The Pros and Cons of a Roof Top Tent

[@TrailBendersOverland]

You both seem like the nicest people in the world. Great video! Thank you for posting!

[@TheGillsExpeditionChannel]

Thanks for your kind words. Thanks for watching.

[@mickaelcohen5581]

Who cares they are just trying to sell the tent at any lie price

[@justentertainingtv9686]

They seem very nice, I hope they're not racist.

[@j.canyonsjoblom9840]

Really appreciate you taking the time to produce this! Valuable insight for sure! Happy trails, friends!

[@misterlarryb]

Nice tag-teamwork! Great video, very clear, good sound, nice variety of shots. Missed watching you set it up and tear it down, seems like that could be a very big and helpful decision point. Thanks!

[@TheGillsExpeditionChannel]

Thanks. We have another video about setting up and tearing down. Check it out if you want. Thanks for watching. Todd and Lori.

[@TrailToughTrailers]

Great vid! You covered most of the points and others below covered one seldom thought of which is getting it in a garage while on the vehicle. I've had a couple different ones/brands and love them. I did have to get use to the idea of NOT base camping anymore. I used to set up a camp and the explore from there, leaving my tent and things out while I 4x4 off into the wilds. Now that I have changed my method and move on each day to a new location I've learned I enjoy that even more then I thought I would. One thing that wasn't mentioned was making sure it is well dried out before packing it away for any length of time. I had a friend that we both were out on a rainy adventure. When I got home I opened mine up and allowed it to dry COMPLETELY before putting it away for the season. Also, I have a large shop where I can do that inside out of bad weather! He on the other hand did not pack his away completely dry and opened it later to find mold. So... if you camp out with one late in the season and are caught in rain... you better figure out some way to dry it out!!! Again, great vid... thanks for sharing.

[@TheGillsExpeditionChannel]

That's good advice. I really never thought of the packing and storage of the tent when I was making the video. Thanks for watching.

[@andile69]

Awesome review guys

[@youtubemarty]

First video about this type of product. Not for me currently but you guys do point out quite a bit of super informative things. Appreciate the video.

[@uncleansanchez]

Excellent real world review. It's nice being able to get info on a product without the sales pitch or manufacturer's bias. Good job.

[@TheGillsExpeditionChannel]

Thank you for your kind words and for watching. Todd and Lori

[@seorsa10]

Great video! I was seriously considering getting a RTT, but decided I need to get back into camping first, before I go to the expense of an RTT. I also realized my plan of storing and installing the RTT in my garage will not work with my quaint barn door garage entrance, as I have about 4" clearance over my rack.

[@a_legitimate_salvage]

What an awesome, honest, and informational video. Thanks guys!

[@TheGillsExpeditionChannel]

Thanks. Todd and Lori.

[@warrenmedley8246]

We have 2 Roof top tents for our family (we have kids) and they are fantastic, they are quick to erect and put down. All the other features both good and no so good (not bad) are just what you mentioned in the video. Our biggest hassle with the RTT was if you needed or wanted to drive somewhere we had to pack up the tents etc to head into town for supplies etc. I have now built a Toy hauler to carry the families dirt bikes and mounted the RTT's on top of that. This now sorts out our issue of packing the tent every time we need to use our vehicle. Thank you for a great video

[@TheGillsExpeditionChannel]

Thanks for the kind words.

[@jshaw6600]

Warren, do you have any pictures or videos online of your built toyhauler/RTT carrier?

[@warrenmedley8246]

