BEST & CHEAPEST Rooftop Tent EVER ! Truck Camper Build NEW Addition 2023

[@roushstge2]

Upstairs and downstairs is nice for when your wife gets mad at you while camping and you have to go sleep on the couch.

[@corbin101]

😂😂

[@corbin101]

Or for when the dog starts getting too riled up

[@bigguy5840]

Would love to see a follow up video on how it’s held up.

[@sw-iz1ux]

Put the ladder mounts back on. You will want to use the ladder on the fly side in foul weather, and you will not want to leave the tailgate open all night....#Black Bear in My Truck!!

[@johnschellhorn-fo7qu]

I bought my NatureNest RTT in March 2023 and have 15 nights camping in it. It is comfortable, super easy to setup and reliable. I couldn't be happier with it.

[@KayakUSA1]

I can’t wait to use mine!! Thanks for watching!

[@sarahdell4042]

How is it in rain? The side windows have no rain fly

[@matthewpeterson3329]

Good video, and I am happy you didn't edit out the mishap with the kayak stand. Shows us you're genuine, and I appreciate that. Gonna look into this tent system.

[@KayakUSA1]

I appreciate that!

[@johnlane2225]

'So glad I found your video on this overhead tent. You showed a video of your 5'9" body in the tent and you were toe to head, at the length of the tent. There is no way my 6'"4 body would fit in this dude. I was about to purchase this one on KZbin, but backed up.... This is negative for the product, but positive report for tall guys to know... as they will not fit in this clam tent.

[@nickpoly48]

Love the content. Best part when you show graphic of 2 adults and a child laying sideways in the tent that is 51” wide. I think most adults would need to lay long ways.

[@JosephPuplava]

Man, I never knew that Amazon has this and I am going to order this! So glad that you show this! Thank you!

[@TheBibleExplorer]

I just got this tent a couple of weeks ago & put it on my TJ... It's a huge upgrade from my old fold out SmittyBuilt tent...way easier to setup and take down, plus no more heavy rubber cover to deal with... Mine came in a plywood crate, guess they had a lot of complaints from scratches...

[@HELLCAT395]

I bought the same exact Naturenest RT Tent from Bama on Amazon last year for my 2023 Tacoma and I absolutely love it! I set it on top of a Body Armor Tacoma Overland Rack. Bought four 2" tall mounting brackets from Victory 4X4 to clear the roof line of the truck while not setting it too high. I wanted as much of low profile as I could get. Had to CNC mill four 3/4" tall aluminum footings to connect everything together. Works perfectly. I too love the fact you can enter the tent in three places. Also you have a ton of cross ventilation if its warm outside. Added a Cheap memory foam pad on top of the RT pad. (pad size "Full" from Walmart) Definitely helps this 65 year old sleep really great! Full Set up and tear down is super fast. Leaving the tent up also adds shading while cooking on the tailgate depending on where the sun is. The only con is if the wind kicks up, that tent will move around a lot...To counter that I have a small backpacking tent that I can set up on the ground and earplugs as a backup if that wind is relentless..LOL Haven't had to do that yet but nice to have the option. Great tent for the price. Heading out on another solo trip to Owens Valley/Death Valley Trip in 2 weeks!!! Subscribed!!! Cheers

[@caryharthun9546]

is big enough for two adults

[@HELLCAT395]

Will fit two adults but would be a tight squeeze. Inside dimensions is like sleeping on a size “Full” mattress for reference. Hope that helps 👍🏼

[@4dzone]

Nice and clean unboxing and going through every little nook and cranny. I love how you go through the finer details with no nonsense and showing us the proof inside the pudding. Can't wait to see you using it on your next adventure. Cheers buddy and keep up the great content.

[@Iambriangregory]

Some people don't like the fact that he didn't show the mounting process how do you feel about it

[@bretpemberton2968]

I am a 76 y/o guy with a 2021 Gladiator and have a Smart Cap on it. Since I just got out of the hospital with a hip replacement and the a heart attack, I reallu would like to avoid a ground tent and can't do a roof top tent. I love the wayyou set up your truck bed for sleeping. Do you have a video that shows everything on how you did it. I gotta get back into overlanding. Thanks

[@KayakUSA1]

Check out my KZbin channel 👍🏼

[@karenr67]

It is a nice tent. The true test will be in the rain 🌧.

[@RossPotts]

@15:08, LOL!!! I do that all the time with my new toys. So excited to play you forget how it’s even standing…

[@Over_Lando]

I just bought one yesterday. And it’s worth it !!! You save thousands !!

