Roof Top Tents for the Disco

[Reata Rover]

WHo has one and would be willing to discuss it with me at length?

Thanks,

 

[MuddyMudskipper]

I don't own one, but the specifics of what you want to discuss might help. There are quite a few folks on here that have RTT's that could give you info, but not necessarily on a Disco.

 

[Martyn]

List the questions.

I'll do my best to reply.

 

[Brian McVickers]

I have a 2001 DII and I have used an Overland tent on top and I am currently using a Maggiolina.

What sort of questions do you have?

Brian

 

[Reata Rover]

Well let's see.....

*I might get to use it about 4-5 times a year from 2-3 days at a time
*I like the ease of the Maggiolina AirLand, and the streamlined, rigid top
*I also like the Overcamp as it is narrow enough so that I can also have a couple of bikes or other tiems on the roof as well as the tent
*The Overcamp is not nearly as streamlined
*The Overcamp also takes around 3-5 minutes to setup while the AirLand takes about 30 seconds
* The Overcamp is about $800 less than the AirLand

Questions:
1.Is it going to be worth it to spend the extra $800 for the AirLand for the setup speed?
2.Would it be more valuable to be able to carry the bikes, or other gear on the roof with the OverCamp?
3.I am a little older and comfort is important, but I would really like to get more into the expedition travels and so I have all of these questions and cannot weigh them out well.

Any help would be welcomed.

Thanks:tent:

 

[Martyn]

Well let's see.....

*I might get to use it about 4-5 times a year from 2-3 days at a time
*I like the ease of the Maggiolina AirLand, and the streamlined, rigid top
*I also like the Overcamp as it is narrow enough so that I can also have a couple of bikes or other tiems on the roof as well as the tent
*The Overcamp is not nearly as streamlined
*The Overcamp also takes around 3-5 minutes to setup while the AirLand takes about 30 seconds
* The Overcamp is about $800 less than the AirLand

Questions:
1.Is it going to be worth it to spend the extra $800 for the AirLand for the setup speed?
2.Would it be more valuable to be able to carry the bikes, or other gear on the roof with the OverCamp?
3.I am a little older and comfort is important, but I would really like to get more into the expedition travels and so I have all of these questions and cannot weigh them out well.

Any help would be welcomed.

Thanks:tent:

Most of your questions and my answers are going to revolve around personal preference.

You seem to have made your mind up on an Autohome RTT so I won't bother going into the other brands.

For the amount you are using the tent for over a 12 month period, and assuming it's just one adult sleeping in the tent, I would save my money and go with the Overcamp.

If you need more padding under the mattress add a thermorest to soften it.

There is a little more work involved in set up and break down wit the Overcamp, but it's still quick.

I like the idea of the Overcamp only taking up half the roof rack and being able to use the other half for mountain bike or a kayak. This one factor if I was mounting it on a car or SUV would clinch it for me.

The negative is the Overcamp is a one person tent in my opinion.

 

[Reata Rover]

And therein lies my dilemma. Both of them are pretty much one man tents, so if I am going to be true to my "North", I have to be honest with myself and clearly recognize that my wife will never join me at all on any Overland Trip. So with the fact that I am good with them both being only one man tents, should I go for comfort, ease, and speed? Or do I go with the ability to carry more cargo? Keeping in mind that at this point my trips have been no more than a night or two, but I am looking forward to more time on the road. I also am thinking about water, fuel, etc. on the roof (which I know I may receive some criticism for even thinking it) the option would be a receiver type platform that would hold 15 gallons of petrol and maybe 5 gallons of water. This to me is probably the best bet. If I ended up going on a trip where the bike would be needed, I could always throw the receiver hitch bike rack on and forego the fuel requirement.

Stumped, kinda sorta.....

 

[Brian McVickers]

I think you are on to something, but I also think many of your questions need to be answered with your personal preferences and comfort levels.

I don't agree that the Airland is a one man tent, even the smallest size Airland can comfortably fit two people - especially after you get used to it with two adults and two toddlers!

