advice on rooftop tents

Hi Pat,
I have a ARB Simpson 2 rooftop tent. it is attache to two rhino racks. getting the tent on and off for me is quite simple, as i have set up a winch (boat trailer winch with a couple of rollers at different points to make it work)to the carport. This way i can just wind it on and off.

Pros:
gets you off the ground.

very insulated.warm in winter, cool in summer

very quick to put up

very quick to pack away

strong construction, been through hail, wind rain both driving and
set up. came out strong with no leaks.

provides shelter to the back of the 4wd for access and cooking

easy to unfold. just use the ladder to leaver open/close.

the cover is easy to put on. just tuck it up under the tent when open, and flick it back over when folded

cons:
I have a 2 inch lifted Patrol. so its high

every time you want to move you have to pack it all up. even though it takes max 5 mins. you still have to do it.

under the matress gets a fair bit of condensation. counteract this by letting it all dry off before you move on. takes about 15 mins in warm a environment.

car parks and shopping centres a no no. 2.5mtrs high all up on my rig.

use a bit more fuel, but stick to 100km/h and you wont notice it.
you pay more attention to low hanging branches.

Pics on profile

all in all, i love the tent, it is the best thing since sliced bread

hope that helps

Look up Maggiolina

Hi, we have a rooftop tent on a tradesman trailer, this works well for us, it is slightly lower than the cruiser and we can either leave it at a camp site all set up or do an overnight stop with it still connected to vehicle, we have made some awnings and have the skirt for it making it comfortable for longer stops, the trailer has the fridge/stove and storage also a false floor, I can't post any photos here as I am a visitor but if you would like to see what it looks like I will send some if you would like, we find the tent quite easy to put up and pack away, we are both in our 60s and my wife is, a well whats it called today, height challenged. hope this helps, Pete.

Hi Pat,

Greg has summed it up quite well with pros/cons. I had a Howling Moon Tourer which I used quite a lot (although I never experienced condensation under the mattress).

They are great if you're moving every day, but if you like to set up a "base camp" and do day trips (driving) you'll have to pack it up each time (I found 10min was more realistic). I always travelled with my bedding (sleeping bags, pillows) inside so I never had to pack them away separately. They don't hamper off-road ability like a CT/caravan.

If you have a bad back, you may struggle with setting it up/packing away - I found I was up and down on the rear door sills and rear-bumper/step to set it up fully (windows, awnings, etc.) or pack it away.

I found it so comfortable - I slept better in it than at home! I sold it to go overseas but would seriously consider getting another one.

One thing you probably should check into is the weight & if your vehicle is suitable or not. Pretty sure my Landy is not.

I've looked at these things over the years and wondered about them. Seems to me just the thing if camping in croc country.

We have an eezi-awn and have travelled quite extensively, we love it and support the comments above.

I am interested though in pictures or desciriptions of how people put the tent on the roof (eg the winch concept sounds good)

Hi Pat,
Have a look at Hannibal. You get Australian made canvas & a 3 year warranty. Had mine for 4 years with no problems, in fact i have just up graded to one of the larger models with all the fruit. Hannibal should be at the show. good luck.

Cheers David

Shippe Shape is another good brand. More $ but good quality and should be asy to open. Wood floor and full size mattress which is a thing to look for. Link BelowShipp Shape Rooftop Tents

Cheers tony

These

Roof Top Tent

Are very good. I recently slept in one for a week. They have breathers in the top. Despite cold nights and heaps of condensation outside under the fly, it was a dry as a bone inside.

No issue with condensation under the mattress. The base in not old style wood, it is alloy/foam "sandwich" board.

Very well made and at $749 they are excellent value. The bloke who sells them can also get you an extension for the ladder if needed. Dead easy to set up.

Cheers,

Jim.

Hi Pat,

I've had a Howling Moon for a few years now and it has been excellent. It's always warm and dry when it's cold and wet, and thanks to the window awnings the windows can be left open when it's raining and hot. packing it up wet isn't a problem either.

I have mine on the roof of my 80 series Cruiser with a 2" lift and it is very easy to put up and down but it does require climbing on to the rear step and rear door sills.

I hurt my back while I was in Kalumburu a couple of years ago and the only issue I had was actually crawling into to the tent, not putting it up or down.

I made ladder extensions for mine before my first trip with it but have never used them. ( I have lived in the tent for up to 3 months at a time)

Cheers,

Rod

Also be mindful of getting in and out of the tent. The ones which have the awning out over the top of the ladder require a bit of an awkward manouvre to go from tent to ladder. I would expect the ones without this extra awning would be a little easier. I don't think its something you would be wanting to do with a crook back.

Hi Pat. The onlly think I have found is some of them you need to be a bit of a contortionist entering or exiting the camper.
I would try a complete run down at the shop before you hand over the cash.

Thanks everyone for the replies, a lot of food for thought didn’t know there was that many roof top tents around.
Will have a good look around at the show on Friday and try climbing in and out and maybe have a go at opening and closing one.

Thanks again Pat.

Another vote for the Shippshape, we fitted an innerspring mattress from Made To Measure Mattresses in QLD to ours and sleep better in it than at home.

Not for or against as I dont own one but something we saw may be of interest. We were at Hawks Nest beach a few years ago when a more than middle aged bloke and his wife pull up in a 100 series Cruiser. They set up the rooftop tent for the first time ever. That night it blew like blazes. Next night they were in a cabin. Dont think I could get my wife into one. The ladder is a problem and up and down in the middle of the night to go to the toilet would be a drama. Ok I suppose for young reasonably fit people, but not for the plus middle aged who need better bladder control. Think seriously or it could be an expensive dream.

Galaxy Outdoor Campers is another great brand for Roof-Toppers and Camper Trailer Tent tops.
Definitely worth a visit.