How to build a Rooftop Tent on a budget!!

[@basssq3]

I can't believe there aren't more of these on the internet, I've always thought the price of roof top tents was crazy. I just sold my old 1990 4runner to a friend of mine who wanted to do a roof top tent but most of the options cost more than what he paid me for the whole vehicle. Glad we were able to find this!

[@underscorejeff]

That conduit bend technique is brilliant

[@raldien]

Brilliant ..... ladder is functional and make easy to pop the tent in a seconds.... genius... 👍

[@jwat2396]

You build things in a reasonable simple way and they come out amazing. I use to be kind of proud of the things I built but you and the simplistic way you build such cool things makes me have to reevaluate my techniques. Nice nice job. You build things in such a way that most folks can do it with a few tools and a bit of elbow grease but hopefully no blood and tears. Those fingers looked pretty rough. Glad they aren't broken.

[@corneliustalmadge2674]

Thank you Patrick. I’ve been thinking about doing this for years. You have inspired me to make a few changes in my design. Thanks for a great video and doing a great job. I really feel for you on your hand injury but glad you showed it anyway. It’s shows respect for your audience and we can all learn that lesson. Cheers.

[@elborre]

Bro..! You inspired me big time, I’m from Mexico, we live the eternal economic crisis, so any idea what help us to save money it’s so appreciated, thanks again and keep doing what are you doing because you are awesome doing ti.!

[@PatrickRemington]

thanks man! Glad i could help!!

[@mukbinhanti5501]

We are the same, can't afford to spend thousand Malaysia 🇲🇾 ringgit on the roof top tent price

[@Capozzi3]

Hola! pudiste hacerla???

[@Prepping2endure]

cool way to segment bend the conduit with a wooden hickey.. As an electrician who has bent miles of conduit .. VERY IMPRESSED with the outcome .. GREAT JOB!!!

[@PatrickRemington]

- P2E - Thank you!

[@captjackgrizzlybear]

I would suggest on the little ferrules near your feet and hands, using some heat shrink tube to stop them ripping anything

[@PatrickRemington]

that's a good idea!

[@rasaiefar]

i saw many videos and I sketches few for my own use and design, but frankly speaking, your wire and stopper idea to keep the structure steady during opening and closing was amazing. well done man.

[@Colorado-overland2020]

This is incredible. I think I’m going to try it. I just can’t bring myself spending $1000 plus on a rooftop tent

[@PatrickRemington]

Go for it! yeah, its dumb. I would be willing to bet that those that have purchased RTT's, rarely use them enough to justify the cost.

[@USAFJUNKIE]

@@PatrickRemington I have. I lived in mine for almost a month while making a trip from Alaska back down to the 48 and also use it for weekend trips. That said, that's been my experience, and I applaud your ingenuity in building it yourself! I did the same thing when it came to the trailer I put my RTT on.

[@619Pascal]

I wanna try it aswell. Lets team up! :D

[@petroscephas]

Same here.

[@rguil15]

If you get on Alibaba, you'll see the exact same designs that many of these companies are selling. What's funny is that the tents are 500-1000 bucks, but the shipping on some of them is over 2 grand. And that's how we get $3000 tents becoming a thing.

[@alphainfinitum3445]

Great job pal. Thank you so much for sharing. I hope your fingers get well soon. I closed my finger a while back in my car door. I have never felt that level of pain as an adult. Pain medication helped a bunch.

[@clintonchurchill4607]

Very inspiring! Well done! A speedy recovery for your fingers.

[@PatrickRemington]

Thank you!

[@bobbybarrett1846]

Thanks! I really, really enjoyed this! As although I've been stzyimg with a friend since summer, in his 4300 sq. ft. home, things are changing soon and I think now is a good time to address my housing insecurity issues. Being prepared. I have two other friends that are Eagle scouts as well that are experiencing homelessness . However, they xan't get a drivers license due to past , ugh, yea, past. Myself a retired CDL Class A Instructor, can legally drive anything before chronic medical issues forced me out, now I have maintained a clean license and am a licensed Taxi driver in Eugene, Oregon for 15 years. My dear wife still resides in our similarly sized home on our 122 acres, but its just me and my American Pit Bull Terrier 22 mo old little girl, Punky Angel and I promised her to always keep her safe and warm and never want for food, so I'm just trying to look out for my pnly dependent these days, you understand. Peace, Love and, WORMHOLES! -may you have 'hard and soft' options! Be well. john robert {bobby} barrett iii Yoncolla Oregon Figured kickin ya $5 bucks, may as well bend your ear a bit , as at almost 63 and no one to talk with for days, I figure I got a good excuse!

