser central
Yea they're for posers lol
Lol hard shell rtts are wonderful. If you can afford it a backpacking tent for backpacking and a hard shell rtt for car camping is awesome
I’m 63 and have tent camped all my life. A couple years ago while in Colorado I had a bear visit me in the night as I lay in my ground tent. I managed to scare the bear off however I’m seriously looking for a RTT to put on a trailer to tow with my JKUR.
Roof Top tents do have downsides for some people. I guess i would classify myself as an overlander, definitely not a rock-crawler. I travel with a small HEO trailer with a rooftop tent. I haven't regretted anything about my rig. What I do like is that I can set up camp, take my Jeep on an adventure and return to camp without fear of loosing my campsite. I also love that my trailer has a Dometic freezer/frig, two lithium-ion batteries, solar panels, propane tank, extra fuel, etc.; and I can lock it up when away so it is reasonably secure. I could point out some of the negatives, but I think they are rather obvious. Just do with what you like and can afford.
Thanks-was considering a rooftop tent now I'm convinced to return to my faithful easy and light 2 person tents.
I use my minivan for work. I do home remodeling and also mechanic work. I've thought about doing a sleeper build along side all my tool storage. It could save gas on further job sites. I could make it work inside the vehicle, but on the roof would mean all the van interior can be storage.
I know why I like the idea of them ... The ground clearance from insects / snakes / wild animals ... I like that aspect
100% with you on this!! I've thought this way since day one with these things
Well said. Thank you for sharing. Your ideas are sound, and I like that you don't bash anything, just state "that's been my experience". I agree that not being able to use your vehicle after setting up camp is a bummer. It must work for some folks though. Thanks again for a good informational video.
My parents sold their roof top tent for these reasons, wind - rocking the vehicle, persons sleeping rock the vehicle with slight movement, ladder access in the night. Some small advantages is setting up you camp kitchen under the fold out and add some tarp protection. I have myself in the past just used the old ground tent for reasons mentioned in the video.
Some small advantages? What are you smoking?
Two happy days in my life....the day I bought my rooftop tent and the day I sold it. Very happy I sold it.
Didn't mention high winds, roof top can be damaged in a wind storm. Ground tent, usually more secure. I completely agree with you on roofies. Great vid, and cool '76-77, I have a '78.
Im with you, I have a lifted 97 Jeep GC and cant see using a Roof top tent. I also have several back packing tents, I keep my MSR Hubba HD in the jeep. I been out and watched friends take hours setting up their roof tops.( uneven ground) and im done with dinner before they are all set up.
I was just suffering sticker shock on roof top tents, plus the rack to put it on, etc. and I loved this video. I have all the camping gear I need already! I'm all set. I love sleeping on the ground, it's all I've ever done and in some amazing places.
That was great. I too have been on the fence about a rooftop tent because of most of the reasons you pointed out.
You can also place freestanding tent in the shadow of your car if it's hot weather. Or under the tree which branches won't let you use roof top tent.
It is a nice, ‘fair and square’ video. Thank you!
I put my RTT on a small trailer from Lowe’s. Allows me to use the trailer to place all my gear and still have space in my jeep. The top of the rtt sits just under the roof line of my jeep so there has been no impact on mpg’s at all! None! I found that incredible, and it’s so much more sturdy than my ground tent. I use both for different reasons, but I use my rtt way more often. In fact I’m using it next week for 3 days on a business trip. Best investment I’ve made for both recreation and now business use lol
I bought a burb, built out the back. I have 2 60+lbs dogs, it's hard enough to then up in the back bed with me ha. Extra storage goes below bed or on the roof. Roof top tents are for a very specific type of camper.
I love my single person swag. I can build it on a cot or on top of my roof rack and use my old roof top tent's ladder to get in.
I'm right there with you on the roof top tent. I had a couple over the years and I ultimately got tired of take down and hitting it on trees. I find if I want to get off the ground, a cot and a swag is all I need. Or, my room I can clip onto my awning works fine for me and the Mrs. The dog likes the clip on room, too.
I’m not climbing up a ladder to go to bed and I don’t like sleeping on the ground. My brother in law recently bought a slightly used rooftop tent for $300. He mounted it to a low 5x8 trailer. It’s pretty cool, just 24” off the ground and under is nice dry storage. Low drag, hardly has an affect on his mileage. Only problem to me is, he has to pull a trailer. Still a cool setup.
