Roofnest Sparrow Roof Top Tent Review: In the Garage

[@travelingmindful]

Thanks for this video. Question: how does she hold up during rain? If packed down wet, does bedding stay dry? Wondering about these issues in regards to travel during wet weather...

[@robertrhode6104]

I did put an extension from Garvin industry on the stock FJ rack made it full length an strong crossbars. I think it would work, cross winds may be an issue. Thanks, Bob Rhode

[@thruthebiblewithmicey]

I have this tent and love it!

[@webstuff56]

How much wind can these withstand? What's the coldest you slept in this? you think it'd be safe to have a Heater Buddy ( propane heater)n in there with you? Thanks for the good wlk through

[@sandrasimonson343]

what are you standing on behind the camper? Looks like you are stepping up on the bumper or something to reach the nest . That might be hard for some people, and it isn't very obvious. Looks comfy

[@Pinkheartbwell]

Great video thank you. I had a question. Does the tent hold up to strong winds?.

[@A_Son_Of_Yahuah]

Awesome video. Do you ever have mold issues❓

[@rallynut78]

just got back from a 3 week trip with my new Roofnest. We love ours as well!!!

[@steventujin2937]

that`s sound great...

[@alexandraevans6111]

I know this is old, but I wanted to see, have you liked how your roofnest has held up? Does it still seem quality?

[@americanmade422]

You have a badass 4 runner. I like the grill. How you painted it to match the rest of the 4 runner, it's very clean looking

[@Ruston_smith]

HELLO I Just paint matched the grill to the truck with some oem code paint from the auto parts store then sealed it with enamel

[@aetimani]

Wind resistance while driving? Issues with mileage?

[@dreamup8431]

How is this tent holding up? Thinking about buying one.

[@doinksoup]

Did the tent color match the paint?

[@defkid310bqad7]

Awesome video! Will the stock roof rack on the 2019 4runner support the roof nest?

[@Ruston_smith]

Defkid310 Bqad it will support it, the issue is the rack is so close together and so far back on the truck it’s not stable at highway speed. You would need something a little more ridged to feel safe

[@defkid310bqad7]

@@Ruston_smith thanks for response! I'm gonna look into racks before purchasing.

[@pjoyce722]

Hey there, thanks for the review. Looks like an awesome model. Sorry if you've answered this question already - what is your rack system with this? I noticed you also have the shade canopy on the back side, very nice. I assume you had to factor in size of both the Sparrow and the shade and crossbar lengths?

[@fazalsalim6230]

Do you need an additional rack

[@robertrhode6104]

Does this rtt attach to the stock crossbars? Great review, just put crossbars and a forward extension on my FJ CRUISER and I think this tent will work. Up petty far in air, there goes the MPG.. Thanks, best regards. Bob

[@Ruston_smith]

Robert Rhode hey bob! I think it would work, but you also would need to think about the length of the tent vs the length of the rack. The stock FJ rack is fairly short in comparison to these tents. And yes it would be way, way up in the air. It would hurt your MPG a little, but I would be more concerned with how Top heavy the FJ would be.

[@cryptojihadi265]

Will that set up fit under a standard 7' garage opening. I have a Palisade and don't want to have to take it off every time I park it inside.

[@avh128avh128]

Great video, what kind of roof-rack do you have under that roof-top?

[@Ruston_smith]

avh128avh128 it’s a rhino rack track mounted load bar system. It’s awesome and extremely versatile, but it is very committing. It requires you to drill 12 1/4 inch holes in your roof and rivet the mounting tracks into place. But between those and the 8 stock mounting points. It’s super sturdy.

[@hwobstj]

Have you had any issues with the gas struts in cold temps? That’s one of the complaints I’ve read about and is a concern, especially if they don’t have locks to lock the struts in place when they’re extended. I do like most of their features and their price point is very attractive compared to Maggiolina Extreme.

[@BigRigRich]

As tall as you are, can you lay completely flat?

[@Ruston_smith]

Its no problem at all! Plenty of room.

[@alaindelacruz2809]

what kind of cross bar did you use ?

[@asuperuniquehandle]

I appreciate the review! Thanks for taking the time to do this. I just purchased a Roofnest & it is currently being shipped! I cannot wait to start adventuring in it! Have you experienced any rainy days in it? How did it hold up? Also curious how the initial mounting process went. Was it fairly simple?

