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I'm looking more into a roof box tent as the price of campers and van's is stupid as we all know. Anyone here with experience of them, pro's and con's
I'm looking to open up for more solo adventure weekends away in Scotland (Aberdeen based), primarily wild camping in FC car parks etc where allowed and beaches as I like to surf.
cheers for the feedback
Considered it, then discounted on the basis of loo expeditions in the night and the ladder situation.
Now have a sleeping box in teh back of teh VW Caddy and an inflatable Berghaus event shelter.
I've been looking at some of them for pretty much the same reason. It's also pretty convenient to be able to park and set them up in a few minutes.
The main problem I had was that, for a tent, they are very expensive, and they relay on the vehicle you use having roof bars strong enough to support the tent and you. That pretty much stops it being used on the car I have.
It's also going to ruin any sort of economy.
wildcamping in FC car parks
You can't stay in an FC carpark unless you are in a self contained campervan. A roofbox tent would not count.
Given this restriction you might be better off with a proper tent.
A roofbox tent would not count.
Might if the car has a sun roof and you are handy with some scissors 😉
Considered it, then discounted on the basis of loo expeditions in the night and the ladder situation.
You mean you go camping without a Lenor bottle?
cheers @richmtb, that's a good point for FC stay the night parks
Wide mouth Nalgene flexible bottle. Less prone to leaking.
Just mark it up properly so it does not get used for water.
Try before you buy would be my advice!
We hired one for a week in Iceland as I really wanted one. Had a great set up on a Mitsubishi l4000 truck thing with roof tent - it looks amazeballs.
Reality was you could sit up in the tent of an evening, but couldn't really look out at scenery as door was very/uncomfortably low. Secondly, nowhere to put muddy / wet boots - you don't want them inside the tent which is all sleeping space, but don't want them at the bottom of the ladder all night getting wet in the pissing rain - similarly for wet jackets.
I came away disappointed at them being a bit too rubbish but relieved I never found out before I bought one...
The main advantage of roof tents is your on the roof away from the lions and snakes
The main disadvantage of roof tents is your on the roof in the wind.
Can't see the advantage over a pop up or even an inflatable tent.
How ever I do see a huge increase in them driving around...... Either that or the roof boxes for wheelchairs have changed ....
It’s also going to ruin any sort of economy.
Collapsing the tent back in to the box before driving helps with this.
I too have never seen the advantage in these over a standard tent, expensive and exposed.
Late summer tent entry in Scotland involves running thrice round the tent whilst brushing midges off clothing/hair then unzip tent, dive in and zip up in less than two seconds. I'd like to see someone achieve that with a roof tent.
I too have never seen the advantage in these over a standard tent, expensive and exposed.
They look mint on Instagram innit tho.
I might be in the minority here as the owner of one.
We have a transporter, with the little man getting bigger the addition of a penthouse makes a difference.
It’s also like having a portable treehouse. Things can be fun they don’t have to be ultra practical.
Late summer tent entry in Scotland involves running thrice round the tent whilst brushing midges off clothing/hair then unzip tent, dive in and zip up in less than two seconds. I’d like to see someone achieve that with a roof tent.
nailed it - clearly being on the roof in the wind has its advantages.
I've got a Tent Box cargo copy from Direct4x4
https://direct4x4.co.uk/collections/roof-top-tents/products/grey-expedition-clamshell-roof-tent-1
Had it just over a year and it's brilliant. Very cosy to sleep in. Loads of room. The mattress is ridiculously comfortable. Pops up and down in seconds. Completely waterproof and having camped in a horrendous storm in Harris last year, it'll stand up to an absolute pounding from the wind. Comes with a little storage bag for shoes that you hang from the outside under the porch. The track all the way round allows you to add accessories like awnings etc.
That being said, I am considering selling it. The only reason being my 5 month old pup is going to be a monster, and there's zero chance of us being able to lift him into it and as he clings to my missus like his life depends on it, there's zero chance of him sleeping in the back of the van himself 🙄
You can’t stay in an FC carpark unless you are in a self contained campervan. A roofbox tent would not count.
Stayed in dozens of FC carparks in mine. Never once had an issue.
We camped next to a family that had one this summer. Seemed pretty nifty, and their extended out over the rear of the vehicle so it gave it a sort of awning below that you could shelter beneath in bad weather.
Seemed a PITA when they wanted to drive somewhere though - had to empty it all out of bedding etc and fold it down.
I've also seen ones fitted to other vehicles which work with other external awnings to give a sort of all round shelter round the back of the vehicle. Those looked cool, but I'd hazard better in desert conditions than wet and windy Britain!