Admittedly, I'm still in the honeymoon phase, but I absolutely love my Alu-Cabin. The wedge-style RTT is set up for solar panels, which is a nice bonus, and opens up and closes down in less than a minute. The tail end of the bunk flips up to give you access to the bed of the truck, so you can keep your shoes out of the weather, access your fridge and gear, and you don't have to worry about forgetting the bag of goodies like you would when climbing into a conventional RTT for the night. I can stand upright in it to get dressed. It's nice being off the ground(warmer in the shoulder seasons) and in something hard-sided(pretty good at keeping bugs, snakes, and bears out), but still has a bit of that tent-camping feel to it.
Yeah, they aren't cheap, and it's REALLY easy to get carried away with the add-ons, but it's my absolute favourite form of camping. Granted, my truck isn't a serious crawler, and this wouldn't be my first pick if it were, but for long road tours and hiking/biking/hunting base camp it's pretty damn ideal. Once I get the heater together I'm pretty confident it'll be a solid four-season rig.
Thank you!!! I was about to buy one and you changed my mind!! Owe you bigtime!!
All depends where you live.
I live in Saudi Arabia the ground gets really hot from the sun so you need to be off the ground otherwise the ground turns into a radiator even with a thermorest inflatable mat the ground was too hot to sleep in.
Advantages of a RTT
If you get a clam shell RTT it can be up in 10 seconds
You can leave your sleeping bag and pillow already setup in the tent.
You get more room inside your 4x4 for clothes food and water. no need to re sort your whole car everyday packing everything in the boot.
off the ground away from creepy crawlies
Off the ground away from the hot ground
Off the ground away from water
Disadvantages of RTT
Heavier than a ground tent.
higher centre of gravity.
less mileage.
If its windy can be hard to get out of the wind.
Hard to get in and out if your getting old/kids
Disadvantages of a ground tent
Needs pegging down to stop it blowing away very tricky in soft sand
It takes 10-30 minutes blowing up and packing away a termarest and getting your sleeping bag out the bag and laying in the tent. Especially if you are a family of 4!
Most ground tents take a long time to setup and pack away compared to RTT
scorpions and snakes can be on the ground
the ground is very hot if it is in summer in a hot country
Can get flooded if it rains
Advantages of ground tent
Cheaper.
Out of the wind more due to lower to the ground.
Can be setup where your 4x4 can't.
Can be left setup at a camp site while you drive away.
Very valid points to be honest. I’ve got a wedge style Rtt and I only use it when I’m in a spot with a view, bugs / wildlife around, or I need to load down my bed with gear. Otherwise, I use my camper shell with a 4” foam mattress.
I do find that the Rtts add a level of stealth, if you’re traveling in cities. Most assume that the Rtt is the only spot to sleep, therefore if it’s not deployed, no one’s sleeping in the truck. Saved thousands on hotels over the years and never got a single knock from law enforcement. Just something to think about.
Love the idea of clamb-shell tent just pops up and have mattress and bedding ready to go, but don't always want to climb up ladder or limit placement to vehicle. Considering throwing on small utility trailer with corner jacks and can move to truck rack (already have) when don't want to mess with trailer.
Thanks for your opinion. You make good points on both styles of tents. I prefer a ground tent.
Thanks. I’m sticking with my nice ground tent.
I have an Intech trailer that I'm going to put a rooftop tent on. I could sleep in the trailer, but it is nice to have the extra space and it is nice to haul gear in the trailer. If you had a trailer it would address your concerns of mobility.
Ok, all other things aside... that buggy with the track wheels and the roof top tent you shower near the start... omg that is the coolest thing i have ever seen that i would never use if i owned it(ok i might once or twice for giggles)
I've been looking at RTT's because the last camping trip I went on, we had a pop up camper trailer that we pulled and that was a PITA to setup when we arrived at our campsite during a rainstorm or late at night with all the bugs flying around while trying to setup. A RTT seems like it would be a lot quicker to setup and I wouldn't have to pull a pop up camper trailer around. I'd also be a lot more comfortable sleeping above the ground especially if it's raining.
Absolutely agree. I have hunted in the back country out west for 30 years. Every day was spent in a tent and yes they can suck but i can do a whole lot of things to be extremely comfortable and warm and not spent 1500-4000 bucks. I like not being attached to the vehicle as well. Rooftops are most defiantly a fad that will seem silly in 10 years when some other fad starts
Idk about y’all but when I go camping I don’t rush to set up camp and actually enjoy taking my time doing so. Either tent would be nice.
