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roof tents
Just wondered if there were strong pros and cons re roof tents. Destination north africa, Landcruiser circa 1994... I understand the idea/logic of roof tents but also worry about additional weight on the rack and the shift of the c of g. I would prefer to keep roof rack load to a minimum but would welcome opinions/experiences on conventional ground tents re safety etc.
Thanks ------------------ pigapicha |
We have used an Easi-Awn canvas roof tent in Southern Africa and Morocco.
The additional weight isn't huge. We just made sure to keep the largest weight -- fuel and water -- as low as possible rather than on the roof. Roof tent pros: easy to put up and down. You can leave your bedding inside. None of the problems associated with tent pegs in sand. You're away from creepy-crawlies. You can unzip the flap and stick your heads out the back to look at the stars. Roof tent cons: you can't leave your tent behind to mark your camping spot while you go off on an outing. Canvas models can be cold if you're not in a hot place. Climbing down the ladder if you have to get up in the night for a wee can be tricky. Hope that helps. |
Thanks fo that...
Still undecided but there may be other factors that sway me. i also like to use the roof as a photographic platform but it has to be rock steady for a tripod, medium format camera and long exposures. A roof tent may not leave me with enough room. But I may be able to sit in it and use the spare wheel as a platform... ------------------ pigapicha |
What kind of terrain will you be driving on? If you’re going to drive at extreme angles like crossing steep dunes or on side slopes then a tent would be problematic. The swaying of the weight, even if not much, at the top end of the vehicle will increase the center of gravity dramatically which is obviously not what you want. Since that’s the kind of driving I mostly do, I don’t even have a roof rack and keep heavy stuff as low as possible like Safetyfox suggested in his post.
Regarding photography, I found out that setting your rig on a vehicle isn’t that ideal for sharp long exposures (dusk shots and star trail using 200+ mm lens). I use a 35 mm and used to setup my camera rig on the hood for long exposure and surprisingly the car didn’t turn out to be that stable. Since the car is on springs, a gust of wind or even a careful movement inside the car made the pictures blurry. I imagine being on top of the vehicle will make the situation worse especially since you’ll be on top with it. I now dig an old beat-up tripod in the sand and if possible block the wind with the car. ------------------ A.B. OasisPhoto.com – Images from the Magical Sahara. ShortWheelbase.com – Jeep preparations. Coordinates Converter – Lat/Long <-> UTM Conversion Tool. |
Regarding dune driving I agree completetly with A.B. above, our borrowed roof tent- a "technitop" (45kg - it was mounted in a heavy plastic clamshell casing plus roof rack - another 44kg) caused us to sway all over the place in our LR 110, especially steep side slopes which we sometimes had to drop down into to avoid tipping over. The c of g was badly affrected. Maybe not so bad with a wider vehicle like a 80 series LC. I think you can buy much lighter roof tents, preferably use with maybe 3 roof bars and a flat plywood base. You could even use a cheap self supporting (or nearly so) normal tent on a simple roof platform, thus avoiding the typically huge amounts of money for dedicated roof tents. The extra weight of metal rack and tent no doubt helped us get stuck in soft sand in flat areas too. Personally I prefer to sleep in the back of the LR - cramped but out of the wind and quieter at campsites.
Photographing from the roof was ok but there's not much space for tripods once you've got everything else that you find a home for up there. Andrew. [This message has been edited by Andrew Baker (edited 19 November 2004).] |
I use a Pentax 6x7 and Hasselblad X-pan - yes maybe this should be in another forum, but with exposures up to 10 secs on a tripod, on the roof, I've had stunning results. Often at dawn and sunset there is little if any wind and i take very few pictures in the middle of a Sahara day. But then again I only get on the roof as a last resort, and previously with a goo drack and plywood boards.
I'm also interested in the amount of space in a roof tent compared to tents like MSR Superfusion or Fusion 3 and the MacPac Citadel. ------------------ pigapicha |
I plan at the moment to get an Eazi-awn. I am not primarliy looking to travel the roughest terrain but think weight on the roof I a real issue.
