Thanks Paul, 100% mate, definitely worth pointing out the flaws and inturn getting them solved, can only make the product better !, we will! Thanks so much for the support! Cheers !
9:30 for the sippers, why not chuck some heatshrink over them? I think that would solve the issue and you can change the colour if you want them to be more visiable
One of the best reviews on a rooftop tent on You Tube. Very well researched and clearly explained. Not a big fan of rooftops... But this looks like a great design. Well done 👍
Hey mate, if the tent has issues opening due to the suction, try leaving the window near the ladder slightly undone. Keep the flyscreen done up, but the canvas 1/4 of the way open. Worked wonders on my motop. Havent had any issue with water either when doing this. Heatshrink on the zips or anything that rattles or squeaks fixes any noises in the night too. 👍 Keep the vids coming mate!
One of the best benefits I found to having luggage on the roof, besides the space saving inside the car, was the shade provided to the roof. The air con works better and the car doesn't heat up anywhere near as much when parked.
Pat, a very honest and thorough review. If I were in the market for a RTT that would be exactly the video I'd be looking for, a perfect review. Top effort mate!
Best tip I can give you for cold camping / condensation. Cat litter. Get a freezer bag/zip lock bag and if you put 1-2 handfuls of crystal cat litter in, it will absorb the condensation. Crystal litter also doesn't smell and you can get scented ones if that is a worry; the lavander one from Woolies isn't too bad. This also works for stopping condensation build up on your windscreen overnight, making those pack ups in the morning nice a quick (recommend 3 bags across the dash) Great review, you've sold me on upgrading from the old kings swag to a rtt.
Hi, from your initial installation video of this RTT I commented how you young couple would love it, and no surprise to me, you do. Being up off the ground is an awesome place to sleep, so cosy for some inexplicable reason. We are both in our 60's ourselves, hence was always concerned about the ladder access that put us off RTT for years, foolish old farts were we, now we have one and wished we'd had it years prior. We went for the Bundutop which is top end of the market $$ wise but so worth it in our view, so roomy but cosy also. Addressing common concerns of RTT's 1. Ladder Access. For ourselves, (past our prime) this was our number 1 reason not to go RTT years prior, fools we were. I addressed/resolved this by simply creating a extension hand railing the height if our tent, this allows us to climb the ladder and then pivot onto the mattress whilst retaining a firm grip, it's a reinsurance thing. The extention rail mounts onto a bracket on the roof rack and simply slides off and stores on-top of mattress when closed up. This extension bar also aids me in pushing any exposed canvas away from ground hieght prior to latching top down, so it's a dual purpose devise, winner. 2. Shoe storage. We have our shovel and axe mounted on the access side of the RTT. Once up on bed base, simply slide UGG boots, sandals, thongs joggers whatever off and wedge between shovel or axe handle and roof rack (whilst gripping afore mentioned handrail), they go no where and easily accessed for night time bathroom breaks. 3. Condensation. Bundutop provide a carpet base and 100mm mattress so condensation hasn't been an issue. Carpet layer the answer as we have utilised alternative mattresses without issue of condensation from any of them. 4. Zipper jingle. Has been answered already, heatshrink. 5. Warmth. We have addressed this 2 ways. A). 12v electric blanket. Only utilised to take chill off bed initially on very cool nights, no long battery drain. B). Diesel Heater. Neither of us is tall and the Bundutop shell is quite long, so we utilised 150mm of the space available, boxed it off and permanently installed a diesel unit, (hence afore mentioned mattress variations/combinations). We are never cold now, the night wind on K'gari was extremely chilly but we were cosy, that word just keeps coming up whenever we discuss our RTT, cosy. Summing up, Bundutop is one of the deepest in market, so height was a real concern but a winner as all bedding including pillows store within shell. Like you Pat, I don't notice the height weight etc. it's just part of the Patrol now. As I compose this we have just exited K'gari where we utilised our RTT for 5 night's, very cosy place with exceptional views to sunrise over ocean each morn, just love it, hence always knew you young couple would love yours. As Pat Callinan says, keep the shiny side up, in our case, keep the RTT up. Love your work mate, keep it up ❤️
Thanks so much for your comment Ian ! really good to hear about the Bundutop too! Thanks so much! sounds like you had a blast on K'gari! All the best! - Patrick
FINALLY! A rooftop tent video that answered literally EVERY practical usage question I ever had about them! Other videos show you how to open them, shut them and the price, but they don't talk about rain, they don't talk about the mattress and supporting slats, and don't even mention the solar panel on the outside! Just general specifics of why they are/aren't good for long-term usage. I'm new to 4WDing, I've only owned manual sedans within cities all my driving life. Now that I finally have my first ever 4WD - a 2010 Toyota Hilux SR TD with a massive tray/canopy - I was thinking of taking my girlfriend for a drive around Australia. The unused roof-racks above the canopy on this Hilux makes me want to stick a tent up there, but the only videos I ever saw about them only showed the general usage without mentioning any of the finer details - Honest Pros and Cons. I'm not very experienced in 4WDing and have a somewhat limited experience with camping, now that I'm 40 I'm looking to change that. There's so much of this country I want to see! Just get out there and experience it! THANK YOU!!! I have liked this video and have subscribed to your channel!
