4-PERSON ROOFTOP TENT: PROS & CONS

Previously, we road tripped and camped in a rooftop tent for 1 year around Australia. In this video, we outline the pros and cons of travelling in a soft top, four person, family rooftop tent with two ladders. Get all the details of our opinion on the advantages and disadvantages and let us guide you on if a rooftop tent is fitted to you and your adventure needs. Along the way we show some awesome footage of our 4WD and remote camping adventures. Hope you enjoy!

[@dannyeugenewaits9486]

Cheers from the state of Montana, United States!!! Great review! Beautiful family! God bless you'al!

[@HappyFamilyAdventures]

Hi Danny, thanks for watching our video. We can't wait to visit Montana, such a beautiful state! Take care mate

[@deepndopehouse]

Awesome review and much needed! Thankyou!

[@HappyFamilyAdventures]

No worries, let us know if you need more information 😀

[@1800dontcare]

Good overview of the Good and Bad of owning a Roof Top Tent. We purchased a “Tradies Trailer” that I am converting into a Camper Trailer making it cheaper. The added benefit we can add whatever we like as we go and what is needed

[@HappyFamilyAdventures]

It is a great option, I love the idea that you can unhook the trailer and you use your vehicle to go explore while camping.

[@1800dontcare]

@@HappyFamilyAdventures that’s exactly why we got it so we can setup camp and leave to do other things as needed without having to pack up and pull down etc until we want to go home etc. it will have a pull out stove and other things when we get a chance

[@chasingadeline]

That is so cool...I would love to do get one...I like the fact that it is off the ground floor...I’m always worried when going in the outdoor about snakes 🐍( especially in Australia 🇦🇺) good review

[@HappyFamilyAdventures]

Being off the floor is a great advantage. I'm worried about the snakes too especially in Australia when it seems like almost everything can kill you 😂

[@joffaute]

Loved this video, way more informative than many others I’ve seen. I’m basically going to replicate your setup with a troop carrier so our family (Wife, daughter and me) can tour the outback without the hassle and expense of towing a trailer. Hope you enjoyed your stay in Aus. Cheers.

[@HappyFamilyAdventures]

Hi, I'm glad the video helped you in your choice. I agree, trailers are great but not worth it in my opinion. We're had an amazing 10 years in Australia. We're now living in the Canadian Rocky mountains and it is also a great place for adventures! Good luck on your build and enjoy your trip.

[@joffaute]

@@HappyFamilyAdventures best of luck on your Canadian adventure! Sounds like an awesome holiday! Thank you!

[@petebowman6275]

Excellent video! I'd like to see how you get in and out of both ladders (where the openings are inside the tent and how to avoid climbing over people). Thank you so much!!

[@HappyFamilyAdventures]

Unfortunately we don't have the tent anymore. If you get a rooftop tent with 2 ladders, you don't need to climb on top of each other, just sleep with the opening at your feet.

[@petebowman6275]

@@HappyFamilyAdventures you don't have the rooftop tent? Does that mean no more videos? :( I just discovered your youtube channel.

[@HappyFamilyAdventures]

@@petebowman6275 we just moved to Banff, Canada. We have one more video coming up about our camping set up and then we'll renovate a 4wd camper in the next couple of months :)

[@lukearnott7214]

Great Video - I would like to know more about where you got your rear tyre / jerry can carrier. Thanks

[@HappyFamilyAdventures]

Hi Luke, I bought the carrier second hand. It is mounted on the hitch receiver. I welded a folding table to use as a cooking space. The brand Tyre trek have something quite similar. The only drawback is you lose departure angle when offroading.

[@twostroke12v71]

Commenting on the video for the algorithm

[@woolengrappler]

Good review! Ok, so what’s your strategy for adult time in the roof top tent?

[@HappyFamilyAdventures]

Ha ha 🤣 good question. Somehow we got pregnant on that trip with our second ... get this video to 1,000,000 views and we will make a video about it lol

[@a-j731]

Awesome video, what's the jerry can/spare tyre holder called, it looks fitted to just the tow ball which is awesome??

[@HappyFamilyAdventures]

Hi AJ, I bought it used and there was no name on it. It is fitted on the tow hitch and very convenient. The only drawback is that you lose a bit of departure angle but I don't do any extreme 4wd. Check out the brand tyretrek, i believe they have similar systems.

[@a-j731]

@@HappyFamilyAdventures thanks for the reply 🙌

[@bikeforcebilly]

Hi, we have two toddlers, both under 3yo. Seems like there would be plenty of space for all 4 of us, but I was wondering if you had to worry about them opening the doors and escaping while you were asleep? Can the zippers be put up high or locked with a clip of some sort? Cheers

[@HappyFamilyAdventures]

Hi, we used to put small carabiner on each zippers. Also, each entrance has a zipped door and a zipped mosquito net. We never had an issue with our daughter. The main problem was when we were downstairs, she was trying everytime to climb one of the ladder 🤣

[@things_I_saw]

Ignoring that 2 ladders may provide support.......would you prefer 1 or 2?

