Watch This Before You Buy A Roof Top Tent | Harry Situations

[@ChadHooverFishing]

If you compare the worst rooftop tent setup style to the absolutely best ground tent then it will be faster. My rooftop tent sets up in under a minute and takes about two minutes to put away. Where I live in the South, it rains quite a bit and being up off the ground is ideal and using a ground tent puts you in a mud hole a big portion of the time. The whole “I have multiple vehicles” thing is not an “issue” most people don’t have to worry about. I also keep all my bedding inside my tent so it’s ready to go as soon as I pop it up. To each it own and I do realize that taking the opposing view of anything popular is a great way to get views.

[@HarrySituations]

You make a great point about the multiple vehicles Chad, I am kicking myself for leaving that in the video. What I was trying to articulate is that an RTT is a challenge to take on and off your vehicle, I should have just said that.

[@stfhaha1963]

Biggest advantages 1. Speed - you can setup by yourself in under a minute. This is for hard shell models. 2. Comfort - off the ground with a nice thick foam mattress. 3. Durability - material tends to be the thickest reinforced poly you can find, it won't get damaged in stiff winds as the skeleton is usually large diameter tubing. I've never slept as well as I do in a RTT.

[@MillerRL96]

I didnt love the idea of a roof top tent at first but I have one now for a few main reasons and glad that I do! 1. I camp mostly while traveling to go on mountain bike rides so I already have a ton of gear non camp related and just being able to have all my blankets and tent on roof of car does save a good bit of space in 4runner. 2. Being off the ground is soooo nice. I just don't worry about critters or insects and if a rain storm decides to come in middle of night I don't worry about waking up in a puddle(Its happened in a ground tent for me 3. I have a clam style hardshell and yes it packs and unpacks super quick. I went with hardshell for that reason because yes soft rtt have same amount of time or more time to set up over ground tent.

[@blakebennett2575]

Thanks for this. Just bought my first 4Runner, and looking at RTT for exactly this use case. Camp at the trailhead, go shred while the family is still sleeping, keep the cabin free for bike(s) and some luxuries to keep the wife happy to be camping. And having an annex where I can change and wipe down without getting dirt in a tent after a ride? My god that sounds nice. And yes, it does seem a lot easier to be off the ground, and to not have to find that clean level spot not in a drainage to setup every night. Do you find it comfortable compared to a good ground pad? The wife has back issues and can get messed up for days by a bad bed, but it’s usually too soft that causes a problem. I would hope the mattress would be better than something on the ground, but I’m wondering if I should plan to add something to help with that.

[@MillerRL96]

@@blakebennett2575 From what I've seen all RTT seems to lean towards a firmer mattress but a lot of them are made so you can leave blankets in and still close it so you could probably put a mattress pad to dial it in for her!

[@heritage4x490]

Alu-Cab all the way!

[@stephenpowstinger733]

And he says how slow they are to set up and proceeds to show one of the hardest to setup models.

[@silinusvers]

Thanks for your post. I was looking at a soft shell, but then today I've watched some videos on roofnest, cvt and a couple others like it, I'm 6,2 I'm already liking the idea of how quick and easy they look, hard shell should be less impact on mpg on my subaru so I can just leave it mounted

[@BeezinBeezus]

“I have to decide what vehicle to mount them on” Also complains about how expensive they are...

[@HarrySituations]

It’s all about priorities! 🤣

[@SeanLewisMedia]

This video was full of these questionable statements lol

[@MattsQuestion]

Champagne problems, what a pompous thing to say

[@TravelRunnerWA]

This was my favorite comment. "Oh man... I just have too many vehicles, life is so rough when you own only one tent."

[@rangerwolfhound]

@@MattsQuestion its not odd to have multiple vehicles ....bikes ,boats,cars and trucks

[@seanlee8016]

“I don’t like roof top tents because I like ground tents” good for you lol 👍🏼

[@3uzSwapped55]

I got schmuck vibes from this guy

[@Frank_The_Tank22]

You forgot to mention the list he also made. Good for you, too 🖕

[@harrrgh944]

@@3uzSwapped55 Not me, I like him. 😅

[@sqd8r]

way to miss the pt

[@sqd8r]

@@3uzSwapped55 project me thinks, guy is on pt. You obv didn't watch the vid

[@Jayda08]

Once you wake up with a bear walking around your ground tent, you'll start thinking twice about your decision making, especially if you have kids.

[@greedyg76]

Video Title: “What I don’t like about roof top tents”. Content directly related to that topic, 30 seconds. But 8 minutes spent talking about why he likes about ground tents. 🤔 Should have been called “Why I like ground tents”

[@qtben17]

The guy has a convuluted mind. Talks about how many pickups/trucks he has, then goes to talk about the tires needed for offroading, then why he doesnt like the rooftop tent for less than minute, and finishes with different types of lightweight tents. Lol. He doesnt know what to focus on

[@14bqdonk]

ikr lmao

[@hebertorodriguez6106]

❤❤❤❤❤

[@adamr8628]

He could make a simple, light weight platform and use his favorite ground tent on top. Apparently he doesn't know how to think outside of the box. Must not be a diy person.

