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Sonny's Overland Adventures
United States
เข้าร่วมเมื่อ 10 ก.พ. 2022
Roofnest Condor XL Rooftop Tent on Jeep JL for overland camping
We have had the Rooftnest Condor XL Rooftop Tent on Sonny the Jeep for almost a year now.
Here’s what we think.
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Direct Link: th-cam.com/video/vVM25kfTJ4Y/w-d-xo.html
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The build and material quality is pretty good considering that the Condor XL was manufactured in China and once you add up all of the bells & whistles that come with the Roofnest's product, you're still below the price of the iKamper - even if you choose to change or pay for extra improvements.
The tent comes with accessories and shoe bags that hang from the exterior of the tent. It has one USB LED light with a dual light switch that Roofnest didn’t even know was on the tent.
There is a storage area on the outer shell of the Condor XL. This allows an area of 43-½” x 11” to be used for anything that fits within and can be strapped down with whatever method you feel works best. Roofnest does not have a system in place or hardware recommendations for holding down items in the storage area.
As mentioned in another one of our videos, we installed a SunPower 110W Solar Panel on top of the Roofnest Condor XL. Having a Solar Panel on Rooftop Tent is a big deal! This adds unlimited power to your Rooftop Tent.
The latching system used by Roofnest is a weak point in the design for this generation of the Condor lineup. I’m not expecting much longevity out of the Velcro straps that come with the Rooftop Tent and plan on modifying the hardshell or installing the Locking Latches by iKamper.
We mounted the Roofnest Condor XL on top of the Back-Bone and Heavy-Duty Bar system by Rhino-Rack & while we are impressed with the design and engineering of the Back-Bone system, the Heavy-Duty Bars leave a lot to be desired. The bars have an open channel on the bottom of the bar that creates an INSANE whistle. Rhino-Rack’s response is ‘That’s what you get with the best.’ At the end of it, I would have been happier with another product such as the Teraflex Nebo just because of the cost and feel we would have had better customer support - the product is wonderful but that whistle is almost unbearable.
Opening and setting up the Roofnest can be done in less than three minutes if alone - that is without the rainfly or side windows and being in an absolute rush! Realistic opening time is several more minutes than advertised but still relatively short (under 10). Tear down takes a little bit more since you have to stuff the edges of the tent into the hardshell.
The thing that we enjoy the most is that we have storage within the Rooftop Tent. We are able to store three king-size pillows, an inflatable king-size mattress, and a sleeping bag. The only complaint is that we feel Roofnest left the Condor XL customers out of their accessory and upgrade line - you can purchase a featherbed for just about every tent, EXCEPT for the Condor XL.
While Roofnest's staff is very friendly and energetic, they were rarely able to answer any technical questions that we had. Examples are what dimensions are the area for a Solar Panel, even though their marketing said the Condor XL can store a Solar Panel, they just don’t know what size! Great personnel, just a little under-educated on the specifics.
At the end of it all, the product is great! The value is there. The price difference between the iKamper and Roofnest is enough to make you consider saving the money; as we did. We are very happy with our Purchase of the Roofnest Condor XL.
00:00 Intro
00:58 Storage Area
01:36 Solar Panel
01:49 Hardtop Gel Coat
02:33 Straps
03:27 Rhino-Rack
04:37 Opening & Setup
05:25 Foam Mattress
06:33 Inside the Tent
07:08 Lighting
07:45 Inverter inside the Tent
08:05 Internal Storage
08:19 Accessories from Roofnest
09:17 Opening the Sides up
09:33 Closing
Here’s what we think.
********************************************
Direct Link: th-cam.com/video/vVM25kfTJ4Y/w-d-xo.html
********************************************
The build and material quality is pretty good considering that the Condor XL was manufactured in China and once you add up all of the bells & whistles that come with the Roofnest's product, you're still below the price of the iKamper - even if you choose to change or pay for extra improvements.