[@bahamasking2063]

Awesome RTT build. I am a Electrician and bend pipes all the time, was expecting to see the benders we use to bend EMT pipes. But you pulled out a piece of wood with a hole in it. Brilliant idea.

[@PatrickRemington]

Thank you! Yeah, I almost bought one of those but figured there has to be a better/cheaper way!

[@bahamasking2063]

Patrick Remington Good job and thanks for replying.

[@foresterboy2011]

One word "AWESOME"... I have nothing but admiration for people who fabricate an idea/design that's already on the market for thousands of $'s (£'s in my case. UK guy) and knock it up for a handful of $'s. I tip my hat to you sir. I'm sure you'll fabricate a waterproof fly sheet fairly soon to cover all your more seasonal adventures. Well done

[@PatrickRemington]

Thank you!!!

[@randygranados1352]

Dude, you the man !!! I've been thinking about doing this on small utility trailer that I have my kayaks mounted on, and this makes it possible ! And I agree, I can't see spending on a store bought roof top tent just because they added a platform and a hinge.

[@babycakes8434]

So true, and some are asking $3K for it :O

[@tmherrin]

Kudos to you and your work. I started a series on doing this with a store bought tent and hope to post the last video soon. I cheated on the hinges and used the hinges off of an attic drop down ladder. Your work is impressive.

[@anguscooper]

rooftop tents are so expensive. This is an awesome project. Thanks for sharing.

[@PatrickRemington]

Welcome! Thanks for watching!

[@garywhelansr5602]

Thats awesome build.. great job . Basically the same concept as a flip over ice fishing shanty genius..

[@krisf2652]

Fascinating! Industrious! This kind of knowledge is certainly underappreciated, but it will soon be the most appreciated.

[@jafinch78]

Paint some thinned out type 1 silicone on to waterproof maybe? Your awning build is awesome and neat to see this build. Cost effective and interesting to watch.

[@michaelschmidt4618]

How about painting on some flex paint as it is rubber, I did that on a tent fly cover, the tent gained about 5 more pounds but you aren't going to carry it in a backpack, it is going to be on top of your car

[@lewismitchell5367]

To bend tubing without kinking it, fill the tube with sand. The 2×4 bender is genius.

[@MyDatrsPrsnlATM]

So I'm someone who has already bought one of the big name brand RTT's and after watching your video and knowing I am handy in the shop, I REALLY wish I had just built one like this. Thanks for the video and your design is simple, economical, and gets the job done! Keep up the good work and sorry to see you smash the crap out of your fingers!!! Ouch!!!

[@PatrickRemington]

So nice to hear this from someone that has purchased an RTT!! Thank you!!

[@MyDatrsPrsnlATM]

@@PatrickRemington no problem - now I'm Subb'd and going through your videos!

[@reedzville]

This is honestly one of the most fluid designed rooftop tents I have found amazing job explaining everything I wish there were star rating on vids =D

[@vxphan2601]

Patrick, you are a genius. I will try to build one on my tundra extended cab. I already have a camper shell for my fishing kayak. Thank you for sharing your great idea. I will have most of the metal in stainless steel or aluminum to avoid corrosion near the saltwater area.

[@rustywolf6813]

Hell yeah!! I have a small trailer I'm decking out for camping and didn't want the weight and pay $1k+ for a rooftop tent, excellent idea and good vid!! Subbed, thanks!!

[@Lwilibert]

Just moved to a beach/forest town with my gf and we are expecting our 4runner to arive. Will def consider your design, many smart choices! Grrat content.

[@jaredallen1393]

This is fantastic! I designed my own similar to this. But the amount of gagets on this make it so much more practical! Thanks so much!

[@jamiecleeves7921]

Well done brilliant and no music fab

[@JW-ke9ed]

This is outstanding. Was wondering, what if you made the platform a little wider and mounted the frame on the outside of the tent to allow for a rain fly?

[@michaelschmidt4618]

And use the same sleeves that the fiberglass poles were in

[@3798melec]

FYI uni-strut makes uni-strut nuts that slide in and twist too lock .with a spring that holds it in place saves making the flat bar nuts .

[@jonnyweston]

Yep..... we call these the Zebedee because they’re spring loaded. (other people call them spring loaded channel nuts)

[@DL-by8el]

Learned a lot cool! I think I will try this so my nephews can go and stay in the tent.