Great review. My only thing is getting into the tent whilst it is raining, would be good if the sides had a roof over the opening like on the rear of the tent.
Great review Pat, you’ve made buying an RTT a lot easier. To make your mattress more comfortable, spend $60 at KMart on a bamboo mattress topper. We’ve got one in our swag and it’s the best thing we’ve invested in without making it too thick to roll up so it should work fine in your RTT.
@@shaunhughes8206 Just a Kings Big Daddy Deluxe thingy but well seasoned and with a better mattress cover. With the mattress topper, doona, sheets and spare sheets it fits into the big Kings swag bag. It’s big but we decided that comforted is something we’re not willing to compromise.
Great review and feedback accepted by Ocam too. Maybe another suggestion is to replace your pillows, assuming only two, with four thinner ones that can fit in there when closed. Double them up when in use. Keep up your great reviews. Cheers.
Thanks for the review. Over two clam shell tents I have spent an estimated 500 nights camping out prospecting mainly in remote WA but also in Victoria and FNQ. RTTs are fantastic for travelling and the clam-shell shape is essential. I'm 65 years old, usually just me in the tent. So the old night-time pee no drama. Just use a laundry detergent bottle. the RTT is tall enough to knell to do the business! Ladies going to have to climb down though. I had a couple of questions about this tent, can you access it via the back hatch? might solve the weather entry some people have mentioned. That is a fair point people make. Possibly could rig something off the side wall mounting system to provide some shelter for getting in and out. My current RTT is the Moremi Extra lite which has a spec weight of 42 Kg. It is not as nice as this Oscam and I had to repair some leaks from a cracking shell where the top roof rack mounts fitted. I've put in about 400 nights in that one. I've getting a small off road van soon but I will still keep the RTT on my ute to use when I cannot get the van into places. Good on your channel. You do a good job.
A fantastic review Pat, so thought out and valuable mate, hope they give this one to you, very well deserved mate and would be very happy to see them do it for all your efforts and your unbiased and honest review.
If you look at zipping 2 sleeping bags together (tropical ones for up north and mountain ones for Vic highlands) and use cotton sheet bags to fit inside the sleeping bags that saves a lot of bulk and easier to manage inside the rooftopper. I agree being inside a rooftopper in the far north croc country is much more reassuringly at night especially when you have spotted them in a river during the day ☺ On the move or camping for a couple of days at a time rooftoppers are an excellent solution, go for it. GH - an oldie from ACT
Really great explanation of the condensation issues mate 👍👍 Nice work with the mat hack too! I use a little Ryobi 18v fan just on low on one of the windows that's just cracked, seems to help sucking all the moisture out
Great review mate, super thorough and came across genuine. The main challenge with them for us is just being a bit older and less agile on the ladder :) this seems like a real competitor to the drifta in the light weight segment. Good idea on the custom brackets.
Thanks David! The ladder can definitely a challenge, probably the biggest thing to get used to in a RTT. The weight was really important to me and I think both the ocam and drifta tents are the best on the market for that, Thanks for the comment!
Hi David, ladder was a decisive issue for us also, put us off RTT for years. Once I eventually bit the bullet and went for it we choose the Bundutop. To help alleviate/resolve the ladder concerns I devised an extension handrail that allows us to clamber up the ladder with reassurance, then pivot onto the mattress whilst retaining a firm grip. Again, when descending we have something to clasp onto to pivot onto the ladder from the mattress, a real winner for night time bathroom breaks when the ground appears so far down, haha 😆. The extention handrail slides into a bracket mounted on the roof rack and simply lifts off to store atop of the mattress when packing up. Hope this provides assistance.
@@colinrose3852 gosh, you have no idea how timely this query is! We can give a precise answer now. We are currently touring in the centre. On a stay at Wilpena Pound the wind and rain were extreme. Could here our daughters drifta roof top flapping all night, Bundutop hardly apparent. Then at Coward Springs just shy of Uluru we encountered the remnants of cyclone Ilsa. It blew a gale and bucketed down. Can precisely state, the awning doesn't flap radically on ours, yes you'll hear it but it is not a nuisance noise like other roof tops flapping radically. All I can say, if you can afford a Bundutop go for it, we love ours.
Great and seemingly very honest review. I really liked the fact you addressed the good and bad from earlier vids, which is comprehensive and detailed. Well done!
Thanks for the review. 👍🏻 Packing up when it’s been raining and walls are wet. Does your bedding inside get wet. Ie multi day trip. Pack up in the morning with a wet tent and drive to the next camp site and set up. Bedding Totally Dry/Damp/Wet? Cheers
If you want to stop the zips from making noise I reckon that heat shrink would probably solve the issue. It wont come off and is relatively cheap for the amount you will need.
Bit of theory on the doona/blanket setup. Doonas rely on air gap for thermal insulation. If you put blankets on top it squashes the air gap. Try putting doona on top. Love to know if it helps.
I have a very similar looking RTT (Darche Ridgeback). To avoid air suction and/or air resistance when opening/closing, simply leave the canvas of the side doors/windows slightly unzipped (I also leave the centre door fully unzipped). To avoid zipper pulls giggling, simply cover them with heat shrink tubing. And as for a boot bag, my Darche came with a pair of boot bag to mount on a sail track but no where to hang them on the RTT. So I went to Bunnings and got a strip of sail track. I cut a pair to size to match the width of the boot bags and drilled a pair of M8 size holes on each. I then bolted the sail track to the aluminium extrusion on the side of the RTT. Then when at camp, I simply slide each boot bag on the sail track, and just as quickly remove them at pack up. I know you can buy RTT boot bags from various places, some using hooks. Which you can easily fit ring pulls on the aluminium extrusion to hang them.
