Rooftop tents... what do you think?? - Page 5

FirstToy · 07-13-05, 08:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by expeditionswest

I will post a teaser shot soon... ;-)

Is it the Oasis rooftent?

Grouseman · 07-13-05, 08:56 PM

Not long ago, I found a guy who made his own platform on the roof rack, and bought a certain tent, installed it and didn't have alot of money in it. He did this about 6 years ago. Found him thru a google search. He sent me pics, etc. When I get time will find his email and try to post what he did. He had an 80 series with something like 55k miles on it. This guy was ahead of his time.

Grouseman

MDH33 · 07-15-05, 08:23 AM

Wouldn't these heavier fabrics allow a lot of condensation to form inside the tent? Seems like it would get pretty damp inside. Also, has anyone used one in temps below freezing? How was the heat retention and was there any problems with ice forming on the interior walls?

dclee · 07-15-05, 12:29 PM

The heavier canvas type materials should actually have less condensation since they're breathable.

Hltoppr · 07-15-05, 12:46 PM

I've camped at 11,700 feet in my Hannibal, and didn't have any condensation problems...much less condensation actually than a nylon tent. The other plus with the heavy canvas is that it seems to stay cooler and darker at sun rise and during the day; allowing you to sleep in a bit more than a nylon tent will when it's warm outside.

The cross ventilation of the Hannibals is great!!

-H-

Mike S · 07-15-05, 02:43 PM

Th eAutoHome tents use a special acrylic canvas that breathes very well. The inside hardware on the OverLand is covered with fabric sleeves to further eliminate condensation. In any quality tent condensation should never be a problem. Nylon and other coated fabrics will make the inside into a sauna, so materials is very important.

As for use in cold weather - our tents (especially the Maggiolina) are very good in cold weather, and have been used in Alaska, NWT, Yukon, Mountinous areas of Asia, etc. and provided very good comfort. One comment - in very cold weather the quality of insulation provided by the 1" foam sandwich construction of the bottoms of our tents, combined with the thick, closed cell foam mattress means that the bottom of the bed is very comfortable, which promotes good circulation. This means that you'll be warm.

M

hendo · 08-31-05, 12:05 AM

anybody got one for sale?

Mike S · 08-31-05, 12:24 AM

OH YEAH! See below...

Mike S
www.AutoHomeUS.com

DaktariEd · 08-31-05, 12:32 AM

It's not for sale, but I just returned from my first venture out with the Maggiollina Airland on my FJ40. It was terrific. I'm looking forward to another trip in just a few days...

Last year I used the tent on my Sequoia in a couple of thunderstorms, with temps dropping to near freezing. No problem at all. Waterrtight, good breathability, no condensation.

As I get older this "cushie-camping" is very appealing. Easy set-up and take down, comfortable bed, etc.

Ed

BTW...I got mine through Rich at Lofty Shelters Lofty Shelters . Seems only fair to mention him, too. He was a great guy to work with, helpful, excellent business...

desertdude · 08-31-05, 05:59 AM

Nice... I just bought my Airland from Autohome usa - Rich helped me out . I am welding up a set of bed bars for mounting on my Tacoma. I will post photos when it is ready.

Thanks to Mike and Rich for setting me up

freightdog · 08-31-05, 07:53 AM

Desertdude - hurry up!

ED - sweet setup -

I need to sell this cumbersome trailer and go that way...

expeditionswest · 08-31-05, 09:31 AM

I own the new Car-Top-Tent model and the Eezi-Awn 1200.

The Eezi-Awn will be my long term solution, mounted at the height of the bed rails (to keep CG low).

The Car-Top-Tent is also very nice, but is a MUCH larger unit than the 1200. It is also reasonably priced.

Here is a picture of the Discovery tent from Car-Top-Tent mounted on my Tacoma for testing and photo shoot in Sedona.

I am testing both units and will provide more details in the coming weeks. My move to Prescott really slowed things down.

Initial impressions of the Eezi-Awn are very impressive, and they are my favorite tents as a result of my research conducted to date. The build quality and materials are exceptional...

