Roofnest Sparrow XL Long Term Review - 500+ Days of Use - Winter and Summer

[@Engearment]

Roofnest Sparrow XL - $3500 - snp.link/3f95fd01

[@toddrutledge343]

I'm glad you had good success with your Sparrow. I bought one in mid-August 2020 and it has been mounted on my truck for about 370 days and stored inside during winter. I have 60+ nights in it, all in Colorado or SE Utah. In July of this year, I opened it up to camp and everything inside was soaked. I noticed a very small crack at the front driver's side corner and assumed that was the culprit. I contacted Roofnest and they told me to JB Weld it. ...Errr... OK? This past Saturday, after some serious rain over the previous weeks, we opened it up again and everything was once again soaked. This time, I crawled up so I could inspect the entire roof and found over 2 feet of cracks in the plastic, all located around the depressed, "cargo area" at the back of the tent. I'd never used that for cargo, and have never had something heavy fall on the RTT, so I reached out to Roofnest. They notified me that I was about 6 weeks out of warranty, and offered to give me a small refund of $300 and suggested that I use that $ to buy a truck bed sealant and coat the roof myself. I suggested that, when I contacted them in July, the real culprit of my soaked bedding was not the 1.25" crack I had originally seen, but more likely the 2 feet of cracks that I had not noticed back when it was still under warranty. They were not any more accommodating. Subsequent research today yielded a number of Better Business Bureau claims against them for similar cracks and similar lack of customer service. It appears they have also been sued for not standing behind their products, too. I'm a professional guide with over 30 years of experience leading trips around the world, and I have literally thousands of nights worth of camping experience, using dozens of different tents. I'm super disappointed by the lack of customer service and complete lack of ownership Roofnest demonstrated when I reached out to them. The offer of refunding less than 10% of the purchase price and telling me to spend most of that on sealant is pretty pathetic. Buyer beware...

[@chris74ify]

Same issues you had...so bought the flacon ...hopefully it's a better model

[@cardboardkush]

Thank you for your comment. After digging into bbb and Reddit it seems like they have poor customer service and the sparrows are prone to cracking. Glad the op acct that posted it has had great success with his sparrow 🤙

[@NguyenHaiNhi75]

Glad I read these comments. I were about to pull the trigger on a used one but I’m canceling it. Thanks

[@Tbone.357]

Wow. Eye-opening review. Second thoughts for sure.

[@katerrrific]

I have the same tent and I ordered the thermal liner, if you haven't yet, I definitely recommend it for cold camping. Keeps it super warm and isn't too hard to setup and take down. It stores in the tent as well.

[@Engearment]

I will have to check that out! Thanks for the tip 🙌

[@artxcel]

Love the set up dude. That's the way to design a life of joy. I have a sparrow and it's nice to get some ideas. I have to incorporate the solar so I can run a fridge. You have enough room for what you need and are able to get out an explore wherever you want. Cheers!

[@Engearment]

Thank you! It’s been a real pleasure using this RTT. Opened a whole new world to us. Super stoked you are rocking the sparrow too! Hope you hate math great adventures with it!

[@michaelmorales112]

I found this video helpful. I have the sparrow, and am using it to camp in Zion this week, where it's actively snowing, and down to near 0°. The info on how to layer, was the main reason for watching, and yours was the only video of a Roofnest in snow. Thanks!

[@Engearment]

I am so happy this was helpful!! That makes me very happy that you get to put this info to use in Zion. Have a fantastic adventure out there!!

[@michaelmorales112]

@@Engearment did exactly as you suggested. Stayed warm all night! Thanks ag

[@Engearment]

@@michaelmorales112 I am so happy to hear this! Many more fantastic adventures ahead for you!

[@datt5698]

I just ordered my regular sparrow! I'm excited to live a nomadic lifestyle! 😁 thx for your video!

[@Engearment]

I am so thrilled for you!! Have fun!

[@PaulBeiser]

This was excellent, Sean! Do you use leveling blocks to make sure you don't slide in the tent? If so, any tricks. Like the overall setup, esp the Solar to power the refrigerator. Look forward to that video. And dogs have no problems getting up the ladder??

[@Engearment]

Thank you my friend!! We LOVE the setup. I try to just level out on the ground as best as possible. Sometimes I drive up onto a rock, or even a 24kg kettlebell that I keep in the 4 Runner. It’s so nice having the 160 watts of solar too. It’s enough power to charge the 1000 watt battery and keep our food and eve rates cold. I grab the dogs under the torso and carry them up. Tried teaching them ti climb the ladder, but no luck 😆😆

[@tg2383]

Hi, enjoyed your video. I am exploring beat purchase options for roof top tents. I do have a few questions about dog logistics. How do you get your dogs easily in the roof too tent? Do you have any sort of portable runner that is used? I want to take my 52 pound dog but don’t think I can lug her up the ladder. Also, what is the cooler brand and I am interested in the brand of your side mounted awning. Thanks!

[@Kikiyayazengardens]

Can you show me how you lift your big dogs up and put them in the nest. I wish I could lift my dog and have her sleep next to me but she is too heavy.