I think it needs side awnings this would help when it is raining and you could have your side doors open a little to help with the condition. But part from that we love this rooftop tent we have been looking for one for some time but spending that much money we need to get it right and we think you have shown that to us. thank you
Saw other video building a whole ute tray + roof tent, video helped me add to list of considerations for when I build mine :) Quite a few things I didn't think about like rubber zippers and LED
I’ve only started watching your videos it really inspire me to get roof top tent. I have a question, hope you could help me. ** Can the OCAM aluminium roof top tent ( 2250mm x 1350mm x 160mm) go on the Sam let dimension of roof rack which is is the OCAM aluminium roof rack (1350mm(L) x 1250mm(W) ? Thank you!
With the little awning at the front is there room to put alittle rectangle window closer to the top so if it's raining you can open it up which would help with the condensation just a thought. I've been looking lately as I'm in the market for one when I get my troopy this so far looks good for weight etc.
Yes I was thinking that too. I have one in my truck, & when I am sleeping in Victoria or Central NSW I can still sleep in my birthday suit, with just one comforter/quilt! Let you keep your pillows in the tent
I use the gym flooring for all my tents. Im old, my feet hurt! Id go for some roofing thinsulate for the top. Its a very thin air cell sheet thats cheap and flexible and usually found attached to the underside of a tin rroof
After your first video on this tent I pre ordered the side opening model and so far have been very happy with it. For shoe bags have a look at the 23 zero shoe bags and get some black sail track from Bunnings. Works wonders. My only issue I had with my tent is the spreader bar ends had a bow end with a p clamp arround the bar and it didn’t like turning and ended up snapping. I replaced these ends with c clip ends and really they should come factory like this. I’ve also added a condensation mat out of my old soft shell roof top tent and a egg shell mattress topper and I can close my tent with double sleeping bag in it using the same method of sitting on the latches. I mounted my tent with crossbars I made myself using the gutter mounts off my kings rack. Thanks heaps for bringing my attention to the ocam tents when you did I’ve been really happy with it
For the zippers. The easy fix i do is move the zippers apart and then put one inbetween the track and close the zipper down onto the one in between the track (Hard to explain) hope you understand. I do it to my awning to save the zips jingling in the wind while driving.
Thanks for this very good and detailed show! What you think about the limit of car size? Is a CR-V big enough? Need some spezifications? Thanks for replay?
In depth review. Well done. I have got Drifta to install Wildland 1.2 RTT on my Tracklander platform roof rack which is similar set up to yours. I am not happy with the clamps. Also the grill opening doesn't match the clamp mounting hole. Any idea where I can get fabricated like you did? Thanks in anticipation.
Sorry this is a late comment and maybe I even asked before, but does rain ever pile up in the canvas when its zipped up since the mesh is on the outside? One thing I worry about with the RTT I am building is rain going through the mesh, onto the interior canvas, and dripping down to the bottom inside the tent. Let me know if this has happened to you! Cheers
Thanks for the walkthrough & your honest experience with this rooftop tent. As you mentioned, there is a lot of stuff not discussed with rooftop tents. Hopefully this clears up some of the Pros & Cons of owning one 🤠
Excellent review mate. I've been trying to find a replacement RTT as my previous Kings G/Tourer MKII had severe water issues. This one looks like it's a few steps up especially given your improvements AND as you said it's in the same ball park price wise which is impossible to find. I think this is a big winner, cheers Patrick!
Can anyone tell me the purpose of the bungee cord that wraps around the base? is it simply to keep everything g tucked in as you pack away or is there another purpose? Cheers.
I loved my roof top tent but man oh man some of the worst nights of my life ever were spent in windy conditions. People forget the tent is up high and usually clear of most bushy windbreaks.
Amazing review mate! Really thorough, honest and each detail gone through in a way that can help any manufacturer for us campers. Not to mention these epic comments for tips like the heat shrink on the zippers! Currently on the market for a RTT myself for the good ol SWB GQ! Much appreciated, watched all your vids cheers!
I like the way you fabricated saddles to install to your racks....I find diamond grill difficult to work with as everything is on a angle....would like to see your tricks in mounting items like solar panels....with using the side entry...did you have difficulties in night entry's and exits ... for those middle of the night excursions 😉
Excellent review it was honest and well researched, I felt you covered all the bases. I really appreciated your coverage of condensation and solution, as an electrician working in coolroom environments I am well aware of the pitfalls of heat meeting cold, especially with electricity.I do have a question my vehicle will come with a rear-mounted ladder does this tent have rear access or can I have it added. Due to my age I feel that stepping onto the rear tyre first and then onto the fixed ladder would be so much easier than coming down backwards. Might be all right for you young guys as I just turned 70.
I really wish I had spent more on hard shell rather than kings roof top kinda hard to set up when 4wb is slightly high.. awesome review pat.. looking at ocam right now for tax time ;)
If you have a V shape tent, ground or roof, get the kind with a bug screen little window at the point of the lower V. Air comes in and goes through the whole tent that way.
