As someone that loves adventures, off roading, vehicle based camping etc. I don't set up my vehicles for anyone but myself and with that being said I slept inside my jeep for years and getting a rooftop tent was a game changer we go 2 or 3 times a month and also do multiple long trips a year like 3500 mile 7 day loops 😊
It's always interesting to hear people's views, depending on what works for them. I have a RTT (a Bundutop), which gives us extra packing space for long trips inside the vehicle canopy, as our bedding stays in the tent. It's extremely comfortable and very quick to erect and close down, so moving around daily is not an issue. Our overlanding trips don't involve tackling extreme trails, so the bit of extra weight on the roof isn't an issue. I live in South Africa and can go anywhere on the continent with confidence.
I almost never set up a tent. Only if it's gonna rain/snow or if mosquitoes are bad. I want to see the stars and sunrise. A good sleeping pad and sleeping bag in the back of my truck or on flat ground is all I need. As backcountry wilderi guide I would spend over 100 nights a year sleeping outside. IMO A bivy sack is better than a tent or we would just roll up "burrito" in a tarp. You can break camp in no time. Pro tip: always point your feet into the wind.
exactly, that is a solution that all these negative nellies never mention. You really don't need anything more than a storage box on a heavy suspension. Built mine for roughly 1,500 bucks, 20 years ago, way before they became popular.
Center of gravity for a 100lbs tent?? Really? Your car average car that you are putting a roof top tent on is like 4000 lbs. We are talking 2.5% of the weight on top of the car at the max.
You entirely missed the point. It's about the force multiplier (leverage) of load on the REAR suspension, in particular, due to the significant increase in drag at the highest point of the vehicle. How much of an increase in wear of the rear suspension components is it? That's quite specific to each rig and likely no one has done sufficient testing so it's all theoretical, but sound reasoning and a minor point compared to his other points. For me, the #1 reason against having a rooftop tent is that it would put our van into the next height tier on the ferry and cost us more money every couple months when traveling back and forth between Germany and Finland. Bottom line, to each their own. :)
@@ronson-natsarim- lol. This is dumb AF. Force multiplier? It’s like 4” thick when folded down. Drag, sure…but like some crazy “force multiplier”, lol. You’re putting 150lbs of 4” slab on your roof. It’s like carrying a couple people in the back seat. The springs aren’t going to start sagging. Lol.
@@rickybobby6605 Disregard the choice of words (force multiplier) if it bothers you. I was simply clarifying the point the author was making regarding the significant increase in drag and, therefore, load on the rear suspension. What measurable difference it would make I have no idea and neither does the author seem to indicate he does. It wasn't a primary point of concern, merely ancillary, so the original commenter in this thread (the one I was replying to) made more of an issue out of it than the maker of the video did.
Well here in Africa there are scopions, deadly snakes(distant medical facilities) lions, leopards, hyenas elephants. In short a rooftop is a must to avoid all the unnecessary drama and potential loss of life from wildlife.
Most people who use a RTT arent camping in the same spot evrry night... The whole point is to be able to go anywherre, to a new spot every night, and everythign is with you and setup in minutes
@@robbarber7253 okay so if I can setup my tent in 2 minutes, or my RTT in two minutes, what's the difference? I could leave all my gear at my base camp then just pull in after exploring, and pop up my RTT lol Only difference is if your setting up a elaborate bed system or tables in your tent, then sure that you can leave all in your tent when your gone
@@Gendreau113 The difference is you don't have to park on a level surface, it's not physically attached to your truck so your not limited to truck camp spots (ex: boating, hiking, ATVing etc), you don't have to pay 5 times the price, ground tents accomodate large pets, you don't have to climb up and down to go pee at night, the list goes on RTTs are just another gimmicky piece of "overlanding" gear
@@robbarber7253 I get your point sure, but imo there just built for different types of people, if you don't like them no one's fo cing you to buy one? So why are you so upset about it
@@Gendreau113 Not sure how you concluded that in upset or being forced to buy one I was literally responding that there's ground based tents that setup in 2 mins
3 reasons you’re wrong: 1. Packing up- only an issue depending on the type of RTT you buy. Soft shell- horrible- wet, take forever to put away. Hardshell Wedge- away in 2 mins, set up in 1 min. And it’s often not the RTT that is the pain to put away, it’s all the other crap that people attach to their vehicles and has to be put away to move the vehicle- all of this stuff can be put up not attached to the rig so you can leave it at your site. 2. Wheeling with weight up high- it’s not a problem except for the most extreme rock crawling where you would really want a specialized vehicle. And you can counter-act it by how you pack- especially your water and fuel, and other ways- example I put a 35 lb tranny and oil pan skid on my JTR. 3. MPGs- I took a bigger MPG hit on my Gladiator going to a stubby front bumper and 35s than with the RTT. I can’t really see any MPG hit- at most maybe half a mpg. Shocked me. But my working hypothesis is that the flat front of the JTR makes the air go up above the RTT so that the RTT sits in the aerodynamic bubble created by the shape of the vehicle. I also own a Gazelle tent when I want more room or really am base camping for a few days. And it’s a great tent. But there is still more set up, it’s not as well insulated (actually not at all and is not great in colder temps), and you don’t wake up 6 ft above the ground, which is just such a nice thing. Honestly I’m surprised you didn’t mention the up and down of a RTT. That’s the biggest pain in the butt to me- if I forgot something once I get up there it’s like 🤬 to have to put on shoes and get down to get it. Or nighhtime bathroom runs etc. But to me, the ability to be prepacked and be able to get outta dodge on a Fri after work quickly and easily without a lot of packing and then roll into a place 10 at night and be in bed within 5 mins means I go on more trips- and there is nothing better than more trips. Obviously this just my perspective and works for me- and you’re nit “wrong” bc it is always whatever works for each of us, but def wanted to give other perspective. For me, Im never going back to the ground on the regular.
