Rooftop tents... what do you think?? - Page 4

esh · 05-25-05, 12:46 PM

Yes, but the heavy-duty vinyl has survived even the fire-hardened curled down stubby pointed branches hanging tightly throughout the McGrew trail in southern Oregon.

I always remove the rack/tent/awning as a unit if I'm not using the truck for overnight or longer camp trips. No use beating it up further and exposing it to the elements. Just rigged up a simple pulley system onto a little hand winch from harbor freight.

I have more trouble with the 7' parking garages. :P

82-40 · 07-04-05, 01:42 PM

All of the reasoning why they are so expensive are good ones such as materials used, craftsmanship, ease of set up, comfort, convenience and durability and this equates to some thing called luxury and this equals $$. Sure you will find a higher standard of luxury in a motor home then you will find in a roof top tent just like you will find a higher level in the roof top tent compared to a back packing tent. Back packing tents are not cheep when you look at how little you get from one and the most important thing that is lacking from it is the weight that is purposely kept off from it. What makes a high priced back packing tent? Every thing that was stated above “LUXARY” the more you want to carry that tent instead of another on your back for miles on end the more you will pay for it. The same is true for the roof top tent, the more luxury that you ask for the more $$ that they will ask for. But the one thing that will bring up the price that I did not see mentioned from the others is the supply & demand theory. There is a good supply of these things but the demand sucks! As soon as they can sale 3 or 4 units to every 1 that is sold now the price will drop. Sorry for the lecture in marketing. I think I have found some very good alternatives to the pricy tents but you will lose some of there features but you will still have a higher standard of comfort then a tent on the ground will give you. If any one is interested I will look for the URL’s of the poor mans version.

tornadoalleycruiser · 07-05-05, 02:08 PM

Can you describe the difference in the
Adventure, Airland and Extreme? I kinda think I might understand some of the differences like the color of the shell and fabric?
I'm interested in one someday to be moved from the tow rig to the FJ45 etc.. Much easier than a slide in camper and not as bulky to store..
Where can one find prices? And Is Urban LandCruisers a vendor of them?
That's enough for now..

tornadoalleycruiser · 07-06-05, 10:07 AM

Ok noticed the differences listed in the Mudrak new tent thread..
Best of luck on the website.. Looks very interesting would love to see more pictures etc esp of the mounting systems available.
And can the accessories be purchased with the same canvas color if you buy one of the other tents?
I noticed blue, grey and tan now..

CanadianLandcruiser · 07-07-05, 01:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Arya Ebrahimi

Never used one, might if they weren't so expensive.

Ary

Here is one that is not too expensive. The Skydome.

It's on sale now for $595.

hoser · 07-07-05, 03:59 PM

Does anybody have experience with "3 Dog Camper" Roof Top Tents. They are made in Australia. Not too much information on the web about this company.

http://www.3dogcamping.com/rooftop.html

DaktariEd · 07-09-05, 12:55 AM

I am a complete newbie here. This is my very first post. But I purchased an Airland last year from Lofty Shelters and coundn't be happier with it. It's streamlined, weighs 130 lbs or so, opens in seconds, closes in a couple of minutes, and has been water tight in several thunderstorms and rain showers.

Here's photo of it on my Sequoia. I'm in the process of having a custom rack made for my FJ-40 so it will be able to see even more remote country.

Ed

Exiled · 07-10-05, 02:04 PM

I came across this picture in my archives and thought you'd enjoy it.

LandCruiserPhil · 07-10-05, 02:11 PM

Question for owners of roof top tent:
Are there any issues with putting down/away your tents wet?

sandcruiser · 07-10-05, 04:39 PM

nah.... it just gets musty if you don't open it back up within a couple of days to dry out.

Oh, also sometimes the edges of the sheets/blankets will get damp, but most of the water stays outside, at least on the maggiolina tent.

Mike S · 07-11-05, 12:50 AM

Some of you have asked technical and pricing questions. The new site is up with lots of photos, technical specs, and user experiences....

see it at www.autohomeus.com

Mike S
AutoHomeUSA

e9999 · 07-11-05, 01:43 AM

wow! very professional-looking web site!
nice!