Hey Patty, Love the video it makes me want to get a roof top tent even more now, thanks for the awesome review! You lightbar on your bullbar looks awesome, but just so you are aware my friends have gotten pulled up by the cops about it and I wouldnt want that happening to you :) not trying to say it is bad or anything but I wanna make sure that my fav youtubers dont get pulled up for such a small thing!
@@AussieArvos hahah. Im currently watching on the tv. So replying via phone. When was that mate? Would love to meet you someday I live in wagga so that bridge was very noticeable
Iv been waiting for this video review, Its great to see OCAM taking the feedback and implementing the changes. Iv been contemplating upgrading from my swag into a roof top but just couldn't justify the prices on some of them. This one is just inside the budget and has some features i really like for example the mounting system for the awning and solar panels etc.
Thanks Shane! Having the ability to mount the gear you want where you want is awesome. Agreed, price as good as it is, roof top tents are expensive, so I'd only invest in one if your going to use it alot !
I'd like to see the top fold over the bottom to keep water out when the seals get older and start to perish a bit. Would only require a thin strip of aluminium bar. For anyone heavier than your featherweight stature, the open slats and a 40mm mattress would be very bad :) Having to put the pillows into the car sucks too. Can't put anything else on the roof rack, such as fuel or a spare tyre. All in all, Ocam gear is well thought out and well made, and they are a good crowd to deal with.
Shouldn't be hard to slip some rubber tube or maybe heatshrink over the zipper tabs to solve the jingling problem. Looks like a great tent, may have to get one myself.
So I'm not sure if this has been asked but how did you find it if you needed to get out of the tent whilst it was raining. Did much water get into the tent? I currently have a kings fold out tent and it work well for getting out in the rain
Hey mate, I'm from Warwick qld, on your zipper ends try getting some clear hose that slips over them tight, drill a hole through the end and put a zip ty through it, it won't make so much noise then 👍. Keep going, we like watching your show, your honest 👍👍👍👍the crotty clan
Oh very nice, a no BS, no clickbait video. It's very refreshing to see
Cheers Seth!
Could try putting heat shrink on the zips
Great idea! 🤙
That was my 1st thought too
Beat me to it 😜 iv done it with my awning zippers - so easy and works a treat
That was my first thought also.
I used electrical tape stops 🙌
Finally a 4wd channel that has a honest review it is these reviews that help produce a better product
Love the work keep up the honest reviews
Thanks Paul, 100% mate, definitely worth pointing out the flaws and inturn getting them solved, can only make the product better !, we will! Thanks so much for the support! Cheers !
9:30 for the sippers, why not chuck some heatshrink over them? I think that would solve the issue and you can change the colour if you want them to be more visiable
Love the idea! Thanks mate!
+1 orange heat shrink
Came here to comment the same thing, heat shrink works great and can be any colour you like.
@@DanielB-py1yi Same! LOL
@@briszx9r594 Hahahaha, pays to read the comments first.
One of the best reviews on a rooftop tent on You Tube. Very well researched and clearly explained. Not a big fan of rooftops... But this looks like a great design. Well done 👍
Thanks mate!!
turd
Exactly my thoughts heat shrink and your done! Temporary fix that night would have been black electrical tape
Hey mate, if the tent has issues opening due to the suction, try leaving the window near the ladder slightly undone. Keep the flyscreen done up, but the canvas 1/4 of the way open.
Worked wonders on my motop. Havent had any issue with water either when doing this.
Heatshrink on the zips or anything that rattles or squeaks fixes any noises in the night too. 👍
Keep the vids coming mate!
Thanks Harry! Great tips mate! And awesome to hear! Thanks for the comment :)
One of the best benefits I found to having luggage on the roof, besides the space saving inside the car, was the shade provided to the roof. The air con works better and the car doesn't heat up anywhere near as much when parked.
Pat, a very honest and thorough review. If I were in the market for a RTT that would be exactly the video I'd be looking for, a perfect review. Top effort mate!
Best tip I can give you for cold camping / condensation. Cat litter. Get a freezer bag/zip lock bag and if you put 1-2 handfuls of crystal cat litter in, it will absorb the condensation. Crystal litter also doesn't smell and you can get scented ones if that is a worry; the lavander one from Woolies isn't too bad. This also works for stopping condensation build up on your windscreen overnight, making those pack ups in the morning nice a quick (recommend 3 bags across the dash)
Great review, you've sold me on upgrading from the old kings swag to a rtt.
Hi, from your initial installation video of this RTT I commented how you young couple would love it, and no surprise to me, you do.
Being up off the ground is an awesome place to sleep, so cosy for some inexplicable reason.
We are both in our 60's ourselves, hence was always concerned about the ladder access that put us off RTT for years, foolish old farts were we, now we have one and wished we'd had it years prior.
We went for the Bundutop which is top end of the market $$ wise but so worth it in our view, so roomy but cosy also.
Addressing common concerns of RTT's
1. Ladder Access.
For ourselves, (past our prime) this was our number 1 reason not to go RTT years prior, fools we were.
I addressed/resolved this by simply creating a extension hand railing the height if our tent, this allows us to climb the ladder and then pivot onto the mattress whilst retaining a firm grip, it's a reinsurance thing.