3 reasons you're wrong. 1- You have a rooftop tent that's why you're batting for the RTT community. 2- Your fuel economy is up and centre of gravity is UP as well but you won't admit that because you have a RTT. 3- Roof rack companies and RTT companies will tell you in fine print what your on road and off road load capacity is and most roof top tents exceed that. To me that's fraud. They don't care about your vehicle or your safety just sales. So you be happy and comfortable with your RTT, each to their own.
That Gazelle tent you own saved you enough money to where you could buy a nice blow up mattress, portable battery, heater, anything else that you come up with as being a negative over the super overpriced RTT. "Let me compare it to something that is 1/5th the price".
I think the point of the video is that roof top tents are not as glamorous as they seem. Like you pointed out. A RTT with a fast set up time is critical but there’s a lot of ones that are slower and more annoying, not to mention even the crappiest roof too tents run you more than $1000 and to get a really nice one you have to shell out a lot more. There are some people I’m sure it works out for I think people should be informed about the pros and cons before they blindly purchase anything
@@stavio12 1. Nah. Did you not see where I said I have both and use both? 2. I’m not making stuff up. I just got back from a trip today- 15.5 mpgs on the roads there and back. You know what I got before the RTT- 16 mpgs. Did I say no hit? No, I said not much, maybe about .5 mpgs. I also explained that it could be due to the unique shape of Jeeps. And of course a lot has to do with the fact that not all RTTs are the same. A soft shell that is a 10 inch brick up there will be a lot different than a 5 in clamshell that I have. Btw, fuel economy is down, not up. Of course center of gravity is up- I didn’t say it is not. What I did say is that (a) it can be counter-balanced by how you build and pack and (b) it’s not as big a deal for what most overlanders do (and even more so as I wheel mine a fair bit on blues and easier blacks) and really becomes an issue if you are doing hard wheeling. I know this from experience of hitting trails on the same rig with and without, not just speculating. 3. Wow who has some anger issues? I have never seen a RTT company that has the load capacity for vehs. If they do tho, good for them for providing that info. And if you are mad that your veh doesn’t make the list of vehs that can’t handle the weight- buy another veh. Cause yeah, you shouldn’t put one on a veh that can’t handle it. My Gladiator has an Alucab canopy with a 750 lb static load capacity and 350 lb dynamic, so I am fine. The problem with making an argument “against RTTs” is that there are many varieties made out of different materials which drastically affects all of the things about them- set up take down time, wind resistance, weight, room etc. This guy’s complaints apply mostly to soft shell RTTs, hence my comment to point out why he’s wrong applying his gripes about them to all styles. As I said at the end, my comment was for information purposes, we all use what works for us. But since you didn’t lay attention to many of the words I wrote, I guess you missed that too.
As someone who’s been tent camping for a decade, none of these cons even apply to me. I’m just tired of cleaning mud off of tents and dealing with water getting in the tent. Not to mention carrying bulky cots and extra bedding.
Im over 50. For any guys over 50 we know what that means at nightime. I do not fancy navigating a ladder, in the middle of the night, half asleep. My other reason is the first reason he gave.
This is a touchy subject. For some reason, people do not understand that certain equipment and setups work better for others versus themselves. I am not an RTT guy, as I prefer my camper shell, but that does not mean the RTT is any worse than my setup. I think its silly how much ego is now involved with overlanding, and I think it has to do with how expensive everything has gotten. Nobody wants to feel like their thousand dollar investment was unnecessary. One key perk of sleeping in an RTT or camper shell is the protection from bears and/or tweakers. Sometimes the RTT is used as a fashion piece, but so are shackles, maxtraxx, etc..