Given the rating on most car and van roofs is 100-150kg max (or 75kg for many cars), how do folk get away with these plus 2 occupants? Mrs a11y and me weigh in at 170kg (split of weights not being divulged) then there'd be the weight of the actual tentbox.
Given the rating on most car and van roofs is 100-150kg max (or 75kg for many cars), how do folk get away with these plus 2 occupants? Mrs a11y and me weigh in at 170kg (split of weights not being divulged) then there’d be the weight of the actual tentbox.
static load vs dynamic ? ie vehicles not moving while your in the roof tent i assume.
roof tent resellers being economical with the truth
and like the FC carpark user above - ignorance.
I had one and wasn't impressed by the product or the company. On the first night I used it, in June in Innerleithen, the fabric wet through to the extent that the mattress got wet. The owner of the company agreed that I could return it. When I drove to the warehouse at the arranged time he was nowhere to be found and couldn't be contacted. Luckily I found someone else who let me in to the warehouse (it was a shared space) so that I could deposit it. Said person told me that I wasn't the first return he'd seen.
Edit: this specifically relates to the TentBox brand, but all the hard shell roof box tents appear similar.
and like the FC carpark user above – ignorance.
😆
I saw loads on my recent trip to North Scotland.
Nothing says intrepid explorer like a tent on a kia Rios roof. Or on the roof of a tossy hired 4x4
Just seem to be the in thing for ****y insta posts....
OK in the African Bush but shit in argyl.
Don't see the point
I've got a Tentbox Lite (i.e. not hardshell).
Good:
Super super easy and quick to set up and tear down
Extremely comfortable to sleep in
Going down ladder for a pee didn't bother me
Leaves your car free for the important stuff, like bikes
Bad:
Pretty spenny
Average mpg went from mid 50s to mid 40s
Felt like I needed to take it off over winter and it's a two (at least) man job
Overall though, I think it's excellent. Well thought out, seems well made and genuinely could not be easier to operate. You'll be sat in your tent with a beer by the time someone has worked out which bag their pegs are in.
Mine is mounted on a 2010 Golf estate on the cheapest Thule bars you can buy.
Saw some these in Scotland recently, our main question- do you have to be short to fit in them?
Saw some these in Scotland recently, our main question- do you have to be short to fit in them?
Not especially ours has a base that’s 3m * 1.4m or so. Plenty of space for two people and about 4ft of sitting space. 4” mattress all the way throughout
me and MrsRNP had a Howling Moon rooftent setup on our Defender 110 for about 5 years, used it everywhere from Morocco to Pyrenees etc. It continually pissed me off - now that decent inflatable tents are a thing I'd have one of those instead.
You need to be tall or climb on your vehicle to tuck stuff in when folding it all away so shortarse MrsRNP was no use.
The Kedar rail detachable room that went underneath the rooftent was okay as a tent/room but took time setting up so detracted from the relatively short time the rooftent took.
The 110 rocked about in winds with the tent deployed - you can get 'bonking bars' to wedge in the coils but 🤷🏼♂️
The little fiddly metal arm things used to prop open the Instagram windows used to annoy me trying to bend them in position.
No way would you bother opening it to shelter under it to cook.
They are massively expensive nowadays - I broke even on ours when I sold it as they were relatively unknown at the time we bought hence they are a theft magnet nowadays and need shear bolting to the roofrack then the roofrack shear bolting to the car. Ours was on a Patriot roofrack so could be securely fastened.
It was cringy enough being part of the 'one life - live it's brigade, I'd feel a proper **** now that Instagram is a thing.
Nowadays have a 6man tent for the two us, big mattresses, duvets, kitchen etc and a normal van. For less hassle.
They are very popular in North America. I suspect that part of the reason here is that most "campsites" are actually RV sites. Having tried multiple times to pitch tents on what is a very compacted and firm ground I can see the attraction. I've resorted to carrying fence post nails and a mallet as normal tent pegs just won't go in.
So for me the key advantage would be that they can be pitched quickly in places where a normal tent would struggle (assuming you can park on flat, level ground...)
In the lakes at the moment and seem to be a lot around. Most on the roofs of small cars which to me seems like the ideal use for them. Tenting requires a lot of space in the car to carry all the gubbins so putting the tent on the roof seems like a practical solution. No less practical that camping in a small tent as a couple or something.
I’d imagine most are probably rented rather than bought so solves the problem of storage and avoids the eye watering cost of renting a camper or motorhome. Plenty of ‘van life’ type of vids on YouTube on them if you really want to investigate them. Like anything to do with camping, it’s a compromise solution, you just need to make sure which compromises you want to make.
My setup from the EWS a few weeks ago.
