RoofTop Campers
Submitted: Tuesday, Mar 06, 2007 at 10:34
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We are intending to spend 3 - 4 months touring NT / NQ starting around June. Our initial intent was to take our tent along, but we are now thinking about using a rooftop tent, they seem to be a good option. We have a Navara Dual Cab.
What experiences (good & bad) do the readers have in using these tents, thought this would be a great
forum to get a good assessement.
Reply By: kiwicol - Tuesday, Mar 06, 2007 at 12:13
Tuesday, Mar 06, 2007 at 12:13
one of the bad side is that if you intend to go for a drive you have to pack up the tent and set it up again when staying in the same
camp spot.Col
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Reply By: Member - Reiner G (QLD) 4124 - Tuesday, Mar 06, 2007 at 12:59
Tuesday, Mar 06, 2007 at 12:59
The other draw back is the flapping in strong winds. The ladder up and down gets a bit boring too. Campertrailers are the way to go mate.
Reiner
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Reply By: Voxson - Tuesday, Mar 06, 2007 at 13:32
Tuesday, Mar 06, 2007 at 13:32
Lets see.....
GOOD...
Quick to open up and get ready to sleep in.
Quick to close up.
Good for camping near crocodile rivers, which doesnt end up being any good for you because you end up camping hundreds of metres away because your mates all have swags and tents anyway.
BAD...
Packing up in the rain or after it is wet because your bedding gets wet from the days drive closed up unless you cover it with a tarp inside.
Fuel economy.
Seems colder up there than on the ground.
Up and down the ladder is a pain.
Cant move your vehicle after it's setup, a real pain if you wanna
camp a couple of days.
Takes up so much roof space.
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Follow Up By: Voxson - Tuesday, Mar 06, 2007 at 13:35
Tuesday, Mar 06, 2007 at 13:35
Oh and note in my rig picture,,, that i have a brand new touring rack for a rooftop tent which i would happily swap for a normal roofrack..
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Reply By: draff - Tuesday, Mar 06, 2007 at 14:17
Tuesday, Mar 06, 2007 at 14:17
If you are moving
camp regularly (almost every day), I think they are fantastic. My inlaws used one when we travelled with them up
Cape York (we had a swag) and they were set up faster, had more space and were very comfortable. Packing up in the rain and your bedding getting wet, is not really much of an issue for travel in northern Australia during the dry, but would be an issue in other areas.
They used one of the hard top roof top tents, it opened straight up like a croc's mouth (sorry couldn't think of another comparison), very quick and easy. Much quicker than the other style. The advantage of being able to
camp near rivers and not worry about crocs is particularly worthwhile of consideration up there!
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Reply By: Des Lexic - Tuesday, Mar 06, 2007 at 14:35
Tuesday, Mar 06, 2007 at 14:35
Being a user of a roof topper for the past 5 years, It is very easy to use, erect or pack up. It's not an issue. We found that in the warmer climates, sleeping is a breeze as there is always a cool breeze up off the ground. we carry a plastic taarp to cover the bedding if the canvas is wet but generally, it only takes less than an hour to dry with a breeze blowing. Flapping canvas in strong wind is a problem but you soon learn how to find a sheltered spot or rig the roof topper to reduce it.
Get a good one with square walls to increase the available space.
During the time that we have had it, we have spent around 9 or 10 months in total use. We are not spring chickens (Shut up Roachie, JohnR Blaze etc etc) and we don't find the ladder an issue.
You soon learn that you do any restocking of supplies before you set up
camp so we don't have a problem there.
It takes longer to select a spot than it does to erect the roof topper. We can be downing the first ale, sitting down ready for happy hour in less than 5 minutes.
We have a Shippshape and there are other good makes out there. Just find which one suits you.
Cheers
des
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Reply By: traveller2 - Tuesday, Mar 06, 2007 at 15:15
Tuesday, Mar 06, 2007 at 15:15
We second Des L's comments, after 25+ years of towing a camper all over Oz we bought a Shippshape, much quicker, easier and simpler than towing, up off the ground to pick up any breezes and a bigger freedom with campsites as it doesn't matter what the ground is like.
If you only have two it is a great way to go when the kids no longer travel ;-))
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Reply By: KOR - Tuesday, Mar 06, 2007 at 15:21
Tuesday, Mar 06, 2007 at 15:21
We have a howling moon roof top tourer tent on a GQ patrol.