[@johnniemeyer3139]

I think it’s awesome to see a new wave of people camping, regardless of what they purchase. Awesome video!!!! Let keep people off-road and camping !

[@HarrySituations]

Well said John. 👍

[@matpatte]

But not toooo many.

[@BoleDaPole]

It is good, it will make more people appreciate the outdoors and want to preserve them.

[@palmergranite8882]

I like my RTT for several reasons. 1. I don’t have to find the best terrain--I’m sleeping on 4” of foam, not rocks. 2. Stays dry when the flooding begins. 3. Never had any bugs or snakes. 4. I sleep a lot on bear country and just feel a little better (I may not be, but I feel like I am). I have one on my trailer and one on my car, so I can detach the trailer and claim my spot. 5. Never have to clean the ground off my tent or the ground tarp. Just my thoughts.

[@steveng5370]

I think the bear country reasoning is pretty sound, higher off the ground and you're 'part of the vehicle', a big scary mass of metal, seems to me like a bear wouldn't really take that much interest in at RTT

[@ianhillman4007]

Different strokes for different folks. I've had my Tepui for four years now. Camped all over Canada and up into the Yukon. I love being high and dry and away from the snakes and other creepy crawlers. As for set up and take down, 5 minutes max from start to finish. I can certainly live with that. After all, when your camping, you have all the time in the world. I love the built in memory form mattress for comfy sleeps. Enjoy your ground. I'll enjoy the sky. Happy camping everyone. 🍻🇨🇦🍻

[@wangmengj]

What kind of car do you use for camping and what is the model of your rtt?

[@damiion666]

“I love being high and dry”…Buy a waterproof tent. “and away from the snakes and other creepy crawlers”…Zip it up. “I’ll enjoy the sky”…You’re only no more than 6’ higher. On open land it won’t make a difference, you’ll still see the sky.

[@julielea8344]

@@damiion666 . Telling other people what they like? What to do? If it doesn't rain IN the tent, when you get out you're full of mud to get to the vehicle. You are safer from bears & people. 2 women in a tent were killed after the Gabby Petito case. I bet they wouldn't be dead if they were on top of their vehicle! You have to open the tent to come & go, that's when the snakes & creepy crawlers get in genius. Up top that won't be happening/ It's faster to set up because the much more comfortable bed is already there. You have a extra safe space for kids (or adults) that you just added on, AND a SEPARATE space to give a teen their own space. AND you've just added a lot of storage space. It's not flat open land everywhere' That you have a better view of the sky is not up for debate, stay on the ground with the other critters. Sleep in the snow & enjoy it when it melts & your tent is swimming in mush. And have fun with the wildlife, try Florida in the swamps. Everything he said was a lie, biased on his personal preference, when guess what? Just like you,. no one cares! ground tents can be just as expensive, good luck with warmth ( or catching a breeze & staying cool while sleeping on the ground. The truth is they both serve a purpose, but there are many advantages to the rooftop, which is why people like them. I just don't like your ignorant narcissistic attitude telling other people what they should do, with blatant lies no less.

[@damiion666]

@@julielea8344 “when you get out you’re full of mud to get to the vehicle”…lol eventually you have to leave the tent to get to your grill, take a crap, etc. wear your boots when u step out. “You are safer from bears & people”…Sleep with a 10mm handgun. “You have to open the tent to come & go, that’s when snakes & creepy crawlers get in”…Again, zip it up as you leave, zip it up when you come back. “It’s faster to set up because the much more comfortable bed is already there”…Use a memory foam trifold mat and throw it in. 2 seconds. “You have a extra safe space for your kids”…Again, sleep with uncle Glock. What are u so afraid of? Lol. “a SEPARATE space to give a teen their own space”…Wtf lol you’re camping, tell that teen to join the fam for a change 🤣 (btw they sell multi-room tents smh). “It’s not open flat land everywhere”…Lol is it really that hard to find a few feet of earth that’s level enough? “Sleep in the snow & enjoy it when it melts”…Again, waterproof tent and zip it up. People winter camp comfortably all the time. I do too. “And have fun with the wildlife, try Florida in the swamps”…Actually, I have. Refer to mr Glock. If you’re that scared of wildlife, I’m not sure camping is really for you. You take a few precautions and you’re gtg. Or just stay home if u don’t know how to weather the elements and fend off the critters 😂

[@corydwagner1]

​@damiion666 think they said there in Canada so you can't take handguns in to the bush only long guns we also have polarbars bred with grizzlys 9mm won't do much slugs have enough trouble

[@sharonjones7929]

A roof top tent makes sense in north Queensland, salt water crocodiles and deadly snakes!