I also really like the Autohome units (good quality and design), but they are not compact or light, and would require mounting at roof height (due to the size of my bed), which I do not consider ideal (CG, clearance, access, etc.)

desertdude · 08-31-05, 05:42 PM

OK Jeff -hang on there babaloui

- I am having a rack welded up and should be ready next week for powder coating. Stay tuned... All my weight is in the lower part of my bed. I am hoping this 119 lbs ( plus rack weight still undetermined) at approx. 22.5 inches above the bed will still be OK for CG - The tent will be approx. 20" over the cab and 63" over the bed - measured from the rear window. Only time will tell if I love it or hate it mounted in that position. I knolw you are at 10 leafs Scott - Wish I went 9 leaf instead of 8

expeditionswest · 09-01-05, 08:29 AM

DesertDude,

I cant wait to see it in person. It is going to be sweet!

You are almost ready for the Baja trip now... (I have started planning the route)

desertdude · 09-01-05, 12:29 PM

Scott - I am planning an AZ return trip somewhere 20-21 for CSC trail clean up run near childs - I will be sure and parade around Prescott

...Baja is my carrot

Landpimp · 09-09-05, 08:38 AM

I see ARB has its own(or rebadged) line of roof top tents now, at least in OZ.

http://www.arb.com.au/roof_top_tents.htm

cruiseroutfit · 09-09-05, 12:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Landpimp

I see ARB has its own(or rebadged) line of roof top tents now, at least in OZ.

http://www.arb.com.au/roof_top_tents.htm

As per TR @ ARB, he doesn't see it happening anytime soon...

Owyhee Jackass · 09-09-05, 01:28 PM

What size did you get? I'm thinking fitting 4 into that large one is a bit optimistic. I can see the wife and kids fitting up there no problem and me sleeping in the truck. Really, the kids would fit in the 80 no problem and the wife and I could go up there.

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaktariEd

It's not for sale, but I just returned from my first venture out with the Maggiollina Airland on my FJ40. It was terrific. I'm looking forward to another trip in just a few days...

Last year I used the tent on my Sequoia in a couple of thunderstorms, with temps dropping to near freezing. No problem at all. Waterrtight, good breathability, no condensation.

As I get older this "cushie-camping" is very appealing. Easy set-up and take down, comfortable bed, etc.

Ed

BTW...I got mine through Rich at Lofty Shelters Lofty Shelters . Seems only fair to mention him, too. He was a great guy to work with, helpful, excellent business...

Landpimp · 09-10-05, 07:27 AM

thats what I expected to hear.

Quote:

Originally Posted by cruiseroutfit

As per TR @ ARB, he doesn't see it happening anytime soon...

DaktariEd · 09-13-05, 08:29 PM

My Maggiolina Airland is the "Medium" size (1.45 m).

It's just about right for my height (5' 11").
The "Large" would be a little better on length, but would be a tad too long for the FJ40 I think.

Ed

spressomon · 09-13-05, 08:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaktariEd

It's not for sale, but I just returned from my first venture out with the Maggiollina Airland on my FJ40. It was terrific. I'm looking forward to another trip in just a few days...

Last year I used the tent on my Sequoia in a couple of thunderstorms, with temps dropping to near freezing. No problem at all. Waterrtight, good breathability, no condensation.

As I get older this "cushie-camping" is very appealing. Easy set-up and take down, comfortable bed, etc.

Ed

BTW...I got mine through Rich at Lofty Shelters Lofty Shelters . Seems only fair to mention him, too. He was a great guy to work with, helpful, excellent business...

DaktariEd: What folding camp chair is this in your pic? I am looking for one that is comfortable...seems all the ones I have seen are not condusive for sitting more than 15-minutes or so...how is this one for comfort?

DaktariEd · 09-13-05, 09:00 PM

You know, I haven't the slightest idea what chair it is!

Can't see a name anywhere on it. All it says is "Lounge Quad Chair" on the carry sack.
I picked it up at Big Lots some years back.
It's comfortable, but has to sit pretty level or it wants to lean over. But I like it!