[@josedias9458]

Hello friend, you are a must, i have seen also the hard shell one and i am very much impressed with it, congratulations for these good work, God Bless

[@ajaygupta-lx9rc]

Great assembly man. Really cheap. Here in India we call it “JUGAAD”, making best use of available stuff and mind to serve the purpose.

[@donitantawi1139]

Lo~ uuii8iknb#ikii

[@TURKTRUCKER]

You did good job bro..

[@jovanymorales5414]

Iam all about DIY to save that Cash! BRO, Good Job! 👍🏼 You made it look easy!

[@花鳥風月.風雅人生]

woo .its really nice job . amazing . thanks for Shareing. ...

[@mann60abas]

Wow. Really a budget Rooftop Tent. Bravo Patrick. Yo are great....

[@kylepayton1036]

Awesome video gonna try it myself. One thing I was thinking is with the wire you ran through the conduit could offer protection from branches etc. so I’d put it out a little further myself

[@lifeincorncountry8423]

Great build with excellent detail! I have a Kelty grand mesa 2 and was thinking I could build the platform to fit it. It's mostly self-contained with the fly attaching to the corners. It would take a bit more setup but was thinking I could just have some corner tie-downs where the stakes go. There are a few stakes that you use to bump out the sides and ends but I might experiment with making those springy things they use for the roof-top tent bump outs. Thanks for all the ideas!

[@melissahale7175]

I put a grand mesa 2 on a utility trailer platform and I'm loving it so far! After watching this, I'm going to go stare at it this weekend to see how to make it self-deploy.

[@harryfritter8266]

You can buy the hardtop roof tents that pop up on Alibaba for cheap. I got mine for $450 and its on struts and raises easily and sleeps 3-4 peeps. I found the exact one like mine on Amazon for $3600. It's also really easy to close and latches down. It's angled at the front for better mpg. I don't know the exact measurements, but its about 5'x7'. I bought a bigger one, but they had smaller one's that were cheaper. I've had mine about two years on my 4runner and living in western Colorado it's taken a bunch of abuse, but still is nice. Great video if you don't have $450

[@stephennganga7499]

Absolutely brilliant.. IV always wondered if it was possible to convert a normal tent. Definitely gonna try this. Thanks👍

[@DISABLED12-7]

Really smart ideas throughout this video, and lots of tips too. I learned so much watching this! Now I want to build a similar tent to put on my truck's bed rack.

[@warriorworkstraining]

Everyone needs an uncle like you.

[@Simcard__]

Might have to give this a shot, I don't have a 4x4 but being able to use this for road trips would be brilliant! And by the looks of it, once the base is made it wouldn't be difficult to make a tent from scratch with more water resistant material

[@davidfuters7152]

Brilliant , talk about thinking out the box , the only thing I didn’t get was why you cut out the floor to the tent . If you where worried about trapping water , just drill some holes in the ply to let it drain away

[@caidhg]

Pretty slick if I may add then idea you could use some extruded aluminum angle bracket to harden the edge of the plywood protecting it from trees as well as use it to pen the tent tight against the edge of the plywood maybe use some foam between the Tent and plywood too.

[@sheilabishop5873]

Wow you must be a master welder...great video...you make it look "doable" Thanks!

[@abdellatifouarriche6895]

this is realy simply clever, i was looking for such ideas so i'm going to imitate you soon, thank you for the all details, wishing the best for you

[@ethangann8741]

CANT WAIT TO TRY THIS. SUPER AWSEOME IDEA.

[@KiranPerisetla]

sorry for the injury. but I liked the content, great stuff, literally no words. it means a alot to me, because I love traveling, but I'm not affordable to take expenses on accommodation at every place this will really help me. thankyou thanku so much.

[@PatrickRemington]

I'm glad I could help!

[@Surfmus]

Great built. I red that aluminum and stainless steel do not mix and eventually will deteriorate the material. I saw that you used such in the telescopic ladder. But they are cheap any ways.

[@michaeldeboer5783]

Genius. I like the 2X4 tube bend especially. Had never thought of that

[@leonevans211]

My friend has just brought a roof top tent which made me look into making one, this vid has gave me the drive to start making one 👍 I have just added the fb group too, cheers

[@ChrisBakerElToro]

You are incredibly smart and talented. Great build!

[@rexturner2799]

Thank you for this - Love your work (and the filming is very professional). Hope your finger recovered. I built my RTT for my Landrover about 30 years ago, Cotton canvas and a tarpaulin for a storm cover (we don't get much rain in the australian outback). Best regards from Down Under.

