HOW TO OVERLAND When You’re NOT a Roof Top Tent Person

[@pocobuenouno]

Great build, it worked out really well. I love being able to just crawl into the back of my SUV to sleep. Rules out a RTT early in my plans and sometimes still set up a ground tent if I'm staying in one place for a while.

[@fcastle4]

Day trips while camping with a RTT requires you to break camp. With a ground tent, you can leave it in place.

[@davidbaron6647]

Thanks Chloe for being Honest about how u feel and not just in it for money

[@yaowang74]

All your points are valid! Roof top is not a good option for anyone who has full-time job, unless you have a designated off-road vehicle.

[@Treetopflyer777]

Had one. Sold in in a couple months. Pure hype

[@4runner4ever83]

If you are travelling long term like months, inside the vehicle is best. You need to have options like a tent also. If it's raining, definitely inside the car. If it's dry, use a tent. Staying for one week in one place, a tent. Staying just overnight, inside the suv. You should be able to adapt to the situation.

[@IntoTheMystery13]

Well said

[@sigmazerofive]

I couldn’t agree with you more. I have been “overlanding” for 35 years. Before the word even existed. We just called it adventure wheeling. I stay clear of roof racks and roof top tents. Center of gravity is a thing.

[@LRM667]

That Landcruiser is like the GTR R34 of SUVs. It’s beautiful!

[@deserttrailscout]

So awesome that you did your own thing and it all worked out. Always feels great when your own ideas work out!!

[@andreasm2882]

I do both with my Tacoma either ground tent or my RTT. For me the RTT has it's place for winter time or even Fall when it is raining like crazy. I have woken up in mud pits because of rain which isn't an issue with the RTT and I have slept in down to 10 degrees and we stay toasty and warm with no heater. If I owned a landcruiser, 4runner I would sleep in my vehicle just like you are. I do also have a softtopper and I have camped in that but I didn't find that experience that great after 2 weeks of travel. And I do generally road trip every year for 3 to 4 weeks x2. Love your channel and keep up the awesome job.

[@GunRunnersTrainingCo]

I have not finished the video but I absolutely agree with some of your frustrations with RTTs. With my first RTT (an OVS Bushveld Hardshell Tent), I heavily disliked the setup and take down of it. It took awhile to setup, the stock sleeping pad/mattress was AWFUL and when it came time to tear it down, it took ages stuffing all the material back under the hardshell as you were taking it down. But now that I have a proper wedge style RTT (FSR Aspen V2 Standard), my experience with RTTs is WAYYY more positive. I think it really comes down to finding a tent that fits what you want best and if you're like me and you absolutely despise setup and take down, something like the GFC tents or wedge style tent that literally just open and you're done, are definitely the way to go. If I were to do it over (and had the money of it), I'd go straight to a camper style setup like the GFC of maybe the Dirtbox Camper and call it good.

[@tabatchoy]

Yep, way back when I was still shopping for a RTT, they were just starting to catch on stateside. 2017-18-ish. I knew I wanted the quickest and easiest setup and takedown as possible, so that meant at least a hardshell. That ruled out ARB and CVT tents at the time. The only 2 brands that had hardshell RTTs and any sort of presence at the time were James Baroud and Autohome. Both of which also had (and still have) history OUTSIDE the US, going as far back as the 60s. There were no JB suppliers around me at the time but there was an Autohome one just outside the Bay Area, CA. I drove all the way from Fresno to pick up a small Columbus Variant RTT that I've had since.

[@GunRunnersTrainingCo]

@@tabatchoy I based my first purchase off of space for a family and I should not have expected a tent on a Tacoma to to work well if it can fit a family 🤣

[@briandittore7865]

Great job giving both pro’s and con’s! So many channels only talk about the pro’s. Thank you! Subscribed.

[@MonahanOutdoors]

I sleep in the back of my 80 series too, and share many of the same reasons. My build is very budget, and very efficient. I built my drawer system in the back and I’m on version 3 of that so far and love it. Great job!