The main advantage of roof tents is your on the roof away from the lions and snakes
The main disadvantage of roof tents is absolutely everything else
FTFY
utterly stupid things in the UK
You need to be tall or climb on your vehicle to tuck stuff in when folding it all away so shortarse MrsRNP was no use.
Solved for less than a fiver. ie
FTFY
utterly stupid things in the UK
Why? It’s faster to erect than an awning? It takes up less space, and it provides a shelter to the side of the van.
It also pleases my inner 8yr old and my actual 8yr old.
Can’t see the benefit at all myself but like others saw loads on campsites this summer, not something had seen before.
In my head most of the owners look like this
It also pleases my inner 8yr old and my actual 8yr old.
Good point. 🙂
Boardinbob highlights most of the issues in one photo
Has roof tent. Needs other tent to store the stuff in.
I'd imagine he's using it more as a living area, it's a compromise isn't it?, like everything else, including that big red behemoth you trundle aboot in 😁
Boardinbob highlights most of the issues in one photo
Has roof tent. Needs other tent to store the stuff in.
Fair comment, ours is on top of a T2 Camper. It’s hardly practical to start with but it means we can have two double beds and a lounge and kitchen as soon as we park up.
If not then the kiddie bunk takes the lounge / kitchen space and everyone goes to bed at 8:30
Putting bijouspud in the penthouse means we can read / drink / chatter much later.
Having tried multiple times to pitch tents on what is a very compacted and firm ground I can see the attraction. I’ve resorted to carrying fence post nails and a mallet as normal tent pegs just won’t go in.
Screw in tentpegs and a little 10.8v impact driver are your friends here.
like everything else, including that big red behemoth you trundle aboot in 😁
Rarely at the moment . The compromise at the moment is that I don't want to share campsites with 27million other people on 3 night minimum stays ....
Has made a good spare room though. May have to list it on Airbnb
I’d imagine he’s using it more as a living area, it’s a compromise isn’t it?,
Pitching a tent is pitching a tent how ever you spin it.
Pitching a tent is pitching a tent how ever you spin it.
It is a thread about tents to be fair!
Has roof tent. Needs other tent to store the stuff in.
That’s what the boot of your car is for. It’s not a solution that works for every camping situation. Clearly no good for a family. But if there is a couple of you on a walking holiday or biking holiday and you might be moving around to different locations then it’s pretty convenient. More so than a tent and not everyone wants/can have/can afford a caravan/campervan/motorhome.
It is a thread about 2500 quid rooftents to be fair!
That’s what the boot of your car is for.
Clearly. Yet is another tent in the phoro rather than the rear of van.
If pitching the storage tent - then all arguements about speed of pitching are a bit off no ? Quechua secconds tents would be as quick (assuming not in the seringetti)
You need to be tall or climb on your vehicle to tuck stuff in when folding it all away so shortarse MrsRNP was no use.
Solved for less than a fiver. ie
I@6'5" had to climb on the rear wheel of our 110 to reach over and took the front of the tent in when folding it away. The 'transport' cover zipped over everything and need another stretch to run the zipper round. That stool thing would be useless.
Don't underestimate the security needed for a £2500+ tent attached to a car in the street. I had extra RTT to roofrack brackets so 16x M8 all with stainless shear nuts and the roofrack was bolted to the Defender with 8x M12 brackets again with stainless shear nuts.
To get a decent length RTT to sleep in you either need a foldable one like a Howling Moon or a bigger footprint clamshell/pop up like a Maggiolina but then you lose the ability to have a drop down extension 'room'
Don't get me wrong we had some great adventures in our 110 and some good sleeps on it but I seriously wouldn't bother with a RTT again - if I didn't have a van to carry our huge tent in I'd have a standard roofbox for 'stuff' and throw a (decent) inflatable tent inside the car.
As a slight aside a LWB van with a large tent, kitchen unit, decent full size mattress and bedding etc were a far better solution than a Defender and RTT. It was faster on autoroutes, used less fuel went the same type of places the LR did but had a better equipped camping element to it. At the time inflatable tents were just being introduced to the market so we went with a traditional pole tent. Now that inflatable's are proven it would be my tent of choice....or possibly a teepee with a log burner!
The only disadvantage we've found is that putting it on and taking it off the car is a 2 person job - love ours
Definitely an improvement over tour last set-up, but not as stealth...
Boardinbob highlights most of the issues in one photo
Has roof tent. Needs other tent to store the stuff in.
Not an issue at all. I was pitched there for a week racing the EWS hence bringing the gazebo for a bit of bike fettling space sheltered from the weather.
Managed to do 2 weeks around the highlands and islands last year with just the roof tent and the van, so there is no issue about space.
^ Looks like something out of Nomadland.
