Roof Top Tents, what is all the hype about?

[bcrez]

Do you have a pic of the description below.... ?

I saw a guy at a bike race who made a platform out of rolled slats of bamboo flooring. Much like those slat aluminum tables. The platform was the base for a simple Black Diamond tent. The whole thing rolled up and went into a PVC tube. That part was beyond crude, but his tent and platform were pretty crafty. It's those ideas outside the normal box that will yield the next gen roof tents.

Sleeping pads are a no brainer. Ditch the foam pad and you could use any number of exotic and comfy inflatable pads. They're so small they could be stored inside the tent.

 

[Rocket Ship]

Guys, is there a Maggiolina or Columbus hard top tent that would accommodate 2 adults and 2 small children comfortably?

Depends on your definition of comfort. You can get 4 people on a Mag large, but I don't think it's very comfortable. Don't forget also, once you 4 people up there, there is NOWHERE to put anything else like a change of clothes.

 

[AxeAngel]

Depends on your definition of comfort. You can get 4 people on a Mag large, but I don't think it's very comfortable. Don't forget also, once you 4 people up there, there is NOWHERE to put anything else like a change of clothes.

you sound like the type of guy that takes a trailer whenever you camp. Not that that is a bad thing...

Didn't they make AT for ford in Livonia?

-Sam

 

[grahamfitter]

I saw a guy at a bike race who made a platform out of rolled slats of bamboo flooring. Much like those slat aluminum tables. The platform was the base for a simple Black Diamond tent. The whole thing rolled up and went into a PVC tube. That part was beyond crude, but his tent and platform were pretty crafty. It's those ideas outside the normal box that will yield the next gen roof tents.

Sleeping pads are a no brainer. Ditch the foam pad and you could use any number of exotic and comfy inflatable pads. They're so small they could be stored inside the tent.

I've been thinking about something similar and the fact that somebody has already done it is great! I assume the whole platform was supported by a roof rack whereas I was thinking more along the lines of my OverCamp where a portion of it hangs over the edge of the vehicle and is supported from below. I was imagining roof rack like crossbars supporting that part of the platform with a ladder down to the ground.

I really like the PVC tube idea but I can't see how it would work if the platform was connected to the roof permanently. Maybe a soft cover?

I imagine something where I'd roll out that platform and climb up a ladder into a Bibler like tent that has the poles already in the corners but somehow not fully setup in the middle, then push up and have them pop into place.

Snarky. Fun.

Maybe there aren't any revolutionary designs in RTTs because everyone assumes the design achieved 40+ years ago is as good as it gets?

I have lofty goals for this. If its going to be pricey, it had better be good!

I think there is a revolution waiting to happen. I think it will involve modern materials and a new RTT design but I think there will be something curiously familiar about it.

 

[AxeAngel]

Like maybe other companies make something along the lines of the maggiolina But for a few hundred $$?

-Sam

 

[Christophe Noel]

Yeah, points well taken.

OK, so let's say a rooftop tent company takes your advice and builds a tent for you, call it the Floundertent

$650.00 Tent - Bibler Ahwahnee 2 man 4 season tent (great tent)
$200.00 Mattress - 2 Thermarest TrailPro self inflating
$800.00 Case - Thule Boxter

Great equipment, and let's say you can get them all to fit together and work as a rooftent.

Now let's say you could buy a rooftent that would work just about as good for $800 but is a little heavier.

Which would you buy?

By the way, that Boxter is about $600 more than the Ascent 1100, which would still be more volume than my ideal RTT would need.

I'm okay with the price of good equipment if it's worth it. If someone produced a RTT based on a Nemo Morpho or Bibler Eldorado, and it used something like a Nemo Cosmo pad, and it went into something like a mini Thule Ascent 1100, chances are it wouldn't cost more than an Ez-Awn or Maggiolina but would likely only weigh 50 pounds and take up 1/3rd of what those tents use for roof space.

Many of these RTTs are so massive simply because the end users demand something that pops up all easy-cheesy. Imagine rolling the slatted platform out of a case that's no bigger than a ski bag. The tent could be anchored to the slatted platform. Then all you'd have to do is crawl in, put the poles in place, or inflate the beams and mattress. If the penalty for a super compact RTT is an additional 5 minutes of set up time...deal. I've got 5 minutes. If any of us don't have 5 minutes to put up a tent....

 

[Life_in_4Lo]

By the way, that Boxter is about $600 more than the Ascent 1100, which would still be more volume than my ideal RTT would need.

I'm okay with the price of good equipment if it's worth it. If someone produced a RTT based on a Nemo Morpho or Bibler Eldorado, and it used something like a Nemo Cosmo pad, and it went into something like a mini Thule Ascent 1100, chances are it wouldn't cost more than an Ez-Awn or Maggiolina but would likely only weigh 50 pounds and take up 1/3rd of what those tents use for roof space.

Many of these RTTs are so massive simply because the end users demand something that pops up all easy-cheesy. Imagine rolling the slatted platform out of a case that's no bigger than a ski bag. The tent could be anchored to the slatted platform. Then all you'd have to do is crawl in, put the poles in place, or inflate the beams and mattress. If the penalty for a super compact RTT is an additional 5 minutes of set up time...deal. I've got 5 minutes. If any of us don't have 5 minutes to put up a tent....

RTT's are "massive" because they are built for a lifetime of use and durability out in the field.
If it's high on the roof, you're right, you want simple and easy.

As appealing as a 30 piece RTT sounds (it doesn't) a good ground tent sounds a whole lot better.

If you want a lightweight RTT and don't have a problem paying for good quality and design then buy a Columbus Carbon and use a lightweight mattress. You will be well under 100lbs

 

[Christophe Noel]

RTT's are "massive" because they are built for a lifetime of use and durability out in the field.

