Rooftop tents... what do you think??

[spressomon]

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]

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

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]

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]

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]

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]

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

 

[expeditionswest]

Very nice amigo! That will make for an solid solution, and even allow for mounting other equipment (shovels, etc.).

Cant wait to see it in Oct.

 

[Mike S]

Nice beefy rack, DD. That will definitely carry the tent and a lot of other shi... er, stuff.

Mike

 

[blupaddler]

Scott...
Very nice!!! I can't wait to see it in person!



BTW, what are you using for a hot water heater?



DD...

Seeing both of your trucks makes me want a Truck...almost

 

[skyshark186]

I am looking into getting the eazi awn 1600 and running it sideways off my truck. I would want the full length ladder and shower skirt. Is anyone running this way? If so would you recommend it or using one of the smaller tents and going off the back?

Also, for guys with lifted 80s...does the ladder reach the ground? Is it worth it to buy the ladder or just make one of your own? If they dont reach has anyone made extentions?

Thanks in advance

 

[expeditionswest]

Scott...
Very nice!!! I can't wait to see it in person!



BTW, what are you using for a hot water heater?



DD...

Seeing both of your trucks makes me want a Truck...almost

This is the hot water heater:
Isotemp 6 gallon

It heats from engine coolant and a 750 watt (120v) element.

 

[expeditionswest]

I am looking into getting the eazi awn 1600 and running it sideways off my truck. I would want the full length ladder and shower skirt. Is anyone running this way? If so would you recommend it or using one of the smaller tents and going off the back?

Also, for guys with lifted 80s...does the ladder reach the ground? Is it worth it to buy the ladder or just make one of your own? If they don't reach has anyone made extentions?

Thanks in advance

That is a great way to run a roof tent, and provides the added benefit of an awning if the skirt is not deployed. The Car-top-tent I am using on my Trooper runs to the side, and I am more than happy with the result.

The Eezi-Awn ladder is very well made (from extruded aluminum) and has rounded rungs (with traction ribs), so you could go down it with bare feet. The ladder will extend to ~90" (about 7.5').

I am vary happy with the quality of the Eezi-awn, and find it to have the best material and workmanship of all of the "flip" style roof tents I have investigated.

 

[skyshark186]

Thanks for the review man. Much appreciated

 

[expeditionswest]

During a little canyoneering trek this weekend, I took the tent out for testing. Here is a deployed picture.

 

[blupaddler]

Scott...Looks really good! Did you sleep well too?

 

[desertdude]

Had chance to use the Maggiolina airland small this past weekend - We were in the 90 degree heat as well as 38 degree cold - The tents performance was excellent. Easy to set up ( just a quick cranking lifts the tent) The tent comes with a firm foam mattress ( very comfortable for two adults) and two pillows ( also comfortable) - The inside is roomy with plenty of ventilation. In the cold climate we zipped up and stayed warm just from body heat. There is ample room for storing the bedding when closed. With the tent in the closed position and its very aero dynamic design , driving down the road you hardly notice you have a tent mounted. Now with this tent I have less gear to load and store, leaving room for other gear. All in all a superior purchase and a fine edition to traveling.



Scott - nice set-up ! looks like you don't have as far to fall as we do

 

[Mike S]

DD

Thanks for the positive review. May I use one (or more) of these photos on the website?

Mike S.

 

[expeditionswest]

Scott...Looks really good! Did you sleep well too?

I found a few things that stood out from the comfort department:

1. Mounting the tent lower great improves ingress/exit from the tent. It is only about 4' off the ground, which is appreciated at 2:00 in the morning after too much cerveza...

2. The Eezi-Awn uses a 3", multi-density mattress. It works like a pillow-top, with the first 2" being soft, and the last 1" much firmer. The mattress also has a high quality fitted cover/sheet that is on both sides, so you can just flip the mattress over and use it for another week or so before a washing.

3. The heavy canvas lets almost no light in with all of the windows up. This was a very pleasant surprise. At 7:00 in the morning, it seems like midnight inside still. You can leave all of the windows closed, as the tent has two small chimneys on the sides to allow air exchange.

 

[expeditionswest]

Scott - nice set-up ! looks like you don't have as far to fall as we do

Thanks Amigo, we are sold on it!

Your tent and rack are sweet. Have you considered having a heavy canvas made to go over the frame? To help keep equipment cleaner and out sight of others.

 

[concretejungle]

Where is a supplier of the maggiolina rooftop tent?