Roof Top Tent - Brutally Honest Pros AND Cons
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 12 มิ.ย. 2024
- RE-POST FROM BIG ROCK MEDIA (now Big Rock Moto)
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Roof Top Tent - Brutally Honest Pros AND Cons
Because something is popular, that means it's good, right? Well, no, of course not. I talk about the truthful ups and down of using a roof top tent. Practical applications and what you will appreciate, but what you also might hate. It's not all instagram glamour, you will need to understand the downsides before making this expensive purchase. RTT's are not for everyone, they were designed for serious overland traveling but have been adopted by the weekend crowd (including myself). Is that a good thing? (roof top tent vs ground tent)
00:00 Intro
00:58 Pros
05:15 Cons
14:41 Final Thoughts
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Honest comparison from me... I have been camping all my life, from elk hunting every year at 10,000 feet in the snow, to family time in the states. Toyota Sequoia 23zero RTT on the rack. No more 8 mpg pulling a camper which is huge problems with another axel and roof to maintain and cant go off road to some awesome places. No more spending half hr setting up and trenching a ground tent and waking up soaked from a storm. Constant battle keeping mud out. No more rocky and uneven ground to deal with, not to mention the bears etc. It takes 5 minutes to set up our RTT and were out of the elements with a view with tons of comfort. 2 mpg loss is nothing compares to pulling a trailer. It's well worth what we have invested. I think the important part is the vehicle it's mounted on. Have some power or don't get to big a tent. Have a good wind deflection in front from the rack. Get bikes or in our case E-bikes mounted on the back for travel to the store or exploring. It's really a great rig but takes time to afford investing in everything but nothing in comparison to any kind of trailer.. I also made a $150 dollar power winch lift for removal. One piece at a time they say.
My wife and I moved up to a roof top a few years ago and everything you say is true. But, we can make the bed almost as comfortable as home and that is a huge deal. Until we retire and go full trailer, that will keep us camping.
Living in the UK we dont worry about bears and cougars and wolves. We do have one fox but we think it lives in Scotland
😂😂😂😂😂
thank you simon pegg
This was really helpful. We live near the ocean and would like to camp near the beach overnight to catch some paddleboarding early in the morning. A tent straight on the sand is not fun and dangerous (several people were killed recently when a truck ran over the tent during the night) so being up and off the ground is a big deal. You have some really good points made and a lot to think about. Thanks for taking the time.
I hog hunt in Texas, and we’ve had some 200-300lb. pigs come through in a sounder and root through camp, and being off the ground is a huge relief. Not too worried about mountain lions and stuff, but man, I’ve been in a ground tent and have been awakened in the middle of the night by the sound of pigs just outside the tent and it is not a good feeling. To me, that’s the #1 pro to a roof top tent for my use.
Great points on roof top tents. I’ve decided to go against the grain and pack my suv as if I’m backpack camping. Everything light and packable. Seems as if everyone wants to bring a house to the camp site. The simplicity of camping gets lost. I like pitching up a tent on the ground. Not instant pop tent. It gives you something to look forward to and do at the camp site. Just my thoughts. All the gear does look great on the jeep. But gas ain’t cheap. To each there own. As long as it makes you happy and enjoy the outdoors. That’s all that matters. Enjoy!! Life is too short . Make memories.
Hey! Just wanted to say I love your style and subtle humour! Thanks for the great video
Awesome, honest info! Right or wrong, this video would keep me from ever going the rooftop tent route. So appreciate the honesty. Keep up the great work, between this and the Gladiator 1-year review, subbed to this channel for quality info!!
Awesome, thank you!
Excellent overview. I’ve considered a set up like this, but find I hard to justify that I’d need to buy everything, including a new vehicle. For the amount we camp each year, our ground tents/cabin rental combos work well. Now, if something like this was available for me AT AS, well, THAT I’d seriously consider. 🤣
Thanks Ian! Great stuff.
You have made some excellent points...... I used a rooftop tent to travel for six months around Australia and found it fantastic.... quick and easy to set up and extremely comfortable. Although having said that, the major downside was being stuck in place when set up. This really came home when camping on the Nullarbor South Australia when a brown snake made an appearance in camp. Subsequent camping trips we moved the rooftop tent to a 4wd trailer and it worked perfectly....
Trailers all the way.
sorry but how was the snake a downside for the RTT?
Couldn't you just go inside your car to avoid the snake?