[@EightyFiveHundred]

Wife and I, plus our two 60# dogs, slept in our FZJ 80 for years. Removed 2nd and 3rd row and built a drawer and bed system. Now with a kid, installed one of the seats, and easy enough using our tents on the ground.

[@RatherBeWheeling]

Everyone has to find their own jam, like you said. I was super excited when I bought my first roof top tent... after one season I absolutely hated it for most of the reasons you mentioned. For those thinking about getting one, it may depend heavily on your location and where you camp, when you camp. For us, dusty dirt trails meant filthy clothes after setup and tear down, which turn to mud in the rain, and if you camp in the winter you need a plan/place to open and dry the tent after every use or you will get mold. I couldn't sell mine off fast enough and traded for a fiberglass topper.

[@cowelk]

There are so many ways to explore the outdoors. RTT camping, ground tent camping, trailers, and sleeping in your vehicle. My choice for multi-night stays is a ground tent. My choice for one night stays in sleeping in the vehicle. Sometimes my choice is renting a trailer especially while camping with my spouse. A RTT is not for me. First, it is too expensive. Second, I have only one vehicle. Third, a don't want to climb up and down a ladder. Fourth, I don't want the setup and tear down hassle for exploring in my Jeep especially for one night stays. And last, I need space. With a RTT I can't have a roof rack to store some extras that I take along on my trips. Sure, I could buy a larger vehicle but a larger vehicle won't go places my Jeep will. Great review. I am going to subscribe.

[@RDOverland]

After sleeping in a roof top tent, I have to say, I’m not going back to ground tents. 😊 10 person ground tent comes out when the whole family comes camping and I need extra space. 😊

[@iskdude9922]

You didnt pay 5k for it did you? Thats a ridiculous price.

[@RDOverland]

@ nope 🙂‍↔️

[@armored-clown]

This is absolutely the best way to camp out of your truck or van. I’m a dirt bike trail rider and haul my KTM with a hitch carrier on the back of my minivan. Seats fold into the floor and I have a folding bed frame and real mattress that goes inside with my fridge, power station etc. “Over landers” spend 10x more to sleep in less comfort 😂

[@geegelle3204]

I’m total agreement with you. Rooftop camping can be dangerous. But I do like the Land Cruiser set up! Tint the windows and u good

[@JB-hl2nl]

I agree, and also did a simple build with my Land Cruiser (for two) and it works great. I do use a cargo carrier that includes an SUV tent, chairs and other camping supplies since sleeping two doesn’t leave space for storage. We only use the tent in campgrounds, while over landing we don’t set anything up. Still having everything in the cargo carrier allows us to avoid setting up and tearing down the sleeping setup everyday.

[@438Kurt]

like ur approach to seeing what’s needed b4 investing lots of $, thanks for that - experience it, decide what’s deficit, and move from there. also love that ur smart/cost efficient by reusing ur previous deck in the landcruiser. love ur vids, big fan

[@ishimy]

Totally, same here in Aussie and NZ, try a swagg it’s the best!

[@marti_micfly7416]

Honestly I love this video because it points out a lot of reasons why I haven’t put a tent on top of my 4Runner. Unfortunately my family has grown and need more space so I’ll have to get a tent on top. Much rather have a cool trailer to haul though!

[@eddydubois4411]

My tacoma is my daily driver to work and I love my roof top tent. It stays on my truck all year. If I get the urge to go truck camping I'm set . Would never change my setup..I'm happy.

[@dadventuretv2538]