[@HappyFamilyAdventures]

Realistically, you only use one ladder most of the time. We mainly used the second ladder to hang things such as wet towels or bathing suits. It is also useful for when someone is sleeping and you need to get up (to pee for example :) ).... you don't have to climb over anyone to go down as you each have your own door and ladder.

[@cMac4635]

Do you guys have any affiliate links to the products you use? My husband and I are considering doing this next year with our kids and we're so excited! :D

[@HappyFamilyAdventures]

Hi Christina, we don't. Enjoy your trip as it was the best time of our life! 🙂

[@andrewtran2508]

Awesome review guys!!! Just curious, how mani psi were you running when you got sand bogged?

[@HappyFamilyAdventures]

Hi Andrew, I was running 15 psi but it was my own fault. I tried to adjust the location of our camping spot by a few meters and got stuck. Learnt my lesson for next time 😅

[@Ian-le3bu]

@@HappyFamilyAdventures you're no orphan mate, it's easily done. The most important thing is that you and your family got out before the tide came in.😀

[@HappyFamilyAdventures]

@@Ian-le3bu we drove for 5 hours that day and the last thing I wanted to do is shoveling sand 😂 I would rather have sat down and have a beer.

[@Ian-le3bu]

@@HappyFamilyAdventures I couldn't agree more. I was a little impressed that you were still civil after going through that. Well done you

[@mrsmombeautylife]

Looks great! What brand is your rooftop tent?

[@HappyFamilyAdventures]

Hi, it is an austrack campers. Take care

[@jcrshinton]

Hi, love the look of your roof top tent, what kind is it? And if you did the trip again would you get the same roof top tent?

[@HappyFamilyAdventures]

Hi Jordan, it is a soft shell rooftop tent. It folds open to create a sleeping area that is double the size of the tent when it is packed away on the roof. I probably would get the same tent because we didn't have any major issues and it did fit our need and budget. If you are looking for a similar type but top of the range, look at "howling moon", they are one of the vest. Thanks for watching our video!

[@jalexanderevans]

@@HappyFamilyAdventures what kind is the one you have though (make and model)

[@HappyFamilyAdventures]

@@jalexanderevans hi John, the manufacturer is Austrack Campers and the model is the SUPERIOR XL Roof Top Tent 2.2m

[@rd9865]

Can you get an additional memory foam mattress from Walmart inside of the tent and still be able to close up the tent?

[@HappyFamilyAdventures]

I would say yes as we keep all our bedding inside the RTT while traveling (at least mattress topper)

[@mikeroland9751]

We are looking into doing this but do not have any camping experience. I'd really be appreciative if you'd give us your insights into your other equipment such as cooking and your pressurized hot water / shower, maybe a refrigerator? Thanks so much. Im excited about our coming adventures.

[@HappyFamilyAdventures]

Hi Mike, welcome to the camping world! Believe me, camping becomes an addiction really quickly... Our next video will be about our camping set up. Thanks for watching our video. Happy adventures!

[@mikeroland9751]

@@HappyFamilyAdventures We are shopping for a vehicle now. Likely be a Toyota Tacoma, crew cab. So any info quickly would be appreciated before the video. Mostly looking for cooking ideas, fresh water supply/replenish and refrigeration....oh and wife says shower with hot water. 😁

[@petebowman6275]

@@mikeroland9751 I own a Toyota Tacoma double cab. I absolutely love it! I would highly recommend getting the extra cab space & the long bed. One thing I didn't get that I regret is the TRD package. It comes with running boards, bigger wheels, bigger shocks, and especially an AC power plug in the bed of the truck. :) Mine also has a reverse camera, that's pretty normal these days, but definitely useful!

[@momorsi433]

What’s is your experience in levelling your car please? Also would you recommend side entry set up or rear entry set up for smaller size RTT ?

[@HappyFamilyAdventures]

Hi Morgan, I usually level the car with rocks or logs (I don't have enough room in the car to bring levelling gears) If my RTT was smaller, I would have probably chosen the rear entry because of my kitchen setup at the back (I could have been covered from rain and sun).

[@momorsi433]

@@HappyFamilyAdventures thanks mate , appreciate your response

[@fareedchaudhry6814]

Greetings from Pakistan!! I am trying to decide whether to get a 4 person tent or 6 person. We are 3 and would like some extra space. My only concern is the wind resistance ( height is 6 inches for 4 person and 9 inches for 6 person tent) and ladders that open on both sides of my 1984 BJ40. What is your take on that?

[@HappyFamilyAdventures]

Hi Fareed, we slept on the beach multiple times with strong wind. It was very noisy to sleep at night but the tent did quite well. The extra space is great when you have a bad weather and also if you have more people to go camping with you. Maybe try to go see the tent in a shop, compare the 2 tents and check if the 6 person one is strong and sturdy. By the way I love the bj40! Take care

[@fareedchaudhry6814]

@@HappyFamilyAdventures hmmm..what about the wind resistance (drag) when you're driving?

