Why do people like roof top tents so much?

[biggestjosh]

I think I understand the appeal of these tiny trailers even less than roof top tents. Seems like a big impediment to off road exploring, plus a sizable ding on your mpg. What scenarios do you see something like one of these being more practical or better than a tent and some basic camp kitchen gear?

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[egilbe]

I went with a Go Fast Camper after I saw the video of Cody Townsend and his Ranger. I wasn't a fan of walking up and down a ladder to get into the tent, buty being able to climb up through the bed of the truck? Game changer. Iy should be ready in June. Waiting until my current gig is done in September or October and the GF and I are headed out to the Southwest to be Nomads. We can live out of the back of a truck for 6 months. It should be relatively easy after living out of a backpack for months at a time and sleeping on the ground on a 2 inch inflatable air mattress.

Poops in the woods, has a Glock 17 and CCW, a veteran, wants to go live in the woods. I really should marry her.

 

[AzScorpion]

I think I understand the appeal of these tiny trailers even less than roof top tents. Seems like a big impediment to off road exploring, plus a sizable ding on your mpg. What scenarios do you see something like one of these being more practical or better than a tent and some basic camp kitchen gear?

I think they'd be more appealing to the ones who are only going to use them a few times a year. Like the family that goes away for Memorial Day,4th of July and Labor Day for example. They can just store this out back of their property and have it for a few family trips rather than a RTT strapped to the roof every day. Me personally I wouldn't do either, I need a hotel.

 

[bentroia]

Is there something I'm not understanding here? I do a TON of camping, all over the place, but I just can't wrap my head around spending a few grand for a rack and tent system when I can just bust out my trusty $200 REI tent and set that up in a few minutes.

It seems the pros are:

• Quick to set up (just pop it open)

Cons:

• Added weight
• Added wind resistance
• Have to climb a ladder to get into the tent (cumbersome when drinking or carrying an animal/child into the tent)
• Can only sleep on top of your truck (i.e. can't set up your tent anywhere you want that your truck might not be able to navigate to)
• Cost

I assume there are other pros that I'm not considering, but on the surface it just seems like a huge waste of money for something that adds minimal benefits while conversely introducing lots of detriments.

AMEN BROTHER!

 

[dtech]

Sid, I had this one saved and thought it was a cool design. Something like this seems like it would be more practical for those not using them every weekend.

look at that tiny propane tank - love it

 

[myothercarizahearse]

I'm old and sick of sleeping on the ground. still waiting on my go fast camper

 

[Ronbo]

I used to do a lot of “camping”.... in the Army. We used this sweet contraption. It’s a Shelter Half “pup” tent. Oh, the joyful memories I have from these camping experiences.

If we were lucky and were operating from a FOB, we’d get to sleep in one of these. It’s the Taj Mahal of Army camping. The good old GP medium tent.

I

These days my camping is limited to a Holiday Inn or a Best Western. If I feel like roughing it, I’ll stay in a Motel 6 or a Red Roof Inn.

 

[ranger-rick-roll]

I think these campers like the GFC are a way better investment than an RTT. With and RTT and bed rack you're at like $4k. At that point you might as well get something with way more practicality, such as an enclosed waterproof space you can stand up in.

 

[slowmachine]

I used to do a lot of “camping”.... in the Army. We used this sweet contraption. It’s a Shelter Half “pup” tent. Oh, the joyful memories I have from these camping experiences.

If we were lucky and were operating from a FOB, we’d get to sleep in one of these. It’s the Taj Mahal of Army camping. The good old GP medium tent.

I

These days my camping is limited to a Holiday Inn or a Best Western. If I feel like roughing it, I’ll stay in a Motel 6 or a Red Roof Inn.

I really don't miss those horrible canvas tents. We have a popular hiking trail in our town, and my neighbors have finally stopped inviting me to hike up this small "mountain" with them.

 

[Dr. Zaius]

I've had my RTT for several years now. I bought it used off of CL.

I initially had it mounted to the roof of my former SUV and while it was indeed kinda neat, the wife didn't like the climb and yes, you had to pack everything up if you wanted to move the vehicle.

So a couple of years ago I picked up a 4x6 utility trailer and converted it into a camping/adventure trailer. I tried to match the paint to my Jeep with marginal success.

This works great for us.

Not as high up, don't have to pack everything up to move the vehicle, and the trailer very easily converts into a kayak trailer that perfectly holds our 4 family kayaks (2 on the upper rails and 2 across the top rails of the trailer bed) plus the trailer has as much or more room in it than a pickup bed for all your coolers, chairs, and other gear.

Buying the tent used and building the trailer myself, I am all in for <$1000.

The RTT is more comfortable than a ground tent, your bedding and pillows stay in the tent when it's folded, and the wife loves the treehouse style view when camping (this is the biggest bonus! She actually likes it!)

 

[t4thfavor]

I've had my RTT for several years now. I bought it used off of CL.

I initially had it mounted to the roof of my former SUV and while it was indeed kinda neat, the wife didn't like the climb and yes, you had to pack everything up if you wanted to move the vehicle.

So a couple of years ago I picked up a 4x6 utility trailer and converted it into a camping/adventure trailer. I tried to match the paint to my Jeep with marginal success.

This works great for us.

Not as high up, don't have to pack everything up to move the vehicle, and the trailer very easily converts into a kayak trailer that perfectly holds our 4 family kayaks (2 on the upper rails and 2 across the top rails of the trailer bed) plus the trailer has as much or more room in it than a pickup bed for all your coolers, chairs, and other gear.

Buying the tent used and building the trailer myself, I am all in for <$1000.

The RTT is more comfortable than a ground tent, your bedding and pillows stay in the tent when it's folded, and the wife loves the treehouse style view when camping (this is the biggest bonus! She actually likes it!)

This is exactly what I envisioned when I made my comments above, this way, you can get the best of the TT community (almost) and the best of the RTT community (almost), and far less of the cons from both camps.

That said, I have a 31' tow behind "house" in my backyard

 

[JaysOnTheEDGE]

The perfect Glamping setup ?

Sid, I had this one saved and thought it was a cool design. Something like this seems like it would be more practical for those not using them every weekend.

 

[Msfitoy]

Sid, I had this one saved and thought it was a cool design. Something like this seems like it would be more practical for those not using them every weekend.

For me (and maybe wife), it's gotta be zero canvas, climate controlled and hard sided with thick mattress...zero set up time and break down along with independence from the Ranger so I can park it (locked up) and take off for the town or explore...

 

[Scooter]

A lot depends on location. There are things of various sizes with teeth and claws that are best avoided.

I am interested in the SCAB Ranger. Looking more to 6G. I would make a platform and purchase a standard tent of those dimensions. Purchase a latter. Just have to come up with a platform that is not an airfoil.

 

[r1ch999999]

I used to do a lot of “camping”.... in the Army. We used this sweet contraption. It’s a Shelter Half “pup” tent. Oh, the joyful memories I have from these camping experiences.

If we were lucky and were operating from a FOB, we’d get to sleep in one of these. It’s the Taj Mahal of Army camping. The good old GP medium tent.

I

These days my camping is limited to a Holiday Inn or a Best Western. If I feel like roughing it, I’ll stay in a Motel 6 or a Red Roof Inn.

We had our GP Medium blow away in the desert, what a pain in the ass that was.

I spent a lot of time looking for two shelter halves for a decent price. For awhile I was sure I was going to be single forever, my plan was a dog, a truck, and a shelter half. What else does a guy need?

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