Member Since: 17 Jan 2010
Location: Holmfirth
Posts: 734
First Time Roof Tent’er
Had a good look round the articles on which roof tents people have and wanted to get some direct suggestions/recommendations.
I’ve never really been a camper, caravan etc type of person, but really fancy combining the driving, off-road excursions and just generally ‘getting away from it’. To give it a go before I get too deep into the cost, has anybody got any suggestions for a good quality, don’t want to get a bad starting experience, but reasonable cost roof tent.
I’d consider buying used, but again just a little concerned about getting crap and it spoiling the first experience.
Do I need a roof rack/expedition type rack to mount the roof tent or will the cross bars I have do for the start?
Anything which is a MUST have for first time out?
Trying to keep the budget to a minimum, within reason, as it’s something new and not sure how it will go at this stage 😉
Thanks for any recommendations and suggestions in advance.RLD CB Bracket
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13th Aug 2018 7:41 am
Alan B
Member Since: 12 Feb 2013
Location: Fife
Posts: 6528
Cut the cost by many £££'s and just buy a tent, throw it in the back and away you go.
If it chucks it with rain sleep in the back of car with seats folded down, air mattress helps but not compulsory. Worst case you have to pitch tent, put all your camping gear in it for the night, I know through experience especially at Applecross when doing the NC500 again
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13th Aug 2018 8:23 am
grzesiul
Member Since: 11 May 2008
Location: UK
Posts: 6415
i still believe Oztent rulez
gives you nice sleeping space as well as enclosed room fo doing anything during any weather conditiopns from cooking to even having "indoor" shower kinda thing
also one pitched gives you semi perm base and you can take the car for longer day trips without the need to drag all with you and even if you move ever day pitching Oz tent is super quick 10-15 min for me most cases
G
13th Aug 2018 8:42 am
Narpy
Member Since: 18 Jul 2011
Location: Stockport
Posts: 7830
I've never really understood this roof tent obsession. I kinda get it if you live where there's loads of nasty, ground dwelling, biting bugs and crawlies like deserts and Australian outback type places but in the UK, a roof tent, really?
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13th Aug 2018 8:48 am
dgarside
Member Since: 17 Jan 2010
Location: Holmfirth
Posts: 734
Just found a place down the road from me who rent good quality roof tents, so going to pop in there next Wednesday to check them out and see if my roof bars will work.
If that doesn’t work out then might consider tent, but would really prefer the easy assembly and roof storage of the roof tent.
Thanks again for the suggestions and if anyone has a good quality roof tent for sencond hand price.... I might be interested 😉RLD CB Bracket
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13th Aug 2018 8:50 pm
Stumog
Member Since: 24 Mar 2018
Location: Bristol
Posts: 171
Rooftent are a much better n8ghts sleep then a normal tent. They are as good as the bed at home.
I have a howlingmoon tourer which I love. Also being thick dark canvas stays cool in the heat and very dark so if you want a lie In you can.
What's a bit poor is if you stay in 1 place and want to move you then need to make camp every night. The hard top tents are faster to put up but didnt like my bed getting wet when opening the door. Make sure you try the ladders bare foot aswell
I really didn't get on with the oz tent it's to long, to heavy and took to long to add the sides.
If we ground camp then use a bell tent more room and a lot quicker to put up. Only any good if staying in 1 place for a few days.
14th Aug 2018 7:11 am
Iguana
Member Since: 14 Oct 2013
Location: 'Sunny' Zomerset
Posts: 9424
I've done them all, normal tents, a few different roof tents and even an Oz tent
I currently have a RT on top of a trailer, but have also had ones on top of the old D3:
Click image to enlarge
Click image to enlarge
And of all the different types I prefer the RT's, yes I know we don't have lions or bears in the UK, but I just find it much more comfortable in the RT, I also like the fact that whatever the weather the RT is a little sanctuary, kept dry as you can leave all the wet/muddy gear downstairs
There's always nothing like waking up and getting the commanding views with just the insect net up on the windows. Of course it's fairly quick to set-up also
It's probably a great idea for you to rent one for a few days, as it'll give you a taste of things
As for makes, I currently have a Tough trek RT, but have had several makes (I only changed as I moved to different camping trailers ), best make for me is Howling Moon, quite expensive, but I picked both of the ones I had from this forum or eBay and price was reasonable
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14th Aug 2018 7:37 am
dgarside
Member Since: 17 Jan 2010
Location: Holmfirth
Posts: 734
Thanks all and certainly two great view points. I’m going to hire a roof tent from a place close to me in Halifax and give it go before deciding on final purchase.
I appreciate you guys taking time to give me your opinion, really given me more to think about before potentially wasting money 😉RLD CB Bracket
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14th Aug 2018 5:12 pm
Beretta
Member Since: 11 Oct 2012
Location: Rochdale
Posts: 1180
Id be interested to know how you get on with this company in Halifax, not that far from me and something I want to try!2010 Disco 4 HSE
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14th Aug 2018 7:12 pm
dgarside
Member Since: 17 Jan 2010
Location: Holmfirth
Posts: 734
Will do not a problem.RLD CB Bracket
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14th Aug 2018 7:51 pm
dgarside
Member Since: 17 Jan 2010
Location: Holmfirth
Posts: 734
Cheers Ray.... RLD CB Bracket
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14th Aug 2018 7:56 pm
nrich
Member Since: 04 Jan 2015
Location: Huddersfield
Posts: 269
Just bought a Bundutop electric roof tent spent 2 weeks in Europe with it I can highly recommend it, cons not a lot of height to get dressed in and climbing ladder is a pain but it goes up and down in 20 seconds another minute to fasten the catches very firm mattress a very good nights sleep you can put a 300 watt solar panel on the top they are on you tube you can get them from Tuff Trek the next best one I saw was the IKamper.
14th Aug 2018 8:03 pm
tayaste
Member Since: 15 May 2013
Location: Chester
Posts: 7633
I’ve just looked up the bundutop,.. they look like the dogs danglies..
14th Aug 2018 8:24 pm
dgarside
Member Since: 17 Jan 2010
Location: Holmfirth
Posts: 734
Loving the iKamper as well, but unfortunately way beyond my price range..... at least for the start RLD CB Bracket
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with you and even if you move ever day pitching Oz tent is super quick 10-15 min for me most cases
), best make for me is Howling Moon, quite expensive, but I picked both of the ones I had from this forum or eBay and price was reasonable