Not yet, hopefully in about a week I can post a few "beginning" the project and a few "busy" with the project. I have started to re develop the trailer to suite us better. I am now using a Service body as my camper base on my flat bed trailer. The 1 side will be the kitchen with a gas cooker and all your cutlery accessible on the 1 side, it will have an awning over the kitchen area for shade and possible rain. The other side of the service body is a mirror image, this will carry all our clothing, towels, sleeping bags, pillows and toiletries..This has an awning as well as an awning tent which just hangs on the awning. The back wall has a big zip to access your clothing etc. The kids will sleep in there while my wife and I sleep on top of the service body in the Roof top tent. There is a cavity between the 2 'cupboards (Kitchen and bedroom). I am custom building a sliding drawer for my Waeco cooler and a Gas Hot water system next to the kitchen sink. The trailer will have L.E.D lights with dimmers in each of the cupboards, everything will be run off a 12v battery system charged by either an Anderson plug while we are driving, a 240V charger to charge the 12v battery if we stay at a powered site and Solar panels to charge in the day when we need a charge. I have all my drawings on bits of paper on my home office desk. I lye awake between 2 and 5 at night adding to our trailer. It will be fitted with USB and 12v sockets for mobile phone chargers and DVD player etc. I have already purchased the wash line which will be fitted to the front....not many campers have a wash line :-) I will post once I have made more progress

[@relacser]

sounds like a great set up bruz, anychance of getting a squiz yet?

[@VapeGoldCoastMolendinar]

Im about to embark on the same mission with our dirtbike trailer - dont suppose you ended up posting any videos up of it ?

[@moneygeewtee]

Thanks so much for your honesty showing both pros and cons of owning a roof-top tent! I'm still very interested in owning one; after I've saved a considerable amount of money!!!!($2K). Take care!

[@TheGillsExpeditionChannel]

Glad you enjoyed the video. Thanks for watching. Todd and Lori

[@davidkozelsky]

Thanks! I’d get the hard shell rtt because when you’re trying to stay overnight at the rest area you don’t have to set it up and take two parking spots and look like you’re camping there. Great review!

[@fordprefect2397]

I have a 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee and bought the Tepui Ayer Sky 2 person,only $900 shipped.Worth every penny.First night it survived 30-40 mph winds and a hellacious rain storm in the desert,the wind did lift the cantilevered end so I moved my upper body to that end ,problem solved.Only concern was whether it was a lightening rod. Im still here...I built my own rack from aluminum tube and 3/8 plate,because the Jeep one was over $500 and very flimsy..mine under $150.I put a chain wench in a tree in my yard which makes it easy money and since mine sets back farther then this one ,stability is not an issue,it does hurt gas mileage by about 3mpg at 70-75 or 80 mph in Wyoming or Montana.I was just there .No issue putting the cover back on,Do not completely remove it ,leave the slotted end on and let it drape...I can open/setup or close this unit in under 10 minutes at a leisurely pace..I did need a small step ladder(2step) to reach everything easily.As for peeing in the middle of the night,for guys thats easy,the same bottle you use when stuck on the freeway and your prostate is screaming at you...LMO.. I give it a A+.

[@TheGillsExpeditionChannel]

That sound like a great setup and quite an adventure for you the first night camping in it. We have been in lightening storms in our tent also and wonder about lightening. Hopefully we never find out! Thanks for watching.

[@ChasinSimplicity]

Great video. Appreciate your thoughts on it. I keep debating if I should do this or sleep inside my 4runner.

[@TheGillsExpeditionChannel]

It is a tough decision. No matter what you decide just get out there and explore. Thanks for watching. Todd and Lori

[@ChasinSimplicity]

The Gill's Expedition Channel always do and thank you!

[@aredman22]

Thanks for sharing. Even as of 9.2019, I haven't seen many pro/con videos on these tents.

[@Pasuche1961]

Hi! Thank you very much for posting this video. I really like your setup on top of your roof. I’d like to get a roof rack like the one you have in this video. Can you tell me where I can get one. Thanks!

[@TheGillsExpeditionChannel]

Hi Chris. Thanks for the kind words. This is a custom roof rack that I built myself. Sorry I couldn't be more helpful but I'm sure there are some good after market roof racks out there. Happy Travels! Todd and Lori

[@Bumblebee5229-s1s]

Hello thankyou for this information one thing is what is holding the fuel on your spear Tyer thankyou.

[@TheGillsExpeditionChannel]

I built a spare tire fuel carrier myself. kzbin.info/www/bejne/qZW2lZaeha2BbM0. Thanks for watching. Todd and Lori

[@alwayshungrylo9692]

Could you list the roof rack and those tan water containers? Great video

[@TheGillsExpeditionChannel]

I custom made the roof rack. The water containers are Scepter brand www.lexingtoncontainercompany.com/Military-Water-Cans.html Thanks for watching. Todd and Lori

[@debracurrie3023]

Great video! Do you still have rooftop tent? If so, which one?

