Simple, affordable, tube frame roof tent design

[Bridgetown]

Long time lurker, first time poster. I was thinking about designs for a less complex more affordable way to build a roof tent and during my research found this design.

Sebastian Maluska creates car rooftop tent for nomadic young people

ÉCAL graduate Sebastian Maluska has created a simple rooftop tent that can fit on to the roof of any car.

www.dezeen.com

The design uses a tube frame and heavy duty fabric. This was similar to what I was thinking for my own design. This would be very lightweight compared to a lot of RTT's. The one downside I can think of is how dirty the fabric would get being exposed. Thoughts?

 

[rnArmy]

Pretty cool. Is it a fancy tent cot?

 

[Bridgetown]

In a sense, yes I would agree with that. What really appeals to me is the lack of weight and the simplicity of design. I would think that overland vehicles with low payloads would be all over something like this. I find the weight and complexity of many RTT designs seems to be kinda getting out of hand. Not to mention the cost. $5000 for a roof tent isn't that uncommon these days.
Are there any other RTT's that follow a similar approach to design out there? I would be interested to see them.

 

[rnArmy]

I actually put a double sized tent cot on my trailer. Tent cot was about $350; custom cover about $450 (but have a template now). Weight is about 50 lbs.

 

[Lemsteraak]

You may want to look at a way to insulate the bottom otherwise it will be very cold. Years ago I went on a winter trip in high elevation Mexico. I had a folding roof tent and was cold. My friend with his tent cot was freezing and my other buddy with a Maggiolina didn't notice anything. I remember years ago Eddie Bauer used to market a cot for hunting that used down under the cot's canvas. That would make all the difference ...

 

[erstwild]

I really like this idea! If you use high end sail cloth for the tent section and some kind of heavy duty trampoline/hammock material for the base it would be a great combo. RTTs are way too expensive and heavy although I liked my Autohone Columbus OK. This would be cheaper, lighter, and most comfortable in my opinion.

 

[krick3tt]

I have a tent cot and using a 3 inch self inflating pad and a moving blanket under it I am very comfortable even when the temps drop.

 

[The Artisan]

Long time lurker, first time poster. I was thinking about designs for a less complex more affordable way to build a roof tent and during my research found this design.

Sebastian Maluska creates car rooftop tent for nomadic young people

ÉCAL graduate Sebastian Maluska has created a simple rooftop tent that can fit on to the roof of any car.

www.dezeen.com

View attachment 570748

The design uses a tube frame and heavy duty fabric. This was similar to what I was thinking for my own design. This would be very lightweight compared to a lot of RTT's. The one downside I can think of is how dirty the fabric would get being exposed. Thoughts?

What is the weight?
Kevin

 

[Bridgetown]

What is the weight?
Kevin

Not sure. This is a concept prototype not in production. It was designed with the goal to be as light as possible, but I can’t find any specs on it.

 

[Bridgetown]

I actually put a double sized tent cot on my trailer. Tent cot was about $350; custom cover about $450 (but have a template now). Weight is about 50 lbs.View attachment 571439

Do you know what model tent cot you used? I have often thought those could be a good starting point. Also, did yours have a piece of tube frame running down the middle? I haven’t found a double tent cot that doesn’t.

 

[rnArmy]

Do you know what model tent cot you used? I have often thought those could be a good starting point. Also, did yours have a piece of tube frame running down the middle? I haven’t found a double tent cot that doesn’t.

This is the tent-cot I have from Cabela's (sorry - the camping companion doesn't come with it). Yes - it has a piece of tube frame running down the middle, so you can't sleep in the middle of it (you've gotta pick a side).

I also removed the outer legs as they weren't needed when mounted on my trailer.

Cabela Double Tent Cot - Deluxe Portable Folding Cot Bed | Best Tent Cots for Camping

As the title suggests, Cabela Double Tent Cot is indeed a deluxe and portable folding cot bed suitable for camping in areas with car access.

besttentcotsforcamping.com

There are other double sized tent cots that have more of a dome shaped roof - would make it easier to sit up in.

 

[plh]

Long time lurker, first time poster. I was thinking about designs for a less complex more affordable way to build a roof tent and during my research found this design.

Sebastian Maluska creates car rooftop tent for nomadic young people

ÉCAL graduate Sebastian Maluska has created a simple rooftop tent that can fit on to the roof of any car.

www.dezeen.com

View attachment 570748

The design uses a tube frame and heavy duty fabric. This was similar to what I was thinking for my own design. This would be very lightweight compared to a lot of RTT's. The one downside I can think of is how dirty the fabric would get being exposed. Thoughts?

If you are handy with a welder and a sewing machine, not very difficult to make something like this. Lots of examples of DIY wedge tents including mine in progress. @83mmax on IG

 

[krick3tt]

I have seen on Youtube an example of a TentCot set up on a Front Runner roof rack. If I did not have things already on my rr I would do mine up there as well. Even though the TC is keeping me above ground a bit more altitude might be good.

 

[NatersXJ6]

I’m curious to know how they are keeping the fabric tensioned for the floor.

it seems like some sort of tensioning device would be needed beyond lacing and tying.

 

[Bridgetown]

My assumption is that the cross bars on the top keep the roof section tight once the fabric is laced to the frame, the bottom would work in the same manner once attached to the cross bars of the vehicles roof.