DIY Trailer / Roof Top Tent
- Thread starter compactcamping
- Start date
compactcamping
Explorer
Digs, yes, 56" is the front to rear dimension on my trailer in the pictures and 84" is the dimension hanging over the side of the trailer. If your trailer is 41" tall you have plenty of room to work with, my trailer pictured earlier is 44" tall.
I need to weight it, my guess is 25-35 lbs, the bows breakdown so it packs small for easy shipping. Compared to shipping a standard RTT, I expect shipping costs to be maybe a 1/3 or less.
The change room prototype was made from a high-quality 200D coated nylon. At this time I'm planning on using it instead of canvas because it's much easier to clean with the ground contact than canvas.
Yes the project is moving slower than I'd like, although my philosophy is different than MicroSoft's, I want to get it right before I release it
It will definitely be ready for early Spring 2010 and I expect to have some available before the end of the year.
I need to weight it, my guess is 25-35 lbs, the bows breakdown so it packs small for easy shipping. Compared to shipping a standard RTT, I expect shipping costs to be maybe a 1/3 or less.
The change room prototype was made from a high-quality 200D coated nylon. At this time I'm planning on using it instead of canvas because it's much easier to clean with the ground contact than canvas.
Yes the project is moving slower than I'd like, although my philosophy is different than MicroSoft's, I want to get it right before I release it
It will definitely be ready for early Spring 2010 and I expect to have some available before the end of the year.
compactcamping
Explorer
Thanks 7wt.
Abel Villesca
Explorer
Very impressive. :victory:
mcunningham25
New member
Love it!
I have been looking at RTT's for a while but just cant afford it. I can build just abut anything though. A couple of thoughts from my point, zippers on the inside (dont like the idea of getting out to do up the windows), weight (min. is better), water proof is a must, adjustable legs(some of the best spots is on unlevel ground). There is a guy in Twin Falls Idaho named Kevin Jogensen at Jorgensen Fabrics that has done alot of stuff like this. He makes boat covers, wall tents, custom jeep tops and such. I talked to him last year about a custom rtt canvas and he was all for it jut need to come up with the plans for it. I also think a self inflating bed would be great. I have a TJ so space is a huge issue. It would be a great thing though. Keep all of us posted!:wings:
I have been looking at RTT's for a while but just cant afford it. I can build just abut anything though. A couple of thoughts from my point, zippers on the inside (dont like the idea of getting out to do up the windows), weight (min. is better), water proof is a must, adjustable legs(some of the best spots is on unlevel ground). There is a guy in Twin Falls Idaho named Kevin Jogensen at Jorgensen Fabrics that has done alot of stuff like this. He makes boat covers, wall tents, custom jeep tops and such. I talked to him last year about a custom rtt canvas and he was all for it jut need to come up with the plans for it. I also think a self inflating bed would be great. I have a TJ so space is a huge issue. It would be a great thing though. Keep all of us posted!:wings:
compactcamping
Explorer
Thanks ...
As you'll notice, from my first prototype, to the production prototype, I switched to inside window flaps. Making this change, I was also able to improve the window design for great ventilation in poor weather.
Yes keeping weight to a minimum is a good objective, although when designing for longevity, some extra weight will work it's way in.
I prefer to have fixed legs that go from the platform bottom to the trailer frame. That way the folding part of the platform is alway level to the portion fixed on the trailer top. Then you level the trailer. You can also use an adjustable ladder on the folding portion typical on RTTs.
Yes, keeping the elements out is important, getting wet is no fun.
Using a self-inflating mattress will give you additional storage space inside the tent when it's folded up.
As you'll notice, from my first prototype, to the production prototype, I switched to inside window flaps. Making this change, I was also able to improve the window design for great ventilation in poor weather.
Yes keeping weight to a minimum is a good objective, although when designing for longevity, some extra weight will work it's way in.
I prefer to have fixed legs that go from the platform bottom to the trailer frame. That way the folding part of the platform is alway level to the portion fixed on the trailer top. Then you level the trailer. You can also use an adjustable ladder on the folding portion typical on RTTs.
Yes, keeping the elements out is important, getting wet is no fun.
Using a self-inflating mattress will give you additional storage space inside the tent when it's folded up.
ntsqd
Heretic Car Camper
'My' TrailBlazer has it's support leg intended to make ground contact. It always takes some fiddling to get it set right. One of my projects for the trailer is to convert this to index on the trailer's frame. One setting only. Then I can do it in the dark in the pouring rain and know that it is right the first time.
compactcamping
Explorer
Yes, supporting the platform to the frame like a traditional tent trailer does, simplifies setup. Then you can rapidly level it using a 2-way bubble level.
compactcamping
Explorer
Not waterproof, but very water resistant, the silicone treatment makes rain bead up and roll off nicely, and it doesn't wick moisture in if you touch it in the rain. Not sure what the measurement on a hydrostatic head pressure test / column test is for the fabric, I'll see what I can find out.
Last edited:
compactcamping
Explorer
It has a name!
After much pondering, I've finally decided on a name for the DIY Trailer Top tent. A M.O.A.B. (Mobile Outdoor Adventure Bedroom) tent unit.
What do people think?
Also, I can now share that I'm working with Kirkham’s Outdoor Products, the award winning maker of Springbar Tents to turn this project into reality. So you can expect the same high quality and craftmanship that you find in their line of tents in the MOAB.
Should have a schedule for making the first small batch of these by the end of next week.
After much pondering, I've finally decided on a name for the DIY Trailer Top tent. A M.O.A.B. (Mobile Outdoor Adventure Bedroom) tent unit.
What do people think?
Also, I can now share that I'm working with Kirkham’s Outdoor Products, the award winning maker of Springbar Tents to turn this project into reality. So you can expect the same high quality and craftmanship that you find in their line of tents in the MOAB.
Should have a schedule for making the first small batch of these by the end of next week.