[@PatrickRemington]

Thank you!

[@countrymagic61]

I like this build you did. Very economical and gave me some ideas. I have a question for you... You cut and removed the fiberglass rods? ....What if you cut a small section out from the fiberglass rod at the hinge position, secure each end on to a 1/8th inch piece if metal (3/4" x 2"). Drill holes to secure each end of the fiberglass rods, and drill a hole to marry up with the hinge (like you did with the conduit pipe). The floor rods would connect to the base of the hinge so they lay flat (secure the rods and tent to the wood base. The up right rods would be allowed to pivot in to position. Also, use the wire cable attached at both ends of the base, and up to the fiberglass rods (again, like you did with the conduit pipe). This way, you don't have to buy conduit pipe, the fiberglass rods will lay down when you close up the tent. Any thoughts? I have already drew up this basic design of yours in Sketchup (not the part for the fiberglass ends yet) Also, I have seen a similar tent (2 person) on Amazon for about $70 www.amazon.com/dp/B07CKJYL75/?coliid=I1QVWYS58B1NLG&colid=IGETP7QZ5QHI&psc=1&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it. I

[@countrymagic61]

Instead of wire cable, one can use 550 cord (parachute cord), tie knots in the desired locations to position the rods in the open position. I'm not sure what the cost difference between the two. 550 cord is some where between $8 - $10 for 50 ft.

[@PatrickRemington]

I definitely thought about doing this but I guess it seemed a little more simple to explain the conduit bending option. I also thought the conduit bending idea would be beneficial to those that didn't end up using this exact tent. I totally think what you described is doable though!

[@Skygaze_camper]

Amazing work brother. I am from India... and I started building RTT after seeing your inspirational video... I am almost done... just one concern... I used 18mm thick plywood on one side (where ladder fits) and weight of that side including ladder is coming almost 20kgs... I think it’s too heavy... what thickness plywood you used ?

[@muhammedashiq9013]

Where is your vedio?

[@twistofthethrottle]

This is brilliant. Wanted to do a rooftop tent over my truck bed and maybe one on my ‘69 barracuda if I get around to making it into an off-road style, grambler car. This would be so much better than spending $3k.

[@volkswagenthing]

Cool build. I’m your fan. keep up the good work I’m learning a lot from you .

[@FourKavs48]

Great video. Easy to follow. Just one question, can you explain how you attached the tent to the base please? You mentioned overhang from ground sheet?

[@stevevanpelt4475]

This is so good. Such a straight forward basic build. The cool thing is that it could also serve as a perfect base if I want to sew an upgraded tent in the future. Planning on building and mounting to my Prius.

[@-A.n.d.r.e.w-]

That is so dodgy and yet so effective! Fantastic sir, I salute you! And am actually pretty inspired.

[@PatrickRemington]

Thanks! forgive me but what does dodgy mean?

[@darrenliggett7222]

@@PatrickRemington dodgy adjectiveINFORMAL•BRITISH dishonest or unreliable. "a dodgy second-hand car salesman" but drdrew101 is totally wrong as I though your build was awesome dude

[@nightwolf1592]

I think drdrew meant first impressions weren’t promising but the end result was amazing. It was a complement on your workmanship using basic materials.

[@EricAyala-ot]

Bike mechanics use solder to keep the wire from fraying. Maybe an idea to preserve the tent fabric?

[@norsefalconer]

Very Cool! I'm going to go check out the FB group. For my purposes, I just need a platform to set up a ground tent. I'd fix mount the stake holes, adding poles & rain fly when setting up. So, a hybrid I guess.

[@bajar.m.6953]

Once again you impressed with your DIY ability. 👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾

[@4lowandgoslow]

Wow it was an excellent rooftent . I am planning something similar on DIY crossbars I put on my pajero . Your video definitely will help . Those fingers pinch was unfortunate.

[@kristibeisecker]

I joined the Facebook group because I'm building a trailer and would like to do a roof top on it. I've been struggling with the interior fitting the bed in properly but the roof top makes sense to me.

[@flightdoc9087]

Dude you are awesome. Just watched the original first tent vid you did (the box one) now this. 2013 is also the year I started seeing these and fantasizing about one day doing this, as I'm sure so many out there have - except you actually DID it. Plus more. Living the dream man!

[@alexrosales1561]

one of the best tutorials I've seen in a long time thank you brotha!!

[@IlContainerdelMicio]

Bellissimo progetto semplice ed economico I will do it Thanks so much from Italy

[@raveger0100]

For the ladder could you not have done a 360 hinge onto the end and bolt into the end iron piece for strength?