[@HappyFamilyAdventures]

@@fareedchaudhry6814 sorry mate I didn't realize you were talking about while driving. You're gonna use extra fuel but even with a strong side wind, it was barely noticeable. The only time you have to be careful is while off-roading with low branch to avoid damages.

[@yeogumsharman8737]

What size mattress you charged? Super king size?

[@HappyFamilyAdventures]

Hi Yeogum, the matress is 2400x2200mm

[@mariobroszion]

Did you have any problems with strong winds? Thanks for this great video!!

[@HappyFamilyAdventures]

Hi Enzo, the strongest wind we experienced was about 60km/h and the RTT did well. Closing the flaps and lowering the rain cover can also help to improve in strong winds condition

[@yalaavianeyesafari]

How much heavy your roof top tent?

[@HappyFamilyAdventures]

Hi, the tent weights 85kg (~190lbs)

[@jng4723]

What tire carrier do you have?

[@HappyFamilyAdventures]

Hi Joseph, I got it second hand and there was no name on it. The carrier is attached to the trailer hitch.

[@kristywilliams6055]

Hi, great video. We are researching roof top tents, do you think yours would be large enough for 2 adults and 2 boys aged 12 and 9?

[@HappyFamilyAdventures]

Hi Kristy, it might be a bit tight for your family. Unless you use the annexe to add 2 single bed. So you can sleep 2 person at the top and 2 person downstairs.

[@yeogumsharman8737]

What kind of roof rack do you have?

[@HappyFamilyAdventures]

They are the heavy duty Rhino racks 1500mm

[@woolengrappler]

This tent seems massive. Do you think you could comfortably sleep 2 adults, 2 kids under 13 years old?

[@HappyFamilyAdventures]

The tent is designed for 4 persons. We were three and quite comfortable. I guess it comes down to your individual preferences. it is wider than a king size bed (2.2m or 7.22ft).

[@JonathanAdami]

"Simple as that, finished" Everyone with rooftop tent rolling their eyes... not quite but ok! :D Thanks for that video, I'm wondering about your experience of travelling with a young one, how old is the little one and how easy was it to keep entertained on the trip? We're thinking of doing the same kinda trip next year when our son will be 1.5yo not sure how that would go haha, thanks for uploading the video! Great stuff!

[@HappyFamilyAdventures]

Hi Jonathan, thanks for watching the video. Our daughter was 1 yr old at the beginning of the trip and we almost didn't experience bad weather during our lap lap around Australia. It might be challenging being stuck in a RTT during heavy rain or cold weather with a toddler. While traveling, we never drove more than 2hours at a time and we were trying to drive during nap time.

[@chrishoppe2714]

what tent is this?!?!?

[@HappyFamilyAdventures]

Hi Chris, the tent is an Austrack Camper (Australian brand). Take care

[@audisportcarrasco]

Good ther is no bears there climb up

[@premkumar.r8223]

Hi I'm prem from India. What is the tent name please....???

[@HappyFamilyAdventures]

Hi Prem, the brand is Austrack Campers. Let me know if you need more information.

[@premkumar.r8223]

Yes. bro i need more information.....

[@HappyFamilyAdventures]

@@premkumar.r8223 Send me some questions and I'll be happy to answer them 😊

[@premkumar.r8223]

Hi tell me about this price

[@HappyFamilyAdventures]

@@premkumar.r8223 the price for this particular one is $2199 (AUD)

[@jdalvarec]

Hi there, It was a compelling review covering not only the cons but the pros as well. In different reviews I have read 3 more cons that I would like to double check with you guys if you agree or not. 1. Very noisy when windy so you cannot have a good sleep. 2. The Velcro straps are not quite good and it deteriorates very easy making the installation of the pvc cover a difficult task. 3. Regarding the Velcro straps again, the roof top tent deployed to open when travelling at high speed. I will appreciate your feedback in those regards. Thank you in advanced.

[@HappyFamilyAdventures]

Hi Julian, thanks for watching our video. 1. I totally agree, especially being higher than a ground tent. However if you close all the rain flaps, it helps reducing the noise. 2. 3. About the straps, they are bad quality. the velcro won't hold properly after one dusty trail. Also if you keep your bedding inside the tent while traveling, it makes it harder to attach the straps. The cover was hold by a heavy duty zip and we had no issue along the way. I hope it helps. Have a great day

[@jovan.petrovic]

Subscribed! I hope to get my motivation needed to do the same... :-)

[@HappyFamilyAdventures]

Thanks for subscribing, hopefully we can get more videos out soon. Our next one is our camping setup 😉

[@adtatatumtemporis7111]

Pro number ONE: married to a french man 👌🏻👍🏻💯😜

[@HappyFamilyAdventures]

🤣 that's definitely a pro