[@Ruston_smith]

G. D. Absolutely! Hope it helped you with the decision to just get one! No rain so far. It’s hard to find any living in Vegas and the SW. initial mounting process is fairly simple it just depends on what you’re mounting it to!

[@cynthialysen1247]

The initial mounting process is pretty straightforward with a few caveats. The Roofnest weighs more that you think it does and can be unwieldly so I would recommend having extra hands available. I installed mine on a Ford Explorer and at 5'4 could not do it alone. The bolt system is pretty ingenious but depending on the amount of space between the roof and crossbars can be tricky. There is a user hack video that worked very well for me. roofnest.com/installation/

[@steventujin2937]

great choice...to purchase the hard shell top roof as well

[@maytube102]

how is the noise and drag while driving? how much mileage reduced? 85" is long for my 08 highlander, and my roof rack rated for 165lb max. Really want it but worry much about the above. thanks.

[@xl6589]

Good video! Are you still running the billies with ome springs on your runner?

[@Ruston_smith]

XL man I have had so many suspension set ups since the last walk around video. I will have to do another one soon. Short answer is I am still running Billies, but I upgraded to the 6112’s in the front with their new special edition S8 spring for 150-200 extra lbs in the front with a stock upper, then I have the 5160’s with Rez in the rear on a Billstein S8 special edition spring that is set for 1.5 inches of lift.

[@1500Overland]

Awesome video, I think I'm sold. Hit me up if you want to do some overlanding, I live in Vegas.

[@dustymorris9191]

your a pretty good size guy does it sleep 2 adults comfortably? I thinking about purchasing this tent

[@jessw3396]

Only thing I wish they would do different is, replace the hold down straps with a metal clamp, I've had straps and over time they frey and wear out. Also, did you get it in Vegas or did you have to order it? Thanks in advance.

[@Ruston_smith]

David B yeah, the straps have been a constant complaint from many. But they now offer a clamp replacement kit. I ordered mine online and had it delivered.

[@jessw3396]

Overlanding USA Please let us know how they work out. Keep up the good work.

[@rferrer61]

what roof rack system do you have on your 4runner?

[@Ruston_smith]

It is a track based load bar set up from Rhino Rack! Its awesome!

[@donphillips4492]

@@Ruston_smith do you know of any tents that fit 2021 trd pro roof rack?

[@patrickgescheidle8740]

No rain protection for those mesh windows?

[@fathertime209]

Can you tell me about the free shipping deal? How did you get that? Did you go pick it up? Also, I appreciate the great review. Thanks...

[@ty_zib]

How tall are you? I'm a tall guy and reference is good to have lol

[@Ruston_smith]

Life with Ty I’m 6’1” so not to tall. But tall enough. I have a good foot plus of leg room.

[@francowj]

Do you noticed any wind noise at high highway speeds or does it affect how the 4runner drives at all due to that much weight on top? I have a 16 runner and considering this same tent or hard shell tent that just opens from the back. Thanks!!

[@Ruston_smith]

I have had several RTT's over the years. Its never completely unnoticed but so far this has been the best for sure! Check them out in the link and let me know if you have any other questions!

[@francowj]

@@Ruston_smith sounds right, can't expect stock like drive when you add aftermarket parts to the roof. Like always, thank you so much for the reply. I'm definitely wanting one, just have to get the wife on board with it. 👍👍

[@Ruston_smith]

francowj let me know if you have any other questions!

[@MusicLuv80]

Can you sleep maybe 3 people? And I heard Ikamper builds up water moister under its bed. Have you owned that before?

[@HardEnduro8]

Still seams a little pricey at $2500. I can deal with extra 5 min load/unload time to save over $1300 in cost. Seems like we are splitting hairs at this point.

[@Ruston_smith]

HARD ENDURO all comes down to what’s important in a tent to you I guess. I like it

[@MrJackato]

Hi. The rain covers on 2 of the windows are inside the tent? And the others 2 covers are outside? So if raining the water will go through the mesh on the windows that have the rain cover in the inside?

[@Ruston_smith]

Gato Sierra that was the case with this model, yes. I believe it was updated for the new models

[@chris74ify]

What is the interior height?