The extention rail mounts onto a bracket on the roof rack and simply slides off and stores on-top of mattress when closed up.
This extension bar also aids me in pushing any exposed canvas away from ground hieght prior to latching top down, so it's a dual purpose devise, winner.
2. Shoe storage.
We have our shovel and axe mounted on the access side of the RTT. Once up on bed base, simply slide UGG boots, sandals, thongs joggers whatever off and wedge between shovel or axe handle and roof rack (whilst gripping afore mentioned handrail), they go no where and easily accessed for night time bathroom breaks.
3. Condensation.
Bundutop provide a carpet base and 100mm mattress so condensation hasn't been an issue.
Carpet layer the answer as we have utilised alternative mattresses without issue of condensation from any of them.
4. Zipper jingle.
Has been answered already, heatshrink.
5. Warmth.
We have addressed this 2 ways.
A). 12v electric blanket. Only utilised to take chill off bed initially on very cool nights, no long battery drain.
B). Diesel Heater. Neither of us is tall and the Bundutop shell is quite long, so we utilised 150mm of the space available, boxed it off and permanently installed a diesel unit, (hence afore mentioned mattress variations/combinations). We are never cold now, the night wind on K'gari was extremely chilly but we were cosy, that word just keeps coming up whenever we discuss our RTT, cosy.
Summing up, Bundutop is one of the deepest in market, so height was a real concern but a winner as all bedding including pillows store within shell.
Like you Pat, I don't notice the height weight etc. it's just part of the Patrol now. As I compose this we have just exited K'gari where we utilised our RTT for 5 night's, very cosy place with exceptional views to sunrise over ocean each morn, just love it, hence always knew you young couple would love yours.
As Pat Callinan says, keep the shiny side up, in our case, keep the RTT up.
Love your work mate, keep it up ❤️
Thanks so much for your comment Ian ! really good to hear about the Bundutop too! Thanks so much! sounds like you had a blast on K'gari! All the best! - Patrick
FINALLY! A rooftop tent video that answered literally EVERY practical usage question I ever had about them!
Other videos show you how to open them, shut them and the price, but they don't talk about rain, they don't talk about the mattress and supporting slats, and don't even mention the solar panel on the outside! Just general specifics of why they are/aren't good for long-term usage.
I'm new to 4WDing, I've only owned manual sedans within cities all my driving life. Now that I finally have my first ever 4WD - a 2010 Toyota Hilux SR TD with a massive tray/canopy - I was thinking of taking my girlfriend for a drive around Australia. The unused roof-racks above the canopy on this Hilux makes me want to stick a tent up there, but the only videos I ever saw about them only showed the general usage without mentioning any of the finer details - Honest Pros and Cons.
I'm not very experienced in 4WDing and have a somewhat limited experience with camping, now that I'm 40 I'm looking to change that. There's so much of this country I want to see! Just get out there and experience it!
THANK YOU!!! I have liked this video and have subscribed to your channel!
No worries mate! Thanks for the comment! it really means alot! i'm glad it helped!
Cheers :)
Great review. My only thing is getting into the tent whilst it is raining, would be good if the sides had a roof over the opening like on the rear of the tent.
Like Kings, which has the roof on all sides. 75mm mattress already to go.
Bloody hell, this is the best, most thorough and to the point review of anything I've seen. Well done mate, top effort 👌
Thanks Tyler! Too kind!
Great review Pat, you’ve made buying an RTT a lot easier. To make your mattress more comfortable, spend $60 at KMart on a bamboo mattress topper. We’ve got one in our swag and it’s the best thing we’ve invested in without making it too thick to roll up so it should work fine in your RTT.
What swag do you have and do you leave your bedding in when you roll it up
@@shaunhughes8206 Just a Kings Big Daddy Deluxe thingy but well seasoned and with a better mattress cover. With the mattress topper, doona, sheets and spare sheets it fits into the big Kings swag bag. It’s big but we decided that comforted is something we’re not willing to compromise.
Yeah I have the same swag maybe worth getting a queen mattress topper for it still running the standard mattress
@@shaunhughes8206 a topper makes it so much better without feeling like a marshmallow.
Great review and feedback accepted by Ocam too. Maybe another suggestion is to replace your pillows, assuming only two, with four thinner ones that can fit in there when closed. Double them up when in use. Keep up your great reviews. Cheers.
Dude honestly such a thorough review, well done! Very informative and helps me heaps making a decision on a RTT. You guys are awesome.
Thanks for the review. Over two clam shell tents I have spent an estimated 500 nights camping out prospecting mainly in remote WA but also in Victoria and FNQ.
RTTs are fantastic for travelling and the clam-shell shape is essential. I'm 65 years old, usually just me in the tent. So the old night-time pee no drama. Just use a laundry detergent bottle. the RTT is tall enough to knell to do the business! Ladies going to have to climb down though. I had a couple of questions about this tent, can you access it via the back hatch? might solve the weather entry some people have mentioned. That is a fair point people make. Possibly could rig something off the side wall mounting system to provide some shelter for getting in and out. My current RTT is the Moremi Extra lite which has a spec weight of 42 Kg. It is not as nice as this Oscam and I had to repair some leaks from a cracking shell where the top roof rack mounts fitted. I've put in about 400 nights in that one.
