A ROOF TOP TENT you can ACTUALLY AFFORD!? but is it any good??

ROOF TOP TENT! yes, today I've finally joined the 4x4 rooftop high club with my very own RTT
It's an unreleased OCAM rtt and its the price blew me away, but is it any good?
OCAM Aluminium Hardshell Roof Top Tent: bit.ly/3w7LIm7
We have received this product on loan free of charge for review purposes
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#4x4 #Glamping #RTT

[@HammerRocks]

If you ever camp under heavy rain with the ladder in use, the two vertical tubes will leak and collect water. Ensure you tip it upside down and remove most of the water before packing it away, or it'll slowly leak inside the bag and wet anything it's packed against it. The ladder that came with my Darche Ridgeback apart from being black I'm sure is 99% identical to all other telescopic ladder that comes with RTTs.

[@fatmanoverlanding]

Try drilling a small hole (or several) on the plastic base of both poles. That way, any water that sips through the vertical tubes exits and not pool inside.

[@taraaaron1242]

I've never had a issue with both of mine and I've had one for 4 years

[@jab8823]

@@fatmanoverlanding ideal until it gets filled with rocks or mud, then when you expect it to drain it doesn’t and you’re fked anyways

[@ronaldmargetts7812]

@@fatmanoverlanding ❤

[@paulclarke4431]

If you leave the RTT on permanently then there's no need for a rack. Swapping it out for crossbars would save another 20kgs, but be just as strong (not to mention half the price!).

[@jasonlorman9501]

I was thinking the same 👌

[@jaredpursey3791]

Yes but think about it a bit. There's 4 gutter mounts per side instead of 2, so swinging around on a track the roof has a more speed out for on it... especially being 65kg, think about the force it would put while u drop a wheel into a rut or something.

[@legsofsteel1]

Only allowed 100kg on a Landcruiser roof including the roof rack.

[@davidcrosthwaite]

I’ve converted a little box trailer into a camper/toy hauler. Saves putting it on and off, I can move the car without packing up, and keeps my centre of gravity down

[@bradgray123]

a-luh-mi-nee-uhm Come on mate. This is Australia.

[@stefano_nmd]

Whats the go with the American "aluminum" Aluminium, cmon Patty

[@harrystacey7466]

Hey man love the videos, its really great to see how the quality of your videos are constantly improving. Keep up the good work.

[@coopermathews9288]

I have a fold out soft top rooftop tent and I absolutely love it. There's definitely some negatives and still use the old swag from time to time but damn nothing beats waking up in a rooftop tent!

[@traelmate37]

It looks very much like the version by MW Toolbox. I'm still always concerned with the roof weight limits especially for off-road, not to mention in my case my unit's garage is too low. But I'm looking forward to the reviews. There are so many possible solutions to the 4wd sleeping conundrum. I have a platform in my paj so I can sleep in vehicle (for 2) and 100mm mattress which I keep rolled, and a rear awning tent which I can either sleep in or move equipment like fridges to overnight. A big darche all weather bag is great to store non-in vehicle essentials like pillows, chairs, blankets etc on the roof.

[@RandellMonaghan]

Great episode mate, thanks for the informative free content. AussieArvos FTW! I'm Reppin my sticker with pride Sending ya loads of respect from South Australia Mate :) keep up the great work. also get dan and ya bro back on the show. Dan is a smart lad always good to see what hes got to say about cars.

[@Hollyshytebatman]

Great video mate with good insight to your thought process and decision making 👍

[@jackharris4096]

Another one that i really like and ill be buying is the drifter tent. Great price very slim and looks good on a Ute so for my personal setup its perfect. they have either side opening or just released a rear entry. Might be worth a look as well!

[@terry2833]

Great work mate love your content, your really down to earth and it shows with your enthusiasm. We had a RTT on order with our new MW canopy which we love however being in our late 50's my wife asked how do you get up & down well when I showed her the ladder she said cancel the order, so now we carry a small tent until our Thunderstorm Marvel comes.Keep up the great work can't wait for your next eppys.