[@TheGillsExpeditionChannel]

Thanks. No we do not have a roof top tent any longer. We changed over to a truck bed camper. Thanks for watching. Todd and Lori.

[@BaileyZLeone]

Thanks that was helpful. Is the one y'all use a four season tent? I'm going to collage and the apartments are far to pricy for me. My main worry is snow and heat. I found a battery/ solar power air-conditioner that runs on water and is safe in small room but keeping worm is still a big (?) for me. any tips?

[@TheGillsExpeditionChannel]

Where are you going to college? It will depend a lot on what the climate will be. The tents do pretty well in the cold weather but if it is going to be super cold, it will be difficult to stay warm especially if the wind is very strong. Good luck with college and thanks for watching. Todd and Lori

[@jamesdhardy]

Thanks guys! We’re really close to getting one and this was great to get an honest opinion. Cheers

[@TheGillsExpeditionChannel]

We are glad you enjoyed the video. Thanks for watching. Todd and Lori

[@BountyXP]

Appreciate the video and your experiences with RTT's. Sounds like 75% of the "cons" can be alleviated by mounting it to the bed of a pickup (i.e. Diamond Cover). Thanks for the video.

[@bmar400]

Great idea!😂

[@matilyncrowder]

That's what we did!

[@akaroamale475]

Hi there from New Zealand thanks for the video, we love our rooftop tent. However unlike you, we found the mattress very uncomfortable as it was only 3" thick, we have taken advice from many others on the nett who feel the same and got an Exped MegaMat Duo. Yet to try it in anger but it sure is nice on the floor. The other problem we have had is wind shaking the hell out of us, I have put paracord on the eyelets on all corners and tied them down well. This has stopped the flapping we have had when a wind comes up during the night. Like you, we feel it is a great tent and overall we really enjoy it. You are right you do have to watch the weight, most vehicles here can only take 100kg dynamic weight, i.e. moving, and up to 250kg static weight. So with 50kg for the tent, an overweight tall man at 110kg, the boss at 70kg and the dog at 30kg it does not leave much room to play with. I have mine folding out the back of the truck, ute here in NZ, that way like you we get shelter while getting gear in and out of the back.

[@burnsn2002]

Hi! Excellent points in your video! The weight of the tent given was 185#. 10 gallons of water is about 83#. The rack itself 50#(?). Gear box and gear 30#(?). Rounded up that's 350#. Could be higher or could be lower. The stock rack had a maximum 165# load capacity. Could you guys speak to the load capacity with your custom rack? Have you made any suspension modifications to accommodate the weight up top? Have you guys considered dynamic weight impact on center of gravity, braking, and increased wear? My questions are all learning based. I would love to throw as much weight, tent included, up top as you all have even if I have to replace the stock rack on my gen 2 Xterra.

[@TheGillsExpeditionChannel]

Most of the stock racks that the OEM supply are not very good. If you are going to put some weight on the roof a good rack is a must. When I made the rack I tried to keep it as low as possible to keep the center of gravity as low. Other than wind resistance while driving we have not really noticed much change in the way the truck handles. We do a lot of 4 wheeling and even while off camber the truck feels pretty stable. We made no mods to the suspension. I notice a greater breaking distance but that is probable due to the extra overall weight of the vehicle. Hope this info helps.

[@burnsn2002]

Outstanding! Your response is greatly appreciated!

[@kubibear2890]

I tried out one of these and they are fine for younger people , One night when I needed a bathroom trip , it was raining hard and it was pitch black. Coming down that ladder in the wet and dark was awful. Otherwise I slept very well. Oh to be young again!

[@willrothfuss8470]

Thanks guys. Great video. I am debating a roof top tent, vs maybe just sleeping in the car for a painting expedition. I am older and have bad knees and back, so wondering just how much difficulty the ladder will create.