[@Engearment]

Absolutely. I will shoot that video this week. Our biggest dog is 75lb. The method I use is simple and comfortable for the dog too.

[@Kikiyayazengardens]

@@Engearment You are fabulous. I am a 57 year old granny, but my dog weighs 27 kg 59 lb and now needs to sleep in the van below me. I miss her next to me. I can lift her, but I cannot get her up to the tent. Or down. Meanwhile......... I googled lbs to kg. My bull terrier weighs 27 kg. That's 59 lbs. I can lift her and get her across a cattle grid but I cannot lift her and get us up the stairs to the nest.

[@vinodbhoj]

@Engearment

[@vinodbhoj]

Question: how do you take your dogs up in rooftop tent!??? Specifically in winter conditions..

[@damonphalin6023]

Great review. I keep going between this and other models. How do you feel about the headroom? Can you change up there comfortably? Also, solar idea is great. Not sure if you have considered a lightweight electric blanket.

[@josephronca5196]

Awesome video. Super informative. Have you made a different video for the solar panels mounted on it? We curious about those

[@Engearment]

Thank you! I have not done a video on the solar panels and set up yet. But sure can! I have the Goal Zero battery and set up in this video : kzbin.info/www/bejne/h5mTe6R3dtl0fZo

[@vinodbhoj]

Question: how do you take your dogs up in rooftop tent!??? Specifically in winter conditions..

[@Engearment]

Great question! I pick up the dogs under their torso. That way their legs are kind of limp and they don’t try to jump. I should do a video on it and show my favorite ways to do it. Scooping them up when they are in the tent is the trickiest part.

[@jonathanrunciman5676]

My wife and I are looking at this exact tent But we’re wondering what’s the wind noise like?

[@Engearment]

Hey! Wind noise while driving? Or when camping?

[@jessicalynnwiebe]

@@Engearment I am curious about while driving?!

[@genosmith8368]

Can anyone comment on the comfort level of the stock mattress in the Sparrow? Has anyone compared it to the RoofNest Feather Bed? Any recommendations for one versus the other?

[@Engearment]

The stock mattress is good. I have not used the Feather bed yet though. I am using an Exped mattress now. Works great 👍

[@andyb4150]

Hello, I have a similar roof nest tent. I purchased a Cherokee with it already attached. My question is do the inner arms need to be "locked" out or do they go to where they need to be upon raising the tent? Thanks in advance

[@Engearment]

Hey Andy. Stoked you have a RTT on the new vehicle! The struts (inner arms) will erect to proper height. No need to worry that they will go higher. Hope that helps!

[@afishyfella]

How are your MPGs impacted. I have a T4R as well. Low MPGs are a given with those. I’m just wondering what your real world experience regarding MPGs.

[@Engearment]

Hello! Yes, there was a 1.5-2 MPG drop in most situations. Plus, a little drag in high wind. But it's worth it overall. In my opinion. Take care!

[@WrecklessRemy]

How do the doggos hold up in the negative temps?! I just got an fsr hard shell rooftop tent and plan on doing a bunch of backcountry splitting in Colorado this winter. Good vid!

[@Engearment]

Thank you!! The dogs don’t go with me if it’s below 10-15F. But they do well with the set up. We run with a few sleeping bags up there. Lots if cuddling. Enjoy the new tent!!

[@originalmamagrizzly2478]

How do you get the dogs up the ladder??

[@gigilaroux762]

are there any seams or gap in this tent (thinking the base) where bugs can crawl in? The thule's have gaps

[@Engearment]

Nope. No gaps. Have not had bugs get in. Unless I forget to close the screen doors of course. 😆

[@bottomlinebassin2001]

Awesome setup! Is that the ARB 4' or 6' awning?

[@Engearment]

Thank you! It is the Yakima Slim Shady actually - kzbin.info/www/bejne/aJ-5oYWNp9KWsNE

[@user-mf5hr1wk4z]

Which roof rack do you have it mounted to? I have 5th gen 4runner TRD.

[@Engearment]

Yakima TimberLine Hope that helps!

[@jayjiang4016]

Great video Sean! I am thinking to purchase the same RTT as yours, wondering if you can share what kind of roof rack / loading bar you installed for the RTT and the Awning? Thanks a lot in advance! Jay

[@Engearment]

Hello Jay! Thanks for the nice note. I am using the Yakima HD bars - snp.link/dcb1b22d

[@jayjiang4016]

@@Engearment thanks again!

[@TheKelvala]

Looking through your videos and how do you manage with 2 dogs?

[@Engearment]

I made this video on how to get the dogs up and onto the tent. Hope it helps! How to put a dog in a roof top tent, and how to take them back out kzbin.info/www/bejne/onTEmYaBpbpsq9k

[@courtneyjohnson9436]

Hey there! Could you link the awning rolled up on the side of the vehicle?

[@Engearment]

Hey! Happy to do so - Yakima Slim Shady - kzbin.info/www/bejne/aJ-5oYWNp9KWsNE

[@ElGuajiro48]

Thank you for the review. How do you get your dogs up in the tent? I presume you have to carry them up the ladder, but maybe you got another way.