We visited
Cape York a few years ago with some friends. The tent was fantastic and did not leak, mind you there were only a few days where it was a bit damp. We travelled with some friends who towed campervans and it was a little frustrating for us because they were much slower at the river crossings and any of the other tricky stuff. We were set up in 5 minutes max and felt quite safe in our cubby house. We found that we didn't use the tourer tent much tho so it was a little of a nuisance to cart around since we were very tight for room (there were four of us - 2 adults and 14+16yo). The tourer tent was a bit misshapen because of the spare wheel on the back of the patrol, and I would recommend mounting it to the side to fix that problem.The kids slept in a tent on the ground.
Our fuel bill was horrendous, but it would have been so anyway - the GQ is a bit of a gas guzzler.
The mattress was very comfortable and we were warm enough and had a good night sleep. Bed was generally left made and the dust only occasionally entered, but a good shake of the sheet soon got rid of that. Downside - if it's rockin, don't come knockin...
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Reply By: Member - Craig D (SA) - Tuesday, Mar 06, 2007 at 15:28
Tuesday, Mar 06, 2007 at 15:28
Well I've got a roof top tent - sorta - but it's on the top of a Carry Me Camper. Basically same setup as most large
roof toppers (aka ShippShape) just that it's permanently attached to the
camp-box. And, just like a ShippShape it has awnings - great in foul weather or seeking extra shade. Have had it really wet and didn't effect packing up too much - just used a piece of canvas over the mattress. Did I say mattress? Yep. 5" innner spring - just like being at
home :) As mentioned in a previous post they are really no hassle at all. We are generally set up or packed up
well before others who have 'minute' tents. Enjoy.
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Reply By: MEMBER - Darian (SA) - Tuesday, Mar 06, 2007 at 15:30
Tuesday, Mar 06, 2007 at 15:30
I haven't used one, but we've done quite a bit of camping and seen them in use (but not a lot - all other modes of camping accommodation seem more popular - might be for good reason).
The ladder up and down (middle of the night maybe - in the rain ?) looks like a pain. The biggy for me would be having to pack them up every single time you want to move the vehicle.
IMO a good, fast tent would be streets ahead of a rooftopper. I've got a hard floor camper trailer now, but I've still got my good, fast, tent !
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Reply By: Witchdoctor - Tuesday, Mar 06, 2007 at 17:29
Tuesday, Mar 06, 2007 at 17:29
vcbb,
After reading the reply's all the negative responses are coming from people that do not own a roof top tent & positive from owners of them. I have been camping in Oz for 20+ years & have had good ground tents then a camper trailer & now we are using a Hannibal rooftopper. As has been said they are great to set up & close down extremely comfortable. always catch the breeze if there is any about.
As for economy, im running a small turbo diesel & did not notice an increase in fuel usage. We have done over 100000K's since purchasing the rooftopper.
Enjoy the north
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Reply By: stephen looking - Tuesday, Mar 06, 2007 at 17:34
Tuesday, Mar 06, 2007 at 17:34
Does any know the names and manufactures of thoes roof top tents that are a fiber glass
shell?
I know this question is a little vague but cheers for any help
Stephen
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Follow Up By: Member - Phil G (SA) - Tuesday, Mar 06, 2007 at 17:44
Tuesday, Mar 06, 2007 at 17:44
Maggiolina is probably the one you're thinking of. I've spoken to people with them - most really like them, some say they are clastrophobic, and the roof isn't high enough.
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Follow Up By: Member - JohnR (Vic)&Moses - Tuesday, Mar 06, 2007 at 21:47
Tuesday, Mar 06, 2007 at 21:47
Friends had one on their Surf but at night reckoned they needed "shag poles" to stop it swaying. As Phil said it seemed claustrophobic.
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Follow Up By: draff - Wednesday, Mar 07, 2007 at 08:00
Wednesday, Mar 07, 2007 at 08:00
There is defintely another manufacturer who makes these as
well as the inlaws one is a different brand - not sure the make though! will try to find out and post back.
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Reply By: stephen looking - Tuesday, Mar 06, 2007 at 17:51
Tuesday, Mar 06, 2007 at 17:51
Thank you phil, i can already see i will learn a lot from you.