Great film
We love our roof tent but we do move around a fair bit on our trips. If we do stay in one place for a few nights, we use our bikes to explore. It's really comfy, has great views, quick to set up and pack away, it also means more space in the car.
I did a fair bit of research recently and decided on a softshell roof tent with an annex room underneath. We had an Autohome hardshell previously which was amazing quality (pricey mind!) but not big enough for our young son to join our adventures. We choose a Tent & Trail roof tent as the owner was really helpful and took the time to explain everything we asked him. We were also really happy with the quality of the tent when compared to the price we paid.
Sounds like people are very divided on roof tents. They are either the scourge of the earth or the best thing ever!
Surely it's just based on how much you use it and if you're okay with installing it at the very beginning with some help? Other than that its mostly like camping with more convenience.
Sounds like people are very divided on roof tents.
Well they were 9 months ago anyway.
Having never come across this invention before, they look for all the world like a triumph of form over function.
Nevertheless, the very best of luck to all who sail in them.
Speaking of sailing...
Despite a perfectly rational hatred of caravans...
I keep thinking this might be ace ...
http://www.clcboats.com/shop/boats/recreational-vehicles/clc-teardrop-trailer.html
i see them mounted on cars more often these days and can't really understand the popularity. if i go up to the lakes for example for a few days, i'll pitch my tent and then us it as a base for activities - head off in the car to go walking in one area, next day somewhere else for biking etc. the idea of having to pack down the tent each time i want to drive anywhere and re set it up when i get back is nuts. . i guess your only option is to pitch up somewhere an not not go anywhere you can't walk or ride too, which also seems somewhat limiting
see also massive motorhomes
the idea of having to pack down the tent each time i want to drive anywhere and re set it up when i get back is nuts
My roof tent took 30 seconds to put up and 30 seconds to put down
I've just bought one - looking to use it for races. Can pitch up in Fort William, Glenshee, Inners car park and have somewhere to camp. First use will be Fort Bill on the SDA weekend.
I went for a cheaper one (Ventura) though the forums are split between people claiming it's cheap rubbish, leaky,... and others claiming they're the best kit ever. We'll see, hopefully good enough for our use. It has an annex - so the space under the tent to ground is enclosed. Should give somewhere for shoes and (hopefully) another body to sleep.
Holly thread resurrection Batman!
If pitching the storage tent – then all arguements about speed of pitching are a bit off no ? Quechua secconds tents would be as quick (assuming not in the seringetti)
That's my setup, 2-man quecha pop-up, takes seconds to put up/take down. Pull up somewhere after dark, pack up at dawn before breakfast. I've never really decided if a roof tent would be more or less socially acceptable. On the one hand it's more blatant than hiding behind a wall. On the other it's not actually wild camping in some farmers field, it's just sleeping in your car somewhere nice/quiet.
The advantage that's dragging me towards the roof tent is being able to have a really good mattress and proper bedding, but without having a campervan/caravan. At some point my car-free life is going to have to end because the OH's car is 20 years old so we'll need something between us at least, and it'll probably be van shaped. So I'm looking at NV200 or Expert size/shape vans. The 'downstairs' could have a simple insulate, carpet line, lino floor with a fold down bed on one wall and fold down worktop on the other for solo trips, and leaving it almost entirely van capacity for work. And a 2-person tent on top for trips together.
Since I last posted in this thread - I've acquired a project XC90 that I'm building into an Overlander-lite. My thoughts haven't changed based on previously owning a Defender and a Howling Moon rooftent.
For the XC90 I've removed all 5rear seats (it's a 7seater) and we will sleep in the rear of the car. Storage will be on the roofrack along with a canoe.
I'm going to buy a Dometic inflatable boot awning or an Oztent for when we want a larger footprint.
For me the hassle of RTT hasn't changed, to stop scroats pinching them they need seriously attaching which means they stay on 24/365, you can't carry anything else on the roof (canoes etc). The softshell RTT's are still faffy with springy rods to insert and bend and a faffy cover to get back in place everyday you move on. It doesn't sound much but it did my wick in.
Hardshell/clamshells are heavy & expensive.
This thread reminds me of the discussion weeksy started about sorting a camping Van based setup for him/his lad when out and about racing.
My thoughts are similar here, that having a few pitching options and accessories for camping on the ground which still make use of the vehicle might be better than an expensive rooftop tent i.e. just buying a pop-up tent or two for easy pitching and then using windbreaks, and possibly a car mounted side awning or just lashing a tarp to the roof bars to provide supplementary cover if the rain is hammering down.
As for camping in FC carparks? I thought the official name for that was now "dogging" 🙂 and using a roof mounted tent for that is just not going to work, it makes it harder for the weirdos to peer in...