[@4WheelingInNSW]

Great clip as always mate, I love seeing other people’s takes on camp gear so well done and hope you enjoy / enjoyed your trip 👍 The only thing I must say ... it’s not ‘a-loom-in-um’ here in Oz mate, it’s ‘al-you-minium’ please 🤣🇦🇺 Either way, again great clip 👍👍

[@trevorhendy1]

You will never look back. Watching this with my wife in our Darche RTT in Katherine after doing Gibb river road last few weeks. Did cape York in swag last year, worlds apart. Still love the swag but apples and oranges. Great vid as usual. Also now converted to Darche 270 awning and will never go back, they are so good for new camp every day, so much easier and more coverage. Could live like this for months. It’s just cool to see everyone has their own flavours and favourites.

[@KrAUSerMike]

Nice vid! As for the mattress issue with the slats on the base, how about using a piece of 4.8mm Masonite sheet? They come from Bunnings in 2400 x 1200mm so you can just trim it down and slide it under the mattress. That way you only need one mattress and save all that space. Last time I went camping I took some sheets of ply and I laid the swags out on them (the ground was gravel, so glad I brought them!) and then they doubled as target stands.

[@rodneyfaulkner7453]

Nice to come across your video as i have been debating double swag with stretcher , the rv3 and roof top tents. I guess one thing many people do not take into account is the actual approved weight that their vehicle roof is allowed/recommended to support. But i am also wow back in the late 70's my father had a Barron roof top tent - this thing was huge - family of 4 and a dog comfortably, yes bloody heavy but there is nothing on the market (that i have seen) that comes close to it, happy to share some images

[@oliveerd]

Thanks for taking the time to make this Great vid , I’ve been thinking about a roof top tent for a while too , I’ll be interested to see what u think of it over time. how do u run the cables for your lights , solar ect back inside the 4x4. Thanks

[@aidenschoers9470]

Well done on the custom mounting brackets to suit the OCAM flat rack! id so love to have them on mine as I have the basic factory mounts my RTT supplier made, I see what you mean with how they don't look tight at all! Great vid :)

[@jonnewton5929]

Great work again Paddy. I'll be going the same for when I go to the Cape. Not keen on being take away for the snapping handbags up there. Can't wait for some feedback. Cheers mate, enjoy 😉

[@BradGryphonn]

9:00 Yep, that was my thought when you said the tent weighed 65KG. You really don't want much more than that on your roof racks. A lot of people don't think about the dynamic stress placed on a roof rack when a 4WD is rocking around on rough tracks.

[@Raflancer]

Stretcher Tent is a great in between, off the ground, and super quick.

[@brentmcd12]

Great video ! very well said ! your trip sounds exciting !

[@ls19991]

Throw a self inflating mattress in there, can have a 100mm mattress which when packed up is 40/50mm

[@kevindunne2693]

Sweet looks really good. We've been thinking of going rooftop as well, looking forward to hearing what your opinion is after a 3 week trip.

[@NKPGarage]

I got to admit that seems like a pretty good design. I'm not a huge fan of rooftop tents but that looks very well done. Nice work!

[@sashovasilevski]

Welcome to the rooftop tent club. There’s pros and con with all setups. Comfort wise it’s the most comfortable sleep your gonna get a in the bush. I’ve got a soft shell kings roof top and my 1st night out in the cold Victorian winter, my mattress was soaking wet - floor condensation. All sorted out with a meshed mat under mattress. A few tips on keeping the rig level is to use your maxtrax to raise and I also dig out a small hole to lower, its a bit of f&$king around but saves you time looking for a flat spot. Don’t forget to backfill when you leave.

[@jasonmcneil3902]

Game changer Patty, I just put a Bush Company RTT on my 105, did make a bit of difference in body roll , though I have rear air bags, put 20psi in them and stiffened things up 👍

[@barrymurphy3554]

Thanks Brother Great channel great information keep the stranded up. cheers

[@whippieboyz9787]

Awesome video mate, never thought about going a RTT. Trying to keep weight low however will be good to see how this all goes for you 🤙🏼

[@jakeramsden]

great production pal. love the depth in the decision making and installation. the 80 is in desperate need of some paint though, brother! great stuff 👍.

