Rooftop tent versus Camper Trailer

Having used both, I think that towing a 1 tonne trailer reduces the fuel economy a lot more than a roof top tent and roof rack. I also think that the manner in which a vehicle is driven with either will also have a very telling effect. EO member John (vic) has a trailer with a roof top tent on that just to confuse issues LOL.

If driving sensibly, only a marginal difference with the roof-top tent and roof rack, average .5kpl where as a trailer on average reduced my economy in the Pootrol by 1.5 to 2 kpl. In tough conditions, even more telling. Off track with trailer (approx 950kgs), 3.5 to 4 kpl. Roof top tent 5.5-6 kpl. A Significant difference.

Cheers Mick

Stephen,

Give me a call. I can put you in touch with a chap who does very good rooftop tents at the right price.

Cheers,

Jim.

Not my own experience, but I was discussing this very subject today with friends/rellos who own both a 'car-topper', and a standard soft-floor camper trailer, and they tell me that (in their experience) there is no discernable difference in fuel usage between the 2 options.. Vehicle is a Landcruiser 4.2L turbo-diesel 'Troopie'..

There are a few variables which can affect fuel economy, not the least of which being the way the vehicle is driven ;-)

Personally, I'd rather tow 2 tonnes than carry 1... (YMMV)

:)

Hi Steve

Your maths is a bit off if you are looking at a trip around Australia doing only 3000km. Might be a typo.

I once met a bloke in Fitzroy Crossing as I was fueling up. I noticed his front wheel leaning out about 100mm and just had to ask how that happened. He told a story of traveling up the Tanami track - sitting on about 80km as the road was good. Suddenly there came a right angle turn which he missed and careened off into low knee high scrub smashing into a termite mound. That did the damage to the front suspension. The part I found amazing was he said he had a second spare wheel bolted to his roof rack that sheered off the bolts and rocketed into the knee high scrub. They never found that wheel after looking for hours. And it was actually bolted onto with decent bolts.

Just a lesson about what you would put up top when off road.

David

Personally the diff between roof topper and camper trailer fuel economy wouldn't be my issue.The overall diff in cost over the whole trip will be out weighed by the more convenience of the camper.
I would be looking for comfort and convenience for an extended trip.
The problems i see with a roof topper is the minimal space, and depending on your age, the climbing up and down the ladder, one wrong strep and the ground comes up pretty fast, and what do you do if the weather is crap, not the best accom to sit it out, make meals etc etc
The camper trailer would give you a base when camped in one spot for a few days, as you dont have to fold it up to go for a drive or even a carton of milk so to speak, not to mention the storage advantages for some creature comforts, like maybe a porta potti, generator/solar panels, chairs, tables etc etc
Get a decent camper and have a great time.

Pesty

Thanks all.

A CT is definitely the way to go then. Just when I thought I had enough stuff.....


Steve

I would always suggest a camper trailer, if you set up camp and you want to do a bit of exploring in the car you can't. A camper is better for wind resistance as well.