Ed

Quote:

Originally Posted by spressomon

DaktariEd: What folding camp chair is this in your pic? I am looking for one that is comfortable...seems all the ones I have seen are not condusive for sitting more than 15-minutes or so...how is this one for comfort?

Mike S · 09-13-05, 09:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaktariEd

BTW...I got mine through Rich at Lofty Shelters Lofty Shelters . Seems only fair to mention him, too. He was a great guy to work with, helpful, excellent business...

Ed - Yep. Rich is a great guy, and my partner in AutoHomeUSA. Lofty Shelters is now combined into AutoHomeUSA. We are having fun doing this tent thing, and meeting some terrific people like DesertDude.

desertdude · 09-13-05, 09:21 PM

Thanks Mike

I have my tent mount welded up and it is at the powder coating place right now - should have it set up end of next week - I will post some pre photos of the bed rack asap.

btw if you are even considering a roof tent these two guys have the service down.

expeditionswest · 09-14-05, 01:33 PM

This last weekend, I installed the Eezi-Awn on the truck, on a steel rack system. It is offset to one side, which allows for a bike rack on the drivers side.

The rack system also includes a 24 gallon SS water storage tank, hot water heater, shower and rear water spout.

It is still a work in progress, but you can see the initial design.

This shows the framework and bike mount. The framework will be covered in 1/8" aluminum sheet, and Rhino Lined.

This shows the mounting from the side, and how the tent sits below the roof line to maximize CG.

This shows the storage underneath. I am using a set of stormcases
that fit just perfect under the platform.

The Stormcase units are an iM2720 (25"l x 20"w x 12"t)

Here is a picture of my cases. They are of exceptional quality, and I prefer them over the Pelican cases I have.

The quality of the Eezi-awn is exceptional, with HD hardware, solid mounting, heavy canvas and a multi-density matress. I will post more pics soon

desertdude · 09-15-05, 10:25 PM

here are a few spy photos of my tent mount rack - should be powder coated and ready next week for the tent mounting

07-15-05, 12:29 PM	#124
dclee IH8MUD Lifer Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Elk Grove, CA, USA TLCA# 12205 Posts: 1,752	The heavier canvas type materials should actually have less condensation since they're breathable. __________________ Derek Lee `63 Mercedes-Benz UNIMOG (404.115) `64 Mercedes-Benz UNIMOG (404.114) `81 Mercedes-Benz 300GD (460.333) `90 Mercedes-Benz 500SL (R129) `02 Saab 9-5 Aero `04 Toyota Land Cruiser (UZJ100)

07-15-05, 12:46 PM	#125
Hltoppr When In Doubt, Go Higher! Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Port of Indecision...otherwise Northern Arizona Posts: 1,799	I've camped at 11,700 feet in my Hannibal, and didn't have any condensation problems...much less condensation actually than a nylon tent. The other plus with the heavy canvas is that it seems to stay cooler and darker at sun rise and during the day; allowing you to sleep in a bit more than a nylon tent will when it's warm outside. The cross ventilation of the Hannibals is great!! -H- __________________ 2003 BMW R1150GS Adventure 1983 FJ45 Troopy KE7TYL ...and then there is always Mexico....

07-15-05, 02:43 PM	#126
Mike S IH8MUD Lifer - No Appeal Join Date: Aug 2003 Posts: 2,497	Th eAutoHome tents use a special acrylic canvas that breathes very well. The inside hardware on the OverLand is covered with fabric sleeves to further eliminate condensation. In any quality tent condensation should never be a problem. Nylon and other coated fabrics will make the inside into a sauna, so materials is very important. As for use in cold weather - our tents (especially the Maggiolina) are very good in cold weather, and have been used in Alaska, NWT, Yukon, Mountinous areas of Asia, etc. and provided very good comfort. One comment - in very cold weather the quality of insulation provided by the 1" foam sandwich construction of the bottoms of our tents, combined with the thick, closed cell foam mattress means that the bottom of the bed is very comfortable, which promotes good circulation. This means that you'll be warm. 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

08-31-05, 12:24 AM	#128
Mike S IH8MUD Lifer - No Appeal Join Date: Aug 2003 Posts: 2,497	OH YEAH! See below... Mike S www.AutoHomeUS.com __________________ '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

