Let's talk Rooftop Tents

[Hodge]

It has always been my #1 dream to own/use a RTT since day one of being in the 4x4/camping scene. But i've always been disheartening by the negative aspects of owning one. On my d22 i had a roof rack ready to go and setup for a RTT, but I sold the car before getting the actual tent.

To me the pros would be, being well above ground away from everything, easy setup?, better air breeze up there? view? comfortable sleep etc etc... Just something about it, that cozy feeling sleeping in one.

Negatives are obviously, the constant size ,wind drag and weight on your roof, needs a specific roof rack, once setup the car is committed/anchored(this is my biggest drawback).

Me and mudski went to the show few months ago and looked at several while we were there and it took good strength in me not to get one as Darche had some amazing setups and deals going.

So I'd like to know the forum's thoughts on roof top tents. Whos got one, whos used one, whats your thoughts?

http://www.nissanpatrol.com.au/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=73649&stc=1http://www.nissanpatrol.com.au/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=73648&stc=1

[Cuppa]

This is the tent we had. https://www.flickr.com/photos/cuppa500/albums/72157650857035438

I spent a long time looking & deciding & personally I reckon it's about the best available.

Main advantages over many others is that it doesn't use the ladder to hold it up, so when under the awning the ladder didn't get in the way, but the entry was fully covered. I also felt far more secure that the double bed did not extend beyond the vehicle's roofline.

No need to close the doors in even the worst weather, so always plenty of air.

Easy to put up & put away ..... except if you have it on a higher roof like I did ..... needed a step ladder to reach up .... wore pretty thin after while. Standard wagon roof height would have been ok.

Lower profile on the roof when packed up (although of course it takes up the entire roof so carrying other stuff up top is not an option).

Being unable to drive without packing up was not a problem for us. Generally we used the vehicle to go to where we wanted & then set up camp. Wouldn't be that great for folk who like to camp & then go out driving from the base camp each day though unless it was mounted on a trailer. (That's what the chap who bought it from us was planning to do)

Two reasons we decided to get rid of it..... bearing in mind our use was for extended travel ....... if use had been primarily for weekends & short breaks we would have kept it.
1. I have a neck problem & with the extra height of our canopy I found the overhead work to put it up pretty uncomfortable. 2. The main reason however for selling it was that I also have intermittent back issues which make getting dressed in a sitting position with nothing to lean against, on top of the vehicle, pretty uncomfortable. Often this wasn't a problem,as I would normally get dressed down at ground level but as we never bothered zipping up the additional awning(s) (overhead/neck/stepladder ) when camped in company where 'modesty' was required getting dressed upstairs was required.

Ours was around 12 years old. They do hold their value so if you decide that isn't for you (as we did) you shouldn't lose much/anything if/when you re-sell.

[TPC]

Like you I have often thought about getting one but hate the idea of having to pack it up to go anywhere.
I have a camper trailer but there are places I would prefer to go without the camper.
Next year we are doing Cape York and plan to leave the camper at Cooktown and my first idea was to have a rooftop tent for that part but have decided to take an Oztent instead so we still can use the car if we stay in one place more than one night.

[Hodge]

Love it Cuppa . I love seeing the original kind of RTT's , on top of your usual cheapos like the Darche's, TJM's, ARB etc...
That setup you had must have been comfortable to sleep in/on, as from I can see in the photos, the matres is class 1 as well.

Work mate used to have a South African made *something* moon tent. I should have jumped at it when he was selling it. This thing was built like a tank. The canvas on it was unlike anything i've seen before or since. The quality of it definitely meant business. But it was really heavy.

[Cuppa]

Howling Moon.

Yep there is a bit of weight. 70kgs I think.

[MB]

Hodge mate, you’ve inspired me to go out front and open up my old home made heavy as hell roof topper from a past life Cape trek :-)http://www.nissanpatrol.com.au/forums/images/imported/2017/11/28.jpg Plasnart ‘s version is much smarter/nicer and he may kindly share pics soon too ;-)
Great fast things roof toppers like them for fast moving trips and is definitely cooler up top in the breeze safely away from piglets and crocodilians:-)



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[Winnie]

Plasnart has the best roof top tent setup I've seen and believe it is a home made jobbie.