[@TheGillsExpeditionChannel]

You have to do a lot of climbing around not only to get in the tent but for set up and storage. Having bad back and knees could make this process not very enjoyable. Thanks for watching. Todd and Lori

[@mickrob1]

Do high winds effect roof tents when they are up ?.

[@oldiwan1167]

I really like you roof rack. Would you be willing to make another? And how much would you charge? Thanks :-) Do you think the stock rack would hold a tent mounted in the front, like yours? Great video!

[@TheGillsExpeditionChannel]

Thanks for the kind words. I am sorry but I don't have enough free time to make stuff for others. Thanks for watching. Todd and Lori.

[@bstadele]

Great inside on first hand use 👍🏻 for that vehicle it looks perfect , I am planning to install mine in the back of a Toyota Tundra so it will address height ? Wind resistance essayer accesses and storage

[@onefastcyclist]

thanks - good information. We go to Death Valley a lot an frequently forgo the stakes and use cord to secure our tent to stones we move in place. The wind can be very fierce there and we're doubtful about being perched high on a sprung auto. Does the wind blow you back & forth on the FJ's soft springs?

[@TheGillsExpeditionChannel]

We have been in some pretty bad winds and were surprised that the FJ did not sway back and forth much. We assume we did not get much movement because when the truck is fully loaded it compresses the springs pretty good. Thanks for watching. Todd and Lori

[@onefastcyclist]

Thanks - that's good to know. If I could teach the border collie to climb a latter I think we'd put on on top of our jeep

[@seorsa10]

I have seen some video from a biologist caught in a fierce winter storm, and he was very secure and comfortable. And you can teach your border collie to climb a ladder! Give it a go, they are the best learner's, and they love that kind of thing.

[@CroakerOutdoors]

Thank for you for the video. I love the idea of a RTT but the price, attaching and detaching, and needing to move off the campsite mid trip make it hard for me to rationalize. What I would really like, is mounting a RTT to one of those cool off road mini camping trailers to pull behind my truck. You can keep all your gear in it, plus have all the benefits of the RTT and can still can go out to the lake or store.

[@cleansafepools5378]

Question. You mentioned wet and soggy tents when it rains. So when its been raining you go to pack up your roof top tent and head to your next stop, does the inside of the tent get wet and soggy? You store your sleeping bags in the roof top tent along with the built in mattress so is the bedding damp when you get to the next stop and open up the tent ? How does this work ? Thank you!!

[@TheGillsExpeditionChannel]

The inside of the tent will get a bit damp when packing up when its raining but we have never had it sopping wet. The most we've had to do is set the sleeping bags out for an hour or so in the sun to dry off. Thanks for watching.

[@cleansafepools5378]

Thank you for the information and the great video! We are looking forward to getting a roof top tent soon for our Jeep ;-)

[@jakemiller3899]

I played that, "alright, bye" way too many times haha. thanks for the video guys!

[@TheGillsExpeditionChannel]

Glad you enjoyed the video! Thanks for watching.

[@anorexicspider9494]

Very good and honest vid. You guys seem to be enjoying it and enjoy camping very much.Happy camping

[@richardclendaniel2125]

My wife and I are and have been ground campers for a few years now. We, as most do are looking to upgrade to a Roof system. There are a few cons associated with the roof top system that we are trying to work around. When we camp we usually find a place we like to stay at for several days then move on. I don't want to have to keep packing an unpacking the tent every time we want to leave to go out sight seeing in the morning then return in the evening. I see many folks just find a site and stay put. We like to explore the areas around us such as Acadia National Park. Any thoughts other than biking it.

[@TheGillsExpeditionChannel]

With your style of camping you probably want to explore the idea of a RTT mounted to a trailer. Many people go that route and it seem to work great also. When you switch to the trailer method you gain the independence of being able to unhook your primary vehicle and explore the area, and extra storage space in the trailer. The disadvantage of the trailer is the cost, towing something behind the vehicle and sometimes it limits the type of trails you can go on because of the extra length. The are just a few of the pros and cons of the trailer method that I could think of quickly. Hope this helps.