I've getting a small off road van soon but I will still keep the RTT on my ute to use when I cannot get the van into places. Good on your channel. You do a good job.
Is the rooftop tent big enuff for a good shag?
A fantastic review Pat, so thought out and valuable mate, hope they give this one to you, very well deserved mate and would be very happy to see them do it for all your efforts and your unbiased and honest review.
If you look at zipping 2 sleeping bags together (tropical ones for up north and mountain ones for Vic highlands) and use cotton sheet bags to fit inside the sleeping bags that saves a lot of bulk and easier to manage inside the rooftopper. I agree being inside a rooftopper in the far north croc country is much more reassuringly at night especially when you have spotted them in a river during the day ☺ On the move or camping for a couple of days at a time rooftoppers are an excellent solution, go for it. GH - an oldie from ACT
OCAM gear seems to be the budget end of the market but actually thought out and tested! Brilliant that they took your feedback and updated it
Really great explanation of the condensation issues mate 👍👍 Nice work with the mat hack too! I use a little Ryobi 18v fan just on low on one of the windows that's just cracked, seems to help sucking all the moisture out
Great review mate, super thorough and came across genuine. The main challenge with them for us is just being a bit older and less agile on the ladder :) this seems like a real competitor to the drifta in the light weight segment. Good idea on the custom brackets.
Thanks David! The ladder can definitely a challenge, probably the biggest thing to get used to in a RTT.
The weight was really important to me and I think both the ocam and drifta tents are the best on the market for that, Thanks for the comment!
Hi David, ladder was a decisive issue for us also, put us off RTT for years.
Once I eventually bit the bullet and went for it we choose the Bundutop.
To help alleviate/resolve the ladder concerns I devised an extension handrail that allows us to clamber up the ladder with reassurance, then pivot onto the mattress whilst retaining a firm grip. Again, when descending we have something to clasp onto to pivot onto the ladder from the mattress, a real winner for night time bathroom breaks when the ground appears so far down, haha 😆.
The extention handrail slides into a bracket mounted on the roof rack and simply lifts off to store atop of the mattress when packing up.
Hope this provides assistance.
@@ianweal3081 Hi Ian i too looking at a Bundutop what is it in wind say 20-30 km does it flap much and the noise
@@colinrose3852 gosh, you have no idea how timely this query is!
We can give a precise answer now.
We are currently touring in the centre. On a stay at Wilpena Pound the wind and rain were extreme.
Could here our daughters drifta roof top flapping all night, Bundutop hardly apparent.
Then at Coward Springs just shy of Uluru we encountered the remnants of cyclone Ilsa. It blew a gale and bucketed down.
Can precisely state, the awning doesn't flap radically on ours, yes you'll hear it but it is not a nuisance noise like other roof tops flapping radically. All I can say, if you can afford a Bundutop go for it, we love ours.
fix the jingle zip pulls by putting some heat strink over them and shrinking it down with heat. Fixed the issue for ours!
Excellent video. Very thorough and I love the chapters so I can jump to different bits of info.
Great and seemingly very honest review. I really liked the fact you addressed the good and bad from earlier vids, which is comprehensive and detailed. Well done!
Thanks for the review. 👍🏻
Packing up when it’s been raining and walls are wet. Does your bedding inside get wet.
Ie multi day trip. Pack up in the morning with a wet tent and drive to the next camp site and set up. Bedding Totally Dry/Damp/Wet?
Cheers
If you want to stop the zips from making noise I reckon that heat shrink would probably solve the issue. It wont come off and is relatively cheap for the amount you will need.
I enjoyed your thorough and thoughtful videos on this roof top tent.
Fantastic job!!
Bit of theory on the doona/blanket setup. Doonas rely on air gap for thermal insulation. If you put blankets on top it squashes the air gap. Try putting doona on top. Love to know if it helps.
I have a very similar looking RTT (Darche Ridgeback). To avoid air suction and/or air resistance when opening/closing, simply leave the canvas of the side doors/windows slightly unzipped (I also leave the centre door fully unzipped). To avoid zipper pulls giggling, simply cover them with heat shrink tubing. And as for a boot bag, my Darche came with a pair of boot bag to mount on a sail track but no where to hang them on the RTT. So I went to Bunnings and got a strip of sail track. I cut a pair to size to match the width of the boot bags and drilled a pair of M8 size holes on each. I then bolted the sail track to the aluminium extrusion on the side of the RTT. Then when at camp, I simply slide each boot bag on the sail track, and just as quickly remove them at pack up. I know you can buy RTT boot bags from various places, some using hooks. Which you can easily fit ring pulls on the aluminium extrusion to hang them.
I think it needs side awnings this would help when it is raining and you could have your side doors open a little to help with the condition. But part from that we love this rooftop tent we have been looking for one for some time but spending that much money we need to get it right and we think you have shown that to us. thank you
Oh my goodness the Kmart tiling is genius! Love the video, thank you for the thorough info and review 😊
Another solution for the zips, you can replace the metal tag with a paracord loop. Can be big enough to hook your finger into aswell
Saw other video building a whole ute tray + roof tent, video helped me add to list of considerations for when I build mine :)
Quite a few things I didn't think about like rubber zippers and LED
Great review! Detailed, informative thanks👍👏
This is the best review, direct to the point!