BMAN · 07-11-05, 08:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike S

Some of you have asked technical and pricing questions. The new site is up with lots of photos, technical specs, and user experiences....

see it at www.autohomeus.com

Mike S
AutoHomeUSA

Site looks good! Too damned bad there's no pricing either on the site or any of the deaker sites other than the VW site which prices the Maggiolinas around $2500. Mudraks site doesn't even show them. He's got Hannibals listed on his site.

Mike S · 07-11-05, 09:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BMAN

Site looks good! Too damned bad there's no pricing either on the site or any of the deaker sites other than the VW site which prices the Maggiolinas around $2500. Mudraks site doesn't even show them. He's got Hannibals listed on his site.

BMAN

Thanks for the compliment on the site.

Retail prices are on the site for each model and size. Look in the specs chart on the page with each model... Gary is busy, but is NOT selling Hannibal, he will put our tents up on his site with a link to AutoHomeUSA, as soon as he has time, I expect. He took a Columbus model on the Rubithon run, and reports that it functioned perfectly - even in the rain.

BTW - There is no list price on any of the tents as high as $2500. I have no control over what dealers choose to price products at, which is why I have posted the retail prices on the site.

I am happy to answer any questions you may have regarding the products. Please notice that we offer a 30 day guarantee of satisfaction and a 5 year warranty for each tent.

Mike S

e9999 · 07-11-05, 09:57 PM

on this shell one that goes straight up, what's the mechanism? is it levers ? cables?

Mike S · 07-11-05, 10:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by e9999

on this shell one that goes straight up, what's the mechanism? is it levers ? cables?

It employs a stainless scissors type lift at each end of the tent with running gear in a recessed track. This is operated by a stainless crank handle that is inserted into an external fitting. Takes about 20 seconds to set up, and will pull the fabric tight.

The ladder is stored inside.

M

desertdude · 07-11-05, 11:27 PM

Your site is very professional looking and I know how much work it takes to launch this type of site

Please don't take this to harshly - but, if you want to sell these things you have to have prices more obvious and web ordering. I found the prices after your direction. Sending me to another website from the main site is turning me to your competition... Your prices are a couple hundered higher as well - why would I spend extra?

firetruck41 · 07-12-05, 12:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by desertdude

Your site is very professional looking and I know how much work it takes to launch this type of site

Please don't take this to harshly - but, if you want to sell these things you have to have prices more obvious and web ordering. I found the prices after your direction. Sending me to another website from the main site is turning me to your competition... Your prices are a couple hundered higher as well - why would I spend extra?

I don't think he is trying to "sell" them, he is the distributor, so if he sold them on his site he would be unfairly competing with his own (dealer) customers, and his dealer network wouldn't like that

. The prices are MSRP, so each dealer should be able to determine their own pricing, ie. make a profit, or give away gifts

. Shop the dealers for their best deal.

desertdude · 07-12-05, 07:14 AM

Thanks for trying to clarify

Quote from the site " If there is no dealer in your area, we will be glad to work directly with you."

(and)

Or just call us…
You can reach us at our order line 800-251-6364. We staff the phone Monday through Friday between 8:30 AM and 5:30 PM Pacific Coast time.

prices do not state MSRP

kinda confusing

firetruck41 · 07-12-05, 07:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by desertdude

kinda confusing

Agreed

Mike S · 07-12-05, 09:37 AM

Thank you for your suggestions to improve the website. I will take them seriously.

As for the "competing with dealers", there are only a few dealers right now, and a large market. Many of our dealers specialize in certain segments of the market - Hummers, Cruisers, trailers, etc. If someone wants to buy directly from us, they can do so at the prices listed. They may also choose to buy through a dealer. The prices posted are the MSRP.

Setting up web-based purchasing is a little problematic, since we find that most people have a lot of questions, and/or want advice on selection and fitting. Therefore, we encourage people to call and discuss their needs, or to visit a dealer who can help them.