Everyone needs to find what works for them and their use case. I’ve been sleeping in cars or ground tents since the 80s and my RTT on my daily Gladiator has changed my life. Pros for me: For starters, with a kid and Pug dog not enough room to sleep in a vehicle unless it were a van. I dont have time to pack, RTT makes for a lot less packing which means I get out more. A wedge style like I have is set up for bed in about a minute and a half. And tear down is simple too. Leaves more space in the vehicle, in my case a bed (which has an Alucab canopy on it) for gear, in particular two mountain bikes (one of which lives in the truck 24/7) and gear, all my recovery gear, and everything else. All my gear except for water gerry cans is inside out of weather and away from thieves. So much better in bad weather over a tent, but not as good as sleeping inside your vehicle. Nothing better than driving on a beach, backing up about 10 feet from the water, popping the tent and hanging out up there. Or waking up up top in the morning. There is just something special about sleeping up high, like in s treehouse. A few myths about them I’ll bust: Increased center of gravity- sure it is weight up high, but I have been at 26 degrees tilt and been ok, albeit my butt coulda made diamonds. Lol. Why- I pack to offset the weight. Bigger wheels and tires, skid plates, packing heavy stuff- like my HiLift- low. I have more than offset its weight. A lot of the people who talk about this are the same ones with roof racks with spares and gas and water gerry cans and all kinds of crap on their roofs that probably weighs the same. My RTT is only 175 lbs. Fuel efficiency- this may be unique to the Gladiator, but my wheels, tires and stubby bumper made more of a hit on mpgs than the tent, which cost me maybe .5 mpg at most. But why I say it may be unique to Jeeps is due to the upright windshield which I think creates an aero bubble that the tent sits within. But 🤷‍♂️, all I know is the fact that a thin wedge style RTT does not affect mpg much at all on a Gladiator. Tear down is a pain- very dependent on what kind you buy. With a wedge style this is not true at all. Downs: Height definitely. A lot of parking garages are not an option. Lol. The soft shell ones are a pain and not much more convenient for set up or tear down than s ground tent and are a lot taller packed down. Getting up at night, or getting into bed having forgotten your phone (guilty). When base camping- definitely more of a pain to tear down every day for day excursions from base camp, and more of a pain depending on type snd how much extra stuff you have attached- like awning rooms. Like you said in your vid and I said at the beginning- it’s just all about what works for each of us. Your set up seems great for you. Looks like you have enough room for you and your stuff. RTTs with big dogs can be difficult. And nice clean look- I’d with you I don’t like a bunch of extra crap hanging off the outside. What ever makes us get out more and enjoy it more should be what we seek. Just sub’d so I can follow your adventures. 🤙

[@Earlywinters09]

I set my Wrangler up similar to your Landcruiser. Agree with all of your reasons for not going with a RTT. If I'm hauling extra gear I just set up my ancient ground dome tent. Works just fine. Nice video. Thanks

[@seanpierce3394]

The system you created is the best and makes the most sense for your needs. Awesome build

[@phillipchapman9517]

I think it’s a great build, I like the repurposed Decked usage.

[@MikeReisender]

Great build, Chloe! I am also not a fan or RTTs. I have a cot setup in the back of my 4Runner, with a 4" self-inflating mattress. Easy teardown and setup, but I leave it in place the entire time I travel. I leave the 40 side of the 40/60 rear seat down and use that to get undressed/dressed, read books when it's raining, etc. One benefit I would add is how quiet it is while sleeping in the vehicle. Main drawback is the space it takes up, but it's pushed me to travel lighter and more efficiently, which I see as a good thing.

[@RunningOtaku]

Love keeping the 80-series simple! I have a similar build with my GX 470. I made a rudimentary sleeping platform out of plywood and topped it with a Hest mattress. The next step is a 3rd road and half second row seat delete so that I can fully sit up inside the GX.

[@utubetjc]

I agree and choose to sleep in the back of my 4Runner TRD ORP. Thanks for your comments.

[@day1fishing603]

Looove it...the whole video was awesome. I'm pretty much on the same page when it comes to camping. Simple ,fun, therapeutic New sub👍🏽

[@D33frmHawaii]

Awesome setup! For the bike, you should get a swing away bike carrier, that attaches to your hitch.

[@sotiris_constantinou]

I have a 1994 Pajero mk2, that I use as an everyday vehicle and also as an off-road/adventures car. I converted it as a camper and I definitely agree that's better that roof tent camping PS: Great video Greetings from Greece

[@citizzencain]

Great video. Had a 96 80 series with a custom drawer and fridge setup. I had to sell awhile back. I may be looking for another one!

[@arsgamer]

Great build and like that you used your old Decked drawer and did not just throw it away.