[@bogotstogoskiing]

Very nice review! Thanks! Never heard that brand, though. Personally I have a Roofnest Falcon 2 and this OCAM seems like a solid competitor. Very similar profile but the price is way nicer! My biggest complaint with the Falcon is that I can't fit bedding with it closed. Sounds like prior to adding the foam topper you could. Looks good, too!

[@rncadventures8812]

Awesome video mate! Highly enjoyed this one🔥🤙

[@garyneal7098]

Awesome video Patty. Will have a look into getting one of these for the GU

[@blakegt4]

i have an 80 too, the neatest way i have found to run wires up to the roof whilst keeping the car water tight, is through the rear air vent plastics, carefully remove one of the vents, run your wires through the S bend air vent , up through the outer plastic to the roof line, then open a hole as required to exit your cables up to the roof, sika flex the cables on the exit point and run along the gutter and cable tie up your rack leg. i made a little clamp that holds a cable tie on the rail but you could also just put a dab of sika in the rail .

[@fatmanoverlanding]

Nice one. I did see OCAM's preview video of this product two months ago. Looks like a good RTT to consider. A hard shell wedge style RTT with a 160mm packed height and 65kg is the specs I'm looking for. Most comparible RTT are around 200mm packed height and in the 80kg region. Looking forward to seeing your thoughts on it after you come back from your trip.

[@fatmanoverlanding]

@@intimatespearfisher That's how the other RTTs brands provide their weights too (excl the ladder etc). Besides I'll never pack the ladder inside the RTT anyway. I also prefer to have a platform rack to mount my RTT on. This allows me to mount things to the roof rack without the limitations of only being able to mount things where the crossbars are located (things like lights, awnings, ensuite etc). I know you can mount many things straight to the RTT via its side extrusions but I prefer to mount things directly on the roof rack. Besides you don't save much weight using an aluminium platform rack vs 4 crossbars (for my particular use). I've looked into it. (Front Runner = 32kg vs 14kg) And the convenience of having a flexible platform to mounts things to far exceed the slight weight penalty IMO.

[@markbaylis6473]

I'm tossing up between a RTT or spending a lot more and going for a hybrid camper, but we're a bit older and climbing up to a RTT a few times a night sorta puts me off if it's for more than a couple of nights. Plus I'm also pushing the GVM in my 80

[@martinravina6934]

Please rad the following comment with an open mind because it’s well meant and I really like your channel. I really miss the spirit of the older episodes that was a bunch a great blokes having a go a tracks and camping with what they had. I appreciate that you have to ride the wave and seize the opportunities that come your way. But you seem to be going on a direction of bolting as much accessories to the trucks as possible, getting heavier and more complex setups and in my humble view departing from the smile and genuine proposal that was fresh, different and more relatable. This is not having a go but positive feedback I’ll be rooting for your guys and your success regardless.

[@KNIGHTDOAKGAMES]

Very professional video mate! Loved it

[@brucebaxter6923]

Off topic. Since I have kids, the tent style that worked for me was a multiroom tent. It had a huge main room, two side rooms about the size of a two man tent, a parents room that I put a queen mattress and had plenty of room to store stuff and get dressed. Then it had an entrance area that was good for wet clothes shoes etc and the shower worked well in the side. The kids have grown up and now I put the swag on the roof out of the bugs on the roof rack that also keeps the sun off the car.

[@DA2THFA1RY]

Wasn't it not long ago you were talking about how your rig is overweight?

[@Upbt50gt]

Can’t wait for the trip

[@Devonmurphy20]

Great honest review

[@PlatypusB]

thanks for uploading

[@paulpippos8451]

I have a drifter Rtt , basically the same profile, for the mattress upgrades we have been doing is pull out the existing mattress replace with three mil ply, then use a self inflating mattress. I have a monster mat , This way you just pull the bung and it will deflate right down and you can keep your bedding in. You can either squeeze some air out or some blokes have been using a deflator and suck a heap of air out.

[@Ben_k104b]

The set up is looking better and better every time . The ocam rtt looks pretty good man . Also any more videos with Dan soon ?