[@ceeweedsl]

If you are gonna haul a trailer, also consider an Aliner type popup. Small, light, low profile yet hardsided for bear country. Probably no more than a trailer and a RTT and a LOT better. www.rvtrader.com/A-Liner-RVs/rvs-for-sale?keyword=A-liner&make=A-Liner%7C765327524&price=*%3A5000&condition=U&sort=distance%3Aasc&page=1&

[@jaynoneofyourbiz3563]

Great video. I have the ruggedized Autana myself and love it

[@janetcismesia]

This is a great video. Very helpful in making a decision about a RTT. I was surprised that no one has mentioned the one thing that is my biggest dilemma though. I don't know how I'd climb up and down the ladder with my dog!

[@TheGillsExpeditionChannel]

That is a good point. I guess if your dog is small you would have no trouble but with big dogs it would be quite difficult. Thanks for watching. Todd

[@captron7250]

What about the negative if you have to go to a store, or want to check out some sight 15 or 20 miles away? You have to re-pack your tent because you can't drive down the road with it setup. For me, that's a major and the biggest negative.

[@TheGillsExpeditionChannel]

Yes, if that is your style of travel than having the tent on the roof would be a big negative. Thanks for watching.

[@wendellsons8516]

That’s definitely a dealbreaker for me as well. Surprised that was not brought up in the video.

[@JeepCherokeeful]

Or when your significant other wants to stay in camp and you don't. RTT's are great but nothing is as versatile as a ground tent, if you pack light even air travel isn't out of the question for example

[@waughthogwaugh3078]

Recently RTT camped in Queensland where we saw a great compromise. The flatbed of a ute (pickup) has a box-body and RTT which can be jacked up off the ute and left in situ on its legs.

[@JeepCherokeeful]

Waughthog Waugh That's not enough "camp" to leave behind for your significant other while gone for the day.

[@Catwoman12nc]

Thanks for this video. It's good to hear from experience the things you might not think of before you buy something like this.

[@TheGillsExpeditionChannel]

We are glad you enjoyed the video. Thanks for watching. Todd and Lori

[@ccrider77]

Thanks for a decent video on the good and bad... I like the ease of set-up vs. a typical ground tent. I also like the higher view, fewer crawling things and better ventilation. The negatives however, like extreme expense in most cases, a ladder as an obstacle to step out to go pee or access something in camp or in the vehicle, the sway in strong winds and lack of access for the handicapped or older "mobility impaired" people (like me) are down sides. I still simply prefer a vehicle which is configured so you can sleep inside, such as a larger SUV or a 4x4 van. For camping on the ground, a high-quality tent with full fly is hard to beat.

[@snugbug5067]

This was the first roof top tent video I've watched and it was a good one. And it covered all the grounds. 😃😉

[@TheGillsExpeditionChannel]

We are glad you enjoyed the video. Thanks for watching. Todd and Lori.

[@derekhartigan7023]

Great video. My concern has always been that once you're set up, you're trapped. I like to set up and be able to take off and explore, like in a national forest or park or something. Have you had to adapt your travel plans around this?

[@TheGillsExpeditionChannel]

Most of the time we do all of our exploring before we set up the tent. We generally don't stay in one place for more than a night.

[@HudsonZRoamer]

Great well balanced video guys.. It depends on what type of trip I am taking but I really like the RTT option most of the time.

[@TheGillsExpeditionChannel]

Thanks. You are right about the type of trip. It works good for some trip styles but not for all of them. Thanks for watching.

[@gibbygibby895]

Hi! Was wondering what kind of awning you guys have? Thanks! Great video!

[@TheGillsExpeditionChannel]

We use this one. www.equipt1.com/collections/awnings/products/bat-270-awning. It works great. Thanks for watching. Todd and Lori

[@jimallen7254]

Nice video of pros and cons, thanks for sharing.

[@saidwoohoo]

You guys are so adorable. I take your review to heart.

[@TheGillsExpeditionChannel]

Thanks for watching. Todd and Lori.

[@Steve211Ucdhihifvshi]

just wondering what the controller is that you have mounted on the silver panel below the airvent on the drivers side? Cheers

[@TheGillsExpeditionChannel]

I have a National Luna dual battery controller installed in the truck to manage the battery systems. That is the remote control mounted under the air vent. Thanks for watching.