[@Gregster3]

I have a 76 pound inspired overland roof top tent on my truck, very slim and no mileage difference. Best decision I’ve made in my 8 year camping/overland experience, only 1 min to set up 20x better than a ground tent imo. 80% of people don’t have an suv or a canopy.

[@socaloutdoors7355]

Finally, someone who's an avid Outdoor KZbin'r is pointing out all the obvious coming with a RTT...

[@muasboy]

Gawd damn!! Ur land cruiser is clean af

[@JRJROFFROAD]

Having had 2 Roams, a GFC superlite, an iKamper and a GFC platform camper- I can say with confidence I sleep better in my 200 dollar ground tent than I did any of the others. While being elevated is nice and they look cool- I actually like the ground tent better. I think it depends on the person or terrain. But I never got one that worked for me.

[@Sofiajanpookie4807]

We have the same reason Chloe :)I wanted to make sure I can still park the structure at work. I also bought a folding table @ walmart and made half side flash flat for my FE LC. I also use a gym pad for a little cushion. Hopefully i ll get a hess in the future.

[@TuanLe-ko5rm]

Nice setup. I completely agree with your points. I can fit up to 5 people in my sequoia when necessary.

[@---qr4of]

More you carry the more you worry. I personal carry absolute minimum in my G. Just good bed and basic cooking stuff with camping cooker what i use at hiking too.

[@soloked]

Have the same landcruiser and already had a rooftop tent. Before this video I thought long and hard about doing something similar, but with two people and a dog and our three night minimum trips, I think it's my only way other than a regular tent.

[@matttrain3318]

We decided to try camping in the back of our 80 series a couple of years ago. I found a youtube video where the guy bought 4 storage bins from a big box store and put plywood on top of them and then a mattress. We decided to give it a try. We already had a piece of 4 inch foam that was the perfect width and length. Just had to buy the boxes and plywood. Toughest part was getting the plywood cut to shape (which was pretty easy). The boxes made for great storage and we actually slept pretty well. Only did it once though. It was a bit cramped in there for 2 people.

[@bah5310]

I put one on a DIY overland trailer. Definitely time consuming to put away. I have an older campervan which is much more convenient. Really like your set up in the Land Cruiser Thanks for sharing.

[@xLETHALxEXODUSx]

Sweet. Best points I've heard. Totally writing off the idea of buying one.

[@aex728]

Everything you said from your POV is logical. Just being very self-aware of your position contributes tremendously in your overall safety. Sadly, that can't be said for a lot of people so much kudos to you. Love your 80 series and I will forever shoot myself in the foot for getting rid of the 2 I owned a decade ago when they were still very affordable. I do hope you consider adding a supercharger to this beautiful thing for as capable as it is I do find it a little lacking in the power department, and especially so when you start stowing all your adventure gear (which I'm already minimalistic to begin with) that worsens the already sluggish acceleration. Cheers!

[@samueljlarson]

Great idea to use what you already had with the prior model deck system ( I am also a no RTT person). Love your Landcruiser!

[@SoteroMurguia]

Sleeping in the vehicle is great for bad weather situations and setup. We went with a roofnest just so we can have room for our gear. When we upgrade to a bigger vehicle, we may make the jump to camping in the vehicle.

[@Erenaquino]

Great build, working with what you got and California is known for A LOT of car breakins so I get it! I in the bay too

[@speedbird3955]

I saw a Porsche with a roof top tent out in Death Valley and I was amaze.......I'm with you on a roof top , I sleep inside my 4Runner but I see their practicality for some folks

[@MinhTran-ei5dp]

I'm 100% agreed with you about rooftop tent

[@kaia4992]

You made great points that I agree with! Thank you for your informational content!

[@JH-ev3qy]

Some good points, If your "Overland" vehicle is your only vehicle this makes total sense. But if someone has multiple vehicles I'd suggest something like a Bruin XL for a truck the best of both worlds imo.

[@Foodmeow]

A lot people mix the definition of overland. Love the cruiser! Extra spacious inside. Any thoughts on a commuter?

