Anyone tried a roof top tent? Thinking of getting one myself!

[Ethan Hodge]

Hey folks,

Been noticing loads of people getting into camper vans and motorhome life lately — seems like everyone’s hitting the road for a weekend escape. Got me seriously considering jumping on the trend, but I’m leaning more towards a roof top tent instead of a full-on van conversion.

Has anyone here actually used one? What’s the real deal like — easy to set up? Comfortable? And is it worth the investment compared to a regular tent or a cheap camper?

Cheers for any advice.

 

[FerlasDave]

Yes, the wife and I had one for many years. In fact it was before the craze took off here and a lot of campsites were very confused when we tried to book. Took it all over Europe and into North Africa but got rid of it when our eldest came along.

Pros: VERY comfortable sleep, older canvas models keep temperature better too. Quick and easy to set up. Doesn’t ever get very muddy with no wet groundsheet to dry out.

Cons: fuel consumption will increase. Not great if you need a pee in the night. Awkward if you have dogs/children.

 

[lou1661]

I think @FerlasDave summed it up pretty well, I had one of the older models, super comfortable, heavy canvas that was great in the weather and kept the early morning sun off quite well, being off the ground is good for ventilation in the summer. can be a bit weighty and change your COG which can be good to be aware of. down sides can be access/egress at night additional height can stop you getting into carparks and anything with height restrictions. drying the wet canvas can be problematic if you can't put the tent up somewhere in a dry location.
Did I love it, yes! am I glad I moved away from one, also yes. to be fair after a good few years of a ground tent. gone back to a pop top so sort of a roof tent.

Louis


from that to

 

[Tengu]

They look fun dont they?

But I suspect they are (like many modern things) very situational

 

[Broch]

OK, I’m going to disagree with the others - depending on how you camp, I don’t think they are practical in the UK.
We used one trekking in a 110 in Namibia and it was great. But every evening was perfect for sitting out and cooking under the stars.
We bought one for trekking in the uk - not a single evening was good enough to cook and sit out. So we had to get the full zip-on awning out. When it’s soaking wet and cold the whole process was a faff.
Then of course, there’s the inconvenience that you have to pack it away before you can go anywhere.
If you want to use one of the modern quick-erect light ones just to kip, I guess it may be OK.