[@christopherlaboy9377]

I'll give you that, but come on - anyone who camps near Salt Water Crocks deserves what they get., and for those down under you might as well toss in those insane (Ill burn down my house) spiders.

[@petethescalemodeller6130]

bloody oath mate , dam buggers those crocs

[@AshKnight1992]

That's the reason I want one, a trip to the Cape is on the cards next year 👌

[@curiosityredpill7030]

Can’t snakes slider up the ladder

[@sharonjones7929]

@@curiosityredpill7030 The 2 types of snakes that I would worry most about, Eastern brown and Taipan, are more ground dwelling and prefer burrows so I personally feel you would be safer up high 😀

[@Ali_Mansour_Editor]

This video was really in tents...

[@HarrySituations]

🤣🤣🤣

[@CosmicMomentumX]

Dad confirmed 🔥🔥🔥🤣🤣🤣

[@Frosty03II]

Hilarious! Iam a dad so i found this funny.

[@benjamins9121]

You should have said "this is like a circus, it was in tents"

[@Tony211289]

Snap

[@mirthenemrys]

Ok, all other things aside... that buggy with the track wheels and the roof top tent you shower near the start... omg that is the coolest thing i have ever seen that i would never use if i owned it(ok i might once or twice for giggles)

[@dootscat3798]

Thanks. I’m sticking with my nice ground tent.

[@Cash4Fruit]

The only reason I prefer the roof top tent is because I feel a little more secure being at a higher vantage point and hard to access especially on top of a tall suv with the ladder pulled in. Everything else I totally agree with.

[@jolienlubbersen4569]

my thule tupui stands in 3 minutes i love it for the very fast set up and put down, and the ability to move fast and see a lot of a country

[@mikepayne2360]

Plus if you encounter a much larger animal like bears and such you can just drive off if necessary. Yes, all your stuff is going to be left behind but you're alive and can go back later to get whatever you left after it's safe.

[@louielouie7806]

They great thing about the affordability of a traditional tent is you can own both a RTT AND a ground tent and take advantage of the options!

[@grantmoon624]

I’m glad someone else said this. The price tag was a deal breaker for me.

[@sqd8r]

Agreed, never saw the pt other than they look cool. But, practically, they make zero sense unless in areas where staying away from certain animals is required. It's the look not the function that most overlanders buy this for.

[@JasonSmith-gq4hb]

1. I'm 52 with a dog. Neither one of us should be going down an icy ladder at 2am. 2. Coffee in bed? Good luck climbing back up that wet ladder half-awake at 5am. 3. In an emergency, I can drive off in like 10-15 seconds without an entire camp tied to my Bronco. 4. I can take a short drive while camped... yet still remain "camped". 5. My two Oztents pack up faster than most rooftop tents. 6. High winds are no fun if you're inside of a kite that's already 8 feet off the ground. 7. Rolling my Bronco while out alone doesn't leave me homeless. Related: lower center of gravity. 8. Lightning. I was hit by lightning 3 years ago. 0/10, would not recommend. 9. No additional vehicle height while traveling. I know it's just a few inches, but just like some women, I've been screwed by just a few inches. It's a thing, and it sucks. 10. Downside: you'll have to annoy people by telling them how cool you are, because they can't just look at the rooftop tent and know that you've checked all the "overlanding" "must-haves". Come on people, the homeless do what we do. My great-grandfather crossed the desert states on a horse 150 years ago with just a bedroll and a canteen. Too bad he didn't have a GoPro. We aren't that cool. Just go explore, live your life, and chill.

[@bandjolyn]

I bought a burb, built out the back. I have 2 60+lbs dogs, it's hard enough to then up in the back bed with me ha. Extra storage goes below bed or on the roof. Roof top tents are for a very specific type of camper.

[@nynomadfjc3907]

Too funny.. why does it seem like this video was more about the tires than the tents?

[@SparkerR1987]

And the tires are crap imo... I have Nitto graplers on my tacoma and I can't wait to swap them out with some BFG KO2s. The Nittos are garbage in snow and rain. They lose traction just trying to go up a damp paved hill.

[@Colorado4x4]

A set of 40” tires cost more than a roof top tent

[@powsniffer0110]

He literally talked about tires for 10 seconds out of the 9 minutes.... God damn haters man!