Great video... I bought an OCAM batwing awning off one of your previous videos and I'll probably by an OCAM RTT now
I’ve only started watching your videos it really inspire me to get roof top tent.
I have a question, hope you could help me.
** Can the OCAM aluminium roof top tent ( 2250mm x 1350mm x 160mm) go on the Sam let dimension of roof rack which is is the OCAM aluminium roof rack (1350mm(L) x 1250mm(W) ?
Thank you!
Thanks for the comment mate, Yes it can !
@@AussieArvos thanks for the reply.
On Nissan navara D22 2004? Without the canopy just the aluminium root rack?
Taking down or putting up, where does the collected water go or the collected snow-- or or the dirt?
That was a really awesome review, very informative and you covered everything. Thank you!
Nice review!
When you pack up the wet OCAM in the rain, does the wet canvas soak through to the bedding?
With the little awning at the front is there room to put alittle rectangle window closer to the top so if it's raining you can open it up which would help with the condensation just a thought.
I've been looking lately as I'm in the market for one when I get my troopy this so far looks good for weight etc.
Just started looking into RRTs. This was a great video and extremely helpful. Thanks.
best ,honest review i have seen, well done.
Great review, thank you! I wondered where you put the ladder?
Quick fix for the zips heat shrink! Another option for cold night camp try the Kmart 12volt electric blanket. I’m going to give it a try…
Yes I was thinking that too. I have one in my truck, & when I am sleeping in Victoria or Central NSW I can still sleep in my birthday suit, with just one comforter/quilt! Let you keep your pillows in the tent
I rate the kmart 12v blankets
What an awesome and comprehensive review. Thanks.
QUESTION: How does the tent's awning go in the rain? It looks like it has some slack and likely to pool a bit.
I use the gym flooring for all my tents. Im old, my feet hurt! Id go for some roofing thinsulate for the top. Its a very thin air cell sheet thats cheap and flexible and usually found attached to the underside of a tin rroof
After your first video on this tent I pre ordered the side opening model and so far have been very happy with it. For shoe bags have a look at the 23 zero shoe bags and get some black sail track from Bunnings. Works wonders. My only issue I had with my tent is the spreader bar ends had a bow end with a p clamp arround the bar and it didn’t like turning and ended up snapping. I replaced these ends with c clip ends and really they should come factory like this. I’ve also added a condensation mat out of my old soft shell roof top tent and a egg shell mattress topper and I can close my tent with double sleeping bag in it using the same method of sitting on the latches. I mounted my tent with crossbars I made myself using the gutter mounts off my kings rack. Thanks heaps for bringing my attention to the ocam tents when you did I’ve been really happy with it
Another vote for the 23zero shoe bags. Works perfectly with the sail track. A cheap and effective solution.
For the zippers. The easy fix i do is move the zippers apart and then put one inbetween the track and close the zipper down onto the one in between the track (Hard to explain) hope you understand. I do it to my awning to save the zips jingling in the wind while driving.
I would recommend electrical heat shrink for the zippers
Heat shrink works really well
This review has been greatly keep up the great work
Sensational review, sooo much great info. Thanks Team :)
Put heat shrink on the zips mate, 2 layers works wonders👍
Thanks for this very good and detailed show! What you think about the limit of car size? Is a CR-V big enough? Need some spezifications? Thanks for replay?
I just bought a rooftop tent and it comes with a hanging cargo net sort of bag for shoes and stuff to sit up top
In depth review. Well done. I have got Drifta to install Wildland 1.2 RTT on my Tracklander platform roof rack which is similar set up to yours. I am not happy with the clamps. Also the grill opening doesn't match the clamp mounting hole. Any idea where I can get fabricated like you did? Thanks in anticipation.
You’re a legend, perfect review. Straight forward no bullshit. Will be getting one of these for my parado 👏🏼
After rain through out the night, if you pack it down with wet sides , does the bedding get damp ? This is my biggest reservation with these
Sorry this is a late comment and maybe I even asked before, but does rain ever pile up in the canvas when its zipped up since the mesh is on the outside? One thing I worry about with the RTT I am building is rain going through the mesh, onto the interior canvas, and dripping down to the bottom inside the tent. Let me know if this has happened to you!
Cheers
Thanks for the walkthrough & your honest experience with this rooftop tent. As you mentioned, there is a lot of stuff not discussed with rooftop tents. Hopefully this clears up some of the Pros & Cons of owning one 🤠
Hey mate. Just wondering how you changed your ladder mount the the other side? I can't seem to get the bolts out of the rails
Excellent review mate. I've been trying to find a replacement RTT as my previous Kings G/Tourer MKII had severe water issues. This one looks like it's a few steps up especially given your improvements AND as you said it's in the same ball park price wise which is impossible to find. I think this is a big winner, cheers Patrick!
Thanks Ryan! Glad the video could help!! Cheers :)
Can anyone tell me the purpose of the bungee cord that wraps around the base? is it simply to keep everything g tucked in as you pack away or is there another purpose? Cheers.
Must get one These sick of
Finding Ferrils in my tent at the doof
Great explanation of the RTT. How was it in the morning? does it allow sunlight to come through?
