Why We Ditched our Roof Top Tent for a Ground Tent (SHIFTPOD)

We get rid of our Tuff Stuff Roof Top tent on our GX470 in favor of a good old-fashioned ground tent and ended up falling in love with our new SHIFTPOD 2 shelter. Overlanding in a Lexus doesn't actually require you to own a roof top tent, in fact, for our project it was much better for us to ditch our roof top tent and sleep on the ground. Roof top tents aren't for everyone, we've explored this in an earlier video here: • Watch This Before You ...
We go over what you want to consider before you pony up and buy one. For us, it came down to a handful of very important reasons:
1. Space
Why install an awesome Rhino Rack platform if the tent eats up 90% of the real estate?
2. Speed
Setting up the Shift Pod ended up being faster than an RTT or a ground tent.
3. Gas Mileage
We gained 2 miles per gallon by getting rid of the tent on top of our rig
4. Money
Bang for the buck, you can't beat the protection and the features of a SHIFTPOD.
We go in to all those in more details in the video, and it just didn't make sense for us to run a roof top tent on our overland-built Lexus GX470. Of course, you should always build out your rig for your own needs-and for us, our priorities shifted and we ended up needing more space on our Rhino Rack platform rack.
For more information on what makes a SHIFTPOD so special:
shiftpod.com/shiftpod/
#GX470 #RoofTopTent #overland #offroad

[@noobatnothing]

I was wondering where I knew you guys from and just remembered ur sick 4age wago and now I find you guys have my dream overlanding rig, big love to u guys. life goals for sure!

[@TigerNgtMare]

Great video it was very helpful to know what direction to go. I really like the idea of been able to keep using the rack without the compromise instead of the roof tent that takes all your space. Thanks!

[@PaydayGabeBCNV]

This is the neatest semi ridged tent/structure I've seen in a long time. And when you consider the cost of this verses a RTT, the ShiftPod wins hands down. The smallest unit is aprox $750+! No climbing, semi ridged, easy to deploy/ recover and cheaper.👍👍 No brainer IMHO.

[@punktexas]

Sometimes keeping up with the Jones's is not logical. I think you made a smart choice.

[@DrivingLine]

Thank you! That's what we feel too.

[@daywithmike4892]

We use both . But we have two jeeps . I got the roof top for medical it allows my wife to get up and down..

[@jalo28]

Great video and content. Was able to buy a shiftpod2 and a mini when they had a sale at their warehouse a few months ago. I have made some improvements to how the blast shield rests on the SP2 with the addition of lights on the top center. Able to store the SP2 back in the bag with the floor and blast shield still attached.

[@randykwon5017]

I had my roof top tent for 3 years and its been great in the beginning and still is ... but I realized there are some negative points that you mentioned are limiting my camping experience. Therefore I've been considering ground tent for awhile but not any ground tent ... POD type of tent you have. Thanks for the video and I'll be looking out for any additional info on type of tent you have. .... HAPPY CAMPING 🏕

[@Alexpickups]

I like how small the basic tent packed up for storage!

[@DrivingLine]

Yeah we like that too. We were going to return it, but decided to keep it just in case.

[@johnnyxcalade]

We have a shift pod mini. Did exactly everything you pointed out here. But for us, sleeping on the ground for more than a night or two was a no go. After the second night of our week long trip, my wife and kids were miserable, so we picked up a blowup bed which added a considerable amount of time to setting up and breaking down camp. Also, with grounds tents, everyone in our group that had a RTT, used our tent to change, which slowed us down even more. Another thing to consider for those that are considering going with a ground tent.

[@jpdrummer86]

Just tell your friends “NO” and make them change in their RTT. You’re not a convenience shelter for everyone. The slow down then isn’t the ground tent. It’s your friends in general and you not making any personal boundaries/rules.

[@joelapplen852]

I also have a rooftop tent and have been looking for something that will be easier. Shiftpod looks like the answer.

[@adams.7488]

I owe Gazelle T4 which is the original design of this type of tent and I Love it! Great choice!

[@DrivingLine]

Yes!! We have heard awesome things about the gazelle.