[@FILIPINOTUNER]

I'm lazy. I simply stuff a queen-size air bed inside my '08 Expedition (standard wheelbase), then cover the windows with bath towels. There's decent luggage space underneath the bed and by the feet and legs areas on top. 😁

[@moreclips805]

Very valid points to be honest. I’ve got a wedge style Rtt and I only use it when I’m in a spot with a view, bugs / wildlife around, or I need to load down my bed with gear. Otherwise, I use my camper shell with a 4” foam mattress. I do find that the Rtts add a level of stealth, if you’re traveling in cities. Most assume that the Rtt is the only spot to sleep, therefore if it’s not deployed, no one’s sleeping in the truck. Saved thousands on hotels over the years and never got a single knock from law enforcement. Just something to think about.

[@stevesmith3556]

Been watching your videos. A lot of great info on the channel! I bought the Ikamper BDV solo barely used for half price. I thought the weight would be an issue, but with the wider dimensions on my older SUV, I don't notice it being top heavy or any massive decrease in mileage. If I don't set up my awnings, I can pack it down and be on the road in less than 5 mins. Benefits of a wedge, I guess. I stayed away from the folding ones because they are bulky and have a lot of exposure to the elements. Every one I've ever seen used was moldy on the edges. Also, it looks like a big hassle to set up. Cheers, Harry!🎉

[@Nate-zy5ce]

If I get a RTT, I am leaning towards a Roofnest, either the new Sparrow2 or the new Condor2. Am torn about having one that stays above the vehicle entirely like the Sparrow2 versus opens sideways and has to use the ladder to support one end like the Condor2. That side to side version concerns me a bit, getting it fully level inside, finding level enough ground where the car is to solidly plant both ladder legs, or a big rainstorm turning the ground soggy and making the tent droop on that side, or even a bear or moose knocking into the ladder and down I go. Round and round.

[@michaelphillips4711]

I have a adventure hammock system hammock mount and I think about a roof top tent and then remember that I’m not likely to use the roof top tent when I like sleeping in my hammock

[@kingdom4867]

Next time try out a hard shell rtt, 30 seconds to put up, and 60 seconds to pull down. And anything up to a135mm mattress. Horses for courses as they say.

[@zakaroonetwork777]

I got a $100. Tent that fits in a backpack and I sleep on the ground. Grounding out is the whole point of going camping.

[@LiterallyOverTheHillAdventures]

I have done the ground tent(s), roof top tents and now, at my older age, I have settled upon the Alu Cab Canopy Camper. I am 62 years old and have camped all over North America from the Arctic to the Tropics and setting up camp and breaking it down has never been easier. After putting up items like chairs, stove, table etc, it takes me roughly, when I am running relatively slow, about a minute to break camp, the same for setting it up. The breakdown ease is what I like the most though. We all know it is pretty much always easier to set up camp than to break it down, well, this solution, on my built up Gladiator Rubicon makes camping easy at my age. It ain't cheap, but it is the "Cadillac solution" to vehicle based camping in remote and hard to get to areas, especially if you are hunting, fishing, prospecting or whatever.

[@LANsolo12]

If you have a medical emergency and that rooftop tent is set up and you can’t take it down.. well that’s quite an issue and problem.😮

[@jacoe33333]

$500 for a single person tent. Mmmm. To much. I hear your points. I just bought a roof top tent. Waiting for it will see how I like it.

[@randycallow3736]

As a very very frequent camper and often on motorcycle I can tell you that having a self supported tent may be a little heavier but in all conditions it's best and in setting up camp in the rain..or at night..in the rain it's super helpful..I have seen people car camping and been in caravans where people have roof tents and if you know what you are doing they can be really really beneficial. Stop.. deploy the tent..do not get in it.. get whatever you need to eat or drink, sleeping materials, toss inside the roof tent and now critical..use the bathroom.. even if you don't need to go before climbing into the tent.. The ultra fast set up time.. especially in snow and rain and darkness is an advantage to digging all your stuff out and finding and clearing a clean spot..in my opinion.. when I am w people who have a roof tent they are saying goodnight..dry while I am still setting up

[@Pavel_Bez_offroad]

Ground tents you have to move each night too if you camp at different spots

[@christianmercado5510]

Bro, I really like the look of roof top tents. But they are too expensive, so I thought about building one. Then I saw you video and went like ‘Nah, it’s not even worth it’. I didn’t consider any of the points you brought up. Thank you for lending some perspective. I still think they look cool, but are looks enough to justify all those factual cons? It’s a no, at least for me.

[@LucaGoesOffroad]

Since I have a RTT (hard shell) I don't even look at my regular tent anymore! It's mounted on a 1984 Fj45, so I don't care about mileage, center of gravity, etc.... because that's the car I use for slow and relaxed overlanding..! I love setting up in 20 seconds (ARB Esperance), it has already a mattress and the sleeping bags and pillows are already inside. It's also super fun for the kids

[@mgavin4871]

Roof Top tents do have downsides for some people. I guess i would classify myself as an overlander, definitely not a rock-crawler. I travel with a small HEO trailer with a rooftop tent. I haven't regretted anything about my rig. What I do like is that I can set up camp, take my Jeep on an adventure and return to camp without fear of loosing my campsite. I also love that my trailer has a Dometic freezer/frig, two lithium-ion batteries, solar panels, propane tank, extra fuel, etc.; and I can lock it up when away so it is reasonably secure. I could point out some of the negatives, but I think they are rather obvious. Just do with what you like and can afford.

