Super Doody
Explorer
paulj said:
Wow that thing is cool and light weight. Looks like I still storage surfboards on top. I wonder comfortable it is. Thanks for the link.
Roof top sleeping idea
- Thread starter snowbrock
- Start date
Wow that thing is cool and light weight. Looks like I still storage surfboards on top. I wonder comfortable it is. Thanks for the link.
devinsixtyseven
Explorer
I like the idea of the rooftop "shelf" where you can put anything you want, as long as you're ok pitching a tent up there (or pitching on the ground and hucking it up) it sounds like a very good solution.
I do think tho that the difference between a "standard" rooftop tent and pitching a normal ground tent on a roof rack is ease of pitching and stowing, and comfort. Personally I'd be more inclined to just leave a ground tent on the ground rather than try to pitch it or move it on top of the vehicle. I do see a benefit tho in that 3-season, you can put an air mattress up there, get off rough terrain, get a better view, and probably sleep more comfortably...plus you're guaranteed a place to tie it down, extend the fly and whatnot.
That Oasis II is really nice! But is it 3-season or 4-season? Anyone know?
I do think tho that the difference between a "standard" rooftop tent and pitching a normal ground tent on a roof rack is ease of pitching and stowing, and comfort. Personally I'd be more inclined to just leave a ground tent on the ground rather than try to pitch it or move it on top of the vehicle. I do see a benefit tho in that 3-season, you can put an air mattress up there, get off rough terrain, get a better view, and probably sleep more comfortably...plus you're guaranteed a place to tie it down, extend the fly and whatnot.
That Oasis II is really nice! But is it 3-season or 4-season? Anyone know?
rusty_tlc
Explorer
The Oasis is neat, but it looks a lot like a double size Tentcot.
Oasis $985
Double Tent Cot $310
I think I could saw the legs off a Tent cot and figure out some clamps to save $675.
Edit: I just saw the other pictures of the Oasis, when it is setting on the ground it looks almost exactly like the double tentcot. Legs and all.
Oasis $985
Double Tent Cot $310
I think I could saw the legs off a Tent cot and figure out some clamps to save $675.
Edit: I just saw the other pictures of the Oasis, when it is setting on the ground it looks almost exactly like the double tentcot. Legs and all.
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Bergger
Explorer
View attachment 5220
I love my tent cot. It certainly has some disadvantages over the high quality roof top tents, not breathable fabric (condensation), can't fold it up with your bedding in it. But hey for the price, $260 with the rain fly, it's a great deal. I've been completly taking it down when I travel but this year I'm going to try to bolt it to the platform so all I have to do is unfold and throw in the comfy 4" sleeping pads and sleeping bags.
I love my tent cot. It certainly has some disadvantages over the high quality roof top tents, not breathable fabric (condensation), can't fold it up with your bedding in it. But hey for the price, $260 with the rain fly, it's a great deal. I've been completly taking it down when I travel but this year I'm going to try to bolt it to the platform so all I have to do is unfold and throw in the comfy 4" sleeping pads and sleeping bags.
devinsixtyseven
Explorer
How much condensate do you get in there? Is there a way to vent it, or install a ventilation panel...even if it's a piece of mesh near the top, under the fly?
Honestly I don't know which I'd prefer. I've camped in warm, humid climates when the night temp goes below the dew point, and frankly it just feels sticky in the morning.
Honestly I don't know which I'd prefer. I've camped in warm, humid climates when the night temp goes below the dew point, and frankly it just feels sticky in the morning.
Bergger
Explorer
devinsixtyseven said:
As far as the condensation, it all depends on the weather. The tent cot has screens on all four sides so if it is warm enough out and you have them partially open the condesation is not bad at all. I did camp once last year and had the rain fly on, due to an absolutely terrible storm and cool weather, and the condensation was pretty bad. The rain fly does not allow for good ventitlation so I only use it when absolutely necessary. All in all i've been happy with it. I've got two 4" thick self inflating pads and a double sleeping bag that I use and it is very comfortable. the domed roof is also nice for sitting up and changing. I got in one without the domed roof and hated it. I plan on using it a lot more this summer. I've got a few more pics of it on my web page and when I bought mine Amazon was the cheapest.
K2RVR
Adventurer
Just saw this thread on the Oasis. If anyone has questions on it and would like to see pictures, let me know. The Oasis is a very high quality tent, and extremely comfortable. It is hard to tell by the pictures but everyone who lays in it is impressed. A far better option than the Tent-Cot. I have a tent cot as well and am not very impressed.
If you are concerned about a lot of weight affecting your COG, but want a high quality and comfortable RTT, this is a great option. It is also very easy to mount with only the 2 bars and can go in any direction on your rig.
Anyone who has slept in one should chime in, they are amazing.
If you are concerned about a lot of weight affecting your COG, but want a high quality and comfortable RTT, this is a great option. It is also very easy to mount with only the 2 bars and can go in any direction on your rig.
Anyone who has slept in one should chime in, they are amazing.
Schattenjager
Expedition Leader
OK - I'll bite - where is the $ difference between the Oasis and the Tent Cot? Why would I be happy I spent the extra $ for the Oasis?
Once I get home to CO, I plan on getting an RTT but price is is a huge factor. It takes a lot of $ to get ready for an RTT - suspension, ARB bumper, lights - you know - gotta make sure the tent has a good home and all. I really like the idea of being able to easily remove the tent as my Tacoma is a DD too. Hurking an Ez Awn around can't be fun - or good for the tent.
Once I get home to CO, I plan on getting an RTT but price is is a huge factor. It takes a lot of $ to get ready for an RTT - suspension, ARB bumper, lights - you know - gotta make sure the tent has a good home and all. I really like the idea of being able to easily remove the tent as my Tacoma is a DD too. Hurking an Ez Awn around can't be fun - or good for the tent.
K2RVR said:
Super Doody
Explorer
All those who are interested in oasis rtt should read this thread here:
http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/showthread.php?p=78941#post78941
The oasis 5 from the pictures looks like a quailty RTT with the half the weight of other popular and more $$ models .
http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/showthread.php?p=78941#post78941
The oasis 5 from the pictures looks like a quailty RTT with the half the weight of other popular and more $$ models .
Mike S
Sponsor - AutoHomeUSA
If you are determined to develop a usable tent/sleeping platform fo the roof, there are a couple materials that would work well as a deck - Baltek is perhaps the best and lightest. It is end grain balsa laminated with fiber glass cloth and resin. Very light and strong, and used in boat building when these properties are important. Avalable in several thicknesses - 5/8" or 3/4" would insulate and be very strong.
Baja has a lot of wind. Chose a tent with a low 'sail' area, and think about the tent only as a place to sleep - not to use like a larger traditional tent. Provide plenty of attachment points so that wind stress is well distributed. The best mattress is probably closed cell foam with a zip-off, washable cover.
Be careful to select tent materials that are breathable and still waterproof. Separate insect screens are very important as well.
Good luck with your project!
Mike S
Baja has a lot of wind. Chose a tent with a low 'sail' area, and think about the tent only as a place to sleep - not to use like a larger traditional tent. Provide plenty of attachment points so that wind stress is well distributed. The best mattress is probably closed cell foam with a zip-off, washable cover.
Be careful to select tent materials that are breathable and still waterproof. Separate insect screens are very important as well.
Good luck with your project!
Mike S
lowenbrau
Explorer
I used a four season tent on the lid of my trailer for years. (and bivouacked on the bare roof for years before that) It was really not much different than the RTT which I bought to try and make more room in the truck. In retrospect a roof rack like you are talking about and a roof top box for the tent and bedding would have been nearly as effective.
