Rooftop Tents
Submitted: Thursday, Dec 15, 2005 at 12:10
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chump_boy
Morning all,
As some of you are aware, I import bits and pieces from time to time. One of my suppliers has offered some roof-top tent as a decent price, but I have had nothing to do with this type.
They are 2.2m*1.25m in size, so basically take up most of the roof. They have a fibreglass top and bottom, and are hinged at one end. They open up with canvas sides and back to look like a huge wedge (think - door chock...). The angle they open up to looks about 40 degrees or so, so the head end looks quite roomy.
Has anyone used one of these, or are they more of a gimick. From what I can see, a small rack could possibly be fitted on top for a little additional roof space, but as these tents are about 60kg, it couldn't be much. There are no awning options or anything like that to cover you when you get in and out.
They come with a clip-on aluminium ladder, and a foam mattress.
As a side note, they are actually coming from the same factory that the Track
Shacks are being made over in China, so the canvas is pretty good.
Well, it is the same as whats used on the campers, anyway.
Cheers,
Chump
Reply By: Member - Omaroo (NSW) - Thursday, Dec 15, 2005 at 12:14
Thursday, Dec 15, 2005 at 12:14
Autohome has a clamshell unit like this called the Columbus - made in Italy. It sells for
well in excess of $3,000 in this country. I looked at one to replace my EezyAwn - but the lack of space and the cost deterred me. Very quick to set up and pull down though.
AnswerID:
143993
Follow Up By: chump_boy - Thursday, Dec 15, 2005 at 12:20
Thursday, Dec 15, 2005 at 12:20
Thats the one, exactly, except the ones I am looking at have a mustardy coloured canvas.
Thanks for the input.
Chump
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Follow Up By: flappa - Thursday, Dec 15, 2005 at 13:16
Thursday, Dec 15, 2005 at 13:16
Had a look at those recently in
Canberra.
Looks good, great idea , but $$$$$$
There was also a model that opened up both ends on scissor jack type arrangement.
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Follow Up By: Member - Omaroo (NSW) - Thursday, Dec 15, 2005 at 13:19
Thursday, Dec 15, 2005 at 13:19
That's the Maggiolina. Reasonable idea, but again flawed. If it's raining you're stoofed! Windows up!
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Reply By: Peter 2 - Thursday, Dec 15, 2005 at 12:25
Thursday, Dec 15, 2005 at 12:25
We spent quite a bit of time looking around at rooftop tents before buying a shippshape, the main reasons for purchasing it over the ones you are proposing are no protection during entry and egress, no 'living' space under cover, mattress is pretty thin etc.
That style of camper would be ok if the majority of camping was done across the top end in the dry when the chances of rain are virtually nil and the weather is mild to warm. But quick to erect and pull down, realy only suitable fro singles and couples though.
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Reply By: GUPatrol - Thursday, Dec 15, 2005 at 12:31
Reply By: Steve - Thursday, Dec 15, 2005 at 21:59
Thursday, Dec 15, 2005 at 21:59
Wel Chump old fellow ...
bottom line is that what you are looking at for Aussie conditions is good for sweet farck all..not worth a squirt of hen's bleep and probably not even good for an out house bleep house ...cost ..
well you never even gave us a chance to comment on that !!!
Sorry but you asked !!
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Reply By: Member - Coyote (SA) - Friday, Dec 16, 2005 at 11:35
Friday, Dec 16, 2005 at 11:35
Pardon my ignorance.. I had considered getting a Roof top tent but firgured that finding a perfectly flat spot to park the car on would not always be easy, and thought that unless you had
rock hard springs, even the slightest movement so high above the centre of gravity would make anyone sea sick almost..
comments anyone??
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Follow Up By: Member - Omaroo (NSW) - Friday, Dec 16, 2005 at 11:53
Friday, Dec 16, 2005 at 11:53
Finding a level spot is not all that critical..... no more than if you were finding a spot for a tent.
Swaying? Yeah... if you want to get it going you can. If you are sensible and all grown up it's as steady as you need it. If you get seasick then you probably get car-sick as
well andno-one can help you.
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Follow Up By: Gronk - Friday, Dec 16, 2005 at 12:32
Friday, Dec 16, 2005 at 12:32
What do you mean all grown up? Does that mean no sex or no games in bed? I thought thats what you go camping for or is it only me being a bit childish(I'm 46yrs old)
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Follow Up By: Member - Omaroo (NSW) - Friday, Dec 16, 2005 at 12:44
Friday, Dec 16, 2005 at 12:44
LOL!!
Yup... it's something you need to do a little more carefully than on the ground..... hehe!!
Then again - if your roof rack is strong enough... go for it! What's a bit of vibration?
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