Roof top tents....Which one.

[prado4x4 Member Find all posts View Profile Close prado4x4]

If you want good, try one of the hardshell rooftop tents. Not cheap, but very well built, and so easy to put up / take down.

http://www.autohomeaustralia.com.au/
http://www.jamesbaroud.com.au/

I prefer a rooftop tent to reguaalr tents for a few reasons.
- I do lots of touring, so never staying in one place long. RTT very good for this style of travel.
- Setup is around 30 seconds, packup about 2 minutes.
- I've often found that is hard to find anywhere flat, not rocky, etc to put up a regular tent.
- Up of the ground to get all the breeze, etc on those hot nights (was great when up in cape york).
- The hardshell tents give a solid roof overhead, and are more aerodynamic than the ARB style "fold in half" tents.
- Hardshell doesn't get pierced by low branches, or have a cover flap around like some (not all) "fold in half" tents.

There are some downsides though;
- They take up the whole roof space.
- Need to climb down ladder in the night to take a leak.
- Need to packup if just off for a drive. (I just never bothered putting the tent up until I was about to go to bed. As it only takes such a short time to put up/packup so this was never much of an issue).
- #&*#$Q^ expensive.

John

[prado4x4 Member Find all posts View Profile Close prado4x4]

Oh yes, the grail of Dingo spit. He took my Outback, ha, ha.....
Sorry couldn't help myself.
The Roo.

Now if only I knew what you were talking about I could reply. :-)

John

[navynurse Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close navynurse]

Just back from 4 weeks in the cape did all the tracks and had no problems with clearance for the rtt I have. I got a tigerz tent and havent had many problems at all. I did break the zipper but the cover is detachable by removing 2 straps from underneath. Yes the cover will get very dusty but I purchased a telescopic ladder and could manage to lift the cover quite well, no dust inside the tent but it was everywhere else. I met a bloke and his 2 daughters in Cooktown with another brand and he was also singing praise for his tent. The matress is firm but I like it that way He had bought an eggshell overlay for his. I also found that I could leave the bed made up and just close and open with no problem.
Hope this helps.
Allan

[prado4x4 Member Find all posts View Profile Close prado4x4]

The joke is, if you are camped on the ground, well, the Dingo spit, and those famous words, ' A dingo took my baby', hence, he took my outback 7.
If you have got a rooftop tent, you are not camped on the ground, no dingo spit in your face. That lovely dog breath in the clean night air.
So now you know, I will be looking forward to your reply......
The Roo.

Ah - makes sense now. Thanks for clearing that up. No real reply though, as I agree with you.

John

[outback7 Banned Find all posts View Profile Close outback7]

Thank you all for posting and giving great info. It has really helped. I have settled on a Rhino platform roof rack and either a Gordigear or a ARB roof top tent. I will also be able to put a spare rim and tyre on top as well, which will give me two spare wheels. Will be doing some other stuff on my 150 for the Kimberley trip when I get back from the States.

[DJD120GXL Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close DJD120GXL]

Thank you all for posting and giving great info. It has really helped. I have settled on a Rhino platform roof rack and either a Gordigear or a ARB roof top tent. I will also be able to put a spare rim and tyre on top as well, which will give me two spare wheels. Will be doing some other stuff on my 150 for the Kimberley trip when I get back from the States.

I'm also considering the ARB tent on top of the ARB tourer roof rack, apart from price is there any reason in going for the rhino? are they much different in price?
I was nearly sold on the 30sec tent and the standard ARB rack, but I would like to save some money. cheers

[nickchap Member Find all posts View Profile Close nickchap]

I have an ARB style RTT and Rhino platform for sale in For Sale posts with photos. In Adelaide though!

Nick

[ochre Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close ochre]

Hi Outback7, I lived in broome WA for 4 years and used a ARB safari III. Great tent, good dust proofing. Absolute bugger of a job to setup and pack up in 38degrees & the proverbial humidity. If I was to buy another one I would get a Madcamp fibreglass unit or similar. Electric pushbutton setup and backup crank handle. Easy and ready/ packedup in 1minute.

[outback7 Banned Find all posts View Profile Close outback7]

Hi Outback7, I lived in broome WA for 4 years and used a ARB safari III. Great tent, good dust proofing. Absolute bugger of a job to setup and pack up in 38degrees & the proverbial humidity. If I was to buy another one I would get a Madcamp fibreglass unit or similar. Electric pushbutton setup and backup crank handle. Easy and ready/ packedup in 1minute.

Hear you mate.......thanks for the input.