I ditched the idea of rooftop tent while ago , and got Frontrunner Awning with room and floor. It works fine, but this week I went to camping, first night I had to sleep inside my car it was too dark to set it up and it was raining. Second day I set it up it worked during a rainy night but in the morning it was a hassle to put everything back coz of water and dirt. Now I am thinking about RTT again.
I went on Craigs List to find a used SUV tent. I found A-LOT of roof top tents for resale. No regular SUV tents were for resale. Enough said.
Three nights in a RTT and that was enough for me. It sold in under an hour after being listed and I was never so happy to see something taken off my bed rack. It's a Gazelle T4 or an MSR Elixir 3 for me.
Shift pod mini is the best. Blocks sun light and quick set up.
@@epicone2449 Gazelles are better if you are taller. I wanted a shiftpod mini but they are way too small if you’re over 6 foot. Both are great though. Easy setup and quality construction.
1. Not comfortable being on a ground because of bugs/animals
2. Depending on where you're at being above ground could be safer
3. If you have a ground tent you still have to pack it up before moving
4. Gas and center gravity was the only good point made
5. Price? We're all past worried about price at this point
Absolutely love my ARB swag!!!. Sold my roof top tent for many of the reasons you listed. Great video
$500 for a single person tent. Mmmm. To much. I hear your points. I just bought a roof top tent. Waiting for it will see how I like it.
That’s perfectly fine. In fact I have one of the lightest tents you can buy. But when I’m in the middle of no where, RTT’s make me feel a little more secure.
I do not consider roof top tents as an alternative to a normal tent whatsoever. These to me have very different purposes. To me they are an alternative to a normal accomodation or a camper van/car camping. I live in Scotland, wild camping here is legal almost anywhere but finding a place to pitch a tent is not very easy without walking for miles and lots of planning beforehand. Finding a lay-by or a parking where you can stay overnight though is easy and especially in very remote locations where typical accommodation is non existent. I have never stayed on a campsites either - I only use them when I need facilities. Not to mention I have a lot of gear in my car, a foldable kayak, hiking gear, food etc. There's no way I could get away with sleeping in my car with all that stuff in. Another point - you won't be able to find a place to pitch a tent in a wild in the dark so it's time limiting if you've just spent a whole day hiking. I do not have to worry about that with the tent on my roof though. It all depends what we are using them for.
This probably just saved me 3 grand. Thank you
I'm a camper, and I've tried it all myself. If you prefer to sleep in puddles that's your personal preference but I'll stay on the roof where I probably won't wake to a critter trying to crawl up my butt.
I typically choose higher ground to avoid puddles and have yet to wake up with any critters in my tent.
@@HarrySituations I'm on a 4 door wrangler and find mud anywhere, high or low. I'm in a light-weight hard-walled clamshell and don't need to break camp to move around, but camp in tents as well. I have a tent in my bug out bag for back up but won't attempt to set it up at walmart! I have a classic 1975 GMC motorhome that is also lightweight, since it's made of aluminum but won't say I won't camp in a tent or a rooftop, not one choice knocks all else out, not for me anyway. You have many vehicles as well, have you isolated yourself to just camping in a tent? I snore and fart, pretty loud in my sleep so I have particular places and times I can sleep in a tent.
@@weyrunner2838 I have a pop up camper in my Ram for less technical off road trips.
ruclips.net/video/6sWgM8gHZJk/видео.html
Never once in my 30 years of camping have I woken up in a puddle ... Idk, I guess it's just about smarts when setting up the tent and not being in an area where water pools and collects maybe?!?
@@powsniffer0110 you take things personal? Was intended as a metaphor and to give an example as to why one means of camping may not apply for all circumstances. Take your med's, don't HATE, and have an open mind when it comes to VARIETY.
I think rooftop is either a niche market, or a 'beginners camping' tent, or a bit of both. They have appeal to certain types of people, my self included, over standard ground tents. Of course the drawbacks you mention are rather well known, but of course lots of people dont consider them when getting one. Personally i can find work arounds for some of the drawbacks, and can live with the others. To each their own as they say, America is vast and beautiful, what ever gets people out there to appreciate it :)
Agreed - Coleman Instant tent for $139 leaves me with plenty to spend on other gear.
Only reason to have a rooftop tent is to feel or be safer from wildlife. But if you are already paying 3-4 grand you might as well add few more and buy basic teardrop trailer. Even here in superexpensive Alberta, Canada I can get basic teardrop for around 10-12k.
