Why use roof-top tents?

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I will give a vote for the Hannibal. A top quality tent. We have the 1.8m tent which gives you a bed space of 2.4m by 1,8m. We have 2 kids, ten and eight. We can all fit sleeping width ways but although I am not 1.8 tall I do touch the ends when sleeping. We have a 2m on order to upgrade. This will be loads if space. It also has two ladders to help support the load. Current tent has classic fly but next will have jumbo fly. I love the view with classic fly, but the amount of rain we've been having lately we'll go the jumbo when upgrading.
Our current tent takes less than 10 minutes to be completely set up, and similar time to put away. Your D4 will sit lower than my Defender so your set up time could be less.
Will also recommend the Hannibal rack and awning. Both very good quality and the awning is a fantastic design.
Kenley

Thanks for your suggestions, much appreciated. What do you think of the ProSpeed Off Road Expedition Roof Rack and a Rhino rack Foxwing Awning?

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Originally Posted by cucinadio

my main concern has always been the matter of strength ... I'm 130kg and would be very worried how the extended fold out would handle my weight as well as the swmbo's... how do some you bigger guys find it ???

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If that's concern look at Shippshape or Mr Swagman, where your weight is totally supported by the roof bars.

These two designs have a more effective awning area too.

Advantage not mentioned (pretty sure anyway): Actually quicker to setup than a 30 sec Oztent when you take into account the setup time for mattresses, beds, sleeping bags whatever.

Disadvantage not mentioned: Not an option for a last minute trip decision. Swags/tents you can throw in, but its harder to attach these things quickly. Once there'e on they stay on.

Mark at Mr Sawgman made mine 6" longer for me too, more room to stay off wet canvas at either end.

Regards
Max P

I have had a few drifferent configurations over the last 30 years and the one thing that I have learnt is that there is no perfect camping solution but rather a really good solution for your time of life and what type of camping/touring/holidaying you are currently doing.

My wife and I started with a 3 man tent, migrated to an off road trailer when the kids arrived, then the same offroad trailer with different "Pup" tents as the kids grew up. Kids grew right up, I had had enough of towing and so we went to a big dome tent, then a small one, then a medium one and finalised on a double swag with the small dome tent in reserve in case the weather turned really nasty. With the H3 set up as a 2 person tourer, that all worked well but as much as we enjoy the swag, the idea of a roof top is very appealing...the benefits of a camper trailer without the towing.

The bottom line is that once you have your sleeping arrangements sorted out, you don't really NEED to carry all that much.

Most of our trips are touring and if we stop a 2-4 days in a national park we will often change camp grounds when I am doing articles anyway. In Qld the airflow issue is huge, as when it is raining it is hot and humid.

What I would like to hear from others is the pros and cosn o0f the various brands.:D

Another plus for the rooftop tent,
We're away at friends tonight for new years eve. Accomodation sorted in minutes.

question?

if irs wett and you close up your rooftop tent. will your bedding get wet?

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Originally Posted by Ranga

Also, something that hasn't been mentioned (unless I missed it) is the need for level ground. You'd be surprised how even a small slope can't result in 2 people crammed up against one wall by morning! This can be overcome by levellers/chocks etc.

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Doesn't this affect anything from swags to caravans, so many times I have struggled to find a level spot for a tent, particularly if you arrive and the good spots are taken. With a RTT you can move around slightly or use chocks.

Someting else affecting level, do air suspension systems go down overnight with movement getting in etc;)? My D2 often drops down while hooking up my trailer etc then levels itself when I start up.

I like the idea of a RTT you can also use on top of your trailer. Does this make it a TTT? ANy pictures?

Jeff

:rocket:

You could be in for a rude awakening if you have to get up for a wee in the middle of the night!:D

A RTT may have been useful at this campsite!

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Originally Posted by 85 county

Question?

If it's wet and you close up your rooftop tent. will your bedding get wet?

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We have a ShippShape RTT and have not had any problems with damp bedding when packing it up when wet. Would depend a lot on the material used I'd reckon. The ShippShape has pretty thick 'canvas', so it's not particularly light....