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[AB]

@mb

What brand is Grimme's?

I love Plazzys too but Grimme's is a whole other level.

Electronic set up with litttle winged awnings that come out on the sides for rain, amazing!


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[gubigfish]

main reason I don't have or want one is getting up to take a leak in the middle of the night after having a few, reckon there's been a few accidents had falling down or off ladders when half cut.

[MB]

‘Bundutec’ - ‘Bundutop’ is next 10 levels up speed/weight saving wise. Top of the money tree needed though Grimme !


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[MB]

main reason I don't have or want one is getting up to take a leak in the middle of the night after having a few, reckon there's been a few accidents had falling down or off ladders when half cut.
So true mate, definitely all RT’s are a younger mans setup. Let’s not forget our beloved better halves also that do need hourly tinkle time, especially after giving birth to our beloved tiddlywinks :-)


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[jack]

Daughter and family have a Howling Moon and absolutely love it. It’s been to the Cape, around Australia and across from here to Broome every way possible at least four times. This has really travelled well, believe me.
Other than a bit of pindan colouring it’s as good as the day they got it about seven years ago. They are a family of five and have no problem fitting them all in.

[MB]

.....They are a family of five and have no problem fitting them all in.
Nearly choked skipping to the last sentence Jack mate imagining a family of five up top :-) Quickly now just Googled these awesome things. https://www.howlingmoon.com.au/product/extension-annex They must have had this annexe extra top bit of kit did they mate?



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[bazzaboy]

I've often thought of getting a RTT but if you over 60 and have a bad back, they don't work that well for you. More cons than pros for me. Big wind drag, too high to open & close when on a tall truck, and up and down a ladder is not good, especially if you've had a few. I can have my "centre pole pyramid style" tent up in the same time as a RTT, and I can stand up in it, which is real handy. Ideally, as I get older, I would prefer a sleeping arrangement in a box on the rear of a single cab ute, something I'm looking into at the moment.
A friend has one of the earlier small Patriot trailers which had a RTT mounted on top. It would have worked much better for me as it was not as high up and easy to get to.
RTT's work for many, but not for all.

[AB]

main reason I don't have or want one is getting up to take a leak in the middle of the night after having a few, reckon there's been a few accidents had falling down or off ladders when half cut.

Funnel and garden hose for the win mate!

If it's a heavy night on the red wine then could also work for number 2's lol


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[Sir Roofy]

main reason I don't have or want one is getting up to take a leak in the middle of the night after having a few, reckon there's been a few accidents had falling down or off ladders when half cut.

Funnel and long tube that's what I'll have in ours when we get one

[VK2FMIA]

It has always been my #1 dream to own/use a RTT since day one of being in the 4x4/camping scene. But i've always been disheartening by the negative aspects of owning one. On my d22 i had a roof rack ready to go and setup for a RTT, but I sold the car before getting the actual tent.

To me the pros would be, being well above ground away from everything, easy setup?, better air breeze up there? view? comfortable sleep etc etc... Just something about it, that cozy feeling sleeping in one.

Negatives are obviously, the constant size ,wind drag and weight on your roof, needs a specific roof rack, once setup the car is committed/anchored(this is my biggest drawback).

Me and mudski went to the show few months ago and looked at several while we were there and it took good strength in me not to get one as Darche had some amazing setups and deals going.

So I'd like to know the forum's thoughts on roof top tents. Whos got one, whos used one, whats your thoughts?


You have pretty much nailed the pros & cons Hodge. I`ve had mine since 2011 & have traveled over 170,000 km`s with it on the Patrol. Mines an ARB "Simpson" with an Annex. Bought it as a package deal with the awning for $1800 & it has well & truly paid for itself. Lost count of the times it has been setup, would have to be well over 300 times.