[@kyleh6802]

Pretty spot on I'd say. Having a larger vehicle negates some of the problem of lost space on the roof as more gear can be packed inside the vehicle, but with a smaller vehicle that must be considered carefully. I also find myself climbing all over my vehicle when packing up. They aren't always the best option, but I love mine :)

[@TheGillsExpeditionChannel]

Yes, we agree 100%! Thanks for watching. Todd and Lori

[@kucelkj]

Thank you for the great video. It was well thought out and thorough. Given the price you quoted, I'd rather invest into a teardrop off road trailer instead. You get many of the benefits you cited without being high up in the air. Plus, you can disconnect from your truck and leave the teardrop trailer sit.

[@TheGillsExpeditionChannel]

Thank you for your kind words. A tear drop trailer is a great option. Thanks for watching.

[@andrewhodgson6940]

WOW what an awesome video! Thank you for this!

[@jaymueller2418]

Great video! Thanks from Australia!

[@TheGillsExpeditionChannel]

Thanks for the kind words. Thanks for watching.

[@TheGillsExpeditionChannel]

Thanks for watching! Maybe one day we will be lucky enough to travel to Australia.

[@RunInSedona]

Thanks for posting this video. How safe do you feel putting all of your weight in the overhanging area of the tent? We just installed and tested in the driveway, and I just don't trust that ladder isn't going to collapse or slide out

[@TheGillsExpeditionChannel]

We have never had a problem with the ladder supporting the weight of the tent with us in it. Sometimes when we were camped on uneven ground we had to make sure the ladder had a good flat and stable footing before climbing into the tent. Have fun camping and thanks for watching. Todd and Lori

[@fjoverlanding4496]

great vid!! do you have build plans for the roof rack ? love how it is setup!

[@TheGillsExpeditionChannel]

No. I kind of just designed it as I went. Sorry.

[@rookiesm3]

Well presented. Based on my experience with an RTT, I definitely think you have highlighted the real world experience of RTT ownership. This is certainly not an artificial review.

[@itawest]

Do you get condensation build up under the mattress when its cold? Do you feel the coldness from below or is the mattress thick enough?

[@TheGillsExpeditionChannel]

The only condensation we noticed was on the tent walls if we didn't leave the windows open for ventilation. My wife is a cold sleeper and she never complained of being cold while being in the tent. I never noticed any coldness from the mattress. Thanks for watching.

[@kautschman]

Excellent work guys....very helpful!

[@PietBarber]

I have a Yakima SkyRise mounted on my Nissan frontier pickup truck. I absolutely love the setup. One other disadvantage of the rooftop tent is that if you are camping someplace for several days, your tent requires that you assemble or disassemble it every day you want to drive somewhere. So if you are one to use the tent as a cheap hotel, just remember that you have to pack it up if you want to drive down to the local waffle house for breakfast.

[@olliehopnoodle4628]

Great info on your video! You guys look like you have fun together.!

[@TheGillsExpeditionChannel]

Thanks for the kind words. Todd and Lori

[@idahoplantguy9027]

Well you two are just lovely.

[@MrAlecyang205]

The first thing came to my mind is, after you got up to the tent, what do you do with the boots? Or do you leave it on the ground?

[@TheGillsExpeditionChannel]

That is a great question! When you climb into the tent and are sitting at the doorway, you take your shoes off and hang them on a couple of hooks that are built into the platform right where the ladder connects to the tent platform. Thanks for watching. Todd and Lori.

[@Mark.McLaren]

How many times is it possible to say "Roof Top Tent" in a short video....?

[@mkventures5259]

What is the weight capacity of your roof cross bars?

[@TheGillsExpeditionChannel]

800 pounds

[@pocketbike698]

How noticable is the center of gravity change on the FJ with the RTT?

[@TheGillsExpeditionChannel]

You notice a little more roll in the high speed corners but on the trails I really don't notice it that much. Hope that helps.

[@ZacharyKrepps]

How does this affect your gas mileage? How long does it take to setup and take down? Great video! Thanks!