[@Bush-Tv]

One thing that has stopped me going for a rooftop tent is I use the roof rack for fire wood a lot of the time. Plus trips with a passenger I need the rack for swags. I definitely would recommend one in the North end of Australia as well 🤣

[@putnamehereholdmadoodle]

But is 3 to 5k worth spending on something they will hardly use. Not a smart way to spend ya money. The extra fuel U use to transport. It? Insurance are you insured with this on ya roof.

[@anyamingan2287]

Epic epic epic also the short footage of the Paj made me all nostalgic

[@AussieArvos]

🙏🙏🙏

[@tylerladerach769]

I didn't know aussies called tents swags, but i love it

[@LEGODungeon]

Amazing video mate, love it

[@richnegs5828]

Looks great, do you know the off-road weight recommendation for the roof rack? I’d be interested to know. 👍

[@ToddWainwright]

Love your enthusiasm! Sometimes, less is more :-)

[@brendanjohnson7005]

Looks awesome!! Instead of a second mattress could you put some 3mm ply under the supplied one? Lightweight and smooth. Then throw a mattress topper onto the 50mm to gain airflow for those hot nights and a bit of padding and you'll be getting the best of both worlds.

[@rothburger]

Very cool mate, I recently got a Motop120+ and it’s a camping game changer, I mounted my solar 5mm below racks so I can still carry a kayak if I want, all the best with your trip north mate, should be epic🍺👍🏻👍🏻 Oh as far as bedding goes, 1 (Quality) sleeping bag is all you’ll need in super cold weather, get quality and you’ll only pay once, good sleep in cold weather is essential

[@boxy4973]

Lmao last episode I’m almost at gvm. Nek minute roof top tent 🤣🤣 love it

[@cryptotom2428]

When I was hearing the rain part I just felt grateful it rains something like 15 days a years where I live

[@Shiruba.60]

Hey Patrick, keen to know what the gvm is now. With your last video still fresh in mind

[@JezButcher]

that’s completely changed the look of the car ! for the better 👌🏻

[@andrewheadland9341]

Can’t wait for the review 👍👍

[@rossstafford4531]

I have a 23 zero swag and it fits two people perfectly and I’m happy with mine and keep it off the ground have a queen size stretcher so you can put your swag on top it’ll keep you off the ground 👍🏻🇦🇺

[@AussieArvos]

Definitely many options ! But I think getting off the ground is going to great for the wet weather

[@darthvader8433]

I've got a Drifta camper with the hard shell roof top tent. Vastly different budget (and they don't make them anymore) but it came with a inner spring QS mattress. It has room for a mounted fan, a headboard cupboard, lights on stalks and power outlets. I can leave the pillows, made bed with doona, and a tv laying flat on the mattress. But it wouldn't mount on a 4wd I think as it's really wide, prob too wide for my 200. You could help your ladder by having a milk crate at the bottom.

[@craigdiss843]

Hi mate nice video again I think you could just use 1 mattress but put a sheet of 12mm ply underneath to spread the weight between the slats and you gain the extra space for your doona works a treat 👍

[@bullzye101]

yeah ive been humming and harring about geting a roof top tent but yeah looks awesome and practical good stuff well done .. big thumbs up

[@AmericanPatriot014]

Me - when I venture out I just grab me one of those 95 gallon heavy duty contracture trash bags and I am good to go. Winter time....summer time.... fall...rainfall no rainfall.....it does not matter. I use that rascal until it wears out and then pull another one out of that little box and I am good to go.....Now as a caveat I always have a mil-spec issued 100% wool blanket on hand when I head out for my dog. Works well from Alaska to Florida. I like her to be comfortable when we are doing the Mother Nature Adventure thing. I highly recommend this technology, mindset, kit and system. You all take good care out there now you hear........

[@LiquidAntler]

Great editing mate 👊

[@TheVeganTravelShow]

Nice one. We don’t bother buying Kings gear anymore, but it’ll be interesting to see your opinion of it after a year or so. I’ve been really enjoying your videos lately.

[@bogged2theeyeballs695]

Looks like a good RTT for the money. How have you planned to resolve your current vehicle GVM issue now you have added even more weight ??