People aren't even smart enough to know what overlanding is. Been overlanding since the early 1960's, never owned a truck or a 4x4 even. Younger people lack understanding because they lost their minds. The more information is available, the dumber they become. Logic left the room when Merrikuns stopped reading. Their downright dumbness is self-inflicted.
I don’t want to climb down a spindly ladder in the middle of the night to pee. The whole concept makes no sense unless you need protection from critters.
Yeah. I don’t get it. You’ve been active all day. You are tired. You gotta pee, maybe even a couple of time. So bleary eyed at 3am you’re climbing down a little ladder…? And then back up… no thanks.
That's why you get a small offroad trailer and put an RTT on that. Keep the weight low, inline with your vehicle and can drop at the trailhead and come back to a set up camp.
@@robbarber7253Pretty much anywhere u can drive a 4x4 u can drive a trailer. Even off-road, you’d be amazed by what a single axle trailer with chunky tires can roll over.
Everything you said makes sense. With my wife we bought one in 2019 and the reasons I’d recommend it are: she barely enjoyed camping, now she really likes it (it makes her feel she’s not sleeping surrounded by spiders. I’ll never tell her the truth.). We road trip more than we off-road and We don’t often stay at the same spot more than two nights. Being able to get to a state park in the middle of the night and be ready to sleep five minutes after we stopped the motor works well for our trip style. But it’s a steep price. It absolutely is a non essential luxury item. And it has its shortcomings.
I just bought RTT, if you really want to save yourself some $ buy a slightly used one for 1/3 of retail price, then you don’t need to justify why you bought it😂
Sounds more like personal preferences. I didnt hear any issues. None of them would ruin my day. Rule 1- no soft shell RTT's. Thats it. Have a great day, and dont be afraid of some work...
Lo que pasa es que el hace offroad y su prioridad es el desempeño del vehículo, mientras que los que usan rooftop tent es por qué su prioridad es hacer camping, eso creo 😅😅😅
Do what you want… period! I love my rooftop tent, not a big deal putting up and down. Heck once I left my walker in one of the pockets quickly opened it up and back down in minutes. I get why some of you hate them but lots of us love it. We have a travel trailer too and sometimes we use that . So enjoy what you like . Not all of us do rock crawling but easy trail driving . 100 lbs affecting center of gravity… geez
Having now had an RTT on my 3rd gen for a season, my highway fuel economy has dropped from 11 litres per 100km/h to "drum roll"... 11.5 litres per 100 km. The offroad fuel economy has remained static around 15/16 L/100km (I shouldn't have to mention that, but some people aren't smart enough to understand the fact that wind resistance isn't a factor at offroad speeds).
#1 too broke for 2 trucks 🥴🤷♂️ why are you out camping if your still broke…..#2 yet again seems like money issues. And how can you be fat and concerned about weight 🥴……#3 every single person I offhand with has a dedicated vehicle or takes theirs off…….go get your money up.
Wow listen to you.. Mr physics here thinks 100lbs on the roof is going to make you change your driving style and make your suspension sag!! that's 100lbs.. Not even the weight of a light adult passenger.. That's some crack logic there pal! what else don't you like about them... Takes 13 people to lift it off the roof?
RTT save time . Period. . That alone is worth whatever you have to compromise . Il.pop mine up and listen to you set up yours for the next 30 mins. More if it rains. And il watch you pack up again to go. Not worth the extra gas youre saving . You will be burning that gas snyway sometime
3 reasons why you won't use 1 doesn't mean it's right for everyone. Only issue with leaving stuff at camp means only have base camp capability not trail camping or pitch up anywhere wild camp. I'm with you on the RTT issues that's why I went with a military trailer with RTT on there setup so can have a base camp or even go take it on trails and not worry about it breaking.
200 pounds for a pick up Truck is like bringing your mom in a trip. 200 pounds is nothing, it would do nothing to the suspension. A truck camper weight 1500 pounds and stays on the truck for 6 months and nothing happens. You don't use a rooftop tent because you can't afford one.
Fuel economy? You're worried about fuel economy? Driving a truck? 😂😂😂 Upgrade suspension to handle ALL that weight? Hope you don't ever have passengers 😂
This is why I prefer my awning, it's a 270° awning, it doesn't add much more weight than the roof rack already did, I get nice coverage I can take with my any where, doesn't effect my wheeling much if any and. I do lose a little height clearance and at the end of the day it is extra weight on the roof, but I prefer a tent on the ground and an awning on my truck, plus if I go wheeling, find a cool spot to stop an eat, pull out the awning, set up the grill cook some burgers and kick back, and its also super useful for going target shooting in less desirable weather for your guns
Lol, hilarious... I'd have to upgrade my saggy suspension each time another passenger gets in the car! 100lb tent causing your suspension to sag, you have the wrong car!
beside the point!! the best part of wheelin is confidently knowing what your rig CAN or CANT do. top heavy or not. you can do it in a jeep a yota a kia or a dodge if you really want to. we should be out there to have FUN not measure our bulge or our wallets. good video with some valid points. i trailer my street legal offroader with a mild one ton. to each there own. get out ther and fun people ........ps please pick your trash..