I fully expect the site to grow to accomodate the needs of the market, and that the dealer network will expand over time.

M

hoser · 07-13-05, 03:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BMAN

A stack of rooftop tent sites I've found:

www.car-top-tent.com

And there's plenty more out there. The least expensive tent I've found is called the Mombasa Around $600. It was at one point carried by Cabella's but I believe there was a problem with importing them and am unsure of whether or not they ever actually delivered any of them.

The Mombasa tent you were talking about is finally available. It is selling for $749 right now.
www.CAR-TOP-TENT.COM

e9999 · 07-13-05, 03:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hoser

The Mombasa tent you were talking about is finally available. It is selling for $749 right now.
www.CAR-TOP-TENT.COM

wow! Probably not the quality of some of the other stuff out there, but way cheaper...!
Not too much info on that site, unfortunately.

ladder is 72", don't think that's high enough for my 80...

tornadoalleycruiser · 07-13-05, 04:05 PM

can the accessories be purchased with the same canvas color if you buy one of the other tents?
I noticed blue, grey and tan now..

BMAN · 07-13-05, 04:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by e9999

wow! Probably not the quality of some of the other stuff out there, but way cheaper...!
Not too much info on that site, unfortunately.

ladder is 72", don't think that's high enough for my 80...

Funny that you brought this up because I had a discussion with Scott Brady at expeditions west about this very tent yesterday. He is currently testing one and is very happy with it. Apparently the quality of this unit is WAY up from the last batch and is comparable to a Hannibal unit. Very sturdy and well made. I approached the people at CAR-TOP-TENT about these units 2 years ago and they were $600 at the time but had no units to sell. Apparently this has changed according to Scott. I'll shoot him a PM to get him to chime in here.

Mike S · 07-13-05, 04:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tornadoalleycruiser

can the accessories be purchased with the same canvas color if you buy one of the other tents?
I noticed blue, grey and tan now..

Yep. But I do not stock a full line of accessories - just the most popular ones. The rest come from the manufacturer via air freight.

M

05-25-05, 12:46 PM	#91
esh IH8MUD Addict Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Oregon TLCA# 4408 Posts: 828	Yes, but the heavy-duty vinyl has survived even the fire-hardened curled down stubby pointed branches hanging tightly throughout the McGrew trail in southern Oregon. I always remove the rack/tent/awning as a unit if I'm not using the truck for overnight or longer camp trips. No use beating it up further and exposing it to the elements. Just rigged up a simple pulley system onto a little hand winch from harbor freight. I have more trouble with the 7' parking garages. :P __________________ Ken, Cascade Cruisers '64 FJ40, '66 FJ45, '79 FJ40, '81 BJ42, '82 BJ42, '85 xcab, '89 FJ62 Steens Photography, LLC

07-04-05, 01:42 PM	#92
82-40 IH8MUD Junior Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Palmdale, CA Posts: 129	All of the reasoning why they are so expensive are good ones such as materials used, craftsmanship, ease of set up, comfort, convenience and durability and this equates to some thing called luxury and this equals $$. Sure you will find a higher standard of luxury in a motor home then you will find in a roof top tent just like you will find a higher level in the roof top tent compared to a back packing tent. Back packing tents are not cheep when you look at how little you get from one and the most important thing that is lacking from it is the weight that is purposely kept off from it. What makes a high priced back packing tent? Every thing that was stated above “LUXARY” the more you want to carry that tent instead of another on your back for miles on end the more you will pay for it. The same is true for the roof top tent, the more luxury that you ask for the more $$ that they will ask for. But the one thing that will bring up the price that I did not see mentioned from the others is the supply & demand theory. There is a good supply of these things but the demand sucks! As soon as they can sale 3 or 4 units to every 1 that is sold now the price will drop. Sorry for the lecture in marketing. I think I have found some very good alternatives to the pricy tents but you will lose some of there features but you will still have a higher standard of comfort then a tent on the ground will give you. If any one is interested I will look for the URL’s of the poor mans version. __________________ Why do they call it an asteroid when it's outside the hemisphere, but call it a hemorrhoid when it's in the ass? -1 (40) = +1 (80)

