Roof top tent on D4

Just a quick question on all of these tents. Regardless of which brand you choose, how do you guys decide which way to sit it on your roof?
When I had mine, it went on both the D2 and the Defender, and both times I had it so it hung out the rear. I did this for two reasons, a) to help cover the rear of the car so in inclement weather you wouldn't get wet if you were cooking or something, just gave a bit more usable space (I thought) when it was wet. b)to "try" and help with wind resistance,,, yea yea, I know, pretty futile [bighmmm], but it was worth the try [bigwhistle][thumbsupbig][biggrin]

So, in regards to fuel consumption, many miles of keeping tabs on how we went, it did make a difference, and yes, especially if you went over the speed limit (being 100k), so on a freeway, shot to hell. Having said that, it didn't then seem to matter then what you loaded the car up with, it didn't get worse. So speed, with the tent on, and a trailer, and fully loaded in the back (Dual cab ute), it didn't use more juice than if it just had the RTT on.

So, why do you put them on sideways, or length-ways?

Both cars with the tent on. This tent was an "Uptop" unit which at the time cost ($1,575, tent, awning, with extension ladder) a fraction of the other units on the market, and some ten years later, after lots of use, it's been put on another car to go around Australia with.
From memory I think approx 55kg all up (?) but we never used the side walls for either the tent or awning, so didn't carry them with us.

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Originally Posted by Chops

Just a quick question on all of these tents. Regardless of which brand you choose, how do you guys decide which way to sit it on your roof?
When I had mine, it went on both the D2 and the Defender, and both times I had it so it hung out the rear. I did this for two reasons, a) to help cover the rear of the car so in inclement weather you wouldn't get wet if you were cooking or something, just gave a bit more usable space (I thought) when it was wet. b)to "try" and help with wind resistance,,, yea yea, I know, pretty futile [bighmmm], but it was worth the try [bigwhistle][thumbsupbig][biggrin]

So, in regards to fuel consumption, many miles of keeping tabs on how we went, it did make a difference, and yes, especially if you went over the speed limit (being 100k), so on a freeway, shot to hell. Having said that, it didn't then seem to matter then what you loaded the car up with, it didn't get worse. So speed, with the tent on, and a trailer, and fully loaded in the back (Dual cab ute), it didn't use more juice than if it just had the RTT on.

So, why do you put them on sideways, or length-ways?

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i open mine to the drivers side as I have a Rhino Batwing awning which covers the passenger side and rear of the vehicle. It creates a very nice undercover area particularly with the RTT open as well. I also have a tent which attaches to the underside of the RTT to give privacy and protection on the ground if needed. I don’t use it very often but it’s great for cooking protection and sitting in if the weather is s****ty.

Cheers,
David

Looking at same setup, either Gordigear or Darche .
Is yours the 1600 size David?
Was there any question of the factory tracks being able to hold the bars/RTT load, from whoever did the install?

Cheers
Brent

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Originally Posted by Odysseyman

Here’s my Gordigear RTT. Only available from the manufacturer on the Gold Coast and I bought mine on the way home to Melbourne after I picked up the car from Brisbane (where I bought it). The bed is huge - bigger than king size however they also make a smaller version that’s not quite as wide. We wanted the space. Top quality, beautiful made and he back up his product with excellent after sales service and a range of parts if you have any problems or do any damage. This particular model weighs about 65kg and makes very little difference to my fuel economy travelling at sensible speeds. I have it fitted on two Rhino bars.

Attachment 150137Attachment 150138

Cheers
David

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Quote:

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Originally Posted by brd

Looking at same setup, either Gordigear or Darche .
Is yours the 1600 size David?
Was there any question of the factory tracks being able to hold the bars/RTT load, from whoever did the install?

Cheers
Brent

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Hi Brent

Yes mine is the 1600 size and no problem with the load on the Rhino bars, it only weighs about 65kg and Helmut wasn’t the least bit concerned. It’s very quiet positioned where it is. He met me at his warehouse and I looked at everything before I made a decision and the he helped me fit it (actually I helped him) before I drove back to Melbourne.

Cheers
David

My mate lives 5 days a week in a "kings" RTT. Has no complaints, quality or comfort, he bought it second hand off in-laws, light enough that he gets it off each weekend when he gets home from work by himself with difficulty