The reason I think eazi-awn might be a good bet is the number of people who say how much they like sleeping in them. I figure I will spend hundreds of hours sleeping, reading and messing around in a tent and only a few at 40 degrees on a sand dune. The choice depends on what is most important to you, comfort and convenience or mobility. |
I'm not sure how much room there is to mess around in a roof tent - they're not that spacious particularly if you are tall. Everything else you say makes good sense so for me the jury is still out. There is also storage to think about between now and going away and in between trips...
------------------ pigapicha |
I'm 6ft 4" and I have loads of space in my Eazi Awn. Does of course depend on what you were thinking of doing up there. As to weight on roof rack, haven't noticed to much of a difference, Used to be into really extreme offroading in Aus but on tour you don't tend to do extreme boulder climbing and I have no problem with it. All the rest of the weight is low down, I have heavy duty OME suspension that stops the 110 swaying around to much and the roof tent / roof rack is mounted on to a full roll cage so it sits well. My only real problem with it is as I have spots mounted on to the front of the roofrack and raised lights on the back, I haven't got round to getting a solution to get the roof tent lower, so at present it sits on top of the roof rack bars giving quite a high wind profile. Doesn't help with the fuel consumption especially at motorway speeds but its a good piece of kit.
[This message has been edited by Toby2 (edited 22 November 2004).] [This message has been edited by Toby2 (edited 22 November 2004).] |
Length is`nt the problem unless your over 2mts tall, but width is, I`d recommend getting one at least 1.4m wide, as the 1.2 is a bit cramped, the thing about them is you will have a great nights sleep up there, they are pretty hard to beat for comfort. I like sleeping on the ground in a swag, if I was`nt married thats where I stay and just carry a small tent for bad weather, but if you want to do it in comfort, the roof tents are hard to beat.
Col |
The point about not being able to drive off and leave the tent is a biggie - but the flipside is it also means your kit is always with you and secure. It can be a faff though.
TLCs have a higher centre of gravity than LRs anyway but I havent had too many issues with lean on side slopes (I have a 110). This may be because a) I have a lighter roof tent than an Eezi-Awn (A MyWay) and b) I have stiffer HD springs. Worth considering? I suppose it comes down to preference. I like my rooftent - its a hell of a lot easier just to unfold and hop in at the end of a long day, than to muck about with poles etc. Its very roomy (I am 6') and the mattress is very comfy. In harsh weather it can flap and rattle like mad (girlfriend wore earplugs in the Pyrenees this autumn, but maybe Im just boring...) and if it gets wet you have to then store it wet. In wild British winter weather Id use a ground tent - Scotland would tear a rooftent to bits. There's a big discussion on this elsewhere on the site - in the Saharan forum? Cant remember. The thing that sways me in favour is the ease of pitching at the end of a day, when you're knackered. Mind you they are ridiculously pricey for what they are..... |
I'm not sure that TLCs have a higher c of g than LRs. Just looking at the width of my series 80 TLC against a narrow LR that parks round the corner from me is enough to suggest to me that I would be happier with the balance, weight and strength of my car. But all that is by the by. There seems to be a ringing endorsement of roof tents. For n. africa. But they are pricey.
Decision time for me is after christmas. ------------------ pigapicha |
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Have used an Eezi Awn roof tent on a Hi Lux- on the back of a modified back body of a crew cab. Havent done serious off road with it but found it stable with what we did- Picos trails etc.
Liked the speed to put up and down, but in europe found losing our pitch and the general curisity it created a hassle. Also found it not too good for wanting to 'free camp' due to how conspicuos you are. Not that a normal tent would be any good... Have opted to getting a van and sleeping inside. Have travelled in Aus and we modified a roof rack to put a dome tent on but hassle with poles etc...cheap though. Its all personal preference and what travelling you are doing.Would think the roof tent in Africa on an overland trip where you are constantly on the move would be good. I did find it very comfy and roomy to sleep in...Its for sale if you are intersted... |
Anyone had any experience of Maggiolina tens?
Look interesting, but have no idea of cost. Can check them out at- http://www.loftyshelters.com/IndexFrame.htm |
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).] |
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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.
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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).] |
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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 |
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