Been using a Hannibal 1.2M pleny of length - (if you are quite big or need plenty of room to sleep then the 1.4 would be better) - rear mounted on a Defender 90 for a year now - good bit of kit, Brownchurch better in wetter conditions though.
Maggiolina are good - travelled with a few people with them, the Extreme model best by a long way - cheaper unlined ones get condensation problems in temperate climate, but they work, they are quick to erect and quite light, also keep weight to a minimum up there as you take up the whole roof up - no room for anything else !!!,though you can still put a spare wheel on the Extreme model. They also keep some of the midday sun off you in the vehicle.
On a long trip a roof tent is a worthwhile investment - very comfortable - a lot cooler than sleeping on the ground and nice to be up high if there are elephants walking around your camp !!!

------------------
Ex Drago Driver, LRE Instructor,
LR 90 300 Tdi Overlander
Suzuki DR650 Overlander
..and Bloody Nice Bloke!

I have Maggiolina Airland, but I have not used it on long overland expeditions yet (next year). I like it pretty much from handling and convenience point of view, but there are some minor design issues that could be better. Also, the accessory awning is not very well tought out (the way it attaches to the tent), IMO. I have not used other classical rooftop tents, but I think this kind of fibre box system is much better design and more resistant to bad weather conditions. The fabric used for walls is very strong and wind resistant.

I'm planning to write a review about the tent, along with pictures, for those interested.

Manufacturer's homepage: http://www.autohome.it

[This message has been edited by Rebaseonu (edited 28 November 2004).]

Is your tent still for sale? If so how much?

As far as I am concerned roof tents are dead. I have bought an inflatable tent which is bigger than any roof tent, about 1/3 rd of the weight, cost less, erects as quickly, and can be used on the ground like a normal tent, you can stand up in it - has 79 inches headroom, and if you must it can sleep up to 7 people. Cost £450 delivered (on line order), comes with a powerful air compressor, a stirrup pump, and folds into a nice neat holdall under 3 feet long x 1 foot square. Total weight 29 lbs, no roof rack required. Internal floor dimensions 11 feet x 9 feet. They do smaller ones if you want. Thought you might be interested. Will be using it in Moroccan south soon and will report. Look at Airzoneuk on net.

Andrew.

[This message has been edited by Andrew Baker (edited 16 February 2005).]

Sounds like a bouncy castle...just watch out for Acacia thorns and be careful with a camp fire or you will get that sinking feeling.....I'll stick with a roof tent thanks.

------------------
Ex RAF Regt, Ex Dragoman, LRE Instructor,
LR 90 300 Tdi Overlander
Suzuki DR650 Overlander
..and Bloody Nice Bloke!

Yep,

Roof tents are cool because you can just park up and sleep, no worries with stones, thorns, roots, bushes, holes, in and on the ground. Parked on a slope you can set the car level with a jack, and, the only space you need is the space where the car is parked.

Robbert, How are you keeping ? Is your Discovery back home or still in Africa ?

Im looking at a North/South America trip with my 90 or a motorbike next - though I need a year for that one !
Cheers
Grif

Could also double up as a blow up doll.

I think sleeping in a bed in the vehicle is the most efficient solution. Don't know about the TLC, but a Defender 110 can comfortably sleep 2 & still have plenty of room to overload it.

We used a dome tent (Eurohike) on a roofrack too (there were 4 of us). A real faff to set-up (mainly due to the poles - maybe a blow up tent would be good). I'd prefer something easier - to allow 30 minutes a day more on interacting/exploring/driving. Nice to sleep without the fly sheet under the stars though. But ok, a boarded roof-rack is all that's needed for that on a nice night, if you don't fancy the ground.

Our travelling friends used an Easi-Awn roof tent. I want one! Blinking expensive though :-( Quick to set-up and excellent shower-skirt. It was nice to have a shower when we had plenty of water, but a night at a 'camping' would do the same trick.

Now here's a really daft thought - roofboxes. You can buy one big enough to sleep a single person for less than £200: http://www.roofbox.co.uk/scripts/rbvehsel4.php?KM401.

Don't think they make them to sleep 2. Just leave your mattress, sleeping bag & pillow in there all the time. Ok so head room's a bit limited, maybe leave the lid open unless it's blowing/raining, but you're probably going to lock yourself in & suffocate. A few minor mods should sort that. Plus you can stick handles on it and use it for a shipping box too :-)



[This message has been edited by Ian Bradshaw (edited 18 February 2005).]

Almost like sleeping in your own coffin. If you want to play "Dracula". http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/ubb/wink.gif

Erik

Interesting thought... came across a reference in a 1960s/70s Sahara overland book today which said that at this time it was popular in some quarters to bolt the soft top from a LWB Landy on top of the hard-top (double decker affair) to provide a roof-tent type sleeping area!
Anyone know if this still goes on? Ive never seen one!
*edit*
and that Dunsfold Landrovers were the experts at doing it...... I also got hold of a book that said a roof plus windows from a Beetle was a popular addon for Landies as a kind of halfway-double deck for game viewing etc....

[This message has been edited by Runner (edited 21 February 2005).]

I have a Howling Moon 1.4m on the top of my 90, and can I say - it's fab...

Used it over the summer in the uk and no problems, it's stayed on most of the winter BUT also stayed there whilst I did a lot of green laning and off-roading... no problems, keep the jerry can and other stuff strapped down in the back to keep the weight low and the lightness of an aluminium rack and howling moon tent mean that you hardly notice it's there.

~Big thumbs up~

tony.

Hi Grif,

The landy is back and sold. Got myself a Lada 2104 which I'm pimping up for a trip around the Caspian sea in 2007 or so.

Seems like you're doing well. Motorcycles are the future because 4x4's are getting expensive to keep on the road here.

Enjoy,

ROb

[This message has been edited by Robbert (edited 23 February 2005).]

Nice to hear from you Rob - yes its alot cheaper on a bike - and there is no room for passengers !!!
Looking for a replacement for my stolen DR650 ;-( ......Maybe a nice KTM :-)
Did you sell your Maggiolina too ? yikes.
Send a photo sometime.
Cheers
Grif