[@NoahHagen]

THANK YOU I was about to spend so much money and this saved me a few hundred bucks. It literally comes with everything the other guys make you buy separate, plus that mattress setup and usable space is unmatched

[@kalikasurf]

I bought the “trustmade’ branded tent, same China factory, same design, same colors, same price. I’ve got it on a half rack on a Silverado, and I love it!!! (I did buy it from the distributor, so the price was $1404 out the door) I put a solar panel and some knock off maxtrax up top, and it handles the weight perfectly.

[@gordfoley4760]

Man this is such a cool setup. I would like to take a trip driving across Canada with my wife and daughter. I think this setup is perfect for 3 people. And you could even tow a utility trailer to bring anything else that you would need for a trip. Love it!

[@KayakUSA1]

Go for it!

[@PierreLynch]

I bought and installed this tent in August. I’ve only been on 3 weekend trips with is so far, but I’ve loved it. It easily survived high winds on the beach of Cape Lookout. I haven’t camped in the rain yet, though. So far, I have loved it and agree with this review. I have mine mounted on top of a 4Runner.

[@garretlewis4103]

Cape Lookout. A decent place to camp. We have been there a couple of times. Do you still like the tent? I am looking at getting a different model made by this same company. Their prices are good. Just a little concerned about the quality.

[@Axiom-FN]

Lol the winds at Cape Lookout is why I'm here.

[@mattquinn9465]

I recently bought this RTT for my suv and everything was very easy to install, highly recommend using a Thule roof rack system makes installation much easier. Took this tent out for the first time and it handles weather and UV rays with no issues, delivered with no damaged parts or missed parts

[@KayakUSA1]

Thanks for sharing

[@Andyman0417]

Which Thule rack do you suggest?

[@johanesmuylargo]

buddy, mattquinn is a chinese review booster/bot You will not get a response. "I took it out for the first time and it handles ...UV rays... with no problem. Look up the profile. ???? Not saying that OP is a shill, but you are seeing first hand how reviews work. @@Andyman0417 @KayakUSA1

[@jsilvia05]

This is exactly what I'm looking for with the crossbars on top - but I need something much smaller to go on top of a Outback

[@brianborum9298]

Just bought the same tent which is branded as trustmade. Very pleased with it. You helped solidify my decision. Well worth the price as you can buy 2.5 of these compared to others. Great value for what you get. Well done mate.

[@kroberts2812]

Bought this same tent, a few weeks ago. Had an issue with a broken zipper, the company was very responsive and sent the complete zip in tent to address the problem. I think the tent will be great and with proper care should last a long time.

[@KayakUSA1]

Thanks for sharing! I’m excited to use mine! Thanks for watching!

[@WulfyGames]

I’m now getting my first 4x4 suv so I’ve been watching a bunch of stuff on off-roading and found roof tents really cool and saw this video with the cheapest and best one! $1400 is 1/5th the cost of my car😅 I think I’ve got a while to go before I move up to something of this level. I’m gonna try a nice little $80 2 person summer tent for now haha😅

[@WisdomInTheWoods]

21:50 that’s for airflow and helps with condensation. Keep up the good work on the videos.

[@evanward6132]

Rolled my eyes when I saw how long the video was but this is a great review! Kind of gave up on the idea of a roof tent given the prices but this seems like a steal.

[@KayakUSA1]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@wutyouphaka]

Exactly the same as the CVT Mt. Hood. They are all the same just companies slap their names on them so price varies. All from China. The CVT was a great tent but my family grew. Great video!

[@KayakUSA1]

Well said! Thanks for watching!

[@chrisl3062]

Looks like you could put a tablet in that center pouch and perfect spot to watch a movie, that's pretty cool

[@fernyv121]

You will get condensation in it and mold. Open it often to air it out. I invested in an inflatable mattress made of nylon. Really helps with any mold build up.

[@sarahdell4042]

Do you have the same tent? Was it getting mold from just having it shut and not using it, or putting it away wet? What mattress did you buy? Is it the exact size?

[@jkandthecontraband]

Thanks for review and posting. Similar to some other comments, have you had any issues or concern with 2 people in tent and the weight of the topper supporting it. Its dang near impossible to get a static rating from Leer on what the non commercial versions of these toppers can hold. Ive seen a few other videos of folks saying its fine but concerned about spending over $1K to add to my topper and get spider cracks in gel coat and fiberglass. Thanks again!

[@tim285401]

I m strongly considering purchasing this tent , but I need to see it in cold weather and rain. I currently have Free spirit Recreational RTT, it’s a soft top but is great tent , but I can’t store anything on top of it and I need a thinner profile. The FSR tent is weather resistant and I can sleep comfortably in 30 deg weather, and heavy rain/snow. I was tempted to get the FSR clamshell tent but at 4k it kinda steep for the amount of camping I do

[@ridgewood2771]

This is what I’m looking for . Roll tide !