Setup is a breeze & yes you have to pack it up to move but this only takes 20 minutes or so. All my bedding is carried in the tent freeing up room in the Patrol. It has been through some rough weather, strong winds & heavy rain without any problems. Being up off the ground it is warmer in winter & you get a nice breeze during the warmer months.

Can set it up anywhere, dosn`t matter what the ground is like below you, wet, rocky or covered in burrs or snow. Do a lot of touring with a mate who was setting up a tent every night. He soon got sick of me sitting by the fire watching him still setting up & he has finally bought one himself.

Even though it is on the Patrol all the time adding to the weight (60 kg) & fuel consumption having it there for those unexpected overnight stops is a bonus. I`m 6`2" & 140 kgs & on the wrong side of 50 with a bad back & have no problems getting in & out of it.

Probably the best investment I have made for camping & touring. Another downside is that I can`t fit under Macca`s drivethru anymore! (maybe that`s a good thing)

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[GQtdauto]

Mines in the shed at the moment must work out if I'm going to use it again, getting up for a pee in the middle of the night is no problem for me I'm part camel and the missus doesn't seem to mind climbing down once or twice a night .
I've put lights in mine with a strip light outside that can be turned on from the bed .

[BigJ]

Another downside is that I can`t fit under Macca`s drivethru anymore! (maybe that`s a good thing)

Looks like I need to buy a Roof Top Tent now.... :)

[Avo]

we have one,haven't used it in a while,loved it and it served it purpose well...got it for the kids to sleep in as i don't want to be climbing up and down all night...we are now thinking about buying a decent family tent as i have bought a dingy and like you said,the fact you have to pack up to move,,with my mrs and kids i would get the boat in the water till lunch,,she all the family love camping so i and not going to make em get out of bed...

[threedogs]

main reason I don't have or want one is getting up to take a leak in the middle of the night after having a few, reckon there's been a few accidents had falling down or off ladders when half cut.

would never buy one but if worried about getting up for a wee during the night buy a hospital pee bottle with a lid
Plus who wants 70kg plus on top of their roof , worst accessory ever up down up down not getting any younger.
Plenty of better options. not very aero dynamic IMO

[Plasnart]

Here's mine:

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Here's some from previous owner. Gas struts are knackered so canvas not pulled tight.

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73662

When I was looking for RTTs I didn't want the huge wind resistance that standard RTTs have, being at least 300mm high when packed. I also didn't want 80kg sitting up high for cross-gradient stability reasons. When I saw a guy with a Maggiolina unit on his roof one day I knew that was the kind of thing I wanted, but the Maggiolina's are expensive and also heavy. I found this one on ebay about 5-6 years ago and went to have a look at it.

Folded and welded aluminium checkerplate, approx 130mm high when closed. Very heavy canvas and zips. Excellent screens. The person (or people) who made this unit knew their stuff and made it well. I lined it inside (top and bottom) with marine carpet to combat condensation build up and thermal insulation. When travelling I have my mattress, bottom sheet, doona, blanket, pillow up there. Make the bed as I get out in the morning and it packs down with everything left in place. Gas struts both sides so just unclip the latches (1 each side, 2 at rear) and push it up. Takes 30 seconds and bed is ready. Pack up about 1 minute by pulling roof down, folding canvas inboard and expelling air as it comes down. Latch it up and away you go.

It's light, can pick it up and put it on the roof myself (although bulky and a bit of a struggle). But weight wise, it's probably about 30kg empty. Has not ladder, but step onto rear bumper, knee on top of spare and hoik in you go! An empty large-neck bottle required for night pees!

Cons: Not much room inside. Getting dressed/undressed is in sitting position and cumbersome. Night pees mean getting up on knees to perform the action. Not great. The "clam-shell" design doesn't leave much room for big feet when in bed (roof slopes down to hinge at front/foot end).