[@TheGillsExpeditionChannel]

Hi Zachary. In general we lose about a couple MPG with the tent on the roof but if you are driving into a stiff headwind you may as well double that. It takes about 10 min for a full setup and about the same to tear down. You can do it faster if you rush but we don't usually do that unless it raining hard. Thanks for watching. Todd and Lori

[@MJ-zo5gb]

I think the biggest benefit of a ground tent is that you can use it as a real room. If the weather or bugs are bad you can hang out in it. Set up a table and camp chairs, cook carefully if necessary. You can only sit cross legged in a roof top tent.

[@ThenewlorayoHD]

lmao if i ever buy one i want you two in person convincing me bc this is very nice

[@onwardadventure]

That’s a nice rig, Really wanting an FJ rig

[@armeyf]

Are you guys full-time tent dwellers? If not, what do you do with it when not in use?

[@TheGillsExpeditionChannel]

Not full time. We just use it mostly on long trips. When not in use it sits up against the wall in the garage. Thanks for watching. Todd and Lori

[@sheaashbee4256]

Did you have to bend your spring rods (to hold the fly up) at all to avoid the awning?

[@TheGillsExpeditionChannel]

Yes. I had to shape the spring rods to go up over the awning. Thanks for watching.

[@rookiesm3]

One thing I'd like to mention is that the set up and pack up of the RTT cover is a significant part of work, relatively speaking. Those who are considering a RTT should consider a hard top RTT that just pops up, thus eliminating the finicky effort of unstrapping and unzipping of the cover.

[@TheGillsExpeditionChannel]

That is a great point. The hard cover tents are a great option to the RTT with the travel cover. Thanks.

[@jerryclark8454]

What about rocking back and forth? Is there much movement of the vehicle at that height?

[@TheGillsExpeditionChannel]

Not really. It is surprisingly stable on and off road. Thanks for watching. Todd and Lori

[@jerryclark8454]

Sorry, to clarify I was concerned about sleeping. If someone moves in their sleep does it rock the vehicle like a waterbed waking you?

[@johndelepine4856]

Great Job guys, Thanks for the honest great information.

[@LiveLifeTheNordicWay]

Very informative, Thanks!

[@EisBlade]

Old video with great content. One con many don't take into consideration is that with a RTT, you have to pack it all back up to go anywhere. Have to relocate the vehicle for some reason? Fold the RTT in enough first then move.

[@joeschoell7861]

Any FJ owners out there using the yakima timberline towers with bars for a RTT? I'm partial to Yakima, and I'm putting the yakima skyrise 3 onto of the FJ. I just want the damn thing to stay on my roof. Any suggestions?

[@wesammansour1486]

Great video,very very helpful.. Thank you very much.. Greetings from Yemen

[@TheGillsExpeditionChannel]

We are glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for watching. Todd and Lori

[@johncraig3948]

Have a Washable easy to clean front end cover to get rid of bugs

[@jamesdhardy]

Also, did you guys purchase a 2 person or 3 person?

[@TheGillsExpeditionChannel]

We have a three person. Thanks for watching. Todd and Lori.

[@averagealice8877]

so have you used it in any substantial winds and how did it perform?

[@TheGillsExpeditionChannel]

We have been in several storms with high winds (30-40 mile per hour) and rain. The tent performed surprisingly well and was pretty stable. The only thing we noticed was that the rain fly would intermittently flap against the tent body but I guess this is the same problem you have with ground tents. Thanks for watching. Todd and Lori

[@fitzgerald916]

what brand of water containers are those?

[@TheGillsExpeditionChannel]

We use the Scepter 10 liter water cans. We really like them and they are heavy duty. lexingtoncontainercompanysonlinestore.mybigcommerce.com/scepter-military-water-can-10l-tan/

[@natashalindner2059]

Thanks, good to know and I just found out the centre of gravity is a concern too.

[@akaroamale475]

Good point.

[@denverspin]

Not too much. Unless you are doing serious off roading or taking sharp corners way too fast. In general, my car feels pretty stable on the road

[@austinreynolds1033]

What Tepui model is this?