[@stanw909]

Clam is the original designer of this type of tent,used for portable ice fishing shack.

[@forgottenworld]

Nice and thoughtful evaluation.

[@7betJesus]

Great video. I honestly wasn’t shaving off minutes was so important while camping and relaxing

[@metaglypto]

I had been considering buying and building out a covered utility trailer for camping. I figured it would cost me a minimum of $10,000 to do that, and very likely more. So I am looking at the ShiftPod3 now. At $16-1700 it is an expensive tent, but comparable to an RTT, which simply would not work for me. Every review I have read has NOTHING BUT PRAISE with only minor criticisms. Seems it takes about as long, maybe slightly longer, to set up a Shiftpod as it would to setup and level a trailer. They are all sold out right now, but I am getting the Shiftpod3. Wife even asked, "Is there enough room for two people?" There goes my alone time! Not really. I might be able to talk her into an easy campout with lots of beautiful scenery, but my alone time is still secure.

[@inthisdayandage2793]

I just got the gazelle and i love it.

[@bquade70]

Roof tents don't work well with dogs..... Ground tents way less hassle 👍👍

[@DrivingLine]

waaayyy less hassle. We had the RTT when we had just one dog, but three is too much.

[@FRWD_FXLRST]

Exactly.

[@drcav_photo]

When I had a Tepui, I found the best way to get it open/closed was to get up on the roof until it was time to pull the thing open. But I still ditched it for a Gazelle T4 for dogs, standing room, etc.

[@DrivingLine]

Great call. We heard great things about the Gazelle.

[@LNDCRUZIN]

Rooftop tents seem like a cool idea but most people like them because the ‘look’ cool not because they truly need it. Which is fine, to each their own, but they are very bulky and as far as saving space it makes more sense to pack a regular tent.

[@DrivingLine]

You're 100% right.

[@stephenluebbers5282]

Sometimes this is not true. The style of rooftop in this video is the hardest style to use. It does not hold bedding. I use a clamshell sometimes. It holds my bedding and pillows so they are not in the cabin with me. It also is very easy to set up and close. We go with other jeepers so may come into camp late at night and leave super early to get onto the trails. Packing up bedding and pillows becomes a hassle in both time and space.

[@AllTerrainFamily]

You have to inflate the pads and get the bedding laid out to compare speed.

[@DrivingLine]

We didn't include the pads in any of these because we actually use sleeping pads in all three different set ups. The pad on the bottom of the RTT isn't soft enough without pads, and both ground tents require pads. So they cancelled themselves out.

[@glennferrer6349]

RTT is great but they have cons. I have a T4 and they are awesome 💯👌. Doesn’t add weight, doesn’t take up all the room and easy fast setup

[@DrivingLine]

The T4 is super duper nice.

[@nynomadfjc3907]

I've got one trip to Moab this year. that will be the deciding factor on whether or not I put my Roofnest Falcon in my trailer (and sell the Smittybilt)

[@DrivingLine]

We can't wait to wheel Moab this year in our GX.... There's plenty of places to ground camp there so an RTT will not be a priority for us.

[@nynomadfjc3907]

@@DrivingLine .. I didn't make it to moab (stupid eff'ing nazi virus) But my RTT made it's money after a 2hr drive to Angle Fire for mountain biking and being able to take a nap in the Falcon. I anticipate it will be worth it this winter for skiing too. I still want a Shiftpod though

[@epicone2449]

Shift pod best tent out there

[@daywithmike4892]

If your wife helped it take 1/2the time or less plus the more you do it the easier it will be.

[@ZonaOverland]

We did the same thing went with gazelle very happy !

[@DrivingLine]

The gazzelle is a great choice.

[@kennethkilpatrick4660]

One thing I've wondered about is how that material holds up to UV rays longterm? Gazelle recently came up with a new T3 that has one side a bit longer than the other to better accommodate cots. Would really work for me but I plan to spend summers camping in New Mexico with lots of sunshine. Would most likely eat that tent up.

[@DrivingLine]

I haven't had this shelter long enough to give you a first hand uv ray rating. However, I can tell you that these tents have been set up on Everest, in Death Valley and in the CA desert for weeks at a time and have had great reviews even after all that.