I loved my roof top tent but man oh man some of the worst nights of my life ever were spent in windy conditions. People forget the tent is up high and usually clear of most bushy windbreaks.
Hey mate was just wondering what a wet pack up is like dose all your bedding get wet or stay dry?
Amazing review mate! Really thorough, honest and each detail gone through in a way that can help any manufacturer for us campers. Not to mention these epic comments for tips like the heat shrink on the zippers!
Currently on the market for a RTT myself for the good ol SWB GQ! Much appreciated, watched all your vids cheers!
Sold, I'm looking forward to trying my new purchase....thx for the review
Does this have a elastic cord to pull it in as you’re folding the tent?
Can you comment on the Thule wedge hard shell ?Especially in heavy wind/rain
I like the way you fabricated saddles to install to your racks....I find diamond grill difficult to work with as everything is on a angle....would like to see your tricks in mounting items like solar panels....with using the side entry...did you have difficulties in night entry's and exits ... for those middle of the night excursions 😉
Excellent review it was honest and well researched, I felt you covered all the bases. I really appreciated your coverage of condensation and solution, as an electrician working in coolroom environments I am well aware of the pitfalls of heat meeting cold, especially with electricity.I do have a question my vehicle will come with a rear-mounted ladder does this tent have rear access or can I have it added. Due to my age I feel that stepping onto the rear tyre first and then onto the fixed ladder would be so much easier than coming down backwards. Might be all right for you young guys as I just turned 70.
Great review, my son has brought the side opening, no power, only a battery operated LED
Love your vids made u have recently purchased a rooftop tent. I’m wondering what roof rack you used as my roof has gutters like yours. Thanks mate
Hey mate, where abouts is that camp ground with the Rocky Mountain in the back ground?
I really wish I had spent more on hard shell rather than kings roof top kinda hard to set up when 4wb is slightly high.. awesome review pat.. looking at ocam right now for tax time ;)
Thanks keil!! :)
If you have a V shape tent, ground or roof, get the kind with a bug screen little window at the point of the lower V. Air comes in and goes through the whole tent that way.
Who knows that style tent, up or down, I lost the vendor name.
Hey Patty,
Love the video it makes me want to get a roof top tent even more now, thanks for the awesome review!
You lightbar on your bullbar looks awesome, but just so you are aware my friends have gotten pulled up by the cops about it and I wouldnt want that happening to you :) not trying to say it is bad or anything but I wanna make sure that my fav youtubers dont get pulled up for such a small thing!
awesome man. addressed all my queries and im sold.
That bridge at 2:33 thats not the bridge in wagga going over the Murrumbidgee river is it? It looks alot like it
Sure is! Good eye!
@@AussieArvos hahah. Im currently watching on the tv. So replying via phone. When was that mate? Would love to meet you someday I live in wagga so that bridge was very noticeable
The jingles of the zips on top of the sand dunes. Youd think santa and his deer where jingling around near by 😂
mattress in the back vs rooftop tent what's preference
What size tires are you guys running on, and are you happy with the performance of that size?
Great no nonsense review. I wrap a bit of electrical tape around the zip pulls and silicone spray rusting bits and zips for easier opening.
Gday Patrick. Do you think a little awning over the side windows, like what opens over the rear opening would be of any benefit ?
Iv been waiting for this video review, Its great to see OCAM taking the feedback and implementing the changes. Iv been contemplating upgrading from my swag into a roof top but just couldn't justify the prices on some of them. This one is just inside the budget and has some features i really like for example the mounting system for the awning and solar panels etc.
Thanks Shane! Having the ability to mount the gear you want where you want is awesome. Agreed, price as good as it is, roof top tents are expensive, so I'd only invest in one if your going to use it alot !
I'd like to see the top fold over the bottom to keep water out when the seals get older and start to perish a bit. Would only require a thin strip of aluminium bar. For anyone heavier than your featherweight stature, the open slats and a 40mm mattress would be very bad :) Having to put the pillows into the car sucks too. Can't put anything else on the roof rack, such as fuel or a spare tyre. All in all, Ocam gear is well thought out and well made, and they are a good crowd to deal with.
What a bloody good video. Very informative thanks mate
Where are these available from? Cant seem to find them online. Would really consider buying one
Great info esp from Aussie. Much love from NZ.
Shouldn't be hard to slip some rubber tube or maybe heatshrink over the zipper tabs to solve the jingling problem.
Looks like a great tent, may have to get one myself.
Sweet as Patrick. Real time reviews with real info. Love ya work mate. Love ya channel. Cheers 🍻
Thanks Jon! Much appreciated!
Can this one go on a dual cab with a canopy
A good honest review heat shrink that's good idea good solution floor mats
So I'm not sure if this has been asked but how did you find it if you needed to get out of the tent whilst it was raining. Did much water get into the tent? I currently have a kings fold out tent and it work well for getting out in the rain
Yeah as you can imagine hard to get in and out in the rain without getting a little wet
Quick fix on zips is use heat shrink. Very good and honest review.
great review, maybe try some heatshrink on the zip ends. see how that goes...
Hey mate, I'm from Warwick qld, on your zipper ends try getting some clear hose that slips over them tight, drill a hole through the end and put a zip ty through it, it won't make so much noise then 👍. Keep going, we like watching your show, your honest 👍👍👍👍the crotty clan