Roof Top Tents

Hi Tom,

I just bought one, from the trader section on the web site, in fact. We've been looking for a long time and at all the various models etc.

In my opinion Eezi Awn make the best, followed closely by Howling Moon. Open Sky sell both of these. They are also, from what I have seen, the cheapest too.

I guess it depends on what extras you would like, i.e. extra rooms, shower skirt, etc. Lots of different models out there

The eezi awn is just a pop up - pop down and drive away. I think they are all great, go ahead and buy one.

It also means that you won't jump into your 4x4 all the time for small trips, for me this is an advantage as I am a bit lazy and now I am forced to walk/ cycle etc. For many others this is seen as a huge disadvantage, up to you.

If you need any more info member message me and hopefully i can answer any of your questions.

there was a big comparo in one of the 4wd mags recently looked fairly comprehensive

Tom, We have a Shippshape and had it for a couple of years now. We think it's great, very easy and fast to erect or pull down, very airy and great ventilation in the tropics, prefer to sleep in the shippshape than inside at the kids place in Darwin. They are well made in Aust. (Sydney) and I highly recomend them. Looked at the others and the cook reconed they were too claustrophobic for her.

G'Day Tom

There are so many to chose from it's all to confuseing.
You should have a look at this site I think these things are a great idea.

www.autohome.it

Regards
japmel

I have had an EziAwn for more that 3 years now and recommend rooftop tenting very highly.

Points to consider:

1) Once fitted you may no longer be able to use underground carparking. My 100 series cruiser has a lift, big tyres and rooftop tent takes height to about 2.3mtrs. Not too many undergrounds that I can now use. Can be a pain at times. You have to think about parking whenever you go out.

2) Cant make those 'quick trips/ to get the beer once you have made camp. Not really a problem but you do have to be disciplined about when you make camp.

3) Takes another 500rpm to keep to the same speed you are used to without the rooftop on.

4) Mine takes 3 minutes to put up and because you keep all your bedding inside I am usually all tucked up and ready for bed in about 5minutes. Takes about 5 minutes to pack up.

5) You can camp in places that conventional tents can't be erected.

6) You are more likely to 'take a safety stop' and get some sleep because it is so easy.

7) You will need to take a suitable 'wee' container with you for those 'midnight pees' :-))

8) You get some great views because you are uo off the ground

9) Good cross flow ventilation once all the flaps are opened.

10) I have slept in mine in all weather. Waking up to find yourself completely surrounded by snow is something special

I think you can see...I'm sold :-))))

I have the shippshape and am very happy.
IMHO some shippshape design advantages are:
Downstairs change area (or full optional extra tent awning for extra $.)
Dont get wet climbing ladder.
Full thickness quality matress.
No need to pack or remake bed.
Quality flyscreens.
Built in sun shade.
Kitchen awning great for shade.

There is also a similar brand called 3 dog?

Are they difficult to put on and off or do they become apermenant fixture

Hi Tom,
I also bought one from this forum,
Good for one or 2 to get away quickly and have a camp on the weekend.
yes, you know its there when you are on the road, when they are coming from the opposite direction, a passing roadtrain's tailwind can buffet you around a bit.

Fuel usage goes up a bit but not as much as when towing the campertrailer.
Headwinds can slow you down heaps.
They erect or pack up a lot faster than the campertrailer
I wouldn't tackle the cape or kakadu without one, now that i have one, you just feel safe from the bities up there on the roof.

The ventilation on the shippshape is outstanding, once you open all of the window covers up, you are in a screened enclosure with very little restriction to air flow.
I definitely need help to put it on or off the car.
You need to be organised as far as camping supplies go, none of this "Oops I forgot the milk" stuff, because you really don't want to have to setup camp twice. A little forethought required

I also have yet to streamline my camping gear and figure out how to safely carry gas bottles and generally compensate for the lack of storage provided by a campertrailer.

Storage of the tent at home can present a problem depending on your home setup, I am looking into a winch setup to lift it up against the roof of my carport,

Anyway good hunting Tom, hope this helps you, I would buy 2nd hand in case you decide it isn't what you wanted because they are an expensive thing. My 2nd hand campertrailer was cheaper than a new shippshape.