Roof Rack dilemna

[JSQ]

I would never even try to sleep inside my Disco, even though it hasn't had the backseats in for six or seven years.

The majority of the time the Disco set-up is nice and simple.

And if the weather requires I've never complained about the apparently-ever-so-painful-and-lengthy process of setting up a tent.

But some vehicles do lend themselves to sleeping inside. And if they do, it's a great way to go.

 

[Snagger]

I'm amazed at how polarized opinions are on this. That shows little thinking on the posters' parts. There is no right or wrong when choosing whther to go for ground or roof tents - there are simply too many variables.

It is interesting that RTTs are regarded as unfashionable over there - they're all the rage in Europe and I have been midly tempted myself.

RTTs are great if just two of you are camping, the camping location has muddy or rock hard ground (making pitching difficult or messy), lots of bugs or predatory animals or you will be confined to one space only a little larger than the vehicle.

Ground tents allow carriage or more kit on the roof at lower CoG, much more spacious accommodation, especially for families, use of bigger tents ifspace is unlimited, allow for the tent to be erected if there are multiple spaces but none larger than the vehicle footprint and don't wobble around in strong winds.

You then have to factor in personal preferences like agility and medical well being, any vertigo and such, age (I wouldn't let young kids use an RTT), and the type of trip you are doing; a RTT is great if you're moving on every day, but if you are staying camped in the same position but driving locally, a ground tent is far better.

You also have to look at the specific tents. I think the Caranex tents are overpriced, overly heavy and over-rated. I also think that as cool as typical roof tents look, their weight and time taken to depoly and pack make them infoerior to the clamshell Maggies (not the rectangular wind-up ones, but the folding wedge shaped ones that take less than 30 seconds up or down). Then again, they take the entire roof pace, not just half of it...

The idea of fitting folding RTT on a trailer has merit too, if you are going on a rtrip that warrants a trailer. Sleeping inside the vehicle is the neatest solution, but you need a big enough vehicle to store all the trip's kit under the sleeping platform and you can only sleep two like that, ruling out families...

Like I said, swings and roundabouts. I'm just sorry to hear JRose go to all that trouble and expense for such a quick negative reaction.

 

[Scott Brady]

Great photo Jack

Ground tents are a pain when traveling for months at a time (with daily set-up and tear-down) or in nasty weather. For a few weeks in the Southwest or Baja, they are probably the better choice (after sleeping under the stars, without a tent.) I have found the Nemo airbeam tents are super fast, which is a bonus.

Of course, this is just my take on things, having spent quite a bit of time in RTTs, ground tents, bivvys and even the EarthRoamer and Doormobile. I find that the longer the period of time traveling is, the more I desire efficiency. I suppose that is why I am hoping for an inside the truck option.

My first choice has always been a cot under the stars, if the environment allows. . .

 

[Scott Brady]

I'm amazed at how polarized opinions are on this. That shows little thinking on the posters' parts. There is no right or wrong when choosing whther to go for ground or roof tents - there are simply too many variables.

It is interesting that RTTs are regarded as unfashionable over there - they're all the rage in Europe and I have been midly tempted myself.

If you read the responses, and view the images people are posting, they tell the whole story. I really do not think many of the posts are polarizing, just reflecting the individual's travel style.

For example, most that use ground tents travel for short periods of time, usually less than a week or two, and not in muddy, soggy conditions.

Most that use RTT on top of the vehicle are traveling on more moderate routes, which is no big deal.

My point of view is that you must FIRST decide where you are going to travel and for how long and how technical you want the terrain to be, THEN you decide what vehicle to use/modify and how to camp out/in/on it.

It is impossible to say one method is best for everything, because each method is a compromise in some fashion.

 

[R_Lefebvre]

You also have to look at the specific tents. I think the Caranex tents are overpriced, overly heavy and over-rated. I also think that as cool as typical roof tents look, their weight and time taken to depoly and pack make them infoerior to the clamshell Maggies (not the rectangular wind-up ones, but the folding wedge shaped ones that take less than 30 seconds up or down). Then again, they take the entire roof pace, not just half of it...

The folding wedge ones you mention are called Columbus, FYI. Not sure why you draw much of a distinction between the two. The rectangular Maggiolinas don't take long to set up or down. Typically for me about 1 minute to put up, about 2-3 minutes to pack. The Columbus is maybe 15 seconds to get up, and probably 1-2 minutes to pack, so not a huge difference really.

I compare that to 30 minutes set up and 30 minutes pack down for a big ground tent. Even more when chasing toddlers around. Add another 30 minutes up and down for a dining tent, and we're up to 2 hours per day to make and break camp.

 

[Stan the Man]

If you read the responses, and view the images people are posting, they tell the whole story. I really do not think many of the posts are polarizing, just reflecting the individual's travel style.