08-31-05, 12:32 AM	#129
DaktariEd IH8MUD Rookie Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Tucson, AZ, USA TLCA# 15029 Posts: 37	It's not for sale, but I just returned from my first venture out with the Maggiollina Airland on my FJ40. It was terrific. I'm looking forward to another trip in just a few days... Last year I used the tent on my Sequoia in a couple of thunderstorms, with temps dropping to near freezing. No problem at all. Waterrtight, good breathability, no condensation. As I get older this "cushie-camping" is very appealing. Easy set-up and take down, comfortable bed, etc. Ed BTW...I got mine through Rich at Lofty Shelters Lofty Shelters . Seems only fair to mention him, too. He was a great guy to work with, helpful, excellent business... __________________ '82 FJ-40 '02 Sequoia "The brave may not live forever but the cautious do not live at all!" Last edited by DaktariEd; 08-31-05 at 12:42 AM.

07-13-05, 08:56 PM	#122
Grouseman IH8MUD Addict Join Date: Sep 2004 Posts: 572	Not long ago, I found a guy who made his own platform on the roof rack, and bought a certain tent, installed it and didn't have alot of money in it. He did this about 6 years ago. Found him thru a google search. He sent me pics, etc. When I get time will find his email and try to post what he did. He had an 80 series with something like 55k miles on it. This guy was ahead of his time. Grouseman

07-15-05, 08:23 AM	#123
MDH33 IH8MUD Lifer Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Evergreen, CO TLCA# 16348 Posts: 1,068	Wouldn't these heavier fabrics allow a lot of condensation to form inside the tent? Seems like it would get pretty damp inside. Also, has anyone used one in temps below freezing? How was the heat retention and was there any problems with ice forming on the interior walls?

08-31-05, 12:05 AM	#127
hendo IH8MUD Junior Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: san fernando valley Posts: 181	anybody got one for sale?

08-31-05, 05:59 AM	#130
desertdude IH8MUD Lifer Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Sedona Arizona TLCA# 2911 Posts: 2,813	Nice... I just bought my Airland from Autohome usa - Rich helped me out . I am welding up a set of bed bars for mounting on my Tacoma. I will post photos when it is ready. Thanks to Mike and Rich for setting me up __________________ <---------------------©-------------------> • North <-> South <-> East <-> West • <---------------------©------------------->

08-31-05, 07:53 AM	#131
freightdog IH8MUD Addict Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Navajo Rez - AZ Posts: 710	Desertdude - hurry up! ED - sweet setup - I need to sell this cumbersome trailer and go that way... __________________ "What ever fuckface, you cant deal with the real world or a real world job, keep hiding out on the rez living off your girl........." = priceless! as said by Calstyl2 http://www.myspace.com/cruiserhead

08-31-05, 09:31 AM	#132
expeditionswest IH8MUD Addict Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: CA and AZ TLCA# 14910 Posts: 504	I own the new Car-Top-Tent model and the Eezi-Awn 1200. The Eezi-Awn will be my long term solution, mounted at the height of the bed rails (to keep CG low). The Car-Top-Tent is also very nice, but is a MUCH larger unit than the 1200. It is also reasonably priced. Here is a picture of the Discovery tent from Car-Top-Tent mounted on my Tacoma for testing and photo shoot in Sedona. I am testing both units and will provide more details in the coming weeks. My move to Prescott really slowed things down. Initial impressions of the Eezi-Awn are very impressive, and they are my favorite tents as a result of my research conducted to date. The build quality and materials are exceptional... I also really like the Autohome units (good quality and design), but they are not compact or light, and would require mounting at roof height (due to the size of my bed), which I do not consider ideal (CG, clearance, access, etc.) __________________ Scott Brady, Tread Lightly Master Trainer EarthRoamer XV-JP \| Toyota Tacoma \| Land Rover Discovery I Expedition's West Overland Journal- Expedition Magazine Expedition Portal Community