@@godhimself1128 The incident highlighted the need for a quick evacuation in case of emergency, medical or otherwise........ with the tent on the trailer, you just unhook and go. Now do you understand my point?
Thank you. This was informative. I agree with you on most of the points. I’m still looking and evaluating. I think I’ll use normal tent instead of over the top.
Weighing the pros and cons of putting one of these on my Jeep WranglerJLUR. Realistically I would use this 5-6 times a year to basecamp out of while I ride my KTM 500 which I carry on a hitch carrier. Currently I’m just carrying a large plastic tote that contains a tent and hammock rig that I choose when I get to camp. I use an air mattress in the tent. Also pro tip, I have a dedicated 1L Nalgene bottle so I don’t have to leave my tent at 2am. 😉
Thank you very much for the pros, but mainly about the cons. I see your point of view from every aspect you mention.
I literally was going to invest in a RTT this week, I really do think I have to have a think again about doing so.
Thanks again from here in the UK 👍
I have a pick up (I'm in Scotland, UK) and was contemplating getting a roof tent simply so I could de-dog the cab and have them in the loadbay instead, but the cons you mentioned I'd thought of too, so I might just get a 270⁰ awning instead and put my mattress in the loadbay as usual. Current set up is a custom made loadbay tent as I don't have a canopy. A hardtop canopy with windows is on my priority list. You've helped me cement my decision. Thanks.
Great pros and cons list. Embarrassed to say I hadn’t really thought of how once your setup your car is staying put. Thanks for sharing.
So…that was hilarious. Even more funny than the insert photos was your expression before a scene cut. 😂😂
Thank you for being so objective. The video was really helpful
Cougar 🤣😆😆😆😄👏👍
Great review, mentioned things I didn’t think about!
Moisture and ventilation after it’s wet. Actual weight to get on off the vehicle(my Range Rover is quite high) and so the windows/vents access opposite side to the ladder.
Vehicle handling (fuel economy goes without saying) Never thought of C of G and cornering, maybe I just didn’t realise the weight?
No drive away like an awning..
Good review I’ve subscribed now.
Still thinking about it though (in the UK) summer is when I need it, and it’ll probably rain anyway.
That was very informative and unbiased. Thanks!
Just bought a new Tacoma TRD Pro. Great information to consider. Really like the idea of a roof top tent but after watching this it will have to be relatively easy to remove. Thank you
Thank you for this helpful video. we are considering buying one to complete a major walking project that will take us into areas where pitching a ground tent would not be suitable. There are many positives and the major con for us would be being able to get it on and off our vehicle once our trip is over. The condensation issue too is one that we would need to think carefully about as the area we are visiting is quite rainy plus getting in and out during the night being an older couple. Do you have awnings tea you can attach to the side for changing purposes?
I’m not yet put off but I did find your information has given a lot of food for thought.
Very informative and humorous at the same time thx.
Thank you for sharing a frank & informative review on roof tent!
I’m planning to buy a hard shell roof tent from ikamper .when I don’t used I will remove from my truck.thanks for you information I really put attention to the pro and downside.👍
Hysterical!!!! Cougar!!! I spit out my coffee!!!! Awesome
Good information. Many thanks 👍🏽
Well said, great points. I really see a lot of them for sale now. At significantly lower prices. I am considering one for some remote camping as I'm in Colorado/Utah area and retired.
You did a good video, informative and with knowledge.
It seems like i will look for a hardbox rofftop-tent. Simple popup, and hopfully less condensation issues. 🙂
thanks for sharing your pros and cons, I also don't want to carry all that weight on my daily driver. the big tires themselves eat a lot of gas by itself so putting a roof tent I can imagine how it will destroy my mileage.
I really appreciate this video. Thank you for the information.
Good info!! You certainly gave me some things to think about here! Thanks for the insight.
I think your right on point and I do like the idea of a overland trailer.
Awesome information! How much does it affect the MPG on your rubicon? I have the same vehicle and I’m getting ready to set mine up for a trip next spring.
Good video thanks. What is the instant ground tent you mention that you use?
Good review, thanks.
Mounted relatively low on an off-road-capable trailer is the way I went with mine. Make camp, unhook from the trailer and go play. And you're only dragging the tent setup around when you go camping.
$$$$$$
Great video, thanks for the info!
After reviewing many pros & cons .. I’ve decided for
1)most reasonably price Campoint Hard shell RTT ..