[@kilcar]

Any standard tent can be collapsed almost instantly in an emergency. Just leave tho poles in the sleeves and pull the bottom pole out of the bottom grommet and voila , you toss in the bed or canopy and book!

[@MrFlyingmachine]

From my experience, the benefit for these rooftop tent is the ease of take down. When we need need to clear out, a quick wipe down, take out anything that needs washing and then just fold it back up. Compare to a ground tent where the pain starts with proper cleaning both the tent and the tarp. Then you have to make all the right folds to get things to fit in their bags. This becomes especially time consuming if there has been a rain with some mud getting between the tent and the tarp. Been using ground tents for 20+ years, but a few weekends w/ my friend's roof top tent has me convinced that if possible a roof top or some sort of RV is the way to go.

[@HarrySituations]

My experience is that a ground tent is easier to pack up, particularly if the RTT is on top of a listed vehicle. I do agree that no tent is fun to put away when it is wet though.

[@mitchell10394]

@@HarrySituations if it’s a hard shell they take less than a minute

[@ryanthir7853]

Great video if your comparing RTTs to ground tents!👍 I bought the Smittybilt Gen 2 RTT. My first and I love it! 118lbs. I mounted it with low racks on my pick up so it sits below the roof line. No drag My son and I can get to free remote camping areas and have a nice camping area! I sleep so well in the tent! Great mattress and ventilation!

[@seanalexander9373]

I like the idea of a hard shell roof top tent. A lot more aerodynamic, you can keep your bedding up there, and it goes up and down much quicker. For me on the wet west coast, its kind of nice to be off the ground in the wet and the snow. Also give me a sense of security. It does weigh a ton up on top of the jeep though. The body roll is noticeable

[@deeprollingriver52]

I went on Craigs List to find a used SUV tent. I found A-LOT of roof top tents for resale. No regular SUV tents were for resale. Enough said.

[@spellerlittlewing]

I’ve have put my ground tent on the roof worked just fine

[@fernandojimenez503]

Seems to me that the complaints about slow to setup and put away are more to do with the choice of roof top tent than roof top tents in general. Hard shell tents are quite fast to setup and tear down. It's literally ready in under a minute. Other advantages of a rooftop tent: frees up space in your vehicle, it's away from the ground so you don't have to worry about wildlife or creepy crawlies (other than bears I guess). And you get a much better view from up there when you wake up in the morning. Drawbacks: Weight on top of your vehicle, they are a pain to install and remove from the car (if you have a garage a winch helps a lot). Oh, and they are expensive mofos, but still much cheaper than a camper van

[@largol33t1]

What if you have to move your vehicle? That's why I don't understand why people are so gaga over these things. If it takes you 6 minutes to pack everything up, then that means it'll take you TWELVE minutes to move the tent to a new location and that does NOT include driving time.

[@latonyasaffor152]

Great reply... trying to decide now thanks for the information

[@Derzull2468]

@@largol33t1 I really don't get this, if you have to move your vehicle, it's even worse and more time consuming with a ground tent.

[@marcvonreth]

@@largol33t1 You remove the ladder and reposition the car (with your RT set up and open). Then replace ladder. (takes 5 seconds) No problem at all.

[@ECCENTRICERIC69]

@@Derzull2468 Don't be silly, of course it isn't. If you are camping for a week in a lovely campsite then there may be many times you want to either explore the surrounding areas in your car or get some shopping or even go to a pub or restaurant. You just leave your tent in situ and drive off no problem.

[@666oracle]

It all depends where you are in the world. In Africa, when camping on a ground tent, hyenas, lions, elephants and hippos can be quite a nuisance.

[@intingat144fps8]

iKamper mini fits on my 5ft truck bed and the bed rack I have puts it right at the roof line. it actually made my fuel efficiency better because it streamlined the top. I set mine up in 1 min if im hustling. and tear down is 30 seconds.