The tent comes with accessories and shoe bags that hang from the exterior of the tent. It has one USB LED light with a dual light switch that Roofnest didn’t even know was on the tent.
There is a storage area on the outer shell of the Condor XL. This allows an area of 43-½” x 11” to be used for anything that fits within and can be strapped down with whatever method you feel works best. Roofnest does not have a system in place or hardware recommendations for holding down items in the storage area.
As mentioned in another one of our videos, we installed a SunPower 110W Solar Panel on top of the Roofnest Condor XL. Having a Solar Panel on Rooftop Tent is a big deal! This adds unlimited power to your Rooftop Tent.
The latching system used by Roofnest is a weak point in the design for this generation of the Condor lineup. I’m not expecting much longevity out of the Velcro straps that come with the Rooftop Tent and plan on modifying the hardshell or installing the Locking Latches by iKamper.
We mounted the Roofnest Condor XL on top of the Back-Bone and Heavy-Duty Bar system by Rhino-Rack & while we are impressed with the design and engineering of the Back-Bone system, the Heavy-Duty Bars leave a lot to be desired. The bars have an open channel on the bottom of the bar that creates an INSANE whistle. Rhino-Rack’s response is ‘That’s what you get with the best.’ At the end of it, I would have been happier with another product such as the Teraflex Nebo just because of the cost and feel we would have had better customer support - the product is wonderful but that whistle is almost unbearable.
Opening and setting up the Roofnest can be done in less than three minutes if alone - that is without the rainfly or side windows and being in an absolute rush! Realistic opening time is several more minutes than advertised but still relatively short (under 10). Tear down takes a little bit more since you have to stuff the edges of the tent into the hardshell.
The thing that we enjoy the most is that we have storage within the Rooftop Tent. We are able to store three king-size pillows, an inflatable king-size mattress, and a sleeping bag. The only complaint is that we feel Roofnest left the Condor XL customers out of their accessory and upgrade line - you can purchase a featherbed for just about every tent, EXCEPT for the Condor XL.
While Roofnest's staff is very friendly and energetic, they were rarely able to answer any technical questions that we had. Examples are what dimensions are the area for a Solar Panel, even though their marketing said the Condor XL can store a Solar Panel, they just don’t know what size! Great personnel, just a little under-educated on the specifics.
At the end of it all, the product is great! The value is there. The price difference between the iKamper and Roofnest is enough to make you consider saving the money; as we did. We are very happy with our Purchase of the Roofnest Condor XL.
00:00 Intro
00:58 Storage Area
01:36 Solar Panel
01:49 Hardtop Gel Coat
02:33 Straps
03:27 Rhino-Rack
04:37 Opening & Setup
05:25 Foam Mattress
06:33 Inside the Tent
07:08 Lighting
07:45 Inverter inside the Tent
08:05 Internal Storage
08:19 Accessories from Roofnest
09:17 Opening the Sides up
09:33 Closing
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Great Video, Thx for sharing. Is there a way to have both (either) solar OR Jeep power to charge the batteries?
Where did you run your ground in this setup?
There's a ground point to the chassis near the DC port on the interior of the JLU. However, it is also grounded to the starter battery.
@@sonnysoverlandadventures453 Thanks so you have it grounded to the Chassis and the starter battery? What gauge wire did you use? I'm in the process of the same install now.
@C-Noel I use the same ground gauge as the hot gauge.
@@sonnysoverlandadventures453 So that would be 6AWG on both red and black from the starter? Thanks
I honestly don't remember and would have to look it up.
Looks like the roads are gonna be closed up there for awhile now due to weather. Make sure you check with the forest service before you trek out there. The memo I read indicated some serious fines if you get caught. FYI
Curious, are those fines for 'trespassing' or if you get stuck the recovery finas are high?
@@sonnysoverlandadventures453 Well it’s a general closure for most of the Big Bear area. My interpretation of it is that it’s closed period until further notice and if you get caught driving there, you’ll incur hefty fines. I should explain if I didn’t before that I’m referring to the forest service roads not the general surface streets but IN09 and the like are closed not to mention several out near Idywild.