All up I'm very happy with it, but the older I get the less luxurious it is. For touring it's fantastic. For extended camping I'd prefer something easier to access/exit and more comfy.

[GQtdauto]

Here's mine:

73658

73659

Here's some from previous owner. Gas struts are knackered so canvas not pulled tight.

73660

73661

73662

When I was looking for RTTs I didn't want the huge wind resistance that standard RTTs have, being at least 300mm high when packed. I also didn't want 80kg sitting up high for cross-gradient stability reasons. When I saw a guy with a Maggiolina unit on his roof one day I knew that was the kind of thing I wanted, but the Maggiolina's are expensive and also heavy. I found this one on ebay about 5-6 years ago and went to have a look at it.

Folded and welded aluminium checkerplate, approx 130mm high when closed. Very heavy canvas and zips. Excellent screens. The person (or people) who made this unit knew their stuff and made it well. I lined it inside (top and bottom) with marine carpet to combat condensation build up and thermal insulation. When travelling I have my mattress, bottom sheet, doona, blanket, pillow up there. Make the bed as I get out in the morning and it packs down with everything left in place. Gas struts both sides so just unclip the latches (1 each side, 2 at rear) and push it up. Takes 30 seconds and bed is ready. Pack up about 1 minute by pulling roof down, folding canvas inboard and expelling air as it comes down. Latch it up and away you go.

It's light, can pick it up and put it on the roof myself (although bulky and a bit of a struggle). But weight wise, it's probably about 30kg empty. Has not ladder, but step onto rear bumper, knee on top of spare and hoik in you go! An empty large-neck bottle required for night pees!

Cons: Not much room inside. Getting dressed/undressed is in sitting position and cumbersome. Night pees mean getting up on knees to perform the action. Not great. The "clam-shell" design doesn't leave much room for big feet when in bed (roof slopes down to hinge at front/foot end).

All up I'm very happy with it, but the older I get the less luxurious it is. For touring it's fantastic. For extended camping I'd prefer something easier to access/exit and more comfy.

"An empty large-neck bottle required for night pees". Bragger .

[Plasnart]

"An empty large-neck bottle required for night pees". Bragger .

No Coke bottle for me mate! haha

[mudski]

@mb

What brand is Grimme's?

I love Plazzys too but Grimme's is a whole other level.

Electronic set up with litttle winged awnings that come out on the sides for rain, amazing!


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Just spoke with Sprock and Grimme's is called a Bundutop from www.bundutec.com.au in Moorabbin. About $3800 apparently.

[Hodge]

Thanks all for the awesome pics , descriptions and thoughts. I have a lot of thinking to do as I own a OZtent RV4 already and an awesome comfortable ARB swag.
Avo Is that a Rhino Rack platform you have under your RTT ??????

[Avo]

Thanks all for the awesome pics , descriptions and thoughts. I have a lot of thinking to do as I own a OZtent RV4 already and an awesome comfortable ARB swag.
Avo Is that a Rhino Rack platform you have under your RTT ??????Yes mate it it

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[Rossco]

Here's mine:

73658



So you need to take a mobile crane and crew with you to put it up? . . . Not too much of a hassle I guess. . .

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[Hodge]

Yes mate it it


Is there a chance you could show us how you mounted the ARB tent to it ?

I was at ARB and the bloke didn't know how you'd mount it to the platform using their channel system. Their display was on the ARB rack, installed with U bolts.

[Plasnart]

So you need to take a mobile crane and crew with you to put it up? . . . Not too much of a hassle I guess. . .

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Haha yeah I lied about its weight. Forklift, crane and 500hp tractor to pull it up the slide! :D

[GQtdauto]

Was wondering what that tractor was for .

[Avo]

Is there a chance you could show us how you mounted the ARB tent to it ?