[@Nate-zy5ce]

Useful video, thanks for sharing. I'm going round and round about getting a rooftop. If I went ground tent, then I could continue to get max use out of opening the Diamondback HD bedcover I plan to get for my F150, and would not be so high up and top heavy should I want to put bikes or kayaks above. If I go ground tent, I am considering getting two to always have with me. One, a lightweight, portable backpacking one should i need or want to hike far enough from my vehicle to pitch it or just pack in somewhere. But two, for a base camp sort of set up, right near my vehicle, or frankly in my backyard, a larger one than these, still nicely compactible and quick set up, and not canvas because takes too long to dry, but that I could stand up in, put a cot and a table and chair inside if I wished, such as if raining out, have an awning in the front for the sun large enough to put my table and chair under, all with plenty of mesh for airflow but of course a solid rain cover too. I'm still torn though. There's a great camping gear company in Utah called Teton Sports. They have the best cot I have ever found, the Universal XL, though they have a regular length as well as a XXL for extra width, but the Universal XL is incredible. And they have some very nice tents. But ironically, the only ones that this particular XL cot will fit in without risking tearing the fabric are the canvas ones, and mainly for the reason stated above I don't want one of those. They have a great, 2, 3 and 4 person version of one of their tents that is fantastic, but not quite long enough, at least for the XL or XXL cots. So I would have to buy a tent from someone else. It's really too bad. Teton Sports makes great stuff across the board. Just this one little irony.

[@Alex-je6od]

Some of the roof-top cons seem petty. Rooftop is always going to be lighter weight if you're comparing it to a teardrop trailer. Tents get funky, and you need maintenance time to clean the bottoms, etc. You have to worry about ground leveling, clearing space, etc. With all that said... roof-top tents do seem overpriced. For < $1k they would be a good deal. >$2k you might as well just get a teardrop.. Good points on teardown though and moving your vehicle. I didn't think of that one.

[@HarrySituations]

Definitely lighter and less expensive than a teardrop!

[@dixonbuttes6564]

Finally, a sane review of rooftop tents… the fad will soon go bust. Most roofs aren’t built to hold a 150-300 Lbs tent plus 1-2 people, adding somewhere well north of an extra 250 Lbs. Voided warranties, damaged roofs, and voided car insurance! Worst fad ever.

[@arisistible1]

I wasn’t a fan of rooftop tents bc 1. Price to value 2. Weight and height. But now with better innovation, I did purchase the FSR Aspen Light XL RTT bc it checks the boxes, not overly expensive, very roomy, weighs 100 lbs and setup and breakdown in 30 seconds to drive places. I have ground tents which just pop up in under 2 minutes and is very convenient, but I also bring a cot in my jeep. I’m doing the RTT bc when I travel alone long distances, I don’t have to pack up the tent, I just fold down and close my sleeping station in this tent. Check out the FSR Aspen Lite XL, it may check your boxes and be a good alternative solution. Plus now, when I go with my wife and kid, they sleep in the Jeep (there’s a bed system from trunk to backseat, and a fridge) and they can remain safe in the vehicle and I can be in the RTT.

[@0122342342345]

It is a nice, ‘fair and square’ video. Thank you!

[@TravelRunnerWA]

We have our 23Zero that we love and while there are some negatives to Roof Top Tents, these listed outside of cost, aren't them. For the added warmth, better construction and the "its always there" factor, it makes basic overlanding just easier. Also we do bring a ground tent in case we get in somewhere late and want a 30 second set up compared to a 10 minute set up, but its rare we use the ground tent.

[@cadilacdesert]

The security and elevated views of roof tents are worth it

[@HarrySituations]

What does it keep you secure from? I've slept in ground tents in Canada, Alaska, and Africa and never had an issue with animals.

[@D.Trider]

@@HarrySituations perhaps you been lucky? I’ve also camped all over the country, but have had a couple scenarios with bear entering the campground... RTT is definitely more secure than a ground tent.

[@roncounts3958]

I have an Intech trailer that I'm going to put a rooftop tent on. I could sleep in the trailer, but it is nice to have the extra space and it is nice to haul gear in the trailer. If you had a trailer it would address your concerns of mobility.

[@wepopcreative]

I love my rooftop tent.. here in Australia RTTs are great cause high of the ground, the amount of times it’s poured with rain, and ground tent friends ended up being flooded out etc warm during winter etc I think someone who is happy sleeping on the ground isn’t going to see the value, but for people like me, I love camping with my RTT

[@primus7776]

Great posting. Thank You!

[@knugie87]

It's what you need it for as with everything I understand, and i mean super understand the problem with having a soft shell tent and wanting to go explore by car and realizing you need to pack everything down again..and again..etc But for someone like me, 36yr old, going either alone or +1 for fishing trips, where you don't deploy it before you literally need to go to bed, it's perfect! if you bring a ton of camping gear and use awnings and a supersetup with a million pieces, i would not go this route, then a camper trailer or caravan would be better! Unless you offroad alot, then a ground tent is prefered Me personally i HATE sleeping on the ground, if it isnt rocks, its pinecones or roots or whatever! There is never a good place where i live, unless you find a piece of grass, then you have aither ants or ticks or whatever crawling in your tent

[@boltactionshooter]

To each their own but I chuckle to myself every time I see yuppies in a RT tent. Hammocks are the way to go.