07-05-05, 02:08 PM	#93
tornadoalleycruiser IH8MUD Lifer Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: KC Mo TLCA# EVP #5303 Posts: 1,091	Can you describe the difference in the Adventure, Airland and Extreme? I kinda think I might understand some of the differences like the color of the shell and fabric? I'm interested in one someday to be moved from the tow rig to the FJ45 etc.. Much easier than a slide in camper and not as bulky to store.. Where can one find prices? And Is Urban LandCruisers a vendor of them? That's enough for now.. __________________ Erik FJ45, FJ40, FJ62 TLCA #5303 I'm nervous, my hands are sweating, Legs shaking, totally having a blast !

07-06-05, 10:07 AM	#94
tornadoalleycruiser IH8MUD Lifer Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: KC Mo TLCA# EVP #5303 Posts: 1,091	Ok noticed the differences listed in the Mudrak new tent thread.. Best of luck on the website.. Looks very interesting would love to see more pictures etc esp of the mounting systems available. And can the accessories be purchased with the same canvas color if you buy one of the other tents? I noticed blue, grey and tan now.. __________________ Erik FJ45, FJ40, FJ62 TLCA #5303 I'm nervous, my hands are sweating, Legs shaking, totally having a blast !

07-07-05, 03:59 PM	#96
hoser IH8MUD No-Lifer Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Bay Area, CA Posts: 3,805	Does anybody have experience with "3 Dog Camper" Roof Top Tents. They are made in Australia. Not too much information on the web about this company. http://www.3dogcamping.com/rooftop.html __________________ 98 LX470 85 BJ70

07-09-05, 12:55 AM	#97
DaktariEd IH8MUD Rookie Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Tucson, AZ, USA TLCA# 15029 Posts: 37	Well... I am a complete newbie here. This is my very first post. But I purchased an Airland last year from Lofty Shelters and coundn't be happier with it. It's streamlined, weighs 130 lbs or so, opens in seconds, closes in a couple of minutes, and has been water tight in several thunderstorms and rain showers. Here's photo of it on my Sequoia. I'm in the process of having a custom rack made for my FJ-40 so it will be able to see even more remote country. Ed Attached Images __________________ '82 FJ-40 '02 Sequoia "The brave may not live forever but the cautious do not live at all!"

07-10-05, 02:04 PM	#98
Exiled Wagon Wheeler Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Round Rock, TX TLCA# 4080 Posts: 1,445	I came across this picture in my archives and thought you'd enjoy it. Attached Images

07-10-05, 02:11 PM	#99
LandCruiserPhil IH8MUD Lifer Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: in a bus Posts: 2,790	Question for owners of roof top tent: Are there any issues with putting down/away your tents wet? __________________ "Knowledge without experience is just information" Copper State Cruisers #003

07-10-05, 04:39 PM	#100
sandcruiser IH8MUD Lifer Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Tamarindo, Costa Rica Posts: 1,899	nah.... it just gets musty if you don't open it back up within a couple of days to dry out. Oh, also sometimes the edges of the sheets/blankets will get damp, but most of the water stays outside, at least on the maggiolina tent. __________________ 91 fj80 w/ 93 1HD-T. OME 850/860 w/ 1" front spacer, LEDs, HIRs, Hankook MT's 31x10.50r15, Tuffy center, ARB rear locker (in progress), in garage: lightforce lights, full rack, superwinch X9, maggiolina tent, hella horns. WTB: Tan DS mirror & housing '88 HJ60, "Louie" For Sale in Costa Rica.