[@inttruders]

I have a 10 year old $100 Coleman instant tent that sets just as fast as that Shiftpod tent. It does not have an AC vent but we have never had an issue with our tent being too hot at night even in weather pushing a 100 during the day. For the $1500 I saved I can get a fan or two.

[@natashathomake3992]

Hey! I recently got the shiftpod. How did you manage to carry it in your car safely?

[@phlfly10]

Add another 5 min to put away bedding vs RTT

[@user-yv3he8qq7x]

Haha well done, hard work.

[@lehman]

shiftpod people suggest not tying down to the fabric puller things, but to carabiner into the metal eye loop

[@jnguyening888]

Good looking dog! What kind is he?

[@iteotwawkiaiff8948]

I do like my Shiftpod2. But I have a couple issues with it. It is so dang heavy and long. My first trip with it, the wind destroyed the forward end of the bag. And if you look where floor zips in at the pole locations...there is a fairly large gap that critters can easily get in through. That’s one advantage of the RTT. But the speed of the shiftpod is awesome.

[@DrivingLine]

On no, we haven't seen a gap in our floor.

[@manfredahnen162]

how do you think a mini would do? would your current pod fit in a TJ jeep? I have a soft top so no rack on top.

[@csgofordummies1239]

Being on the Eibach kit, were you seeing sagging with the RTT and reverse rake? I think you may have also upgraded to the HD springs at one point, can you speak to the reverse rake and stuff. I have Eibach and cant decide what to do

[@DrivingLine]

I saw no sagging. But after reviewing the footage of the rig On The Trail, the front end seemed very light. The HD springs definitely helped keep the weight off the rear and more towards the front.

[@kennethkilpatrick4660]

Meant to add also that I like the insulation, sound and light blocking qualities of the Shiftpod too. Will have to use the mini though as the 2 is too bulky for a Prius and has more space than I need. With a pickup and some dogs it would be perfect though.

[@DrivingLine]

Definitely. The mini is perfect for that. If you have some sort of roof basket or racks on your prius, even better.

[@kennethkilpatrick4660]

Roof racks on a Prius unfortunately dramatically reduce mpg. The only reason I'm getting one.

[@aaronchandler152]

How is that tent for summer camping? Looks like it’s geared towards winter climates only?

[@akbooman]

In your video you mention that it rained at night. How did it do in the rain?

[@robertyoung8289]

Found your channel by accident. The only thing better than one PITBULL is three. 😍. Wanted a RTT for my TRD PRO but would never be able to lift her up. Very happy with my new camper shell and decked system. Warmer too!

[@DrivingLine]

Yessss!!!! I'm so glad you found us, we are stoked to have you.

[@bobbymulwee7641]

Roof top tents have become more of a " I want to look adventurist when really I'm not" things these days. I've never really been into them as I prefer the nostalgia of a good quality tent. Roof tops is a great thing to have if your camping in the snow or rain though.

[@DrivingLine]

Definitely, it's more of a "look at me" piece than it is a better shelter option. I'm glad we moved off the roof and are staying on the ground.

[@phillipconnolly5020]

It’s so funny. I purposely got a rack I didn’t have to drill on my wrangler so I could take everything off when not in use. I like the look of the car better without all the “adventurous” stuff on it.

[@jessebojorquez6617]

Is there a zipper on the inside for the two ports for the heater/ power ports ?

[@amarshah3712]

how did you attach it to the roof? Our straps don't seem to hold it in place

[@benlogan2622]

Hey mate have you tried the shift pod in rain if yes was it ok 👌. It looks like an awesome thing

[@punktexas]

As I recall he said it rained overnight.

[@benlogan2622]

@@punktexas ok yep just rewatched it he did say it rained lots 👍

[@DrivingLine]

The shiftpod is awesome because it does come with a rainfly, and we actually didnt use it that night we camped. It downpoured HARD and everything stayed dry. We are big fans from here on out.

[@benlogan2622]

@@DrivingLine thanks mate I’ll go and check them out now. Thanks again for replying

[@flyingcat2054]

Is that the 12’x12’ shift pod?

