Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > 4 wheels > Equipping the Overland Vehicle
An opinion on rooftop tents An opinion on rooftop tents
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
Equipping the Overland Vehicle Vehicle accessories - Making your home away from home comfortable, safe and reliable.
Photo by George Guille, It's going to be a long 300km... Bolivian Amazon

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by George Guille
It's going to be a long 300km...
Bolivian Amazon



Overlanders Handbook - everything you need to know, available NOW!

Like Tree1Likes
  • 1 Post By Warthog

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 8 Apr 2021
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Tallinn, Estonia
Posts: 1,048
Question An opinion on rooftop tents
I am looking at a James Baroud Grand Raid.

Has anyone had any experience with these: things to be wary of, known weaknesses, flaws, gripes?

And any praise to be sung too! When it performed better than expected, parts that have lasted well etc.

Finally, what is the effect on the drive quality of the vehicle?
__________________
Adventure: it's an experience, not a style!
(so ride what you like, but ride it somewhere new!)
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 8 Apr 2021
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2012
Posts: 828
Try to travel light. A RTT is a nice solution to sleep, but dont add a lot more above. If you plan to drive offroad - take care of the lowered cargo rating!

https://vanlife.4x4tripping.com/2021...-top-tent.html

I dont know the RTT Brand itself, but maybe someone else can give you a hint.

Surfy
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 8 Apr 2021
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Tallinn, Estonia
Posts: 1,048
They weigh about 65kg.

The vehicle is a Ford Transit to off-roading will be dirt tracks, some mild trails etc. Nothing more than that. So already it's quite a big vehicle. And being a commercial vehicle it's designed to carry stuff up there too, albeit not too much.

Digging it out of sand near a beach last summer was enough to put me off, although I could experiment with knobblier tires, I suppose.
__________________
Adventure: it's an experience, not a style!
(so ride what you like, but ride it somewhere new!)
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 10 Apr 2021
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Tallinn, Estonia
Posts: 1,048
Simpoly a note to say that today I drove my van back with a used but very tidy Grand Raid hard shell roof tent on its roof.

Hadn't planned on the expense, but rather pleased to have taken the leap: feels like I've invested in future memories with my partner, with my kids.

Nice....
__________________
Adventure: it's an experience, not a style!
(so ride what you like, but ride it somewhere new!)
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 12 Apr 2021
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Oslo, Norway
Posts: 164
Roof top tent warning
Generally don't perform well if wet and cold, nearly impossible to pack down.
DAMHIK

Peter
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 12 Apr 2021
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Tallinn, Estonia
Posts: 1,048
Quote:
Originally Posted by GSPeter View Post
Generally don't perform well if wet and cold, nearly impossible to pack down.
DAMHIK

Peter
Why is that?
__________________
Adventure: it's an experience, not a style!
(so ride what you like, but ride it somewhere new!)
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 14 Apr 2021
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Oct 2017
Location: Colombia,(when not travelling)
Posts: 304
Since it's a Transit, I have to ask why you're thinking of a RTT?

Our perception is that they add weight, increase CoG, hence affect handling (highway and "offroad"), make it more difficult to get under low overhang (anything from parking garages in cities to overhanging tree branches), increase wind resistance hence fuel consumption, take time to put up and take down - we've travelled with others who've had a RTT and it takes a lot longer than our set up which is a bed inside. The expensive ones are more efficient, but are ..... more expensive.

If you're a big group in the Transit then I can see the point; if not...?
Reply With Quote
Reply

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
For Sale X-Trail 2010, 159.000km, 4x4&2x4, incl. Columbus Rooftop Tent in Chile PaulBenesch Overland Vehicles and Equipment for Sale / Wanted 0 4 Oct 2018 21:15
China ADV Riding TBR-China Ride Tales 566 1 May 2018 09:49
For Sale: Toyota 4Runner 2004 V6 SR5 - 4x4 - 190k miles - Rooftop tent - fully equip jose.r.atiles Overland Vehicles and Equipment for Sale / Wanted 1 8 Apr 2018 22:51
For Sale: Rooftop tent with annexe (Australia) Cuppa500 Overland Vehicles and Equipment for Sale / Wanted 0 10 Mar 2015 07:14
Opinion about progress in 4x4 industry NejcT The HUBB PUB 10 29 Sep 2013 21:41

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

HU Event and other updates on the HUBB Forum "Traveller's Advisories" thread.
ALL Dates subject to change.

2024:

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

HUBBUK: info

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 05:35.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top