[@danhenninger1]

First thing you do; Throw the mattress in the trash and get you a self inflating mattress, preferably with a pump. I like to died my first camping trip. I have the newer design with the power ports and, aside from the mattress, I love it !!!

[@UMepher]

Great video, thanks for being so thorough. I've had a Tuff Stuff Trailhead soft top tent for about a year and still love it. The rack on my Ridgeline isn't quite high enough to hold a tent above the roof level of the truck, so a hard shell tent like this isn't going to work, but if I end up finding a bed cap/topper that fits and can hold some weight, I think I want this tent. Looks like it might be a little short in length for people 6' or taller, but I think it would still work for me. The downside of the Ridgeline is the very limited aftermarket, unlike with a Tacoma. I've only found two cap options, neither of which can bear much weight, although there are some VERY interesting ones available to buy from China via Alibaba, so I may roll the dice and go that route. Your review of this tent really has me intrigued. A nice hard shell tent for this price is a game changer.

[@potpotmoymoytv]

I Love that Roof Tent...

[@jerrybrooks9659]

Thats cool. Have a camper but looking to down size so my wife don't have to pull the boat. Smaller and functional is where its at.

[@prsguitar6910]

have a soft top and this looks like a dream. Cant wait to get this one.

[@martinzendejas8423]

the solo camper is so cool

[@silky_smooth9475]

That truck bed camper bed is awsome looking

[@williamscott2775]

I like the idea of adding the rack to shell top. I wonder if it’s possible to mount solar panels to it.

[@Two_Buck]

Man, your truck camping setup is really coming together. Looks great.

[@KayakUSA1]

Thanks 👍 I’m loving it so far!

[@Chr13t1ansen]

cool setup there, have a 2016 Toyota TRD setup for bugging out, just need a tent, this one looks good and would break the bank..

[@anthonyvespia6662]

T.J, another epic build. And I love how you give us access to everything you've ever purchased from your DIY, Add-ons, etc. When I purchased my 120 ast year with her motors, my accessories, some DIY's, etc. Fully loaded, and upgraded to the new PP 768 J2 Bixpy. I'm probably at 160 lbs, with everything on the boat. Last year, I also purchased my new 22' Nissan frontier Pro 4X, and I wanted the 5ft bed, so I could have my the crew cab. I trailer my kayak as you do, and it gets rinsed after any trip, backed into my garage. I do 4 to 5 camp trips a year with my buddies, and I sleep okay, inside my cab. But that setup is on the bucket list for sure. Three friends have purchased them, but not like your set-up. Epic job! 💯 🌊 🎣 🛶

[@KayakUSA1]

That’s awesome man! Thanks for the support and stay safe out there! 🤙🏼

[@eprofessio]

That looks like the perfect tent for a 6’ 250lbs person.

[@1matthew1018]

Very informative and thorough. Want to check out your kayak videos next !

[@KayakUSA1]

Awesome, thank you!

[@wes61471]

I just bought a Prinsu rack for my 4Runner, this looks like a really good tent to throw on top of the rack. Nice video, thank you!

[@KayakUSA1]

Glad it was helpful!

[@lynnmcmahan2227]

Very nice rooftop tent thinks for your video stay safe good camping

[@jeffperez9404]

Great video sir! I almost bought the same style for 2700$ and so glad I seen this first

[@KayakUSA1]

Glad I could help!

[@adamguymon7096]

What is nice about this is if you need to use the bed of your truck for something else and while you are traveling you can stop and rest in the tent ontop.

[@fartman10284]

You should see if the Rhino Rack venturi rubber strips fit in the T-slot on the cross bars. Should make it quieter when driving, and keeps the dirt and grime out of the track.

[@Big_Stitch]

That dent would drive me crazy.

[@lukecarmen3903]

Thank you for this video. Been looking at tents for months. This may be the one!!!!!

[@cpalma134]

I live in Colorado and just ordered one of these, I cannot wait to test it in the cold with a diesel heater. I have high hopes. Nice truck by the way!

[@44hawk28]

Just a couple of tips, on any of the aluminum and the exterior of that if you'll get some Turtle Wax hybrid ceramic and treat it it is the best for the dollar ceramic coating and it is almost impossible to get back off, and all of the rubber seals you put 303 protectant on them and put it on a couple of times a year. It keeps all that rubber from drying out and turning into a pain it works on all of the rubber on your vehicle, even the serpentine belts

[@MuddydogAdventures]

I personally believe that all the rooftop tents are made by the same manufacturer, and just re-branded by other companies. The tent that you bought looks just like the IronMan hard top tent . Personally, I have an older IronMan soft top tent, and it is indistinguishable from the Smitty built ect. The nature nest seems like an unbelievably good deal, and it is probably the same quality as ones that are twice as much $. Thanks for putting this video out love your videos!

