Roof tent

[j_h_nimrod]

These have been mainstream in the “overland” crowd for a number of years (~10-15). Prices have come down to a reasonable ~$2000 or so  and they look cool on the roof while cruising down the interstate. On the way back from Corvallis yesterday there were an easy 20 we passed. The premise of the overlanders is to drive trails from one spot to another, they typically don’t plan to set up camp and then drive around. I have 3 kids n a small cargo trailer I have set up for camping and a tent like this would be great on the roof of it when all 5 of the family go out n don’t want to take the toy hauler. I have been plenty of places with crappy tent spots where I can park that would make this convenient. Not sure if it is worth a couple thousand $ though...

[NW SURVEYOR]

Don't leave the keys in the ignition.
Can you imagine someone taking you and your family for a joy ride while you're all asleep in the back.
With all the trigger happy cops we have things might get a little hairy/scary.

[BUCKHUNT]

I have a setup like that on my truck that I take out for Elk camp. I think I paid ~$850 for it a few years ago; I've been impressed with it so far.

It depends on what type of use you want out of it, but for driving into NF roads and setting up basecamp it's great. Takes about 5 minutes to set up and maybe 10 min to pack it up if you need to drive somewhere. It's sturdy, and has a few inches of memory foam that make it comfortable to sleep in.

Last season, my brother (6'4" and 280lb) and myself camped out for 5 days. We had plenty of room, and takes up way less space around the campsite.

Obviously not practical for all kinds of camping, but perfect for what I need out of it.

[griffin]

I was looking at this tent just because I have certain health problems that do not allow me to sleep on the ground, you see. That's why I thought of such a setup as an alternative to the regular tent. But as I said, I posted here just to know some real opinions of people who slept in such tents, before I go and spend around $1K for it.

[huntnnw]

no thanks! pain in the butt. Unless you don't plan on leaving or tow atvs down. The price I could by a much nicer tent with a stove

[Skyvalhunter]

 

[jagermiester]

I was looking at this tent just because I have certain health problems that do not allow me to sleep on the ground, you see. That's why I thought of such a setup as an alternative to the regular tent. But as I said, I posted here just to know some real opinions of people who slept in such tents, before I go and spend around $1K for it.

Dude now I’m intrigued. What health issue prevents you from sleeping on the ground?

As far as what it’s like to sleep on a plywood base with a 2 foam topper. I’d imagine it’s a lot like sleeping on the living room floor.

[Knocker of rocks]

These are the cool ones:

http://www.autohomeus.com/roof-top-tents/maggiolina-tent/
https://roofnest.com

The dog would hate it

[Bofire]

How would it help in Grizzly country? they can reach it. its not tall enough to hide your scent. If you need it for medical reasons go for it!! they seem to have real well made ones and some not so.

Carl

[Fl0und3rz]

Meals on wheels.

[Alchase]

I would hate to have to get up and pee in the middle of the night! 

[Rob]

Looks cold.  The ground is a pretty good insulator.

[Ridgeratt]

I would be curious as to the weight limits on how it's mounted and load limits on the vehicle. If I remember the rails on my expedition were like 150 lbs. Looking at the amount that's hung off the side of the rig should be a pretty good torque on the mounts.