[@Jaypher]

I need to try one of those Hest pads, it just seems so much easier to roll up and unroll instead of worrying about an air pad

[@6spacin9]

I see benefits of them. And after decades of roaming around and camping out of the rig I get curious about them. Be great for desert camping. And I'd consider one if I lived in Arizona or something. But I live in the PNW. We camp nearly every weekend even in sideways rain/snow. I have buddies that have them and before they had a place where they were able to get it inside they could never dry it out. So they had a rooftop mildew. I do not have a place to dry one out. My rig is to tall to fit in my garage, I can hit my head on the door. And I drive my rig to work every day. I'm nearly 50 and I'll tend to have a few too many around the fire and with possibly stumbling on a ladder I'm up a few times a night, not so good. We also tend to push into little overgrown rabbit trails that destroy paint and pluck things off rigs to get to the best spots. I've got dents on my roof from branches and such, torn things off the roof in the past (I do run a rack to carry some stuff). Then cost. Most RTTs cost more than my old Montero. And I got a sub $3k rig for a reason (reason is poor because we go on trips weekly, rather do that than have fancy gear).

[@TheITonyO]

You do you, this is a great way to repurpose things you already have.

[@richardpedersen9189]

GREAT video, Chloe! Agree with your build logic 100% 👍 Take care, and Thanks!!

[@pokechopachunky2905]

I overland in my 2016 prius. I put a 2" lift kit on it and 29" tires and a Yakima space case on the roof. You can leave a prius on all day and it doesn't hurt it. So you have heat and ac and power, so no alternative power source needed. I have a lift gate tent kit and sleep in the car. And it still gets 58 mpg

[@hodad200]

There are some great RTTs but I agree. Make sleeping in your car great again!❤

[@Rickmakes]

80 series and roof top tents go together like bread and butter. That being said, I don't have one for mine for a lot of the same reasons you mentioned. I haven't slept in my Land Cruiser but I'm not ruling it out. I would like to make some window screens for the rear windows if I do. I also have a 100 series. It has inserts to cover the seat mounting points. I with the 80 series had those.

[@NATOHA-64]

You're not a hater this works for you I have looked into getting a roof top tent but not my cup of tea I can sleep in my truck bed or in my front seat sometimes, but I do like sleeping in a tent you never no what might be lurking outside your tent at night I have had bears wolfs coyotes' raccoon's rats bats owls bobcats and even a mountain lion how cool is that a little scarry sometimes but so cool. you just never no be safe out there and have lots of fun on the trails

[@szed3]

This kind of build is much more interesting to watch than those $$$ builds to peacock. You used your creativity to repurpose something you already had which required some thought and that's rad. There's elegance in simplicity. RTT's are great until you get caught in 40mph wind. Been there, done that, no thanks haha One great option for modularity, space savings and for those who like to actually build stuff is using T-slots. I built out the bed of my Tacoma with a topper, 1-person platform and a bike mount which can be reconfigured to sleep 2 people or be removed entirely in a few minutes. I add a small cargo box on top for longer/multi-adventure trips if I need to haul more gear and don't want to shuffle stuff around to sleep each night. Have you considered a hitch mount swing out bike rack like the Kuat Pivot, Rocky Mounts or Rigd? A fun DIY project as an add on to that might be a drop-down table. Cheers!

[@heismyrefuge1027]

Me too! I just have a drawer/bed platform in the back of my 1st gen tundra that I sleep on.

[@stepderie6096]

on decatlhon they sell an inflatable rooftop tent that you put it on top only when you need it. i'm not a fan of rooftop tents either but this seems like a great solution to not have that weight on the roof while only taking up 1/4 of the space.

[@gretchen_jku2051]

Great video. Love my Hest mattress in my build. 👍🏻

[@geebroni4118]

A compact awning mounted on the passenger side might be a nice addition.