[@dustinjohnson2271]

Checking the measurements this tent would make a near perfect fit with a drawer storage system in the back of a kai truck, plans are in the making!

[@KayakUSA1]

That would be cool!

[@davidsimmons3243]

Great review. I have a teardrop trailer but Im considering a roof top tent for my jeep for times when I dont want to pull a trailer. I just put a OVS 270 batwing style awning on the jeep and love it. It will still work with a tent because it mounts on the ends of your rack. I do the solar thing also and recommend folding suit case style panels because if they are on the roof you have to be facing the right direction to get max. exposure. I find I have to move my panels once or twice a day to keep up with the sun. Your rig is looking great.

[@adaptableamy4744]

Great points and I have the suitcase folding style from EcoFlow and love them. Also, nice that you can fold them up and take off to store in the truck. I am always worried someone will steal them.

[@MotoringAdventures_KE7SAI]

My heart skipped a beat when you nearly tipped it over. Lol!

[@KayakUSA1]

😂

[@Elhart-wo1pe]

That’s a very tight fit for us bigger guys 1 man unit

[@campingtips-n-tricks]

I’m not really into rooftops, but this one is pretty cool!

[@andrewrichey7374]

Yeah that is pretty sweet roof tent, I like to see how you built inside of the bed of your truck I’ll be watching for more

[@Hảo_Nguyễn_Cuối_Tuần]

I have a version of this tent. Love it! This tent had a few improvements.

[@toddshook1765]

Thank you. Been planning a build for overland rig and looking at different options: money being a contributing factor. This tent is a good price for the time I would be using. Glad you found it and are trying it.

[@KayakUSA1]

Glad I could help! Thanks for watching!

[@SturgisTrey]

I have a similar camper top on my Tacoma. I’m going to build a rack system out of super strut. Do you think a rack only on the camper top would be sufficient for mounting the tent? Meaning I don’t have a rack over my cab. Thanks for doing the review and your reply. You just save a thousand bucks!!!

[@KayakUSA1]

Definitely, you don’t need a cab rack 🤙🏼

[@WildUrbanAdventures]

Thanks for this video! I’ve been eyeing this same rtt for next season. I currently use a soft top rtt but want to upgrade to the hard top only due to the ease and speed of setup and takedown. It takes me currently around 5-10 minutes to take down, but would love to take down in less than a minute.

[@KayakUSA1]

Glad it was helpful! I definitely prefer this over my soft tops 👍🏼

[@Tanya-uo3qq]

I wouldn’t want to keep this on top of my Subaru permanently. How difficult is it to mount and remove? Heavy?? Do you need more than one person to help? Looks fantastic!

[@justincausey8287]

Thanks for this it got me thinking I just got me my first truck in over 10 years and I want to take my baby boy camping and other outdoor stuff great reviews and I’m also in Alabama up in the NE corner

[@KayakUSA1]

Best of luck!

[@MrOffshore]

Awesome two-story camping rig! I love the detailed walk-around! Subscribed and looking forward to more content!!

[@KayakUSA1]

Awesome, thank you!

[@wesch6354]

If you're 5"9' and near max height for the tent. It seems kinda small. I'm 5"9' too. But my 12 y/o son will soon be around 6" and we like to go camping. So idk if this would work for us. I'd have to bring him his own tent.

[@shanejones2323]

Dude tipping over on you is a great way to show how light it is!😂

[@popeoftattoos]

I just stumbled upon this video cause I’m looking at building my 02 double cab Trd into a weekend overlander/camper build. Didn’t think the 3 grand tents where at all worth the price point but this one looks really well made and it’s the clam shell as well. We are not that far from you so if y’all ever need any tattoo work look is up at Night Owl Tattoo Studio in Jasper!

[@thehikingshibas6069]

Wow this looks amazing. Can’t wait for a review after use. I’m wondering how it handles the road if you feeling any difference and also if it stays tight. Also if it holds tight and doesn’t rattle loose after driving with them

[@milesb72]

Who made your topper? I keep being told by shops around here those toppers can’t take that amount of weight? It almost looked like it was flexing down while you were in it?

[@RolexDSSD]

That's a bad ass rig !!!

[@KayakUSA1]

Thanks!

[@ManoloGonzalez_01]

Excellent review!! Thanks!!

