Rooftop tents... what do you think??
- Thread starter Mike S
- Start date
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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
Grouseman
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?
The heavier canvas type materials should actually have less condensation since they're breathable.
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-
The cross ventilation of the Hannibals is great!!
-H-
- Thread starter
- #126
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
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
anybody got one for sale?
- Thread starter
- #128
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...
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...
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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
Thanks to Mike and Rich for setting me up
Desertdude - hurry up!
ED - sweet setup -
I need to sell this cumbersome trailer and go that way...
ED - sweet setup -
I need to sell this cumbersome trailer and go that way...
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.)
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.)
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 
- 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
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)
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 - 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
...Baja is my carrot
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
http://www.arb.com.au/roof_top_tents.htm
Landpimp said:
As per TR @ ARB, he doesn't see it happening anytime soon...
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.
DaktariEd said: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...
thats what I expected to hear.
cruiseroutfit said:
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
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