[@seanptaco]

If I'm camping I do bed tent. If I'm street living because I do live in my Tacoma, I'm in the cab. Never want an RTT

[@juliandrake3159]

For me, I use my vehicle 95% of the time to drive to work and around town running errands. I don't like the wind noise, added weight and it also interferes with my satellite radio reception so for me I'm not a roof top tent guy. I've been doing the tent thing, haven't tried sleeping in my car yet. I have a couple of tents that are quite stout but heavy and large so I keep trying to find a happy medium between ease of setup, comfort and lightweight. The search continues. How do you like that HEST mattress? Been thinking about getting one to put on my cot. I might reconsider sleeping inside my vehicle though too. I have a Lexus GX460 so that is definitely a possibility. In the past I have had a couple friends with me, two of them sleep in the back of their trucks or in my tent. I have a huge canvas tent that can easily sleep 4 adults comfortably with standing height. It weighs 100lbs though packed and takes some time to setup and take down. I have a smaller version that I use when it is just me but setting it up and taking it down gets old quick when you're moving camp every day.

[@live_emulator]

I have a wrangler 4xe, so I didn't want to build my own platform nor have enough room to be able to sleep in the car. So bought a 90 pound RTT.

[@nirfz]

No idea how I got here (I don’t camp) but still found the video interesting. One thing that comes to my mind is length of the sleeping place. Different tall people have different length needs, and at least here in Europe for years now I don’t know any vehicle with enough space behind the drivers seat, where I would be able to lay flat.(when the drivers seat is in my driving position)

[@veganpotterthevegan]

Love my internal build overlanders(I've built 4). The last thing I wanna do to a lifted vehicle is adding a ton of weight to the roof.

[@chancejensen9324]

Great job. I feel like this could have been two separate videos. So it was a pleasant surprise to see you modify that Decked. They should think about a SUV solution.

[@misterjetset289]

I wish I could sleep in the back of an SUV or even either of my 6’ bed Tacomas. At 6’4” that isn’t happening. I am even having trouble finding a clam shell/wedge RTT that will be large enough for me and my 6’ tall wife, nowhere around me to go try them out really. I agree the setup and tear down of the fold over models would be cumbersome, so not looking to go that route. Love your build, and impressed with your ingenuity to use the 1/2 decked system. 👏👏

[@russjowett2137]

It can be done. But you gotta get a bit creative. I’m 6’3”. 220 lbs. And sleep inside my Jeep XJ. Which is a very small SUV. Had to modify the front seats so the upper section of the seat hinges and folds towards the desk like a 2 door sports car. I now have enough room to lay completely flat in the back on a plywood platform that folds up When not in use. And I have a shelf in the rear cargo area. For some storage space and me and my wife’s legs go under that shelf when we sleep.

[@nismo370z4]

Chloe, also you have the ability to start the Land Cruiser and use the heat or A/C for those cold or hot nights !!

[@coyotesnipe]

All good points. I bought a CVT Mt Hood clamshell tent, the seals don’t keep any water out when closed. The tent fills up with rain water, then you’re fighting mold and mildew for the life of the tent. That kinda ruined me on rooftop tents,,,

[@worldwide_wes]

I like to just use my travel trailer. My GX can tow it and then I'm not constantly loaded with extra weight when I hit the trails.

[@socalpaul487]

I'm looking forward to getting my 1993 Land Cruiser back on the road.

[@joanndavis4843]

Thanks for sharing some pros and mainly cons on rooftop camping. I get it. It would get very old first couple times down the ladder for something I forgot downstairs. And as long as you're sharing, can you please give out the exact location of that money tree that affords you all these expensive vehicles? But interesting enough you make this video in a 33 year old school 4-wheeler!

[@beaviskornholio2754]

Chloe very smart. I wouldn't for safety reasons as well. Much better to sleep inside the vehicle with the doors locked.

[@bruh_nco]

New subscriber here. Great entertaining content. I am new to offroading and would like to break my vehicle in. You showed a trail with the new tacoma, at 2:48 mark. Which trail is that?

[@stephenmayeske7792]

I so agree with what you did, and the clever way you put it together. I watched a guy with a channel called trailnewbie do the same thing. I was totally fascinated and subscribed immediately, as I did with you. He then went to the Ursa Minor. Now he,s just like everybody else. No excitement here. What I,m saying is maybe stick with this idea and see how it pans out. I can not wait to see what you do next. Watch trailnewbie. You will see what I mean. Watch his videos Bedroom and Minimalist and you will see some amazing ideas. I will watch you instead of him to help improve on what to do.