[@ryanosborn-ge3np]

I paid 1099.99 shipped to my door for my wedge off Amazon on cyber Monday sale. I did have to buy a condensation mat and fix a water leak but overall I've been very very happy. I thinks a littler thinner than yours also. But yours looks like it might be slightly better quality as far as exterior shell goes. Fabric and mattress /inside of the tent is identical.

[@GUINNESSNOC]

Great video! I had been on the fence about which RTT to buy and you sold me on the Nature Nest. I ordered mine and it came in about 8 days! Super easy set up and you had some great points in your edit that REALLY helped me to easily get it up and mounted on my Tahoe. I do have one question. How did you set up power for your LED light and arrange inside power? I did pick up a few hacks from other videos but yours was buy far the best. I too am really Impressed with the quality and design of the Nature Nest. I Can wait for cooler weather here in Mississippi to test it out!!! Thanks again!!

[@geraldhenrickson7472]

It kind of looks like a 6-footer is not going to fit in this without their toes and their head hitting the ends. If anyone owns this and they're 6 ft tall let me know how it is working out. Thanks for the review, really good job

[@brandihowell4740]

I need something cheap for over night hunting. The place I park is way to much brush for ground tent so I need ideas. It would go on or in a old f150

[@ericswilley357]

Great shop! Really squared away! Really enjoyed the video!

[@KayakUSA1]

Thanks 👍

[@armadilllo]

Can you slide it forward on the rack then put plywood or something down on the back part of the rack so you have a little porch or deck to take your boots off?

[@BiznessWizard]

That is a really nice roof top tent. My only question would be: What is the weight limit for your truck cap? I have an old Maggiolina and use it on my full size 3/4ton GMC van. My Subaru Legacy wagon has a 135 lb limit, can't us it on there.

[@therealdarriusjames]

Id have to bend my legs to lay down but i still want one!

[@hunterhoward8194]

You’re always posting the best videos! Informative and engaging

[@KayakUSA1]

I appreciate that! Thank you for watching!

[@billconnolly7297]

Are there specs on weight limit for the racks above the tent? In your opinion, would they safely be able to hold a kayak?

[@scottashleybell]

Great video and this tent seems almost too good to be true. I am curious if the clam shell will still close down with sleeping bags and/or blankets inside. Have you tried that yet?

[@thehillbillyhoarder4996]

Very informative video. Thank you for taking the time to make and post. One of these would be nice at the swap meets that I go to.

[@zeopale2062]

i wonder if you could put one of those in a back of one of those small Japanese trucks and have a mini camper

[@jimsturwold5424]

I wish the clamshells came with covers over the entrance doors as well. In and out in the rain will get everything inside wet.

[@NoTimeForThatNow]

PrettY well thought out tent and that ipad pocket is a nice feature!

[@GGoodroad]

I was stoked until I found out you are 5'9". At 6'2" I'm gonna have to keep looking.

[@danemmerich6775]

I completely agree!!

[@jaim6463]

Why who sleeps straight

[@MarketingPowerhouse]

Overlanding isn’t for snowflakes…go glamping there flakey

[@dentninja]

What about sleeping diagonal. I’m 6’1”. Would love to know!

[@J_bish87]

Have the same tent, no complaints. Does get a little bit of condensation build up, but its not bad.

[@ricoman7981]

Is it completely water tight in heavy rain driven wind?

[@J_bish87]

@@ricoman7981 been solid that way so far. I live on vancouver island, so there’s no shortage of rain 🌧️

[@ej2054]

@@J_bish87Can you close the tent with your bedding inside?

[@beacher50]

Great video, however, I didn't see how you mounted it to your rack, is there a vid on that?

[@socaltopgun]

Excellent and thorough review with good camera work. First time visiting you channel. I was excited about the dimension you posted on the length but then you laid in the tent. At 5'9" you just fit. I'm 6'7" and will need to research if they make a longer rooftop tent :) Safe travels and look forward to exploring your channel.

[@KayakUSA1]

Thanks for watching!

[@user-yk382p53jh]

Very high quality video! I enjoyed every single second! You are having my dream life!

[@KayakUSA1]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thank you for watching!!

[@williamburley3495]

Can you tell me the inside sleeping dimension. I am 6'2" need a little length. Thank you. Bill

[@jsilvia05]

Sick shop!

[@kurtlicherovsky9908]

It looks beautiful, it has a woman's touch, for sure

[@andrewvautour1795]

Great review thank you! In Canada it's a tad over 2k but it's still a good price considering big box prices.

[@Tropicalexc]

Great review! Please show us how you mounted to roof if you can?