Vehicle tent, what do you think?

[rstl99]

Someone is selling a tent specially made for an SUV (in this case, a 60 series Land Cruiser). It fits over the top part of the truck, attaching to the door handles and windshield wipers, providing privacy and shade inside, with convenient ventilation holes adjacent to windows. The rear part is designed to accomodate the open rear hatch door. It also comes with a fitted and covered 2" foam pad that fits the inner contour of the 60 series, providing ample sleeping space for two (especially with the hatch open). I'm thinking of buying it (roughly $200) but wanted to know what others thought about it. Certainly cheaper than RTT, and would probably accomodate the rear platform/drawers I wish to install in my to-be-acquired 60 series. Thoughts? Have you ever seen a tent like this?
Thanks.

 

[Lynn]

Interesting idea, but...

If you added any outside accessories (i.e. roof rack, CB antenna) the vehicle cover would have to be altered.

If you want to keep your gear out-of-sight, outside curtains that can be lifted to peek in wouldn't do that.

If you or your significant other wants privacy, outside curtains that can be lifted to peek in wouldn't be a good idea.

Everything on the roof rack would have to be unloaded to set up your tent.

Everything inside would have to be unloaded to set up your bed.

Personally, I think a traditional tent or RTT would be better.

Have you considered one of these:

Cabela's online sells 'em for $199, the same price you are looking to pay.

Addited: I've never used one, but thought they were pretty cool for the price. Don't know how well it woudl work if your truck is lifted, etc. Pretty good reviews, though.

 

[kcowyo]

Have you considered one of these:

:iagree:

With all due respect, the tent you're considering looks like little more than a car cover with a rear flap. And a 2" foam sleeping pad ain't much. Better than nothing, but it ain't much.

The suggested tent to attach to vehicle will also allow you a place to sit, get dressed standing up, cook, read, drink, play cards, etc. in inclement weather. Hiding from the rain in the back of a 60, will get real old real fast.

 

[Grim Reaper]

Some scrren material from Home Depot and some flexible magnet material and you can make a screen for the side windows.

 

[adventureduo]

Kind of Cool. But, I agree with kcowyo. What about just sleeping inside the cruiser without the tent on the outside? IMHO would spend the $200 on a better mod. or get a tent that comes off the back like Lynn said.

 

[gpwpat]

interesting concept. but where do you put your gear when you sleep? You would have to travel with nothing. Or pile it up outside. what if you had a roof rack? or a canoe on top? Doesn't seem that practicle.

 

[rstl99]

Hi guys,
Thanks for your united voices of reason. Indeed, this tent, while being unusual and kind of neat at first glance, poses logistical challenges. Probably ok for someone who doesn't intend to have anything on the roof, and not much gear inside, but for the kind of setup I want to ultimately equip my future 60 with, this tent would likely be unusable or quickly relegated to the rest of my no-longer-used pile in the garage!
And yes, the tents that attach to the rear and allow driving away while leaving the tent up, make a lot more sense for that kind of usage.

Thanks again, saved me $200 and some likely frustration in the future!
Cheers,
--Robert