[@SuzukiKid400]

Great video. Well done and thanks for posting.

[@SanctumOfDreams]

My buddy brags about his $2500 rooftop tent setup a lot. We went camping and he laughed that I was sleeping in a deepsleep mattress inside my jeep. The noise of his tent in the wind kept everyone in the camp up all night and it took like at least 15 min every time setting up or taking down. It's cool that it's a family sized rooftop tent but... I have a 6 person coleman that was $65, a bug net hammock for $50 and my jeep mattress was $185. That's 12% of the price for 3 rain proof shelters, 2 of them being totally off the ground. Plus I don't have to carry a 300 pound load around all year just to hit some fishing overnighters like we do.

[@THETERPZ]

Most people that you see out there with the set ups, are once a year or never goes.

[@BoleDaPole]

Roof top tents are so goofy, unless you're camping on Kodiak Island you really don't need one.

[@Wsmith247]

Im with you, I have a lifted 97 Jeep GC and cant see using a Roof top tent. I also have several back packing tents, I keep my MSR Hubba HD in the jeep. I been out and watched friends take hours setting up their roof tops.( uneven ground) and im done with dinner before they are all set up.

[@Playmudd4by4]

For me a ground tent suits me best . It all depends what your doing. For example I set up then go exploring the nearby town then go back. Way easier than carrying the whole truck .

[@fabricobblegarage9545]

Rooftop tents are for people who think Subarus off-road vehicles, and ridgelines are trucks

[@texasaggie8449]

I’m 63 and have tent camped all my life. A couple years ago while in Colorado I had a bear visit me in the night as I lay in my ground tent. I managed to scare the bear off however I’m seriously looking for a RTT to put on a trailer to tow with my JKUR.

[@jaggedtoothX]

I agree with you on rooftop tents that are mounted to vehicles. But a hard-shell rooftop tent mounted on a compact offroad trailer is pretty awesome.

[@robertfearnside7731]

Thanks-was considering a rooftop tent now I'm convinced to return to my faithful easy and light 2 person tents.

[@mitchellyahn7722]

This is more like an ad for the ground tents that he likes. I say to each his own if you like ground tents go for it personally I like being off the ground

[@Fj-fe6co]

Put it on a small trailer. Store all your gear in the trailer. Easy

[@vicbauwens]

one big downside of regular tents is that the bottom tarp gets dirty when humidity kicks in, and you have to dry them out before you can stow them away. Doesn't happen with a rooftop.

[@danielgodfrey4415]

I have a (real) ford ranger with a camper. I made a bed out of wood that would slip over the wheel well. That's how you do it for pickups.

[@robertmosher7418]

Rooftop tents are not good if your dog sleeps in your tent with you.

[@se7encureton]

My brother has a nice 4Runner that’s all done up. His words. The only reason I have a rooftop tent is that it was a gift from a friend. Yes his best friend gave him one he had, crazy as that i$.

[@markhowells13]

Im not a big fan of any camp set up that is attached to my car. But thats just how i use it. I tend to go places and set up a base camp and the go offroading over different tracks from there. I can imagine having to set up and pack down every night

[@Charsept]

The way I camp and travel, a RTT fills my needs. I'm looking at it from the perspective of someone considering a small camper trailer. And it has a lot of advantages when comparing those.

[@fishnhunt4045]

honestly the benefits outweigh the cons. idc how you look at it. spend 6 nights in it over an expensive hotel and it's paid for. Its not permanent.

[@fishmut]

Great idea , I have a trailer now you got me thinking of building one to fit that , heck yeah great idea . 👍

[@christianhirschmann9273]

I have a Fjordseen 220 light and i can fit two 90x200cm Mattresses in there even when i close it for transport, a big + for me, also i dont have to care about the ground like you have when you are sleeping in a tend. But there are some downsides that i dont like, like Build quality and problems with contensation water under the mattresses, but nothing major.

[@jaylensinflatablesandtoys7784]

I want a RTT, but I just realize that I like to go drive around a lot after setting up camp. Thanks for reminding me. :D

[@xrenox1]

Takes less than 5 minutes for one person to setup. Just get everything else out and ready,, go drive around and when its time to go back just pull out the tent. Really if you set it up a few times you can throw it off and on in a minute once you find your groove.

[@thebestyan2702]

Thank you!!! I was about to buy one and you changed my mind!! Owe you bigtime!!

[@randybanasmusic]

I like the blue one.❤️

[@karlahernandez5750]

Two happy days in my life....the day I bought my rooftop tent and the day I sold it. Very happy I sold it.

[@mushroomfpv]

Thanks. This really made up my mind which to consider.

[@ianmaxm25]

Great video, didn’t wanna hear it but I’m glad I did. Thanks!

