Roof Top Tents-My pet peeve

[TeCKis300]

Is time really a concern when camping? I mean does it matter if it take 2 mins or 20 mins to setup a tent? Are you in a rush when setting up camp?
I have a nice tent that takes maybe 5 mins to put up and secure. Another 10mins to inflate the air mattress

It's contextual. I agree with your sentiment that camping should be a relaxed affair to savor the experience. Take the time to enjoy the process.

There's the other reality for frequent use that others have pointed out.

Having camped through some adventures, there's another variable. In high winds, rain, or extreme temps (hot and cold), the setup matters. It can make or break the experience along with the need for shelter.

 

[zackro]

Fellow Colorado owner here and let me say that after a big furry critter decided to sniff and try to get into my ground tent one night I only do the RRT now

Yes, and people will say "A bear can still get into an RTT, too." That's true, just as it's true that a bear can also get into your house. With enough motivation, there's not much a bear can't do. But most black bears aren't that motivated. Being 6'+ off the ground rather than right at nose level is a real deterrent.

 

[Tex68w]

The best answer is to have choices. I prefer to sleep inside the vehicle if running solo and on the move but you'e gotta have the room. For my ground tent I have an OZ-Tent RV3 and I absolutely love it. If we are staying in one place for more than a night and I am not in a rush to setup or take it down then this is my preference. If I were in an area where ground predators were a real threat then I likely wouldn't elect for the ground tent. The trailer is great for multiple days on the move so long as it doesn't hinder your off-road capabilities or experience and if you can handle the hit to the fuel economy.

A RTT is by far my least favorite option, but it certainly has it's place. If on the move and speed of setup/take-down is important or if you can't deal with a trailer then this is a great solution. I also like it if I am in bear or big cat country, definitely safer from predators up top. But we never really sleep well in them, they are tight, you can't stand, the dogs don't fit nor would I want to lift them up/down and the peeing in the middle of the night is a real issue. I plan to pick up a RTT for the trailer but I don't plan to use it often, again, it's there to have the option.

 

[slipkid13]

I'm not a fan of RTT's and I wouldn't get one myself, but I 100% disagree with this comment. Some people have medical/physical challenges that make certain types of camping a greater undertaking than any amount of "toughing up" can account for. Anything that gets my wife enthused about camping is worth the $$$ in my book. This is why we have a modified A-liner trailer.

I like a ground tent personally for compact storage, ease of setup and the fact you leave it behind at camp when you're out driving. But it's not always easy finding a level spot for it. I also enjoy sleeping in the truck on solo trips, but too crowded as a couple. The trailer is awesome for comfort, but it doesn't go everywhere and we have to pay to store it due to HOA rules. FWIW, my stepdad has owned pretty much every type of camper, RV, tent or whatever and has spent more time camping than most of us will in our lifetimes, and his current rig is a RTT. He likes it and pees in a jar at night Every setup has it's compromises.

It was a joke, take it easy. Do you not understand humor?

Curious what medical condition would necessitate climbing up and down a ladder vice walking in and out of a ground tent...

 

[Heckraiser]

No worries, I don't take it personal and at least half of what comes out of my mouth is a joke Comment was not directed at you or anyone in particular, I just bring it up because It's a bit of a sore spot for me. My 44yo wife basically has the body of a 90yo, and even our family and close friends who we've known for years just don't get the challenges she goes through to do the things us "normal people" wouldn't give a second thought. Even as her husband, I still goof up and assume she can handle something she clearly can't. Camping has always been one of my passions since I was a little kid and I'm trying hard to keep it in my life while still spending time with my wife. And big hell no to her climbing into a RTT, that would never happen. (though she would claim it's because she's afraid of me falling out drunk) But she does appreciate the A-Liner trailer

 

[RET2]

It was a joke, take it easy. Do you not understand humor?

Curious what medical condition would necessitate climbing up and down a ladder vice walking in and out of a ground tent...

Gasp, age, vision or balance issues and last but not least being half awake.