[@blueworld25]

My trustmade rooftop tent is basically the same and cost me $1600. I gotta say im a happy camper!!

[@K9LA1]

I think it’s mounted backwards

[@fazalsalim6230]

how easy is it to mount

[@SDpadresFan619]

I have a 2017 Chrysler 300c & want to buy one of these. But I’m not sure what roof rack to install on my car. Can anyone recommend a roof rack that can hold up to 400 LBs ? I want to sleep 2 people plus the weight of the sparrow. Replies would be appreciated

[@fazalsalim6230]

would it work on mini van

[@ivan23caravantes44]

How much is it tho? Or the other one's they carry? Is there a link in the description? I'll check.

[@westcoasthaase]

I am getting a 4 Runner TRD Pro. Do you know how much weight it can safely hold? Will it accommodate the largest roofnest tent?

[@Ruston_smith]

Dave H if it’s the new a TRD pro, I would look at getting an aftermarket rack for a few reasons. The rack is going to be to short front to back and to tall in my opinion.

[@alancalvitti]

wouldn't it look better and less expensive to use a frond end load trash dumpster? steel-rod-reinforced rim and base prevent bowing. lift pockets feature an integrated design to distribute weight across entire face, providing greater pocket strength. easy to clean & requires no painting

[@baderkw7]

does it make noise when sleeping in windy conditions

[@Ruston_smith]

Bader Al Essa it can be a little windy if you don’t do the pull down strap delete.

[@mrbylawmrbylaw3210]

Hi , I have the Toyota 4Runner 2019 I don't have the crossbars on it but I do have the roof rack kit ready for the cross bars, do I have to remove those ? before I installed the roofnest? And is there a phone # where i can buy this item? An address? Please.

[@olinconner7397]

Very helpful video review. Covered almost everything. Thanks.

[@linelevelmedia7357]

Great video, thanks so much!

[@NicksFort]

Thanks for sharing. Super helpful

[@miketibbs5701]

For that price I hope they have a solar panel and they throw in a nice stove with utensils

[@rajmansandhu3538]

Where do u put the ladder

[@Ruston_smith]

Rajman Sandhu either in the tent or in the truck.

[@jacobsmith4284]

FYI. They're latches or straps. Not grommets.

[@javiervelazqez12]

What size ladder is that 8.5 or 10.5?

[@Ruston_smith]

Javier Velazquez not sure. It’s the stock one that came with the tent. If I had to guess 8.5

[@chrisgoguen]

Great review now I want one!!

[@davidkozelsky]

Great review! Thank you!

[@dootscat3798]

How does it compare to the tepui hybox?

[@Ruston_smith]

Not 100% sure, I just know it costs less. No practical experience with the Tepui.

[@kapeeladevi3774]

Amazing review thank you!!

[@taavaj]

Nice top tent you guys should sell for every one like camping for affordable price so they can enjoy their trips lol.....

[@philcooley5443]

Excellent

[@kyoko703]

Looks super cool!!!!!

[@pilzschwarz]

I like it

[@taavaj]

I reallly like it would like own one if cost under $500.

[@zachpeat5076]

I got it in black and it scratches and leaves marks so easily. They use a bad pant process that’s for sure. It should be only worth $1500, $2,000 not $3,000. Prob better tents out there for that price. Just buyer beware!

[@skapunkoialternativeliving6522]

H*** no i'm not paying spending three thousand dollars from no tent publicly as thousand dollars that's it no more

[@PackardDog]

Cool product but over priced.

[@lorddoma6637]

If i win the lottery i will buy a suv and get this.

[@usernameisusername]

Just get a 4x4 van.

[@donaldernst4043]

I can’t stand anything that uses those stupid gas struts.

[@thedevmachine]

No room for my kids

[@gevorgnazaryan8720]

What kind of bumper do you have on the 4Runner?

[@48956l]

how much solar do you think you could strap on top of that thing?

[@Ruston_smith]

48956l it would be hard because there is nowhere to mount them without drilling strait into the roof.

[@michaelweaver1187]

The new Sparrow Model I just got had a place for solar mounting using flexible panels and velcro. In fact, Roofnest sells the Reneology solar kit.