I was at ARB and the bloke didn't know how you'd mount it to the platform using their channel system. Their display was on the ARB rack, installed with U bolts.Just a plate mate.i bought mine like it but heres a pic of the slidey bits that go into rails of rooftop the bolts that hang down just have a playe that sits under the rhino rack.....cheers...mine is a kings tent not an arb,diunno if that makes a differencehttp://www.nissanpatrol.com.au/forums/images/imported/2017/11/34.jpg

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[Hodge]

Just a plate mate.i bought mine like it but heres a pic of the slidey bits that go into rails of rooftop the bolts that hang down just have a playe that sits under the rhino rack.....cheers...mine is a kings tent not an arb,diunno if that makes a differencehttp://www.nissanpatrol.com.au/forums/images/imported/2017/11/34.jpg

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Thanks for that mate. I think they're the same system underneath. I'll have to check.

@VK2FMIA (http://www.nissanpatrol.com.au/forums/member.php?38730-VK2FMIA) Looks like you also have the Rhino platform system. Unless I'm wrong?

[VK2FMIA]

Thanks for that mate. I think they're the same system underneath. I'll have to check.

@VK2FMIA (http://www.nissanpatrol.com.au/forums/member.php?38730-VK2FMIA) Looks like you also have the Rhino platform system. Unless I'm wrong?
Same system on the ARB as the Kings using Rhino racks.

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[threedogs]

Just spoke with Sprock and Grimme's is called a Bundutop from www.bundutec.com.au in Moorabbin. About $3800 apparently.
Maglinolini or whet ever they are called make won of the better one .
Anything made in Sth Africa or NZ are good value

[Kevrana]

At the risk of resurrecting a thread that’s been stagnant for a couple of months, have you guys seen the stand from muddy4x4accessories? It looks pretty neat and let’s you drive off and leave your tent behind

http://www.nissanpatrol.com.au/forums/images/imported/2018/01/151.jpg


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[VK2FMIA]

At the risk of resurrecting a thread that’s been stagnant for a couple of months, have you guys seen the stand from muddy4x4accessories? It looks pretty neat and let’s you drive off and leave your tent behind

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Wonder what takes longer?. Setting up the stand or packing up the tent?. Takes me 15 - 20 mins to pack my RT up & I would not be keen to leave 2 grand worth of tent for someone else to steal!.

Not a bad idea if you would like to leave your Rooftopper at home between trips though.

[Kevrana]

Wonder what takes longer?. Setting up the stand or packing up the tent?. Takes me 15 - 20 mins to pack my RT up & I would not be keen to leave 2 grand worth of tent for someone else to steal!.

Not a bad idea if you would like to leave your Rooftopper at home between trips though.

Looks like it would take a fair bit of stuffing around to set up and pack away.


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[4bye4]

Looks like it would take a fair bit of stuffing around to set up and pack away.


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Compared to erecting a normal "on the ground " tent its possible a bit less trouble. I wonder how wind (willy willy ) resistant it is? The only thing pegging it down is the two tie downs holding the floor level. There doesn't appear to be any peg or rope holes in the stand at all. Normally on an RTT you have the car which is a fairly good anchor, and also stops the wind getting under the tent.

[Clunk]

Wonder what takes longer?. Setting up the stand or packing up the tent?. Takes me 15 - 20 mins to pack my RT up & I would not be keen to leave 2 grand worth of tent for someone else to steal!.

Not a bad idea if you would like to leave your Rooftopper at home between trips though.
Looks like it would take a fair bit of stuffing around to set up and pack away.


Sent from my iPhone using TapatalkFor those that have Faceache...... Yes it does look like a fair bit of stuffing around. But does mean you don't have to pack up to go anywhere

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=286627388488119&id=259309281219930

[the evil twin]

... did anyone else pick up that they didn't have the RTT attached to the vehicle in the demo.
It was just sitting on the Roof Rack.
Soooo... in real life... every time you used it you would have to unattach the RTT, then to reattach get the vehicle/RTT just right so you could lock the RTT back down

Also the legs and sway braces would be bitch to store as you travel around

IMHO it would be a total pain in the rrse... but I am not a RTT user

[Clunk]

Snip

... did anyone else pick up that they didn't have the RTT attached to the vehicle in the demo.
It was just sitting on the Roof Rack.


