Anyone know anything about expedition 'pop-up' roof tents that you see on the top of 4x4 and Exped type trailers?
Any good suggestions what to look for? Any UK manufacturers ? Any tents that are better suited to a more wet moderate climate.
Interested in this so please share.
I'm a big fan of roof tents and used one on top of a Land Rover 110 as my main accommodation during a three and a half year expedition around Africa and the Middle East and still use it for 30 plus nights a year in the UK. I can't say I've ever felt "sea-sick" in it although you are obviously a bit more exposed in a howling gale.
There are two (or three) main types;
1. The "traditional" type mostly South African (but increasingly the market is flooded with generic Chinese copies) made of canvas which have a cantilever hinged plywood base which hang off the back or side of the vehicle - I have a MyWay which I bought in South Africa but they do have a UK distributor. MyWay are a niche player in the South African market, well designed and engineered and a fair bit lighter than the competitors like Hannibal and Eezi-Awn.
https://mywayrooftents.wordpress.com
2. The Autohomes/Maggioloni tents on the link posted by Robmc which have hard (fibreglass/plastic?) shells either hinged as a clamshell or elevating vertically. No personal experience of this type of tent but they are probably quicker to put up (but are heavy and take up more space on the roof rack) and suspect that they may be a bit better insulated though I have heard people complain about condensation in them and they are a fair bit more expensive.
Its very much a personal choice and the ease of use depends on your vehicle and (with the tents that overhang the back/side of the vehicle) how you orientate the tent. I can put my MyWay tent up in about 3 minutes (packing away takes a bit longer) and with 400 nights plus in it, I have no complaints. I recently replaced the flysheet and tarpaulin cover which both eventually succumbed to UV but after about 8 years of heavy use.
It is a big investment and probably worth looking at a few in the flesh before choosing, the summer Land Rover, 4x4 and Expedition shows usually have a selection.
Let me know if you need any more info.
Cheers,
Jerry