Simple, affordable, tube frame roof tent design

[Bridgetown]

I am exploring the idea of building something like this using PVC sign banner material. It can be purchased reasonably in large wide rolls. It is very durable and waterproof. Lots of sign shops do not sew the hems and use a very strong chemical weld. This would eliminate the need for an industrial sewing machine. Basically, build your frame, template your pieces of vinyl, cut them and weld them together. I am a bit hung up on how to add the zippered opening at the moment. Any suggestions?

 

[NatersXJ6]

I am exploring the idea of building something like this using PVC sign banner material. It can be purchased reasonably in large wide rolls. It is very durable and waterproof. Lots of sign shops do not sew the hems and use a very strong chemical weld. This would eliminate the need for an industrial sewing machine. Basically, build your frame, template your pieces of vinyl, cut them and weld them together. I am a bit hung up on how to add the zippered opening at the moment. Any suggestions?

I suggest you pack lots of aloe burn cream. That PVC heats up to insane temps in the sun. I’ve burned myself just on the PVC coated travel cover of my Tepui and I have the grey one.

 

[Bridgetown]

I suggest you pack lots of aloe burn cream. That PVC heats up to insane temps in the sun. I’ve burned myself just on the PVC coated travel cover of my Tepui and I have the grey one.

That’s an excellent thought! That had not crossed my mind. I wonder if that is why the original example was built with Sail fabric? Is anyone familiar with that material?

 

[The Artisan]

That’s an excellent thought! That had not crossed my mind. I wonder if that is why the original example was built with Sail fabric? Is anyone familiar with that material?

pvc coated vinyl as stated gets way too hot, it does not breath. Use a waterproof canvas if you want a cheap fabric.
Kevin

 

[NatersXJ6]

I’m guessing the sail fabric was because it has really high tensile strength, great weather resistance, great UV stability, and is easily available in large pieces. Or... they guy had sailing experience and made his choice based on “the only tool is a hammer... everything looks like a nail” concepts.

 

[Bridgetown]

I have concluded that the vinyl sign banner material will not be a great choice of material due to its lack of breath ability and as was previously mentioned, its tenancy to become very hot to the touch under direct sunlight. The features that were attractive about the banner material were that its waterproof, durable, and not too costly. As well, a big benefit is the ability to use welded construction rather then sewing. These heavy industrial type fabrics usually cant be sewn with a household machine, and if they are sewn, need to be later sealed to remain waterproof. I'm convinced welded construction is the way to go with an RTT of this design, especially if I am to attempt to construct one myself.
I have done some research into the likelihood that this could be done with a reasonable amount of practice and no special(expensive) tools. It appears that it could be according to this video.
I have looked into other fabrics that could potentially be used for this design, and found that heavy weight Cordura could be a possibility. It is strong, waterproof, somewhat breathable, and can be welded.
I will continue to research this idea. Thoughts, ideas, suggestions, and constructive criticism is welcomed.

 

[The Artisan]

I will be doing 2 protos of my poptopper. One hardsided and one softside version.
I am using reflective closed cell foam in the walls
Gluing and sewing my weather resistant outer material to the foam then the inner layer is a waterproof fabric that gets glued. You can do something similar.

 

[Raffaele]

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 ...

Hi! I'm new here and i started a thred about which rooftop tent could be better for me that I'm a very beginner to the Adventure (i have a Defender) and I was asking about the Rooftop tents by Autohome that is just near my town. Now that i red this I just want to ask.. so the Autohome tents are good enough for the high altitudes? thanks

 

[Lemsteraak]

Yeah they are. I'm not at all impartial, I used to bring in AutoHome's tents way back because I wanted one myself. The main difference is that the Maggiolina was designed in Northern Italy for their conditions. For example, the roof could be made to easily go higher but it is designed for passive heating like a mountaineering tent. Both the floor and roof are insulated and if you are going into brutal conditions you can add some accessories like the winter hood and anti-condensation mat to make it more comfortable.

I think the best cold weather tent ever made was the small Maggiolina Adventure. It was really well thought out. It was a good six inches shorter that their current tents to keep the volume down. It had a flat roof with a rack area where you could throw your wet muddy stuff up there. Anytime I would go winter champing I'd grab one and not look back.

The drawback is that these are really expensive tents but they have a good resale value. It is rare to find one used. If you look at the new ones, you will find tons of knock - offs, a sure sign that the design is good. The only way they can compete is to make it "cheaper".

Back on topic, I really like the design of the tent we are discussing in this thread. The trick will be attaching the fabric and insulation. We use to do something similar in catamarans and would have the fabric so tight for the "trampoline" that it would end up being a structural member. I think this would be a really fun project.

 

[ytadvexp]

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?

Have or make a bag/cover for travel. Wld keep it clean and dry