[@TheGillsExpeditionChannel]

Hello Austin. This is the RUGGEDIZED SERIES AUTANA 3. Thanks for watching. Todd and Lori

[@yannmetayer2670]

hello, what is the car ? thanks

[@TheGillsExpeditionChannel]

Hi Yann. It is a 2014 Toyota FJ Cruiser. Thanks for watching. Todd and Lori.

[@WildBlueDiscovery]

How do you deal with the bathroom situation?

[@TheGillsExpeditionChannel]

It depends on where we camp. If in the middle of nowhere then we use nature bathroom. If camped close to facilities then we use them. Thanks for watching. Todd and Lori

[@WildBlueDiscovery]

The Gill's Expedition Channel ...during the night do u keep a porta potty of some type up in the tent?

[@TheGillsExpeditionChannel]

No. We try not to drink much right before bed.

[@WildBlueDiscovery]

ok..thanks for the feedback

[@sukhmonsultan5300]

What about winter ? Canadian winter ?

[@TASK_27]

Awesome video. Thanks really good info. 👍

[@TheGillsExpeditionChannel]

Glad you liked the video. Thanks for watching!

[@MOOCHZ1LLA]

I agree with you on the RTT. One thing you forgot was if you need to drive some where or go trail riding after setting up the tent it needs to be packed up every time you want to move the FJ. I went with an off-road trailer with at RTT tent so I can park it and then take the FJ on some trails. The trailers are a great option for camping with only one con...price.

[@TheGillsExpeditionChannel]

Excellent point. Happy Travels! Todd and Lori

[@dbswotjrwkd]

Great video!

[@TheGillsExpeditionChannel]

Thanks! We are glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for watching. Todd and Lori.

[@nickgrandy3098]

I got me a smittybuilt for $1000... plopped it up top of my JK... took a road trip from Wa to Az for 11 glorious days... camped at many places... tent was amazing...I've never slept so well while camping... and everytime I wanted or needed to go some where, it really only takes minutes... but then again, I'm pretty minimalist so I don't have a bunch of crap to pack back up... that's the trick to being quick with these things... your going camping people... leave ALL the crap you don't NEED and you won't have a bunch of crap to pack up...RTT'S are where it's at...

[@TheGillsExpeditionChannel]

Well said! Thanks for watching. Todd and Lori

[@Oldsparkey]

Thanks for a nice video on the roof top tents. It's nice to see someone point out both sides of the coin. I do have one complaint...... You said that a ground tent would cost $200.00 , Today that figure is way low for a decent one and a top quality costs a even more.

[@TheGillsExpeditionChannel]

You are right Chuck. I should have went a little higher on a good entry level tent. Thanks for watching.

[@hilmicooper840]

Thanks for the info 👍☺️

[@adamhammershoy9094]

Some other issues with a RTT: having to pack it up every time you want to go out. Packing it up in the rain and everything inside the tent gets wet. Lots of wear and tear if opening and closing the tent a lot.

[@TheGillsExpeditionChannel]

All great points. Thanks for watching

[@teachnyou8792]

What kind of car do you have?

[@TheGillsExpeditionChannel]

It is a 2014 Toyota FJ Cruiser. Thanks for watching.

[@va3ks]

Thank you for the useful video...you answered my questions.

[@TheGillsExpeditionChannel]

We are glad that you found the video helpful. Thanks for watching. Todd and Lori.

[@serkanister3620]

Thank you and have a nice trip

[@Volkswear]

Thanks for the great video guys.

[@TheGillsExpeditionChannel]

Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for watching.

[@actionhog12]

What year is your FJ Cruiser? And wgats the Mileage? Thanks xD

[@TheGillsExpeditionChannel]

It is a 2014 and it has about 46,000 miles. Thanks for watching.

[@Mordiaken]

did you guys have to get a special roof rack to support it?

[@TheGillsExpeditionChannel]

Yes, The stock roof rack was not strong enough to carry the tent. Thanks for watching. Todd and Lori

[@ZiggZagg11]

I would like to see if your opinion of this camper changes in a year or two... I think you are trying to convince yourselves that it was a good choice...

[@theviking363]

that is a nice vid..you two make a good team

[@TheGillsExpeditionChannel]

Thanks for your kind words. Todd and Lori