Can you take off the front panel of the Jeep off?
If you're asking if you can take the two front roof panels off, yes you can.
Best review I've seen and I've watched a lot. Wish I saw this before I bought mine. I may have went with the ikamper. Did you ever add an additional latch to the shell?
Funny as it is, we're gonna make an update to this video because our clear coat peeled right off and it looks like garbage now. So, ikamper would have been a better purchase. 😂
I own a condor xl and it's mounted on my truck. Thinking of buying a jeep... Was curious, with how big the condor xl footprint is on top, can you take the front roof panels off to have a nice drive while the tent is up there?
The front panels do come off still. 👍
Great video! I actually just got home from a night at YP 33 in my Rav4. I've stayed at many of the yellow posts in Big Bear, but never been to #7. thats next on my list now!
It's a gorgeous spot and we highly recommend it!
Hi Justin, i have a Rav 4 as well and have done YP 33 but always curious on other YP sites that are AWD friendly w limited ground clearance, let me know what others u like or maybe we can privately find a way to message if u dont wanna blow up the locations publicly. Thanks!
Nice footage.. Thanks for sharing the good spots coordinates
Thank you for enjoying with us!
Nice view shots.. are these Yellow post campsite walk in? Are they free?
They're all free. We pay for all the state and federal parks annually. You can also get the adventure passes and whatnot.
I like your shirt. Nice set up. .
Funny you say that. Someone gave me a thumbs down when I posted this video and I couldn't figure it out. Looking back now, that's probably why. 😂🤣
an an aircraft avionics tech I can say that crimping is actually the best way to go, but it's important that you crimp properly, using the correct tools, and inspect your crimps to make sure they have been done correctly. You won't see more vibration than an aircraft, so it's kind of hard to argue that soldering is the best way to go. Soldering also comes with a lot of issues as the average person doesn't follow professional soldering techniques or inspection. Either way, you could crimp, then solder, but that's overkill. the important thing would be to make sure you fully understand and research the method you're using and make sure to use adequate wiring and terminal protection/insulation to complete the installation. Personally, I'd recommend newbies go with crimping vice soldering as there's less room for mistakes, but I would caveat that with a few youtube tutorials to make sure they know the methodology. might as well put the time in to do it right the first time, when in doubt ask a friend or your local HAM radio club!
Reading this I got all self conscious about my soldiering. 🤣😂 Thanks for the comments and well said!
Guys, what’s the width like, are there any super narrow sections that an F150 would scratch the sides up on?
A F150 would have no problem on any of these trails. have fun!
@@sonnysoverlandadventures453 Yes I don’t wanna scratch up the new Tremor. One thing I miss getting rid of my Jeep 392 is the narrower trail access. Thanks for the info
Thanks for the journey. Great music too/
Thank you for the comment! We haven't been active recently but will be in the next few months!
I can’t wait for the toddler adventures.
Oh, don't you worry... Already working on getting Sam to OK this. 😂
Great job in this video. I'm doing the a similar set up with a 12v 50ah battery. For your Victron smart shunt in the app battery settings. Do you have the "Battery Starts Synchronized" turned on or off? I'm noticing my SOC in the app doesn't go down (stays at 100%) as the battery draws down?
This is a very good question! We have it set to off. There are reasons to have this turned on though. Originally we had a daisy chain of relays that connected to one of the aux switches. The issue was that the four relays would slowly drain the starter batter if left on. So, I completely scrapped that setup. Now, the redarc is powered and charging the battery at all times. Only reason I'm mentioning this is because this is where synchronization might play a part if everything is disconnected. Share your setup!
JUST GOT OURS!! First adventure will definitely be BIG BEAR! 🤩🤩
There are tons of yellow post sites throughout the big bear area. Right now the weather should be perfect! Have fun! 🙃
the feebs approves of this video on her castle in the sky.
Funny how she jumps toward the ladder to get in.