08-31-05, 05:42 PM	#133
desertdude IH8MUD Lifer Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Sedona Arizona TLCA# 2911 Posts: 2,813	OK Jeff -hang on there babaloui - I am having a rack welded up and should be ready next week for powder coating. Stay tuned... All my weight is in the lower part of my bed. I am hoping this 119 lbs ( plus rack weight still undetermined) at approx. 22.5 inches above the bed will still be OK for CG - The tent will be approx. 20" over the cab and 63" over the bed - measured from the rear window. Only time will tell if I love it or hate it mounted in that position. I knolw you are at 10 leafs Scott - Wish I went 9 leaf instead of 8 __________________ <---------------------©-------------------> • North <-> South <-> East <-> West • <---------------------©------------------->

09-01-05, 08:29 AM	#134
expeditionswest IH8MUD Addict Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: CA and AZ TLCA# 14910 Posts: 504	DesertDude, I cant wait to see it in person. It is going to be sweet! You are almost ready for the Baja trip now... (I have started planning the route) __________________ Scott Brady, Tread Lightly Master Trainer EarthRoamer XV-JP \| Toyota Tacoma \| Land Rover Discovery I Expedition's West Overland Journal- Expedition Magazine Expedition Portal Community

09-01-05, 12:29 PM	#135
desertdude IH8MUD Lifer Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Sedona Arizona TLCA# 2911 Posts: 2,813	Scott - I am planning an AZ return trip somewhere 20-21 for CSC trail clean up run near childs - I will be sure and parade around Prescott ...Baja is my carrot __________________ <---------------------©-------------------> • North <-> South <-> East <-> West • <---------------------©------------------->

09-09-05, 08:38 AM	#136
Landpimp IH8MUD Lifer Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Gig Harbor WA TLCA# 5506 Posts: 11,406	I see ARB has its own(or rebadged) line of roof top tents now, at least in OZ. http://www.arb.com.au/roof_top_tents.htm

09-13-05, 08:29 PM	#140
DaktariEd IH8MUD Rookie Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Tucson, AZ, USA TLCA# 15029 Posts: 37	My Maggiolina Airland is the "Medium" size (1.45 m). It's just about right for my height (5' 11"). The "Large" would be a little better on length, but would be a tad too long for the FJ40 I think. Ed __________________ '82 FJ-40 '02 Sequoia "The brave may not live forever but the cautious do not live at all!"

09-13-05, 09:21 PM	#144
desertdude IH8MUD Lifer Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Sedona Arizona TLCA# 2911 Posts: 2,813	Thanks Mike I have my tent mount welded up and it is at the powder coating place right now - should have it set up end of next week - I will post some pre photos of the bed rack asap. btw if you are even considering a roof tent these two guys have the service down. __________________ <---------------------©-------------------> • North <-> South <-> East <-> West • <---------------------©------------------->

09-14-05, 01:33 PM	#145
expeditionswest IH8MUD Addict Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: CA and AZ TLCA# 14910 Posts: 504	This last weekend, I installed the Eezi-Awn on the truck, on a steel rack system. It is offset to one side, which allows for a bike rack on the drivers side. The rack system also includes a 24 gallon SS water storage tank, hot water heater, shower and rear water spout. It is still a work in progress, but you can see the initial design. This shows the framework and bike mount. The framework will be covered in 1/8" aluminum sheet, and Rhino Lined. This shows the mounting from the side, and how the tent sits below the roof line to maximize CG. This shows the storage underneath. I am using a set of stormcases that fit just perfect under the platform. The Stormcase units are an iM2720 (25"l x 20"w x 12"t) Here is a picture of my cases. They are of exceptional quality, and I prefer them over the Pelican cases I have. The quality of the Eezi-awn is exceptional, with HD hardware, solid mounting, heavy canvas and a multi-density matress. I will post more pics soon __________________ Scott Brady, Tread Lightly Master Trainer EarthRoamer XV-JP \| Toyota Tacoma \| Land Rover Discovery I Expedition's West Overland Journal- Expedition Magazine Expedition Portal Community

09-15-05, 10:25 PM	#146
desertdude IH8MUD Lifer Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Sedona Arizona TLCA# 2911 Posts: 2,813	here are a few spy photos of my tent mount rack - should be powder coated and ready next week for the tent mounting __________________