Roof top tent Q's

[Martinjmpr]

I only just joined this form last month, but I've noticed the rooftop tents seem very popular here. Just wondering a few things:

First, most roof racks that I've seen have a max weight limit of 150 lbs or so. Doesn't the rooftop tent with two people violate this limit by quite a bit? I realize there's a difference between the weight the roof can hold when the vehicle is moving and the weight it can hold when stationary, but I would be worried that over time the roof rack mounts would start to push through the top of the vehicle. Ditto with gutter-mounts, I know gutters can only hold so much weight before they start to bend. How do you get around these problems?

Second, how do these tents hold up in high wind situations? I've camped out a lot in the Rockies and high winds along with rain/snow are not uncommon. I've had some smaller/cheaper tents blown around and even knocked down by high winds and I would imagine that elevating a tent by 6' or so wouldn't help that situation much at all. Are these tents even practical in high wind environments?

Not that I'm really planning on getting one - I'll be fitting out the shell on my Tacoma for camping (it's the reason I got a truck in the first place) I was just idly curious about how practical these tents were.

 

[Skillet]

I only just joined this form last month.

Welcome, if I did not say that before.

First, most roof racks that I've seen have a max weight limit of 150 lbs or so. Doesn't the rooftop tent with two people violate this limit by quite a bit? I realize there's a difference between the weight the roof can hold when the vehicle is moving and the weight it can hold when stationary, but I would be worried that over time the roof rack mounts would start to push through the top of the vehicle. Ditto with gutter-mounts, I know gutters can only hold so much weight before they start to bend. How do you get around these problems?

I have used two racks with just myself, my gear and tent. However, I put a third rack in the middle for extra support and have slept many times up there with two adults and absolutely no problems.

Second, how do these tents hold up in high wind situations? I've camped out a lot in the Rockies and high winds along with rain/snow are not uncommon. I've had some smaller/cheaper tents blown around and even knocked down by high winds and I would imagine that elevating a tent by 6' or so wouldn't help that situation much at all. Are these tents even practical in high wind environments?

Very practical. My tent, car-top-tent Mombasa, is sturdy in the wind. I have been in multiple windstorms, very, very strong winds. Howling all night and I thought the whole damn car was gonna fly away, the tent held up perfectly. Not a problem. I cannot speak for others but mine is well made and it is one of the cheapest ones out there as far as price goes. If you note in the second pic, I actually used my car and tent as a windbreak for camp. No problems.

Not that I'm really planning on getting one - I'll be fitting out the shell on my Tacoma for camping (it's the reason I got a truck in the first place) I was just idly curious about how practical these tents were.

Everytime you have to pull your gear in and out of the back of your truck to sleep, especially in the rain as I used to do, you will be wishing you had a CTT more and more. Personally, I will never look back.

Just my $.02.

Here is a pic or two.

 

[adventureduo]

I agree with Skillet.

Skillet, whats up with the 3rd pic? Did you bend your ladder? *(i have the same tent)

 

[Skillet]

I agree with Skillet.

Skillet, whats up with the 3rd pic? Did you bend your ladder? *(i have the same tent)

Yes, I have since bent it back.

I broke the limiting cable and it came out a bit too far on an angle for my 200lbs. that night.

Actually, the second picture next to the fire is the night AFTER that bend job.

It is all better now.

Jeb

 

[adventureduo]

Jeb, that's too funny dude, i broke my cable too! Good stuff.. im 200+ lol

Ok, sorry for the hi-jack.. back to your normally scheduled program!

 

[gjackson]

Roof top tents are fine in high wind, but with all the moving around and noise you may not sleep well! I have used three kinds (technitop, ezi aawn and howling moon) and all have been no problem in wind.

Main advantages I enjoy are:
Always flat sleeping surface
Bed can be folded inside the tent so no unpacking/repacking
Fast and easy set up and fold up


cheers

 

[2500Adventures]

Great thread here...I've been curious of the same things as I'm looking at getting one for my KJ. I have heard of these Oasis- Tents...does anyone know anything about them? They seem to be pretty practical as they can be moved from the roof to the ground if wanted and are very lightweight at 40lbs it seems.

Also looking at Hannibal tents as well perhaps. and just curious from those that do have roof top tents, did you guys custom make a rack system to hold the tent or does the rooftop tent come with a system to install it to your roof? How exactly does that aspect work? THANKS in advance!!!

-Scott

 

[DaktariEd]

Ditto on the above replies. :iagree:

I have a Maggiolina Airland, currently mounted on my Adventure trailer. I had it up on the FJ40 prior to that and it's been through some high mountain summer thunderstorms...wind, rain, thought I would get blown away, but it never leaked a drop, held firm...

And I also use three supports w/o a problem. Although two might do, three just seems smarter.

I moved it down to a trailer after I realized how top-heavy the FJ40 was...and it increased my vertical clearance considerably.

HTH,
:sombrero:
Ed