2) a hoist system for ease of mounting/dismounting and ceiling storage
Good points, been thinking about purchasing one. Anything overlanding style tents (roof) or ground are priced high. Like you said for only a few times a year doesn't make much sense. With my son and our 2 dogs there wouldn't be enough room and getting the dogs in and out would be no fun... Thank you for your video
Very nice video. Like your sense of humor. Just subscribed
Sir despite talking of the cons and prons I personally like your tent. It is very nice indeed, kindly share me the link I want to purchase this one.
Thanks for the video. While I like the upsides - the downsides seem just too much for what me and my family do. Appreciate the honest review!
Excellent review thanks
I went the rooftop tent route.. figured it would work as i trailer my rzr so it's not sitting on the toy i want to play with
Thanks for the great information. We were thinking of getting one for our Rav4 but after this it is a Noooo!! Tks again!
Why is it a big no?
No matter where I overland and set up tent, internet always says theres cougars in my area. Thank god for roof top tents!
Cougar will jump over your tent if it wants to…
I'm not sold on getting one. 2 cons got me. One, once it's set up, your not moving. Two, having it on there all the time losing mileage is not good. I have a toyota rav4 and mainly for mileage. I will stick to my ground tents. Thank you for a great video.
Fair enough!
Totally cool I would get the best sleep in one of those
Do you have a link to buy one on this video ?
Great Video!!
Very helpful!
Given what I learned, I believe a roof top tent isn’t for me. And saved me money in the end.
To each there own and roof top tents. Not hating. To me though RRTs offer two things: easy set up on the more expensive ones and the feeling of being in a treehouse. The cons far outweigh the pros for me. Bears will have no problem getting into an RRT. At all. They are professional climbers. Keeping small critters out of a ground tents requires zipper discipline. I have options with a hammock, a 4- man 3 season hybrid, and an 8 man 4 season. Being the right sleep system for the job. All three of these cost less
Combined than a good RRT. And I am not camping in Coleman and ENO sleeping systems. Again though, if you are and RRT person, go for it.
excellent video - I'm on the fence still....
Excellent objective critique
This video is very accurate to what he is saying. Pretty much everything on point. But yeah taking it off and putting it on I mean I can be done and if you aren't going to use it often than that would probably be worth the trouble. Personally I don't care about the gas mileage because eventually my 17 tacoma is going to be just for good times when I pick up a small commuter vehicle so I leave mine on. That way I'm always ready for an adventure. Also what he said like the single that he has they are much bigger than when open than the hard shell ones. I'm 6ft and don't touch either end and I really love that. Plenty of room for 3 people 2 adults and one kid.
Awesome thanks 😊
love this
Would there be structural damage for small coupe cars? Ventura says no issue for mini coupers and audi tts. I'm not worried about mpg (thats obvious) just structural damage to the car. Bolts and washers on the rack / tent base replacements are fine. Just worried about chasis of car.. thanks!
I just bought a truck and I’m looking at these. Am I missing something? I’ve only watched 2 videos so far. But it seems if I build a foldable platform myself and then put the ordinary tent on that, I get the benefit of being off the ground and having much less expense and weight. My tent tie down attachments would also be more secure than the ground.
awesome points !!
What brand are those traction boards?
thanks 4 the pro + cons
If i had a garrage, and one of these, i would certainly build some form of either manual(hoist chain) or motor driven(could use a cheap harbor freight pull motor) to lift it up to the ceiling both for storage and lack of enthusiastic helpers. Out side of having a garage, a 'rack' could be built in a drive way or similar to 'slide' the tent off on to it, think ive seen videos on this method somewhere.
For the mileage issue, yeah placement is key on these. On most truck beds a simple rack across the bed even shorter then yours would be best, both for helping with aerodynamics and center of gravity(lower the better). Also placing it close as possible to the cabin of the truck would help with that slip stream.
I do see people who keep theirs on year round... their trucks are generally spotless and they work 40+ hour office jobs, must be nice to afford that fuel bill each fill up these days ;)
I’m considering getting one but is it easy to take off? What do people do when they want to was their car in an automated car wash?
Thinking of getting one for a while now. After this video, I’ll be thinking much much longer about getting one. 🤣
Maybe it would be better putting one on an off-road trailer rather than directly on your vehicle. Would eliminate some of the cons. Excellent video. Thanks!
Thank you
Subbed. Thanks!
One good thing is shade too! On a hot day you can sit underneath
Good review...
I think of getting one but going to put it on a trailer
True bro!