[@ltholmsy]

Il be interested to see your thoughts once you try to get in and out of the tent in rain. Main reason i went for bush company alpha was for a bit of cover on side entrance in the rain.

[@WhyWouldYouDrawThat]

Thanks for the video. Really interested to see how you go. 3 years ago I did heaps of research and ended up with an OCAM flat aluminum roof rack for my Isuzu MU-X. Its mounts are super solid, and the mesh makes tying down loads really easy. Its only negative is wind noise. However, I’m planning to purchase a deflector that should direct the wind over it. You might want to look into this too. In theory, it would work with your RTT.

[@joels2517]

Strap a pair of maxtrax across the front on top ,stops the annoying humm

[@Bush-Tv]

Great video mate. I've been thinking about a setup like that.👍Ide like to see a good test in the wet to see how it holds up during pack up in the wet as well. Great video mate 👍

[@AussieArvos]

Thanks mate, so keen to see how it's goes on the big trip!

[@Bush-Tv]

@@AussieArvos Yeah will be a good test that's for sure 👍 Sounds like a great trip planned mate

[@putnamehereholdmadoodle]

There is not much room?

[@jonathankirkman2711]

@@putnamehereholdmadoodle I wonder if they could add 10mm per side ?

[@putnamehereholdmadoodle]

@@jonathankirkman2711 I'm tall and all these roof top tents must be for short people.

[@annabelljackson5700]

Saw you guys driving through road works coming out of junee the your car looks sick with the new set up

[@aaronknight7163]

Awesome video 👍🏼 I went with the motop. it has the same dimensions as the Ocam & I have a 100mm mattress, mattress topper, doona and pillows and it closes fine 👌🏼

[@guyseagar4010]

I was thinking of getting a motop but was worried about closed space Thanks for the input I think I'll still consider this

[@sgtpineapple2880]

Great video mate, I do appreciate the budget aspect of your build and its definitely inspiring a lot of young fellas, or those who can't claim everything on tax, *cough* cough* tradies, to get out there and give it a go. But I am sorry to say, this looks painful in comparison to some other RTTs on the market, especially entering from the side you would have been better getting a side opening RTT. The Drifta Stockton Desert Cruisers are great for this as they are side entry and have very similar stats to this one, a little pricier but still at your original budget of around 3k. It is also lower profile so I would recommend this if you want to decrease the height of the setup on top of your vehicle. Roof bars instead of the platform should be a priority for you to save weight, you can easily save another 10-15 kg. Also I would just be careful around having 6 mounting points on some of these RTTs. They need to be able to flex, especially if you are off roading, and it can lead to breakages. I am not sure on this model, maybe its what its asking for, but for most RTTs 4 mounting points is more than enough. The mattress problem you are facing I have seen in the comments others suggesting a self inflating (can use a inflater/deflator from ryobi and make it super quick set up), this is a great means to get rid of the 100mm of mattress you have up there and so will be easy to close and you can leave your bedding. Feeling those slats is an easy fix, get yourself some ply and marine carpet, and you can essentially make a floor that sits inside the tent. This should also help reduce some wind noise you will likely hear as the wind goes under and caused the floor to flap a bit. Again enjoy the content and can't wait to see the next trip!

[@4x4CampingandAdventures]

I would have thought with the 80s setup you would go a side opening tent like a Drifta I mean I get it you got it for free but moving forward when you actually purchase one will you be looking at a side entrance?

[@jimmyanderson88]

Been thinking for some time about going from swag to rooftop as I'm out in my swag 3/4 nights a month but the issue is how heavy they are I haven't done the numbers but I would believe it's going to over my roof limit. I thought you just mentioned about the whole issue with overloading in a recent video.

[@JaseTheAussie]

Would it be worth trying to under line the mattress with thin ply (like a 3mm) save you some depth and take out the ‘ribs’

[@ltholmsy]

Get your self a trailer 2 way bubble level. Cost a few dollars at bcf. Then use an angle finder cube to set a zero on your tent and then find a spot in your car that matches and stick the level down. Makes positioning your car so much easier. Dont need to get in and out of the car to have a look and guess if the tents flat or not.