Was there any cell signal? Thank you
there totally was! Sam works from home and she was able to take a few work calls from YP#7.
Thank you 🙏
This is great, I have a 2 door jk but I think I can make it work. Thanks for the video!
It should fit. Maybe not with the ARB, but at the very least you can do a 30Ah with the BCDC or Renogy DC charger. If you do the Renogy DC charger with a 30Ah, you're doing better than the genesis system at a quarter of the cost.
@@sonnysoverlandadventures453 Yeah for air compressor I will leave under the hood since mount kits have already been engineered for them to fit but I will run the output at either front or back with quick connect so I dont need to open the hood every time to get air. Since space is at a premium, i'll probably use a dual battery tray and utilize the other tray for the 2 other Li-On batteries. You're right about the cost plus being able to integrate Solar panels into the system solidifies it even more. 👍👍
Sounds like a fun little project! keep us updated on @Salmonsonny on IG!
You had me at ‘fuse block’! Nice job.
Let me know if you want a solar panel!
Really love the creativity and use of the space. It gives us constant power in the back country and more room for activities in the Jeep.
It's such unused space and for items you don't need to access, at all. Wife approved! 🤣
Heading up to YP7 next weekend cant wait!
Post some videos. Curious to see how the snow is after the last storm.
Love the videos!
Come along on our next adventure with us!
GREAT VIDEO!
Thanks! We love making'em!
Just found your video and I'm headed up this Saturday! I have a AWD RAV4, with those roads, you think it'll be difficult to get to Site #7? And would #33 be a good backup if I can't get to 7? Thanks!
I feel like you’ll be okay with an AWD again the main road to #7 is pretty mild except for the last .25 - but you should be fine. Only thing is there is a big storm right now. May be a lot more snow than when we went, Bring chains!!! 7 is easier to get to than 33, the road to #33 didn’t look maintained to us.
Depending on your tires, given the recent storm, you may want chains, even with the AWD system. It should be absolutely beautiful though! #33 is also a great option and less driving, but the trails were already ice when we went and it comes down to tires. Summer tires, regardless of system, would not work.
Can you let me know how the conditions are when you go? Ill be heading out that way the following weekend from you
@@richardeggers I ended up at site #33! Road was actually fine in my AWD Rav4 with All-Season tires (I put my car on trail mode). I didn't even check out #5. When I called the ranger on the Friday I went, only 5, 33, and 31 were able to be remotely driven to and even they advised me not to try driving to those sites but I was completely fine. Mind you, I'm from Washington and driving in snow is super familiar to me. Every other site apparently was hike to only due to road closures. I'd definitely consider giving the rangers a call for updates just in case though! I'm sure things have changed since I went last weekend.
@@richardeggers I brought chains just in case but didn't end up needing them. Was going to attempt YP Site #7 but was told it's hike in only. It seemed like there were loads of other dispersed campers (not at a YP site) on the road up to the site. I was one of the lucky few who were able to lock it in. I'm assuming they tried to get a YP site but saw they were occupied so decided to just pull on the side of the road in their 4x4.
Yea I'll do this one with you guys when you go back for sure!
Give a shout and we're always down for the local mountains!
We drove out through Holcomb Valley and it was pure snow and ice and many ice puddles.
Love it! Looks so pretty!
When did you guys go? Surprised there is still snow there.
We got there on Dec 26th and left on the 28th. The Drystake camp site was in the mid 20s at night. Tons of snow and a lot of icy trails. It was an absolute blast!
Great video Rich, inspiring me to get an overland vehicle myself.
Do it! You can't go wrong with a trail ready 4x4.
I couldn’t be more proud. Can’t wait to see more adventures!!
Coming up next is a tutorial on the battery system. Excited to make a brief tutorial.
So much fun. Hope everyone enjoys it as much as we enjoyed making it.
So excited for your projects to finally be viewed! You've worked so hard and we've had so much fun filming. Can't wait for everyone else to enjoy!
We're gonna try to make an episode for every trip!