And why would you put a soft shell tent on top your vehicle anyway? Mine is a hard top and it takes less than 5 minutes to take down. If off roading is your thing 1. You bought the wrong RTT 2. Sleep on the ground
100 pounds won’t hurt your suspension 2nd over landing your gonna be packing up all your camping gear every morning anyways and in my TJ I don’t have space inside for a regular tent plus everything else and in my TJ I don’t even notice it up there off-road so I don’t donut you will in any other rig
Notice how he emphasizes "Iiiiiiiii" haha like the world needs to know his preferences. Sounds like this guy drives a cardboard box attached to a wagon with jeep spray painted on it.
1 and only 1, there is only 1 overlander. That is an overlander not a yippie soft shell camper. Last ref to your comment about weight duddette look at the unladen weight then at the gvwr then look at axle weight limit then tire load weight rating....too much stay home
It takes me 15 min to set up and take down my RTT. Have had no change in fuel mileage. Also bought a hard shell which does make it a little heavy but I haven't noticed it. To each their own.
Honestly it comes down to preference. You'll not convince me that my J30 is a waste but it fits my style. I don't like sleeping on the ground and rarely sleeping at the site for more than a night. I'm not setting up a base camp somewhere and wheeling all day.
And you think you know every person's unique circumstances and needs? How very enlightened you must be. It's okay if it doesn't answer your needs, but mine are very different.
So I keep doing back to wear you said a roof top tent is 100lbs but if someone has a camper cover over the bed they way a lot more and iv seen trucks have them the whole owner ship I agree with the center of gravity but having to up grade your shock and leaf springs is alittle much
I love the idea of a rooftop tent I just can’t get past $1000-$3000 for a tent that should be at most $250 maybe $300. I really want one but there is just this huge disparity between what they cost and what they are. DIY time I guess!
It’s always ground sleepers that talk smack about what other people put in their vehicles. Why does it bother you so much? We don’t care if you sleep on the ground and have to pack up a muddy tent after it rains.
oh rtt is nice if your vehicle can handle it with 0 ishues😂 like too heavy, too much wind drag, whimpy motor and such😂😂 ground tents ok just a littke more set up time in most cases and takes more room to haul🤷 i use both as their is good conditions for both🤙🤙
I think people who use RTT use it exactly for the reason not to have to camp with others in some camp. Its a matter of priority. I for example always choose RTT over some crowded place where I have to return to 👎🏻
all legit points, but the pros outweigh the cons by so much more, especially those who actually go into the wild to camp and not just drive to a groomed campsite. Is bears, I feel significantly safer in a RTT than a fabric ground tent.
There is also another reason for not having a roof top tent, you could accidentally fall out of the damned thing, and folks having to go the hospital or worse just isn't worth it, nope.
Say hi to the criters.. but my RTT is on a adventure trailer.. I like glamping.. as in shower, toilet, and being able to stay out for a week or two.. To each their own..
So, you’re saying that it would be less expensive to buy new camp gear every time you camp, than to leave your rtt on all year?? Thieves prey on people like you
Come to far North Queensland and camp in your tent on the ground. See how long till a 18ft snapping handbag dines on you and the family as a packaged meal. 🤣
If you're an off-road driver then you have the space you'd need for it what these are for is to save space inside the car for different gear over a huge tent and sorry honestly I'm not going to take anything from anyone who uses a icefishing tent as a regular tent
I believe roof top tents are for over landing. This means at the end of the day you will not be in the campsite you left from , hence why you take it with you.
Here in NT Australia, there are crocodiles roaming around at night and could start nibbling at your tent during the night if it's on the ground, not to mention snakes, poisonous centipedes, buffalo, camels etc. ...
These are valid points. I was considering getting a rooftop tent, but I believe I can still convert my truck bed into what I originally would have had the rooftop tent taking place of.
Imagine not being trapped to a paid camp ground..Imagine going high up in the hills with your rtt away from everyone and not having to worry about where you're going to pitch your tent...rrt are better
I have my rooftop tent on a homemade trailer works great can set it up unhook my trailer and go to the store. Leave the campsite and come home and everything still the same.👍👍
The whole point of a roof tent is to spend 1 night in different locations without messing around with a tent on the ground some roof te ts take 60 seconds to back up
If you don’t like or cannot afford RTT, then do creat BS reasons 😂😂 Center of gravity: this is not a one piece gear outcome, it’s the superposition of all weight. When you have 100 lb on top and just your power station weight 50lb and it’s in the cabin it’ll put the superposition of COG below your roof, the more gear and weight you put in your cabin your COG will be lowered - leaving my stuff at camp!????? No comment