[@joshuabrown9413]

Great video man! I've been toying with the idea of getting one, and, being a big guy, it just seems like a waste. I'll stick with a tarp lean-to.

[@photomaker4502]

I have an 80lbs dog and I’m 5’2” 90lbs. As much as I would love to get a rooftop tent, realistically I can’t leave my dog outside to sleep and I sure as hell can’ to carry him up to the rooftop tent.

[@Fatmangaming86]

I’m sure it’s in this comment section but the purpose of rooftop tents were for Australians because of all the spiders and critters and creatures they have so when they went camping in sacks and stuff we get into the tents so they created camping on the rooftops of the cars

[@jjmack8233]

I’m not climbing up a ladder to go to bed and I don’t like sleeping on the ground. My brother in law recently bought a slightly used rooftop tent for $300. He mounted it to a low 5x8 trailer. It’s pretty cool, just 24” off the ground and under is nice dry storage. Low drag, hardly has an affect on his mileage. Only problem to me is, he has to pull a trailer. Still a cool setup.

[@gavanmitchell4203]

I'm too often drunk while camping to climb up and down ladders. I'm safer on the ground.

[@rxcalvosa]

going on 3 years with the Autohome Airlander+. My Tundra already has lumber racks for work so mounting was not a problem. One of the many advantages is that we don't need to set it up until we are ready to go to sleep. We love the Maggiolina.

[@The_Travelling_Cookies]

All depends where you live. I live in Saudi Arabia the ground gets really hot from the sun so you need to be off the ground otherwise the ground turns into a radiator even with a thermorest inflatable mat the ground was too hot to sleep in. Advantages of a RTT If you get a clam shell RTT it can be up in 10 seconds You can leave your sleeping bag and pillow already setup in the tent. You get more room inside your 4x4 for clothes food and water. no need to re sort your whole car everyday packing everything in the boot. off the ground away from creepy crawlies Off the ground away from the hot ground Off the ground away from water Disadvantages of RTT Heavier than a ground tent. higher centre of gravity. less mileage. If its windy can be hard to get out of the wind. Hard to get in and out if your getting old/kids Disadvantages of a ground tent Needs pegging down to stop it blowing away very tricky in soft sand It takes 10-30 minutes blowing up and packing away a termarest and getting your sleeping bag out the bag and laying in the tent. Especially if you are a family of 4! Most ground tents take a long time to setup and pack away compared to RTT scorpions and snakes can be on the ground the ground is very hot if it is in summer in a hot country Can get flooded if it rains Advantages of ground tent Cheaper. Out of the wind more due to lower to the ground. Can be setup where your 4x4 can't. Can be left setup at a camp site while you drive away.

[@TG-zd9de]

RTT- cleaner, 3 minute set-up and 5 minute pack up, 120lbs, keeps away from snakes, spiders and dogs😅

[@splatmacpuffin]

I’ve had both. Definitely prefer a RTT for my situations and I hate sleeping on the ground.

[@epicone2449]

Unless you get a shift pod mini tent 😎

[@eastonlee5102]

What about after a few beers climbing the ladder up or down to take a leak etc.......how many unjuries?

[@kittys.2870]

I was one of those children who fell out of the bunk bed and broke my coller bone. I have no desire to sleep where i can fall again.

[@wylinout2257]

Great points thx man!

[@180mph9]

Thanks

[@pbc_03]

I have 3 tents. Roof, ground and truck bed/back of suv. They all have their uses.

[@drivehard2395]

My van is my hard wall tent.

[@bradsimpson8724]

Admittedly, I'm still in the honeymoon phase, but I absolutely love my Alu-Cabin. The wedge-style RTT is set up for solar panels, which is a nice bonus, and opens up and closes down in less than a minute. The tail end of the bunk flips up to give you access to the bed of the truck, so you can keep your shoes out of the weather, access your fridge and gear, and you don't have to worry about forgetting the bag of goodies like you would when climbing into a conventional RTT for the night. I can stand upright in it to get dressed. It's nice being off the ground(warmer in the shoulder seasons) and in something hard-sided(pretty good at keeping bugs, snakes, and bears out), but still has a bit of that tent-camping feel to it. Yeah, they aren't cheap, and it's REALLY easy to get carried away with the add-ons, but it's my absolute favourite form of camping. Granted, my truck isn't a serious crawler, and this wouldn't be my first pick if it were, but for long road tours and hiking/biking/hunting base camp it's pretty damn ideal. Once I get the heater together I'm pretty confident it'll be a solid four-season rig.

[@JettaBoi04]

1. Not comfortable being on a ground because of bugs/animals 2. Depending on where you're at being above ground could be safer 3. If you have a ground tent you still have to pack it up before moving 4. Gas and center gravity was the only good point made 5. Price? We're all past worried about price at this point