[@Engearment]

Thank you for the great question. I carry both up there. I scoop under their belly and carry them up the ladder. They are cool with it. Hope that helps!

[@ElGuajiro48]

@@Engearment Thank you, yes it does.

[@MrScrappydo17]

how does that setup do in wind? i've always wondered if the full popup might not fair as well as the clamshells in high wind

[@Engearment]

I have had this in many windy and stormy conditions. The struts do a fantastic job of keeping the tent taught in the wind.

[@MrScrappydo17]

@@Engearment great, thank you!

[@chris74ify]

Just found cracks.on mine...never buying this one again...roofnest suggest using jb weld...get the warranty I guess...because there service is absolutely horrible...check out the bbb reviews...

[@Engearment]

Yep. We encountered this too. We put together a video on how to replace the top portion of the tent (if it comes down to that)

[@chris74ify]

@@Engearment what video? I would like to see it

[@Engearment]

@@chris74ify How to Replace Top Part of Roofnest Tent - Stephan Emerson of Engearment kzbin.info/www/bejne/fYnPn2eEgayKqJo

[@toddrutledge343]

Wait a minute... Roofnest sent you a new top? Did they charge you for it? Mine had the same peeling and flaking of the outermost, shiny layer of material. They told me I had not unpacked it correctly, which was inaccurate. It looked like you had one crack. Mine now has literally 3 feet of cracks, some up to 1/16" wide. I explained my cracking/peeling situation as it stood at the time in the thread above, which as only continued to get worse. Do you have a customer service contact that you dealt with that you might share, because the folks I was in touch with were unwilling to take ownership of their product. I was very polite and diplomatic, and that got me $300 with which to purcahse sealant and apply it myself.

[@jolewis1682]

Hello, how do you deal with the rain? How are you staying dry getting in and out when it rains?

[@Engearment]

I close up the doors almost all the way, if it’s coming down hard. Just like most other tents, wpb cloths and take off the wet gear as you enter the tent.

[@jolewis1682]

@@Engearment Thank you!

[@jamescook9529]

Sean, what is the tnf jacket you're wearing in this video? Steep/Summit series? Cannot seem to find it on their site 🤔

[@Engearment]

Hello James! It is the The North Face Casaval Hoodie. It comes out in the fall of 202. That could be why you could not find it :) Here is the review though! kzbin.info/www/bejne/qHO8da17gqeYbsk

[@DerKooze]

How does it do in high wind?

[@Engearment]

It’s. Even good in high wind. Aside from driving on the highway in high winds. That is a challenge, as you might guess.

[@yengvang1368]

500 plus days of used or used a few times during 500 days, if you used 500 times must be build like a tank.

[@Engearment]

500 days of use on the 4Runner in all conditions. Of that 500 at least 80 days of camping.

[@wriespyt]

Hi, thank you for the informative video. Do you find that the XL overhangs the sides of the 4runner too much or is it not so bad?

[@Engearment]

Hey! Thanks for the nice note! I think it looks fine. The pluses of having a RTT ready to go over ride the extra overhang.

[@wriespyt]

@@Engearment Thanks, we actually went with the Free Spirit Recreation tent that you featured in some of your other videos. Seems like a great choice!

[@Engearment]

@@wriespyt Excellent!! You are going to love it. It opens up so many opportunities. Enjoy the heck out of that!

[@guru60304]

How do you get your dogs in the tent? I just got a condor xl and also have two dogs.

[@Engearment]

I pick the dogs up by hooking my arms under them. Then I approach the ladder and take use my free hands to hold onto the ladder. I should make a video on this as several people have asked how to get the doggos up there. Hope that helps!

[@jrb737]

Good video, looks like you are in CO. I am in Ft. Collins. Anyway, I am looking at several rooftop tents along with this one. How easy is it for 1 person to pack it up? Does it close in on itself easily or do you have to keep going around the tent tucking in all of the material? Thanks, Jeff

[@Engearment]

Hello CO friend! It’s really simple to pack up. There are 2 stretchy straps inside the tent that clip to each wall. This helps pull the material inwards abs makes it more streamlined when packing up. I still find a good once over is best practice to make sure all material is stowed correctly. I would say it’s a 2-3 minute job packing it up. Totally doable by one person. I do it weekly in all conditions. Hope that helps!

[@jrb737]

@@Engearment Ok thank you for the reply. I see Roofnest is from Boulder so I just emailed them to see if they have any display models I can come look at. Still undecided which tent will work best for me.

[@Engearment]

@@jrb737 Yep, they are out of Boulder. Great guys. I met Tim (the owner) a few years ago and we chatted about their tents over some chicken tika masala :) I was really impressed with their gear. I hope you get to check one out in person as well. Let us know what you wind up going with and what you like about it as well. We are all learning here!

[@jrb737]

@@Engearment Sounds good. My possible issue is that I have the SofTopper (also out of Boulder) on my Tacoma and I probably won't want to leave the tent attached during the winter since I still need use of my truck. So maybe they will have some ideas.