Yep, sure did, just forgot to mention it

[Avo]

Still getting good use out of ours spending the weekend at molloy island kids up tip mum and fad closer to the groundand waking up to a view like this while still inbedhttp://www.nissanpatrol.com.au/forums/images/imported/2018/02/103.jpghttp://www.nissanpatrol.com.au/forums/images/imported/2018/02/104.jpghttp://www.nissanpatrol.com.au/forums/images/imported/2018/02/105.jpg

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[Avo]

Boats in the water right at the back of the car nearly...probably 10 feet awayhttp://www.nissanpatrol.com.au/forums/images/imported/2018/02/106.jpg

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[the evil twin]

Whereabouts on Molloy Island is that spot... Blackwood side or Scott side?

[Avo]

Whereabouts on Molloy Island is that spot... Blackwood side or Scott side?At the junction..parked boat on blackwood with scott river up abput 100 metre

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[Avo]

Whereabouts on Molloy Island is that spot... Blackwood side or Scott side?Hey matey...i stuffed yp..we at milloy island caravan park which is not really on the island..

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[FNQGU]

Ummmm... two is better than one right?

Not sure what I think of this. Too much weight on the roof is the first thing but looks custom so maybe it is ok. Not something I would personally do though.

84144

84145

[Hodge]

Ummmm... two is better than one right?

Not sure what I think of this. Too much weight on the roof is the first thing but looks custom so maybe it is ok. Not something I would personally do though.

84144

84145There's a guy with an Amarokk that has 2 RTTs fitted on top, living near me. Ones on the canopy , the other on roof.
Just doesn't look right and I'm sure the weight is out of spec you'd think.
But the thing always looks muddy and beaten up , and it's been like it for ages, so he's not afraid to use it and seems to be holding on ok.

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[rusty_nail]

There's a guy with an Amarokk that has 2 RTTs fitted on top, living near me. Ones on the canopy , the other on roof.
Just doesn't look right and I'm sure the weight is out of spec you'd think.
But the thing always looks muddy and beaten up , and it's been like it for ages, so he's not afraid to use it and seems to be holding on ok.

Sent from my Pixel 3a XL using TapatalkMaybe it's sicaflexed on? I hear that stuff is amazing for solar panels [emoji23][emoji23]

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[mudski]

There's a guy with an Amarokk that has 2 RTTs fitted on top, living near me. Ones on the canopy , the other on roof.
Just doesn't look right and I'm sure the weight is out of spec you'd think.
But the thing always looks muddy and beaten up , and it's been like it for ages, so he's not afraid to use it and seems to be holding on ok.

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As much as I love the idea of a RTT. Surely they would make any vehicle fail a swerve test. Some vehicles you see these fitted too and I'm thinking surely thats not safe.

[Hodge]

Maybe it's sicaflexed on? I hear that stuff is amazing for solar panels [emoji23][emoji23]

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lmao. Quiet a good chance...

[Hodge]

As much as I love the idea of a RTT. Surely they would make any vehicle fail a swerve test. Some vehicles you see these fitted too and I'm thinking surely thats not safe.

Yeah I love them but I hate them.
Was it on one of our Tallarook trips where one dislodged off the roof? His GU dropped into a rut and the sideways jolt/whiplash , whatever you wanna call it, literally made the rtt dislodge off the roof channels.
He drove home with 2 ratchet straps through rear windows and around his roof.

[VK2FMIA]

My RTT has been up there for 10 years & over 200,000 km`s with no problems. Don`t even remember it`s there most of the time when driving. Only downside is it won`t fit through the Macca`s drive through.:(

[rusty_nail]

My RTT has been up there for 10 years & over 200,000 km`s with no problems. Don`t even remember it`s there most of the time when driving. Only downside is it won`t fit through the Macca`s drive through.:(That's a good thing, you're definitely not missing out on anything

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