For example, most that use ground tents travel for short periods of time, usually less than a week or two, and not in muddy, soggy conditions.

Most that use RTT on top of the vehicle are traveling on more moderate routes, which is no big deal.

My point of view is that you must FIRST decide where you are going to travel and for how long and how technical you want the terrain to be, THEN you decide what vehicle to use/modify and how to camp out/in/on it.

It is impossible to say one method is best for everything, because each method is a compromise in some fashion.

Great post! Although the more you set up your tent, the quicker you get at it; I don't think I could do a month in a ground tent. If I was going on a really really long trip, I would get myself a RTT. For the shorter (say two weeks) trip, the ground tent could be more than enough.

 

[revor]

After years of ground tent camping my wife was done with it. We tried a variety of ideas but in the end the RTT is what has worked out best and pretty darn comfortable (bring your Gatorade bottle).

I have the one on top of my 110 (the "RV") when the entire family goes along. If it's just the wife and I we will take the Disco with the tent that is mounted on the M416 (ish)trailer, it also goes along if there are four of us but behind the 110.
If I were to go alone I would prefer a Swag over a regular tent

 

[Snagger]

The folding wedge ones you mention are called Columbus, FYI. Not sure why you draw much of a distinction between the two. The rectangular Maggiolinas don't take long to set up or down. Typically for me about 1 minute to put up, about 2-3 minutes to pack. The Columbus is maybe 15 seconds to get up, and probably 1-2 minutes to pack, so not a huge difference really.

I compare that to 30 minutes set up and 30 minutes pack down for a big ground tent. Even more when chasing toddlers around. Add another 30 minutes up and down for a dining tent, and we're up to 2 hours per day to make and break camp.

I have no objection to the rectangular Maggies, but the Columbus (thanks) seem better from what I've seen on trips - unlatch and they open themselves within 5 seconds ont heir gas struts, and less than 30s to put away with all the bedding gear loose inside. The Maggies work fine; they share most of the advantages, but have slightly more weight, take a little more time and effort but do have more internal space. If I had the money and inclination for a RTT, I'd want a Columbus.

As for ground tents, my point was that if you're moving each day, packing up ground tents is a real pain, but if you're static, then they avoid having to pack away everything every time you leave camp. My ground tent (Quecha) sleeps four with a 7'x7' room in the middle and only weighs 14 kg (30') and takes under a minute to fully erect and peg out and under three minutes to fully pack. It's a very good compromise between the base camp/daily move problem with the only disadvantages being the possiblity of trying to pitch on rock (can be done, but guys are needed in strong winds), bog or areas infested with nasty insects.

As I said, though, and as you agreed, my point is that there are no right or wrong general preferences - you have to consider the exact trip, weather, terrain, vehicle and people involved.

 

[R_Lefebvre]

As for ground tents, my point was that if you're moving each day, packing up ground tents is a real pain, but if you're static, then they avoid having to pack away everything every time you leave camp.

That's why an RTT on a trailer is the ultimate solution. All the comforts, and you can leave it behind for a day trip.

 

[Snagger]

That's why an RTT on a trailer is the ultimate solution. All the comforts, and you can leave it behind for a day trip.

But towing a trailer around the mountains, sand or mud is no fun, and it costs a lot more to use ferries, trains (Eurotunnel) and camp sites... Again, pros and cons.

 

[ersatzknarf]

Sleeping Inside

Here you are : http://www.carmaeleon.com/

please do.

 

[RoverMack]

My light weight RTT solution. (Scotland to Cape Town SA and back) from a few years ago :ylsmoke:.

RTT on a SD rack using cross bars as mentioned in an earlier post.

One previously overlooked use for a roof rack is as a mobile elevated platform to practice skate board jumps from (my son).

 

[007]

Nothing on the roof if at all possible. If you have stuff on the roof, you either have the wrong car, too much stuff, or are not solving the space problems correctly. Get the fuel and water down low - really low, like at the frame level in extra tanks.

I can see the argument for a lightweight rack used only for a photography platform or reserve capacity (for firewood or contents of a disabled vehicle).

I loved my Eezi-Awn, but only mounted it at bed level on a truck, or on a trailer. Trust me, I would love a RTT on my disco or JK for comfort and convenience, but I use a ground tent. It is all a compromise, and in my case, a compromise in-favor of performance and safety.

Stuff on the rack is a compromise to performance and safety - that is a fact. If you still must put things on the roof, keep the weight forward and light as possible. Anything over 120 lbs with the rack should be treated with extreme caution. Talk with any dynamics engineer if you doubt. . .

Qouted because everyone should read this post until they can recite it.

 

[lwg]

Qouted because everyone should read this post until they can recite it.

Once again, it's an opinion, not to be taken as gospel...

 

[007]

Once again, it's an opinion, not to be taken as gospel...

My opinion on physics is that they are real.