I can see that. I still have a hard time believing a tent has to be made of heavy canvas and marine grade plywood. My 4.5 pound Bibler Eldo has at least 300 nights in it spanning 12 years. A few of those at well over 12,000 feet in 35-50 mph winds and pounded by snow. Just used it a few weeks ago. Good as new. All I really need is a platform and a ladder and I'm okay with my Eldo on the roof.

 

[Life_in_4Lo]

I can see that. I still have a hard time believing a tent has to be made of heavy canvas and marine grade plywood. My 4.5 pound Bibler Eldo has at least 300 nights in it spanning 12 years. A few of those at well over 12,000 feet in 35-50 mph winds and pounded by snow. Just used it a few weeks ago. Good as new. All I really need is a platform and a ladder and I'm okay with my Eldo on the roof.

The Autohome tents are made of fiberglass and canvas.

There have been many versions of RTT's on the market. The reason the few popular ones remain is because
1. Niche market
2. Designed for the market
3. well made

it's not because they are lazy and uncreative. These are proven designs.

I don't know why anyone would want to put a ground tent on the roof. That's like combining all the disadvantages of both into one. Why?

On the internet, probably sounds like a good idea. When you're out camping, sounds like a major pita.

 

[grahamfitter]

RTT's are "massive" because they are built for a lifetime of use and durability out in the field.
If it's high on the roof, you're right, you want simple and easy.

As appealing as a 30 piece RTT sounds (it doesn't) a good ground tent sounds a whole lot better.

If you want a lightweight RTT and don't have a problem paying for good quality and design then buy a Columbus Carbon and use a lightweight mattress. You will be well under 100lbs

There has always been a lot of discussion about new versus old materials, construction, etc. and so far the trusted designs have won out. But that doesn't mean that is the end of it because new and good things always happen and that is a good thing.

So I'm not dismissing the current generation, just challenging the status quo with the intention of making better RTTs. Flounder appears to be taking the same futuristic position but obviously isn't so sympathetic to the current state of affairs as I am and that's not a bad thing either: Sometimes it takes his level of frustration to force a revolutionary change.

If a RTT could be as strong, durable and usable as a current design and weigh 30 lb there would be a huge market for it, especially after a few years of production to prove it. If such a tent had been designed 10 years ago we wouldn't be having this conversation. Instead we'd be thinking that 30 lb is too heavy and the 6" diameter rolled up tent is too bulky and we could improve it, that the setup time could be reduced, that the ladder could be more comfortable on bare feet. Or even that the whole deployed RTT platform could be off the roof, leaving the entire roof rack for kayaks, canoes, bikes, skis, roof boxes, photo platforms, sun patios, etc. and also acts as an awning to eliminate yet another piece of equipment. Or maybe that you don't even need a roof rack in the first place!

 

[Life_in_4Lo]

Yeah I used to think about chasing unicorns on the internet but decided it was better to just buy one and go out and enjoy myself.

There's webwheeling and now webrtt'ing Sorry I'm being so sarcastic, but it's really just being silly. You have to stand back from it a bit and laugh.

FWIW, I have not heard of one idea in this thread that hasn't already been made and failed or not caught on.

 

[Christophe Noel]

it's not because they are lazy and uncreative. These are proven designs.

I don't know why anyone would want to put a ground tent on the roof. That's like combining all the disadvantages of both into one. Why?

On the internet, probably sounds like a good idea. When you're out camping, sounds like a major pita.

I'm not knocking the current RTTs for what they are. Some of them are down right cool, very sophisticated and top notch. They just don't work for me. I would never use any the current RTTs because I'd have to take it on and off more than most. I use my roof to haul bicycles, skis, boats, and other toys. If the RTT were light and easy to take on and off, I'd be more inclined to go that route. I also just don't want 100 pounds on my roof. The Autohome models are the most attractive to me, but they're still not ideal....FOR ME.

I guess I don't understand what the disadvantages of both a ground tent and RTT as you call it out.

 

[Life_in_4Lo]

I am with you on the RTT disadvantages but easily removing a rtt is not a tent problem, it's a storage problem. I love and hate my rtt.

Why do you even want a rtt in your situation?

Build your lightweight rtt and tell us how it works out. I suspect the Autohome will look better after that.

 

[Corey]

I'm not knocking the current RTTs for what they are. Some of them are down right cool, very sophisticated and top notch. They just don't work for me. I would never use any the current RTTs because I'd have to take it on and off more than most. I use my roof to haul bicycles, skis, boats, and other toys. If the RTT were light and easy to take on and off, I'd be more inclined to go that route. I also just don't want 100 pounds on my roof. The Autohome models are the most attractive to me, but they're still not ideal....FOR ME.

I guess I don't understand what the disadvantages of both a ground tent and RTT as you call it out.

Flounder, I think the tent that Graham runs sounds like it would work almost for you.
It is one of the only tents that sits off to the side allowing you 1/2 of your rack open to load up bikes and other gear on top.

 

[upcruiser]

I hear you on the whole needing the roof for carrying stuff. I love the comfort and set it up anywhere convenience of the RTT on the Discovery but I HATE taking it on and off the roof, especially alone and storing it. I can't haul my sea kayak or canoe with the thing up there and have to use a reciever mount bike rack which I dislike since all the dust and mud and junk accumulates all over the bikes. My favorite setup, especially travelling solo is still my bed setup for half of the back of my 80 series. I can haul a canoe and two bikes on the roof, and sleep comfortably inside the rig. Granted this comes at the expense of having back seats.... its all a compromise, I have yet to find an ideal solution.