[@kayakuprising5914]

That's ok. I'm not a ground tent person. Been ground tenting since the 70's when I was a kid, never was a problem really..unless you count flooding when it rains, mud, coyotes, critters, nosey people, etc. I've had a RTT for about 6 yrs now and LOOOOOVE it!

[@t.o.f.t.s.]

If I had a Landcruiser, I'd definitely sleep inside the vehicle. I have a Jeep Wrangler so I use RTT in winter. (lightweight carbon fiber. dont feel it up there.) Summertime I use an "Overlandish" ground tent Since I have no roof or doors in the Summer. Quick pop up and fast to tear down. With all systems I like being able to tear down in under 2min and hit the trail. PS. Hest is the best! Soooo comfy. But bulky. you need space. Not ideal in a Jeep. Perfect for Land cruiser/4runner etc.

[@youtubecarspottersguide1]

ute /pu with a camper topper if one can find a 6' box perfect ,or wagon/s.u.v. just fold down or remove the back seats seats add a mattress sleep bag im good I do like the shorter wb of the LC /4runner /GX over the tacoma as most are double cab's 5'box

[@mattkhachadoorian9261]

Have been sleeping inside my 80 for years with a similar set up as you. Now I have kids (which means seats and kid stuff) so Ive decided to try an RTT. I would reallly love the Camteq pop up camper for the 80 but it’s like quadrupole the price lol

[@hfwilkesjr]

I wonder what the impact on fuel economy those RTTs have. I know, we’re not here for fuel efficiency but is is a cost and we’re always talking about cost. Using your deck system is a great idea and I may pick up a used one for my ‘22 Taco.

[@ommaigod]

Good vid and honest. Like you said, if there's two people (my sitch), then that's not so bueno. Also, I could be wrong, but you seem shorter than most dudes; being shorter makes it more comfortable to navigate in raised sleeping enviros.

[@coddiwomplecolster7329]

I'm not a fan of the rooftop tent. Sure, if they work for you, great! Instead, I opt for a teardrop trailer. For me, it offers everything in one space, so I don't have to haul it all when not needed. Likewise, everything is ready to, no loading or swapping out stuff. It also fits in the garage, tows easy, and offers hardsided security. Costs, well, you can pay silly money, but the same can be said for tents. Prior to this, I just slept in my rig. Whereas now, I simple luxuries like bug screens, a proper bed, and cubbies in all the right places. But whatever side of the debate you head towards, just remember that you don't need any of this stuff to get out and enjoy.

[@justinturner2056]

I almost bought one back in 2017 when they were getting popular. But I just couldn’t get past the fact that I didn’t want to be the guy driving around with a RTT in my truck full time. I don’t have a high enough garage ceiling to winch it for storage, and I don’t have someone readily available to help take it off and put not back on. Just seemed like it would be a pain. Instead I got a camper shell and build a bed platform with a folding mattress. Added some LED lighting and under platform storage bins. Setup has been great. I could see justifying a RTT more easily if it was used in a pull behind cargo trailer.

[@kenmarapese9085]

An efficiently designed drawer using two sheets of plywood would yield twice the storage space and that is without the use of expensive drawer slides and other hardware. Is the back seat really necessary?

[@MrFowl]

As a backpacker and part time overlander, I prefer the ground tent. I'd probably sleep in the car if I could, but that doesn't work in a Tacoma or a Miata...

[@Tyrael112]

You need to talk to Hobo Ahle! I keep hearing so many similarities between your experiences and Ahle's early videos.

[@J.Young808]

Chloe, if you haven’t already check out Michael from Overland Bound LC80 interior build out that keeps the rear seats.

[@niceguy91320]

Just say no to the RTT. Nice Land Cruiser. Great job with the custom Deck work!

[@Papicodone]

I’ve always wanted a RTT but honestly my TNF 2 person tent goes up so quick it’s not even a hassle and got a good camping mattress I sleep like a baby.

[@route2roots674]

Great video I live in my car in London

[@luisdomingo5394]

All valid reason, you got me thinking now 😅😅