Looking for roof tent feedbak

[mmacro]

I'm building up a trailer (M100 type) and was wondering what kind of experiences people have with roof tents (Eeze-awning, ARB, etc...).

I love my trailer. I got it for $200 in Fairbanks, Alaska and used it to pull my gear out and cross country to Baltimore, Maryland.

Now that my wife and I are expecting our 1st "assistant navigator" in 9 months I want to make sure we can keep on camping. (It's amazing what happens on a month long drive through Alaska, Canada and the lower-48 states! ) Safety and comfort will be important and a tent mounted on top of the trailer makes perfect sense.

Thanks,
Matt

[sirenmoses]

post up pix. my beater trailer was 2 bills also, certainly haven't towed it that far.

didja do a search for Roof Top Tents? lotsa info here...

[titanpat57]

Hi,

I got mine from Chris at : roof top tent

Awesome guy to deal with. I've used mine 4 times to date and extremely satified with the quality and price. Last time there was a raging thunderstorm that blew down trees (we went in the truck ) and not one drop of water or damage to the tent. I just picked up a trailer,for 200$ also, and I'm starting my build very soon.

Congrats to you and the Mrs. !!

[mmacro]

Originally Posted by sirenmoses

post up pix. my beater trailer was 2 bills also, certainly haven't towed it that far.

didja do a search for Roof Top Tents? lotsa info here...

I did do a Google search for what you suggested. That's why I have the question out, I don't want to buy a cheap tent or one that was designed poorly.
I'm a photographer and I understand that pictures do lie - the best reviews are those from owners, not the dealers.
Thanks,
Matt

[sseaman]

check in the camping and expedition sections of mud

[BlueHZT60]

Originally Posted by mmacro

That's why I have the question out, I don't want to buy a cheap tent or one that was designed poorly.
I'm a photographer and I understand that pictures do lie - the best reviews are those from owners, not the dealers.
Thanks,
Matt

Maggiolina - as large as you can reasonably fit on your trailer. Solid roof structure, vertical walls, well built, easy to repair, easy to set up, easy to put away -wet, easy to clean - hose out.

[Corey]

I have the Maggiolina AirLand on my roof, but will be putting it on a trailer in the future.

mmacro, here are some examples of tents on a trailer.

I like the second picture the best, I like how it gives access to the trailer below that way.







Pics are from the gallery page at Autohome.
http://www.autohomeus.com/gallery/trailer.php

[spressomon]

Originally Posted by BlueHZT60

Maggiolina - as large as you can reasonably fit on your trailer. Solid roof structure, vertical walls, well built, easy to repair, easy to set up, easy to put away -wet, easy to clean - hose out.

Ditto on the Maggiolina or Columbus. Started out with the Overland...and maybe its just me but I quickly grew tired of wrestling the typically dust ridden cover off/back into place. Not to mention most of these types of RTT's really don't seal out the trail dust all that well.

I have been very, very happy with our Grand Tour!...especially having a local mattress maker (Reno Mattress) modify/customize the foam sleeping pad it came with!

If you want to do it right the first time then don't hesitate on either the Magg or Columbus!

[sirenmoses]

Do a search here on Mud, you'll get a lot of information.

Another thumbs up for Maggi. Had one for a while and was very impressed. Internal light w/ loooong 12v plug to reach into vehicle. PO used a small electric blanket and slept comfortably through some fairly cold temps.

[Corey]

If I camped during the winter, I might try the 12v blanket route.
For now I am using full size fitted flannel sheets, and a twin extra winter warmth comforter which is perfect since it does not need to hang down the sides like a conventional bed.

YouTube - Setting up the Maggiolina roof top tent

[Cruisin]

I looked at setting mine up on a trailer but decided I wanted to higher up...and away from anything bigger and hungrier than me! SO I set mine up on the roof.
IT'S GREAT! Takes only 8 seconds to set up and 30 sec to close. We used it 4 times already and it rained EVERY TIME - keeps us dry if we remember to close ALL zippers COMPLETELY! Yeah, went to bed once when it was nice but weather turned...ooops!
It' an AUTOHOME (model Columbus variant large w/3 doors)
It's got a queen-sized bed.
The 3rd, rear door can be very useful for use on a pick-up.

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g1...9/IMGP4588.jpg

[Corey]

Looks great Cruisin.

I see you used the stock roof rack too.

My rig gets tossed around a bit on the freeway at 55 to 60 MPH if there is a good wind.
I will look at doing a different rack/bar setup, or just wait to see if I get a Chaser trailer in the future.

[Cruisin]

I almost got that tent...decided on the one with rear door so I can use it with the p-up..but yours looks "better" (IMO)
by the way, how do you insert pictures 'in' a reply? I only figured out how to insert links...

[lostworldexpedition]

Have you bought an RTT yet? I am partial to Campinglab tents, you can't really beat the price to performance ratio...It comes with a nice thick comfy mattress. I have had mine for 8 months and I am very happy with it. I will seal the seams before the rain hits the NorCal area that I live in.

This pic is the Campinglab on my Tacoma (Cruiser was on another mission) at Boonville beer festival...


I must add that I am trying to get them to sponsor me on an expedition, but the above statement is IMHO. Just trying to keep it disclosed...

[John E Davies]

Watch this 6 minute video and tell me how many cr@ppy design features you can name....
I would love to see this rig in a windstorm.

YouTube - World's first Vehicle Automated Rooftop Camping Tent

Then compare it to this nifty tent:

YouTube - NaïtUp , 30 seconds to sleep on your car

John Davies
Spokane WA

[Corey]

Indeed, that 12 v one does not look like it would be that great in the wind.

The second link you posted, I have not seen that brand before.
There was a second video for it too under the related links.
Looks like he has his "Love Shack" taken care of
Check out the pillows and bedding.

[70sguy]

Love the Maggi/Columbus pop ups but with wife and 2 kids, just not workable.
We ended up with an Eezie-Awn 2200 Family tent from Paul May at Equipt Outfitters and
it's pretty awesome. Paul was top notch to deal with too.
All the tents have their pro's and cons.. for us it came down to the space.

[lostworldexpedition]

Originally Posted by John E Davies

Watch this 6 minute video and tell me how many cr@ppy design features you can name....
I would love to see this rig in a windstorm.

YouTube - World's first Vehicle Automated Rooftop Camping Tent

Then compare it to this nifty tent:

YouTube - NaïtUp , 30 seconds to sleep on your car

John Davies
Spokane WA

That first link was hilarious! It is a tent in a Sear box, funny...

The second one looked pretty interesting, I like the idea of the aerodynamic box enclosure a la Maggiolina. I checked the company, but they are French and apparently they can barely keep up with demand at home. Good for them.

Does the Maggiolina window protect the inside of the tent in case of a downpour? It seems like the overhangs in the other styles are better in inclement weather.

[sirenmoses]

Originally Posted by lostworldexpedition

Does the Maggiolina window protect the inside of the tent in case of a downpour? It seems like the overhangs in the other styles are better in inclement weather.

The Maggi's have a triangular flap on the inside that can be zipped up over the window screen. You can also get a 'comfort cover' that is rather like a rainfly, supposed to help insulate & (I would think) keep driving rain out.

The Maggi walls are a fairly thick canvas type material, so unless you were camping in a typhoon, you'd prolly be alright.