DIY Trailer / Roof Top Tent

[Maximus Ram]

There is one out there, DAC Explorer II, but it doesn't go to the ground.
I'm think I'll get a tarp with the approximate dimensions and see what I can fold it into for a basic design.
Necessity is the Mother of Invention as the saying goes....

 

[compactcamping]

Hmmm, if the dimensions are close enought, it seem like you could take a Mombasa changing room, add some snaps or velco and attach it around the hatch.

 

[Maximus Ram]

Ohhh, that is a possibility.....
Got me thinking, too, maybe one of those outdoor changing/shower enclosure may work ....
Ohh, the ideas are flowing......

Gotta wait to measure the hatch area when I get home now....

 

[18seeds]

 

[AxeAngel]

Any reviews. Comparisons to the wellknown brands.

-Sam

 

[18seeds]

Any reviews. Comparisons to the wellknown brands.

-Sam

For "low" mounted comparisons the only one i have found is the EZ Globetrotter. Besides the huge price difference the Globtrotters closed/travel size was larger than the bed of my truck.

The only other RTT i have seen is the ARB Simpson III (on display at Slee Offroad). I didn't like the size of the doors and how small the overhang was. I did like how all the windows screens opened on the ARB as well as having an entrance on both ends.

 

[compactcamping]

Sam, there have been no formal reviews to date. For fabric performance, you could search for Springbar tents. These are from the some fabric that their tent line is made from.

18seeds, your setup came out very nice!

 

[18seeds]

I'm not much of the type of person to write review but happy to answer any questions. I have only spent 2 nights in it so far. Hardly enough seat time.

I will note that it was pretty windy one day. the tent happened to be positioned so that the door was down wind. Worked out great. Material and craftsmanship is top notch.

I overbuilt my platform. Version 2 is going to be much lighter.

 

[compactcamping]

Which way to fold platform out?

Being the type that is always looking at how to make things better, I've been debating which side of the platform is better to have fold out.

I'm curious on people preference and why for having the door side, like it currently is or the foot end, like on an old VenturCraft be the side that folds out?

Thanks

 

[Squatchout]

I'll throw in my 2 cents as I'm thinking hard about one of these tents. One of the questions I've had is about weight supporting on the open head end. Does the tent support the weight or the hinge? I don't see body bracing on the open end. I can see people climbing up and sitting on that side of the tent base. I would think having the foot end fold would make the opening end stronger as it would be further back onto the racks or base.

Next is just my feeeling on years of tent camping. I believe the norm is the head end open because that where yu want the tall part of the tent for head room. However, I prefer getting in at the foot end just because that way you track stuff ONTO the bed not INTO the bed when entering.

Also have you or are you thinking of adding a longer zip on room so this could also be used as a RTT as well as a TTT? I take it the tent can be used without the changinging room. How about a longer ladder? Are those avail from you? If I bought one it would be for trailer use primarily but it would be nice to be able to throw it on the truck racks when I'm towing the Bass boat.

 

[compactcamping]

Squatchout, thanks for the input

The side of the platform that folds open is supported by a ledger between the two platform halves on one side and a ladder like in 18seeds pictures above or diagonal braces like this.

In theory you could sleep with your head at either end, the short end, which I refer to as the foot end is 1'-9" tall.

18seeds above is a good example of building a full platform like in a RTT and mounting it to racks. The current change room is good for plaform heights of 60". Yes, it can be used without the changing room. There are a couple of ladder options available.

 

[Squatchout]

If you don't mind I'd like to give you some feed back on this design as a potential customer. Food for thought if you will. I've been very interested in the Moab tent. I like everything about the design except the foot print is just a little too small for ME for what I want at this point in my life. I understand the Compact Camping Concept. I was a backpacker for many years and still do a bit of canoe camping.

But I'm a big man 6' + 235#s in my 50's now and arthritis is kicking my behind. Still very active but kinda like a bit more comfort these days. I'm not comfortable sleeping cramped in a mummy bag or on the ground anymore unless I have to. I just bought 2 new cool weather rectangular sleeping bags. They are 34" x 80" which is pretty typical of the breed. Some are 34" x 84". I'm also using this as a sleeping pad and it's the best I've ever slept on. It seems to be very popular and on a 80" x 30" cot it's a great match for my new sleeping bags. Almost as nice as my bed at home. Neither really fits in this tent.
http://www.rei.com/product/778153

I'd love for these and my bags to fit in the floor with a little room to spare. Just space enough to get your arms above your head a little and have a place to keep your boots and clothes inside but not on top of the sleeping bag. For those times when you don't want or need the changing room such as occasionally using it for a RTT.

Also many folks sleep on inflatable air beds. A queen sized one is 60" X 80". As your tent doesn't come with a mattress these would be very viable options for the DIYer you've aimed this tent at.

My next thought is I have an M416 and many here do or some copy of one. The outside box dimensions of the trailer are roughly 74" L x 51"W. This gives some room to play with size wise.

For me if this tent was on a foot print of 72" x 96" as opposed to the current 56" x 84" it would open up the comfort factor and options for outfitting for many of us. It would get rid of the need for backpacking pads or custom mattresses.

I do realize that your dimensions fit fine with the typical backpacking standard pad of 20"-24" x 72"-77" and a pair of mummy's.

I actually taped out both dimensions on my basement floor along with some card board for edging and laid out my bags and such in place. I could live with 56"x 84" if I had too. But a few more inches and it would be darn near perfect. I know your design is in production and I'm way late to this thread but as I said just my .02.

 

[compactcamping]

Squatchout, thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts. It's always useful to get as much input as possible.

As a "one man show", there is only so many hours in the day. I have my hands fully refining the current design/footprint and don't forsee a "family" size version in the near future. Although it's worth noting your not the only person requesting me to make a larger version.

 

[Squatchout]

Thanks for listening. I didn't expect you to jump all over my ideas tomorrow or anything. But in my job I've learned over the years that you don't know what the customer wants if they don't tell you. I also feel it makes sense to tell the company why you want what you do. Helps them to understand the market. Important for the little shop.
I've always been about supporting the "little guy" especially when they make stuff here in the good old USA. Even more so lately. I'm fed up with spending good money on shoddy products from companies with no customer service. Spending the extra to get something from a small shop when ever I can afford it usually pays off in a better product that lasts longer. You don't get custom from wally world. I'm starting to really believe that the future of this country is with cottage industries. The big guys seem to more into shipping work elsewhere. Much better to have a few nice well made items that get used alot because they are well suited to what you want. Beats a house full of junk everytime. Best of luck with this venture.

 

[Van_Homan]

Squatchout, thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts. It's always useful to get as much input as possible.

As a "one man show", there is only so many hours in the day. I have my hands fully refining the current design/footprint and don't forsee a "family" size version in the near future. Although it's worth noting your not the only person requesting me to make a larger version.

I really like this set up.