I need to stand up in a tent, I don't need a ladder when 2am pee is required. Overland ish supply what I need.
What make is your tent
Yeah, that cougar is one i would want to keep out....
Why does a tent on a car need to be so heavy and sturdy compared to a normal tent?
It really should be possible to do a rooftent within a 20x weight of a lightweight tent (thus 20-25kg)...
Or maybe not?
Love the pic inserts😂 this is the most informative video I’ve found so far! Thank you so much, these were awesome points⛺️
thanks!
Well said.
@ Couger I bouhgt it right away :D
Thanks for your advice you have a point regarding the fuel costs if you're not taking any trips you can take your roof top classic tentbox off your car and store it either in your home or garage this can be stored on its side propped against a wall I think the concept of roof top tents are ideal because they have many advantages you can turn your car into a small camper car you also don't need to spend money on B&Bs or hotels which can be very expensive when travelling from place to place the other advantage of a hard shell roof top tent is is so quick and easy to assemble my advice is if the side of your tent box canvas is wet wipe it down with a towel before closing it obviously if this is a problem my advice would be to carry a small step ladder to do this job so the rain is stopped now you could pull easily into any supermarket find a parking space or even a petrol station to wipe down your tentbox what's a few microfiber cloths which are ideal and then close down the tentbox boxing back on your journey tent box classic is very easy to put up and down with the four straps that secure down the tent box these would be important things to do from time to time to keep the canvas clean and clear of any mildew and smell as this job would be important and wise to do from time to time the tent box classic is fairly light I think it's round about 65 kg yes they can be expensive at least know you have a car that is called Hotel Skoda thank you Jesus as you can park up anywhere I N a safe parking zone you don't have to be on a campsite I think these are the added benefits of having tent box on your car much more comfortable when sleeping at night and in my understanding I N certain bad weather's when is gale force winds probably be best just to sleep in your car and not damage your tent and it would be a lot more quiet too
The blow up doll out of nowhere wtf 😂
no one talks about the best winter option
When it comes to camping, I always follow the KISS principle. Keep it simple stupid. Rooftop tents are not simple.
I like my review
Tha cougar looked very dangerous
Seems like a lot of the cons are solved by mounting it on a trailer instead of a car
I'd much rather have a slide out from the truck bed personally.
The information was very helpful and helped me consider the realities I might not have thought of without the experience. I fit the description of it working for me, but it helped me think through that. I liked the little humorous pictures, like the elephant, but was put off by the sexualized ones, the scantily clad woman and the blow up doll. Not appropriate nor, for me, expected in this topic. It stopped me from subscribing and will make this channel not a first choice to watch about camping.
I tree planted for a number of years and, never not once did a bear, cougar or boar ever come close to camp, I'm talking up here in British Columbia not some lame US national Park.
Biggest pro - nobody can drive over your tent after they make it back to the camp after their night out.
Biggest Con - no longer fitting into some underground car parks.
Do you really want to leave a 100kg RTT plus rack on your daily drive ? I dont. Excess weight up top is your enemy.
Ozzie here.
Buy a decent swag. Eg, our Darche Nebula plus 1550. It has a hutch we use for random gear, but many people use it as a dog kennel. It has a removable fly sceen partition betwen the hutch and the main area.
Very roomy for 2 people. We also have an Exped mega mat 15 duo in there, on top of other 50mm air mats, and thus have 20mm of supreme comfort matress.
Takes approx 2mins to rollout and erect the hoops, amn about the same time to rollup.
We use to top of our car for a kayak.
When I surveyed in the outback of Oz, I spent at least 300 nights in a swag. Everyone who works in the remote outback uses a swag.
The Nebula plus is basically a ruggard small tent you leave all your bedding in, and roll up. We love it..
Very interesting to ear you and I think I won’t buy this.
Put it on a trailer and call it a day
Bears can climb
Putting on a RTT just to go to an established campground doesn’t seem worth it.
Thanks for the common sense of roof top tents. I was getting influenced by all the overlander social fad posts. And then u framed it. Do the math. $2500 for rook racks and $2500 for tent. Then u set up and can’t drive away. Naw, I’ll pass. Buy a trailer and pull it, drop it, set up for $5k. 🎉 + I can’t bring my dog into the tent and changing after long day paddling. That looks like work to climb all the time. Pass.
I think you could do without the blow up doll and cougar.. weird
Too many downsides🧐..campervan sounds better