If you will always be traveling alone as you mentioned, there is justification to build a removeable sleeping plaform in the back. You can load all your gear into a few Pelican cases which can be set, and locked if desired, outside the vehicle at night.

As for the hitch mounted cargo platforms, you need to be cautious about the type of terrain you plan on driving. They severely reduce your departure angle but can be very useful on flat routes. If you are going to be alone anyway, some would say its fine to keep the fuel inside the cargo area depending on your fuel cans.

This is definitely a good one to think out loud about in order to find your best solution.

Brian

 

[Reata Rover]

I have been doing the platform for the last few years, it's a beating and I am done with it. How about off and on for the AirLand, since this is my Daily Driver? Is it something that two can easily handle?

All really good points, I am going to have to hit the sack. Will pick the discussion back up tomorrow. Thanks everyone.

 

[1leglance]

Well let's see.....

*I might get to use it about 4-5 times a year from 2-3 days at a time
*I like the ease of the Maggiolina AirLand, and the streamlined, rigid top
*I also like the Overcamp as it is narrow enough so that I can also have a couple of bikes or other tiems on the roof as well as the tent
*The Overcamp is not nearly as streamlined
*The Overcamp also takes around 3-5 minutes to setup while the AirLand takes about 30 seconds
* The Overcamp is about $800 less than the AirLand

Questions:
1.Is it going to be worth it to spend the extra $800 for the AirLand for the setup speed?
2.Would it be more valuable to be able to carry the bikes, or other gear on the roof with the OverCamp?
3.I am a little older and comfort is important, but I would really like to get more into the expedition travels and so I have all of these questions and cannot weigh them out well.

Any help would be welcomed.

Thanks:tent:

You have a disco and a drawer system so I assume that a sleep setup in rig is something you have already thought of and ruled out? Because that would be my 1st choice..
#2 would be one of the tents that attach to the back of the rig...

You mention that you are only out for a couple of nights at a time and only 4-5 times a year...
that is not alot of use compared to the investment in the roof top tent when you consider the cost and impact to fuel mileage and the change in your center of gravity.

I am all for the coolness factor and loved my Columubus from Autohome and really like my current Hannibal. However the reality is that as you get older the setup and climbing involved are not as easy.

Another option would be to build/buy a trailer setup that gives you more room, a bigger tent, hot water and maybe then you wife will come along (if that is something you want).

Just some thoughts and I would say don't rule out other tents like Eezi-Awn (they have some new stuff coming) or Camping Lab (also with new tents including the MyWay)...

Keep the questions and info on you & your desires coming

 

[Reata Rover]

All wonderful thoughts Lance, I really appreciate them... I will look into these other manufacturers as well. The trailer idea is stellar and I would love one. Problem is champagne tastes dont fit a beer budget.

Going to bed now and will be in touch with you all again tomorrow. Thank you so very much for the feedback, I truly appreciate it.

 

[MattScott]

My mountainsmith works great with my SD, and it was only $100. For those who don't know, a twin matress, fits perfectly in the SD rack, so if your seldomly going to use it, why buy a "safari" tent.

 

[Reata Rover]

Bump

 

[PCRover]

After owning both an Overland and a EziAwn I would get the Maggiolina.

Why?

Off the top of my head...

1) Ease of deployment (Just crank it up)
2) Better aerodynamics.
3) No cover to mess with and store.
4) Better insulation?
5) More room to leave bedding etc inside.
6) Bedding etc does not need to fold in half.
7) No poles or bungies inside.
8) Cover will not weather poorly or burst seams or break straps.

 

[LC/LR4Life]

I looked long and hard at roof top tents. When it comes time, I am going for the Maggiolina. The ease of set up - just crank it up, and the fact all your bedding is stored, ready to go just makes it worth it.

I am sure you have set up a tent at Padre Island..... it's always windy, hard to do. It sucks. Imagine driving up wherever you like, stopping and just cranking up your tent.