Howling moon and beyond
 

Hi all,
when last I posted I was fairly set on our trailer tent being a. Fixture in out East African family adventure. After much debate and with a great deal of helpful advice from you all we have accepted the inevitable. You need to take half of the stuff you think you need for a trip, so the trailer idea has bitten the dust.
So, you were all so helpful and knowledgable before I am now going to put my next kit questions to you!
Roof top tents, to be fitted to our lc amazon. Needs to sleep 2 adults and 2 kids under 4. Not sure the little one will be trusted with ladders by then but she is game for anything.
Main question is what are the distinguishing features of the models around? In all honesty I think the money will be a significant consideration in the final decision. Would rather have a second hand tent and some money in our pocket that pay for a spanking howling moon if I can help it!
What is so good about howling moon? I have read reviews claiming it is just not watertight in British weather. Seem like lots have people have them so they must be good, but are there compatible brands which don't carry the price tags?
Probably a double tent, preferably with a zip in the middle for access to little ones but gives us a little escape.
Reviews and general advice would be fantastic. Katie
P.s. Sorry if I have not asked this question in the correct forum...this site is a wealth of knowledge but confusing to a newbie!

I have a similar set up, 2 kids and a landcruiser, and I decided a rooftop tent was just too much weight up top.

I went for a vango airbeam, but if I had my time again I would go for an Oztent

That's interesting, I did look at an oz tent. I like the idea of being off the ground more than I think it is terribly practical! What sort of terrain were you camping on, and did this affect your choice?

I have a Terrain roof tent bought near Hastings UK..they delivery free (on Ebay) It was half the price of Howling Moon Etc.

We have had it a few years and have been on the road for 8 months in bad wind and rain as well as hot sun...it has been great. No leaks, no wear, no failures.

It is the same construction of all the others..We have had people compare it to expensive other types and they can't fault it.

What in your mind are the pros and cons of the roof tent. Did you often find yourself pitching the terrain where a regular tent just wouldn't have been possible? Thanks.

Yep....we have sat nice and dry watching ground tents getting flooded and the people standing outside in their wet weather gear...when it rains somewhere hot it really rains!!!...Our roof tent takes one min to put up and 3 min to pack away...We know this because people are amazed and have timed us.

haven't tested the vango yet, prior to that I had a three man ex camel trophy tent, which was fine for 2-3 people camping. I had it for years until the 2nd kid arrived but now it's too small. I have used it around Europe and Africa and it's been fine. It gave greater flexibility than roof tent, but there were certainly times I would have liked a roof tent and the options that offers, especially on rocky ground! Insinctivelt I feel a roof tent probably offers a little more security, as someone would have to climb up to reach you.

With a built in ground sheet bugs aren't a problem, it's more problematic finding some relatively smooth ground! a good mattress or camp bed helps!

Roof tents have a mattress.

I travelled for 2 years in Africa with a canvas fold out roof tent similar to the Howling Moon. It was bought in S Africa from LA Sport 4x4 and I don't think they're available in the UK.

I liked being off the ground and the ease and speed of setting up and packing away, but if you're staying somewhere a while having to pack up if you want to drive to the shops is a pain.

Another negative for me was how dusty and dirty the cover gets when you're driving on dirt roads. This means that you also get dusty and dirty when unpacking and packing away.

I don't know if they're available in the size you need and they're definitely more expensive but if I was looking to buy another roof tent it would be a hard shell version like a Maggiolina or James Baroud.

Maggiolina have their problems too.. (One of them price)..it really is swings and roundabouts. I have met people who love them and others that hate them..I have a friend with one and he can't wait to buy the type that i have.

There is no perfect solution...just a solution that suits you and your needs.

Is there a reason not to have a small roof tent (that we could all squeeze into if needed), and a medium sized oztent. Is that really just duplicating and not making a proper choice!
You are right, no perfect solution just what will work for us.
Problem is I have a limited experience with roof tents and never seen an oztent in the flesh. It is a strange thing ordering such an important and costly item without having seen it myself....so I am very grateful for you opinions folks, thanks.

I've met people who have travelled with a roof tent and ground tent and it's worked for them.

Not sure how you'd get on with a roof tent and an Oz tent though, as the Oz tent doesn't pack down very small so would probably need to be carried on the roof. Not much space up there if there's already a roof tent.

No idea what's on when but can you get to an overland show before you buy so you can have a good poke around the different options? I'd be wanting to see how easy (or not) it is getting small kids in and out of a roof tent. My wife and I travelled with a roof tent before our little person came along, but now we have him I don't know if I'd go with that option again.