Roof top tents yay or nay?

Well said. Really comes down to what type of camping you're doing. If you plan to camp in the same spot every night and drive off for adventures during the day, a RTT would not make a lot of sense. But if you're on the move and planning to camp in a different spot everynight, a RTT is right for you.

 

Correction, temp dropped to -6 with windchill after raining. Ft. Benning GA circa 2009. You got me.

 

Sums it up.

 

Short bed problems. Lol
If I wasn't 6'2" with a short bed, I would the same. Kayaks on top and the security of a canopy!

 

As a person who fits in a long bed. The canopy security isn't all its cracked up to be. Without EXTENSIVE work, my cap/truck bed let in so much water that I might as well have slept in a lake. Hell, 4 tubes of silicone later, and I'm still getting water infiltration in rates that are completely unacceptable. =\

Not to mention the dust too.

 

The op asked a question that could/should have been answered by pro/cons attributed by those with actual experience and knowledge. Armed with that information, the op would then apply self assessment of intended use (seasons, environment to include ground surface and restrictions).
Most of the responses the op got here are from unknowledgeable, unexperienced and highly opinionated internet jihadist with obsessions of Instagram and 'bro'.
Sorry your thread went to hell op.

 

Would not have expected that! On a side note I never had any leaks in my roof top tent. lol.
And yes I have used it and rain and thunderstorms in Montana and on the Olympic peninsula.

 

Nice man. I agree. Especially with packing tents that are dirty. Both tents will need to be packed but one will be muddy as shit and the RTT is much more comfortable as well. Like you said it depends on the person. Some people only camp during summer / perfect weather conditions, but no matter the ground tent, at the end of the day I'd rather be off the damn mud / roots etc.

 

LOL Jihadist

 

Fuck CA

Your problem with tent camping was the air mattress. Those things are garbage.

 

Yeah I hate air mattress. But being honest, I never been more comfortable than in my RTT. First few nights I woke up thinking I was at home. Maybe cus mattress at home ain't that great LOL. But still was an odd feeling.

 

Nothing has been better than the camper shell experience for me. Its windproof, rain proof, more stealthy and secure. 3" memory foam makes it uber comfortable and I haven't experienced any leaks after a very(in my case) simple fix. The main thing for me is that I've been able to hop back there and crash out at rest stops when I can't stay awake anymore.
I still often sleep under the stars on a low cot depending on location and weather, but on the trail, it's hard to beat just popping the back of the truck open, unrolling my mattress and sleeping bag and zonking out. Plus I designed the back to be modular, so the platform is easily convertible for one or two people.

 

I’m about to buy one. I think....

 

Yeah, I love California too, not sure I would fuck it. But hey, you might be on to something!

 

Is that what prairie dog holes are for?

 

Yeah been thinking about going shell. More convenient in many ways. Little smaller though but think I’d get more out of shell for my use. Gf would prob prefer tent during summer than the small ass shell haha. I know I’ll end up converting soon. Well see. I’d pay to have it removed and re-sealed for sure. It’s leaking and we’ll glued to the bed. Haven’t been able to remove myself.

 

I think that, like anything else, there are some compromises that need to be made. But it's camping after all. I could definitely make some changes, like using a bag for bedding rather than a box. When you sleep in your truck, you have to make room by pulling stuff out, which means it goes in the cab for security, on the roof for a sense of security, or under the truck. The last one isn't an issue when remote camping. But if you're doing the rest stop quitter move, which often happens out of necessity, it's not really an option.
I've gotten my system to where most stuff has a dedicated spot in the truck and doesn't need to be moved when I want to sleep. But once my GF joins me, that all goes out the window

 

I'm a backpacker and don't need or want fancy, especially if it is heavy or bulky. So no rooftop tent for me. The rumor that the weight of RTT's spread plastic bedsides isn't encouraging, either.

I'm currently considering some sort of topper. I like the idea of the lightweight folding fabric ones, but dislike the total lack of security. Or some mid height hard topper. or one of those wedge top campers like GoFast.

decisions, decisions

 

I can haul my motorcycle and all of my gear without pulling a trailer. it's tall enough to kind of stand up in to get dressed. it weighs 25 lbs. it cost 199.00. it's up or down in 15 minutes. I can sit on the tailgate to put my shoes on or off. those are some of the advantages

 

I respect it. I just question the utility. It seems like setting a ground tent would be more convenient. I do like how at least you're off the ground during suck ass weather.