[@genelotto7880]

how to strap shiftpod to top of SUV (2021 forester with roof rails)?

[@kennethkilpatrick4660]

Great info! I'm looking at the mini but would love something about halfway between it and the 2. You mentioned different sizes coming out? Can you elaborate?

[@DrivingLine]

There aren't new sizes coming out, but there are newer versions of the 2 and the mini coming out. They are supposed to be 10lbs lighter and even more weather resistant. We can't wait to get our hands on one.

[@kennethkilpatrick4660]

That's great to hear, thanks!

[@tonyjackson8640]

I need something between the 2 as well. Wish there were more options.

[@kennethkilpatrick3758]

Hope you see this. The updated Shiftpod site says the mini has been redesigned and will be 6'6" X 6'6". Perfect for me!

[@Saviourwent]

You should by a JB vision 150/180 RTT

[@camerongarcia3128]

One think the RTT companies seem to gloss over, is what do you do I yor significantly other is handicapped to prevent them from climbing the ladder to get into the RTT, or you have a problem with accessing the tent?

[@kd-b7340]

RTTs are awesome if you get the hardshell ones, which set up and break down in 1-3 minutes. The Shiftpod is cool, but has no views and you can't enjoy the outdoors. Also, it's like being a baked potato wrapped in foil. But yeah, after a soft cover RTT, I'm sure it's a welcome relief! A great hard shell RTT is very wind/storm friendly, not to mention very nicely insulated. Also, RTTs have way better beds and free up a lot of space in the vehicle since the bedding can stay up there when closed.

[@jpdrummer86]

Except the rooftop tent takes up the entire roof!! Bedding can go inside their proper bags, and can be stored up on the roof rack along with the shift pod, and still have a ton of open space for other gear like recovery gear, fuel, water, camping chairs, Maxtrax, and room to spare for more camping gear.

[@jpdrummer86]

Also if you’re trying to sleep by the water, or that perfect view, is limited by where you can place your vehicle, even if you have a built out rig, you’re still limited on vehicle placements whereas a ground tent you can place exactly on the spot that you want without being limited to where the vehicle can be placed

[@MrK133n]

That tent is crazy expensive… and it’s still less than half what a decent rooftop tent. And it’s insulated against the heat and cold. Wow.

[@andreasm2882]

For me a RTT is more of a winter time obtion since my wife and I like to play in the snow and the backcountry.

[@DrivingLine]

That makes a ton of sense, great point.

[@andreasm2882]

@@DrivingLine crua outdoors is about to launch there rtt. They are known for having very well insulated ground tents and it is my understanding that their rooftop tent will have the ability to also be set up on the ground but they have an inner cocoon which can also come out and be used by itself on the ground and I'm thinking of jumping on this tent when they launch the end of March apparently it will be 1499 if one jumps on when the campaign starts. Here's a link and if you join look at their post from February 8th

[@rexj.weinheimer2279]

Kudos!! Well done!! Enjoyable and most informative “what if“ video! So I was imagining… Why not make the pod’s stowage-bag out of the same insulated reflective material? The bag could serve a dual purpose as a sleeping bag/bivvy. All the best and safe travels.

[@edsmith4549]

This, and all other videos I have seen, misses three key points. Setting up after dark, setting up in the rain, and tearing down in the rain. To me, this is where speed of setting up and tearing down really make a difference.

[@EAGLINWRX]

But the shift pod is still faster. Only thing I can see is it’ll suck putting wet stuff back into your Jeep after rain.

[@jpdrummer86]

@@EAGLINWRXbut if you’re throwing the SP up on the roof rack, then it’s no biggie and nothing wet going inside the Jeep

[@EAGLINWRX]

@@jpdrummer86 agreed but I don’t use a roof rack so personally it would go inside the Jeep.

[@jeremy8715]

Should a ground tent with the poles already attach. You get opened in less then a minute and stake it if it’s windy.

[@oaknshell]

The shiftpod mini is advertised as lighter and smaller, but is it just lighter because of its smaller footprint? Or is there a difference in the material?

[@DrivingLine]

It's lighter because it uses less of everything, materials (canvas, poles, joints), but the materials are the same. They DO have a new mini coming out this year that's 10lbs lighter than the current mini. But I do know the mini is on sale right now.