[@quartzghost8259]

As I did... You will love the rooftop, however you will get to a stage where your like 'im over packing up my rooftop just to drive somewhere' then setting it up when your back at camp... I must say if your only doing one nighters then fine... I love my rooftop but it's going on my trailer so I can just go and do some tracks, explore or go fishing... Then back to camp! Love your channel, awesome.. if you ever come to Tassie hook me up 😊 80 series until death 💯

[@anthonyrussell4486]

I've the rv5 and was at walhalla during 3 days of heavy downpour - had water 3 inches high around tent in some spots. Stayed in and played games and were completely dry...

[@RustyAutoholicGuy]

Just curious what camera equipment do you use? Great video as well!

[@louiskudlak2241]

Looks good 👍 love my rtt

[@deepsouthNZ]

Pitch the swag on the roof

[@oskardavis7649]

I got a rv tent 5, absolutely best thing and setup is much quicker than my swag, especially with an impact driver pegs. Granted I did get mine for $800 Rooftop looks sick though, keen to see how the weight up top goes and get a honest review !

[@sodoffxx]

Hope the latches are super strong. You have put a lot of stress on them with the mattress addition. Off road and corrugations will add to the shock loading. Good luck.

[@HitMarkGod]

Hey just a suggestion a but there are vacuum sealing reusable bags and hand held vacuum sealers you could in theory vacuum seal your pillows up and leave them in the tent! Would definitely save space.

[@TheClintb17]

Hey good story, I am looking at RTT, so will be interested on how it goes, I will check out your other videos on the trip, cheers and subscribed, 👍🇦🇺

[@djnmv]

I’m interested to know what happens when it’s been raining and the canvas gets wet, then you gotta pack it inside the RTT on top of your mattress?

[@tadeuszmichaelwlodarczyk3120]

You should think of replacing your head lights. I did and they are excellent 👌✔️✔️for all 4. On my 80.

[@fabienpics]

You Have a great set up . I think this is the Best.. rtt and awning, you pay more but..... everything are more friendly user. And in Australia you have the best gear for Overlanding... The Bush Company, and Alu-Cab.... and a lot of shop for 4x4 ... Australia Amazing and Beautiful country . I go 3 time and WOWWWW.... For my ( Toyota Tacoma offroad) in Canada I just buy the Quick Picth Rtt and Awning ( like Alu Cab, South Africa) . The 31 March they gonna be fix on my Tacoma... I can't wait

[@kabaottoemulsion1869]

Ocam $hould implement your secure fitting for tent! Ohh I love that butterfly secure locking mechanism! I guess Ocam can work on mattress comfort. Its cheaper but not cheap! So They should put good stuff in there!

[@Obsidian_CRO]

How do you find it all going with the low load rate for your roof and the tent also being almost the whole load rating itself

[@qqclean]

So well presented and edited. Earnt a sub from me! Keep up the great content!!!

[@AussieArvos]

Thanks mate!

[@souljaboii3385]

Good to see you bro from Tamworth, Bob Jane tmart Cheers for the sticker bro

[@ToyTehShammy]

Bit confusing as your last episode was you over GVM and now your slapping more weight up high haha

[@_et17_]

I was looking at these because I run ocam mirrors and they are 100% worth it

[@scamperstephen4811]

A quick cheat is cut your second mattress short at the end that way you’ll have a small space for your pillows and blanket

[@stephenlatimer1428]

RTTs have their advantages n disadvantages pending on ur needs. i have a James Baroud Evasion on my Ram 1500 combined with the Mits n 270 awning my needs r more than comfy. interesting to hear ur thoughts on the RTT over the coming months.

[@dylannazer-lamb]

Looking the goods... Just need a 270° awning to shelter the tailgate/cooking area and your set. 👌

[@jaredpursey3791]

"I'm sure u have all been running around half naked with a shovel" Yeah man..... we been there 😂😂 Made me crack a smile.

[@ChrisBrown980]

Apparently an extender pole on the inside to keep these from accidentally closing in windy conditions is a good idea.

[@nolz262]

I went the dune hard top rtt paid 2k new and it’s mint 👌🏼

[@xcub54]

Hey Patrick, how close are ya to GVM now since your new setup weighs next to nothing?