Thanks. This really made up my mind which to consider.
To each their own but I chuckle to myself every time I see yuppies in a RT tent. Hammocks are the way to go.
Food for thought. Thank you for this video.
Next time try out a hard shell rtt, 30 seconds to put up, and 60 seconds to pull down. And anything up to a135mm mattress.
Horses for courses as they say.
Good points on the rooftop tent, thanks!
Thanks for the video, now I’m going to buy just a regular insta tent.
I got a $100. Tent that fits in a backpack and I sleep on the ground. Grounding out is the whole point of going camping.
I used to hate camping until I got a RTT. Any type of compact mattress doesn't do it for me and lets not talk about air mattresses. Only thing that can work is cots but that requires a big tent and takes a ton of space. You can also see the benefits of a RTT in heavy rain, rocky or uneven surfaces, freezing weather. Sure, if all you see while camping is the weather and environment depicted in the video, then go for a ground tent. If you don't like being "nailed down" while its up, just set it up on a trailer and unpin.
What I'm getting to is that I really don't think it's a fad, it's just not for everyone. You want something cheap, light and rough? Get a ground tent. You prefer some comfort and have the extra dough, get a RTT. You have even more dough and dislike the CoG drawback? Get it on a trailer. You have more dough than you know what to do with and really like being comfortable? Get an offroad trailer or an earthcruiser.
Great points! I honestly think my Exped pad is more comfortable than any roof top tent mattress I have slept on. I do agree with you though, I have a Ram with a slide in camper for inclimate weather. Check out the video on it in my Driving Line Harry Situations playlist.
The Exped pads are no joke. More comfortable that my mattress at home. I had to add memory foam to my RTT to make it useable.
I completely agree. You can't call something a fad just because you don't like it. There are other ways to provide pros and cons without sounding condescending. I love camping and didn't mind ground tents but ever since my husband and I splurged on an iKamper, I feel so much safer up high when we sleep and the view is amazing. Also, he claims that he can set up his tents in seconds but failed to time how long it takes for him to set each one of them up. I timed myself setting up my RTT and it took a little more than a minute. I would take that looong minute over "seconds" to be comfy and safe in my RTT. It is not for everyone but for those who enjoy them, they are well worth the money.
@@kathynguyen8935 if you enjoy your roof top tent that is cool, they just don't fit my needs. You also mentioned twice being safer, but I have spend about 100 nights a year sleeping in a tent (or on the ground under the stars) and have never had anything unsafe happen over the years.
@@HarrySituations Hi Harry. I'm sure it's safe and nothing has ever happened to us over the years as well. I think I just enjoy the feeling of being enclosed up high.
Shiftpod Tent is my favorite tent. Sets up in 30 seconds. heavier and bunker that the tents reviewed but insulated also no moisture buildup.
I haven’t tried one of those yet but they intrigue me. How much do they cost?
@@HarrySituations A lot. They’re way big for their occupant capacity. I have a set up video of one somewhere on my channel. The one i saw was long when packed away. Like almost 6 feet long.
@@HarrySituations Another one very similar to Gerald's but not insulated is the Gazelle T3 or T4. Similar setup and shape, under $300 and as much as 6.5' in height.
And it's 4 season tent and doesn't require a bed rack.
Check out back packing hammocks. They come in all price points from $50-$200. Hang one end off the bumper the other from a tree or use a pole of some sort with some guy lines staked to the ground. It’s great and I never have to worry about finding level ground. Winter you will need an under quilt summer a sleeping pad and bag is plenty warm
Great review thanks for the info
Great posting.
Thank You!
I have a adventure hammock system hammock mount and I think about a roof top tent and then remember that I’m not likely to use the roof top tent when I like sleeping in my hammock
RTTs are the way to go. My girl and I love ours, we love the idea of camping anywhere we want and in any weather. we don’t have to worry about animals or sleeping on a hard floor. yeah it’s heavy, lower MPG but that’s the price you pay for comfortably.
I dig that 4Runner!
Once I put my RTT on I never looked back. You're closer to your vehicle which is always good and they're just way more comfortable. That and they're badass looking lol
Great video, didn’t wanna hear it but I’m glad I did. Thanks!
Nice video. What I have found out for tents. Is subtract one person to the sleeping capacity. So a 2 person tent is really a 1 person tent. If you want to be comfortable. Im 5'9" 160 lbs so not a big guy. But after spending a lot of time in tents. 1 find that 2 person tents are most comfortable for you and your gear.
Agreed!