[@kennethkilpatrick4660]

Guess I'm going to have to wait awhile. In Mexico now. I truly hope the new one will be just as durable and insulated. 10 lbs off of 33 lbs is a dramatic reduction.

[@TurbineResearch]

RTTs are a pain if you have to go anywhere while your camp is setup. Not what they are hyped up to be imo.

[@DrivingLine]

That's a huge issue actually. Especially while dispersed camping. Great point.

[@stfhaha1963]

Still have not seen a better option than a hard shell RTT.

[@nynomadfjc3907]

I'm not too far behind ditching my Rtt for my dog

[@RecyclingMama]

mammoth to LA its all down hill on the 395

[@daywithmike4892]

Guy got in and popped it up in 30 seconds

[@grantgray1759]

eh, not a fan of my shift pod. It got mold in it rather quickly.

[@2011blueman]

Yep, I've never understood the rooftop tent fad. Rooftop tents are very expensive, aren't really faster to set up, eats at your MPG and gives you wind noise when driving, and you have to setup/takedown every time you want to go anywhere. I will say I think that Shiftpod is crazy expensive overkill, The gazelle T4 is much better value for money.

[@wordimobi5765]

It's a poor man's camper van IMO. We want to go touring so setting up the ground tent is too much work every time, staying one night in some places. Plus you can also stay in camper van only locations as no pitch is required. The video's points are useful to note but I remain appreciative of the positives of an RTT.

[@2011blueman]

@@wordimobi5765 You must not have bought a ground tent in the last 10 years. Ground tents have become incredibly easy. The instant popup tents are easier than a lot of the rooftop tents.

[@WlSD0M]

Will this fit in a thule?

[@DrivingLine]

I'm not sure which Thule you have but the dimensions in bag are on the Shiftpod website. You may have to go with the mini

[@USAFJUNKIE]

It's really not that hard to figure out if the vehicle is on level ground... Bring a level with you. Furthermore, setting up or tearing down a rooftop tent can take as little or as long as you want. It's all about technique and finding tricks to help the process.

[@tundraspecialops]

I think the point is not that it's hard to determine if the vehicle is level. Virtually everyone who uses a RTT probably uses a level. The issue is moving the vehicle to find that level spot or having to use traction boards to level. The other thing is, I think they have a lot of experience and are sharing their own thoughts having probably done the things you mentioned for the time they've used a RTT. I doubt they don't know these things, I'm sure they're very well aware.

[@j_k_mark]

Cool tent. ShiftPods are super expensive. A Gazelle T4 is not as nice, but is basically the same tent for $1k less.

[@michaelblock3998]

The soft side tents like in this video are crap. Versus the hard shell their is no comparison. The Shift Pod is slightly better than the soft side RTT. Neither compare to a hard shell RTT.

[@captdunnawayify]

My back yard.. literally..

[@DrivingLine]

Lol Yard Twins!!!

[@daywithmike4892]

Remember your not on a race

[@treystills]

List 1 advantage of a RTT. Can't be done

[@jessemartin6461]

Times how long it takes to set up tent. Proceeds to not set up tent..

[@thewildbuckstudio2411]

Looks like a popup blind for hunting they turned into a tent.

[@Flatfourdetailing]

Looks like a UFO just landed lol

[@DrivingLine]

Lol Elon Musk vibes.

[@lexusgxlife6328]

Get a pop up tent. Up in less than a minute.

[@DrivingLine]

We love those, but they aren't that weather proof, and you can tell I HATE wind flapping noises. Most of those pop ups flap like crazy.

[@baileymoto]

Not controversial, we all been saying this since the hipsters discovered them. 😂

[@markjacobs3956]

Your not cool unless you roof it I guess. The hub tent is otherwise called an ice shack that I paid 200 bucks for... Sigh.

[@Saviourwent]

you didn’t count the time for preparing a bed e remove it…

[@805gregg]

Not a Roof top Tent, it's a Top Heavy Tent, a complete joke, invented in South Africa to keep campers away from night predators like lions and hyenas, not needed in N America