07-11-05, 12:50 AM	#101
Mike S IH8MUD Lifer - No Appeal Join Date: Aug 2003 Posts: 2,497	The new AutoHomeUSA website is up... Some of you have asked technical and pricing questions. The new site is up with lots of photos, technical specs, and user experiences.... see it at www.autohomeus.com Mike S AutoHomeUSA __________________ '96 FZJ80, locked, Hanna sliders, ARB bumper, Kaymar rear with spare carrier, 45 gallon Longranger aux fuel tank, OBA, Hella 4000's, OME lift, 285/75/R16 Revos & AutoHome Maggiolina rooftop tent, etc. Custom Cruiser trailer with OverLand tent www.AutoHomeUS.com TLCA Member #14874

07-11-05, 01:43 AM	#102
e9999 You want to do what...? Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: PRK Posts: 10,206	wow! very professional-looking web site! nice! __________________ '97: 88K, 3xlock, Custom HD roo bar for sale, 285 MT/Rs on steelies, Hanna sliders, 851+1.5"/863/N73/N74E/SD24, ARB bull with M12, Kaymar with duals, Kaymar rack, Slee TC skid, 2m/440, more stuff, loose nut behind the wheel!) '03: 99K, the better half's... DD souped up DR650

07-11-05, 09:57 PM	#105
e9999 You want to do what...? Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: PRK Posts: 10,206	on this shell one that goes straight up, what's the mechanism? is it levers ? cables? __________________ '97: 88K, 3xlock, Custom HD roo bar for sale, 285 MT/Rs on steelies, Hanna sliders, 851+1.5"/863/N73/N74E/SD24, ARB bull with M12, Kaymar with duals, Kaymar rack, Slee TC skid, 2m/440, more stuff, loose nut behind the wheel!) '03: 99K, the better half's... DD souped up DR650

07-11-05, 11:27 PM	#107
desertdude IH8MUD Lifer Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Sedona Arizona TLCA# 2911 Posts: 2,813	Your site is very professional looking and I know how much work it takes to launch this type of site Please don't take this to harshly - but, if you want to sell these things you have to have prices more obvious and web ordering. I found the prices after your direction. Sending me to another website from the main site is turning me to your competition... Your prices are a couple hundered higher as well - why would I spend extra? __________________ <---------------------©-------------------> • North <-> South <-> East <-> West • <---------------------©------------------->

07-12-05, 07:14 AM	#109
desertdude IH8MUD Lifer Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Sedona Arizona TLCA# 2911 Posts: 2,813	Thanks for trying to clarify Quote from the site " If there is no dealer in your area, we will be glad to work directly with you." (and) Or just call us… You can reach us at our order line 800-251-6364. We staff the phone Monday through Friday between 8:30 AM and 5:30 PM Pacific Coast time. prices do not state MSRP kinda confusing __________________ <---------------------©-------------------> • North <-> South <-> East <-> West • <---------------------©------------------->

07-12-05, 09:37 AM	#111
Mike S IH8MUD Lifer - No Appeal Join Date: Aug 2003 Posts: 2,497	Thank you for your suggestions to improve the website. I will take them seriously. As for the "competing with dealers", there are only a few dealers right now, and a large market. Many of our dealers specialize in certain segments of the market - Hummers, Cruisers, trailers, etc. If someone wants to buy directly from us, they can do so at the prices listed. They may also choose to buy through a dealer. The prices posted are the MSRP. Setting up web-based purchasing is a little problematic, since we find that most people have a lot of questions, and/or want advice on selection and fitting. Therefore, we encourage people to call and discuss their needs, or to visit a dealer who can help them. I fully expect the site to grow to accomodate the needs of the market, and that the dealer network will expand over time. M __________________ '96 FZJ80, locked, Hanna sliders, ARB bumper, Kaymar rear with spare carrier, 45 gallon Longranger aux fuel tank, OBA, Hella 4000's, OME lift, 285/75/R16 Revos & AutoHome Maggiolina rooftop tent, etc. Custom Cruiser trailer with OverLand tent www.AutoHomeUS.com TLCA Member #14874

07-13-05, 04:05 PM	#114
tornadoalleycruiser IH8MUD Lifer Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: KC Mo TLCA# EVP #5303 Posts: 1,091	can the accessories be purchased with the same canvas color if you buy one of the other tents? I noticed blue, grey and tan now.. __________________ Erik FJ45, FJ40, FJ62 TLCA #5303 I'm nervous, my hands are sweating, Legs shaking, totally having a blast !