Cheers Stephen
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Reply By: Roddesh - Tuesday, Mar 06, 2007 at 18:00
Tuesday, Mar 06, 2007 at 18:00
I recently did 3 months in the top of NT & WA using my Howling moon rooftop tent. I had a mix of daily travel and staying in the one spot for up to a week.
Pros
Tent erects and folds up in less than 5 minutes.
Gathers any breeze that's around on hot nights.
Tent holds bedding so I don't have to drag it or a tent in and out of car.
Leaves extra space in vehicle.
Didn't rain on that trip but have folded up wet in Tassie since with no water getting on bedding. (and didn't have to put wet tent inside vehicle)
Bigger than QS bed (Always dead flat, not sleeping on rocks/sticks)
Doesn't affect vehicles offroad ability like trailer (Apart from height clearance)
Gives good shade around vehicle.
Off ground away from various wildlife (This was definitely good up north)
Good space inside.
Cons
Extra weight on roof
Extra vehicle height (Wind resistance/fuel economy/
Carpark clearance)
If camping in one spot for a couple of days you have to pack up to drive anywhere. (I leave chairs to hold spot)
I don't mind ladder but can see it as problem for some.
Mine flaps badly in strong winds but have seen the newer ones have extra straps on them for this.
Mine is the type with a bed that folds in half, this leaves enough space for me to keep my 2nd spare on the roof also. The one piece bed types may not allow room for that though they are probably even easier to set up.
I have had a great run in
mine. 4x4 Australia had a model comparison a couple of issues ago if you can get a copy.
Good luck with your decision and trip
Rod.
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Reply By: Middle Jeff - Tuesday, Mar 06, 2007 at 22:24
Tuesday, Mar 06, 2007 at 22:24
Hi
Have a howling moon and love it,
mine is the current style and does not flap around in the wind at all and the ladder is under cover and I also have a room that hangs off it. The first couple off times I put it away wet I used a plastic throw sheet that you have for painting, but soon found out that I did not need it.
Easy to put up, easy to put down, if you want to stay a couple of days in a town grab a cabin and use it as a chance to restock your fridge and do some washing and just be able to have a shower to your self.
I also have a big screen tent that also has a fly, it can be used as a tent as long as the weather does not get to dramatic and all you need is an inflatable matress and you have another option.
Have fun
Craig
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Reply By: Crackles - Tuesday, Mar 06, 2007 at 22:52
Tuesday, Mar 06, 2007 at 22:52
We have had 5 people in our club with them, all swore how great they were when they first bought them but funnily enough none still use them. A combination of too old to climb the ladder, sick of putting on / taking off the roof rack, can't get into the garage with them on but particually annoyed with having to pack up everything to go for a day drive when others in the group leave all their gear in the tents or campers. Often they stayed in
camp as it was just too much trouble.
If you you are fit & climbing ladders doesn't pose a problem & you aren't travelling with a group then the roof top system may be for you. I was certainly jealous of how fast they set up but too many down sides for my style of camping.
Cheers Craig......................
PS: Expect between 2 & 4 MPG worse fuel econemy. (similar to a trailer)
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Reply By: Steve - Tuesday, Mar 06, 2007 at 23:27
Tuesday, Mar 06, 2007 at 23:27
Had an Aussie Traveller unit for 8 years ...was the best thing I ever had...for camping of course .. with it you get a room to live in as
well and eat your tucker and even
cook.. if push comes to shove...rain etc..and when you need to go at night you have a no problems ..as for some of the models mentioned ...
well they have their place ...that's why they are all made elsewhere ...and as it happens i think they are still the cheapest and their specs are far superior ...no wonder the hire companies fit them as standard on their outback range of Toyotas..
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Reply By: Member - Rob P (NSW) - Thursday, Mar 08, 2007 at 20:18
Thursday, Mar 08, 2007 at 20:18
Shippshape for 4 years!! Love it.Currently doing the wet in
Darwin.No leaks but wet underfoot when you get to the bottom of the ladder!!!!Drivin off to see stuff is a bit of a hassle if your set up for months as I am.Comfort is great though.
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Reply By: vcbb - Friday, Mar 09, 2007 at 09:56
Friday, Mar 09, 2007 at 09:56
Thank you everyone for the comments, we will look at them at the camping show this weekend and see how it folds and unfolds. I think for their price it isnt a huge gamble.
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