[@waddlescustom4637]

Thanks Patrick, been waiting for this for a long time. Can't wait to start mine and post updates on the Facebook page

[@ericrhinehart5434]

OUCH! I was thinking that the ladder was the coolest application of readily available items, but the smashed finger "how not to" will stay with me forever!

[@flaco1944]

Dude!!! You're a smart guy!!! That project is awesome!! 🤟

[@aderiley6592]

Back to basics and doing it yourself, I LOVE IT! Thanks for sharing ✌

[@PatrickRemington]

Thank you!!

[@samvv5982]

Amazing! Thank you so much for this. I feel like I can totally make my own tent now! Great video

[@wheelsandwings8349]

Hi Petrick I just started following you just before couple of days. actually I want to make thies kind of things commercially. like to start small business of this. at our place we don't have any one who makes it and it is very useful for Travelers to CAMP.

[@jmerideth-webb8071]

I can only echo prior comments and say WELL DONE! Thx for the video.

[@sacredshogun6325]

Patrick that is awesome. Like others, I don’t see myself spending $1k on a roof tent but your build is great, minus the pinched fingers I was cringing into my soul , that hurts, I am glad the 2x4 didn’t smack you on the forehead or the ladder didn’t close trapping your neck 😂 that is the price you pay with DIY. No, on a serious note, I am going to do this because the versatility of it is that it can be mounted on a p-up bed or a trailer. AWESOME!!! Many Thanks👍

[@stuartarneaud218]

Great job man I think I am going to give it a try.

[@thore540]

Mega genial...ich feier deine Ideen und Umsetzung...mit kleinem Budget so eine tolle Sache...ich habe schon lange darüber nachgedacht so etwas zu bauen...jetzt weiß ich wie...vielen Dank...mega👍👍👍

[@jetpilot555]

Awesome creation and great skills! Just one comment, wouldn't it be easier to work it on the ground?

[@todologo2353]

Great vid! Thanks for sharing this build & including details and parts!

[@jasonearley7796]

This is great. Made my evening. Great tutorial. 👍 👌 👍 👌

[@dienchaninstitutnc637]

You are amazing Buddy !!! Thanks for sharing a part of your genius !!! Keep going 🙏💪😎

[@awab4u]

Patrick looking for this since Years. Thanks

[@aznhrn1]

Good works. It gives me some idea on my next project on roof tent. Loves from Malaysia.

[@aaronfinke3720]

Awesome video!!! Going to do build one of these for my self!

[@adobochronicle]

This is the plan I am looking for...I can basically build this then incorporate the hard shell cover like the Roofnest Condor. Heck yeah!

[@jlvalles3]

Freaking awesome build. I love how simple it is yet fits the needs. Great video also. Props.

[@dylanbikesthings3633]

I need to do a build like this, it would go perfectly with my diy camper shell

[@_nativexred_]

Right on , real informative and awesome tent set-up with ladder 👍🔥👍🔥

[@rkendsley7561]

Fantastic build, what a great job!!! Also, had to look up the coordinates from your T-Shirt ............ Lookout Valley, TN / Raccoon Mountain Caverns and Campground.

[@PatrickRemington]

Thanks! that's right! I live in MS tho

[@fabich_1276]

You are amzing, i want to build a roof top tent, I know you will help a lot, thank you for share your projects ❤👊

[@kosalram1058]

Hi.. Very nice DIY tent.. I would like to setup in my fiat punto... Is is suitable for punto... Whether roof will capable to hold the tent weight and two person. Pls guide me

[@jcerna7226]

You’re the man Pat!!! Thanks for sharing with the online community bro 🙏🏼

[@PatrickRemington]

J Cerna you are welcome!

[@photize]

What about applying tent proofing liquid it would be water repellent then mostly

[@AndrewBrowner]

youre using that angle grinder a little backwards, because of the way the wheel spins if you put the handle on the left side and use the right side of the wheel itll be alot less grabby and jumpy and youll end up with less shatter cut off wheels spraying abrasive into your skin, the way youre using it the grinder wants to pull itself into a cut and towards you where the opposite way itll want to push itself up out of a cut and away from you

[@josephu6845]

I wonder if securing the tent to the platform with those screw snaps would work. Be a lot easier to pop off and on!

[@BritneyLeigh24720]

Did you use 1/2” or 3/4” plywood? Thinking the 3/4” wouldn’t need the extra support if you used 1/2”