Roof Top Tent Insights

Hey all, I was debating on buying a roof top tent. They are wicked pricey, but I would definitely go camping more often if I had one. They make sense. As they save space, easy to setup, safer than on the ground, smooth floor instead of uneven dirt. But...THE PRICE.

Anyone glad they bought theirs? Or regret it?

 

I love mine. Some people may not like it but I enjoy not sleeping on the ground and its easier to get in and out for me. Yes it is pricey but I love it. you can basically camp anywhere your vehicle or trailer can go. So I would say seriously consider it.

 

I did many weeks of camping in my Tacoma with a Snugtop highliner with the common full bed platform for storage -- it was like sleeping in a coffin and it did not like it much, quite honestly. I upgraded to a GFC and just camped in it a few times but the difference is immediately obvious -- tons more room, can sit up straight, stretch out in bed. The ability to setup and break down the tent in 30 seconds to a few minutes is pretty amazing, actually. Depending on your needs, there are some quality RTT tents for a reasonable price, and they do show up used often enough.

DJM

 

Plenty of reading/information here.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/the-rtt-owners-thread-with-bs.312269/

 

right on! thanks for this link!

 

Been there tried it, will stick to the tent in the future

 

I get the gripes about price, etc, but I have started going out way more once I got rid of the ground tent and my chronic bad luck with sage brush in my back trying to sleep. I actually sold mine and got a bigger one. Would do it again in a heartbeat.

 

Look at a pop up. More room, amenities, easily towed by a Tacoma, and be had on the cheap.

 

From my research Pop-Ups are much pricier!

 

I just bought a 23zero walkabout 62. I would seriously recommend the company. I have a limited budget and for the price and quality 23zero is the way to go. They also come with a 3” mattress and they are pitch black on the inside during daytime.

 

Hard to get a pop up to the same places you can get a rtt.

 

I enjoy mine, the only big drawback (other than price) is that once you set it up, you can't go anywhere unless you pack it all back in. Unlike with a ground tent that you can set up and then go drive around and come back.

It's not the end of the world, they're easy to set up/tear down but it's really the only drawback I've found.

Oh, and they are heavy AF and awkward to handle if you're removing/installing it solo.

 

Because of the ease of setup, I can set it all up at the end of the day even in the dark without any issue. So it's never been a holdback

 

Do it and don't look back.

I bought a small used CVT mt bachelor for $800, sold it for $600 4 years later. So if you're patient they can be had for under $1000. One of the best upgrades you can make to your camping setup in my opinion. As others have said, biggest drawback is that once you're setup you're staying put or breaking down for those late night runs. It can also be a bit of a challenge to get the truck level as compared to selecting a flat spot for a tent. Another concern would be vehicle height especially if you're trying to park in a garage, you might need to consider a half height rack versus on top of a topper.

Also this. Even my small one was a pain in the dick to get up on top of the truck solo.

 

I never thought about a used one. I saw some folks would have some leveling blocks for their truck to get it level.
I was actually just thinking about how to lug it around. But I also haul lumber on occasion. So I'm thinking about a hinged extension that can raise above the cab! Whattya think?

 

Yeah I rarely take mine off unless I know it's going to be a long time until I use it again. If I had a garage that I could install a pulley system in, I'd remove it after every camping trip

 

I had an RTT and it was too much of a hassle setting up and taking down especially if you change locations daily. If you plan to stay at one place for multiple days then it’s fine. It might’ve been easier if I had a pop up style RTT. I’ve since sold my RTT and been on the list for a Vagabond Drifter which I hope to get sometime this year. Different strokes for different folks.

 

I dont try to move mine alone. Its 140lbs, but giant and awkward. Can definitely be done with 2 people though.

@hazard2600
Im on my 4th tent. Id suggest doing some research, and then trying to stick with what you have. There are a few different types of opening styles. Try to find someone local to you to check out. I see youre in Denver. Id bet there are tons of people near you that would offer to show you.

 

Safer?

Don't forget about the rack if you don't already have one.

Buying used will save you a ton of $. Bunch of used tents that were barely setup once or twice and never used again.

 

I’m liking the idea of buying a used tent. I put a rack on top of my shell last year. I’m good to go there, but I’m considering building a custom half rack so it’s not in direct air flow of the truck when driving down the road.