How to improve your (cheap) Rooftop Tent

[Flo-w]

I bought a new roof top tent of eBay a while ago. It was at the $700 mark. It looks just like the ARBs or Ironmans; I've even checked them out on expos to see if details are different but of course had no chance to set them up or pack them.

We've slept in ours for around 13 weeks by now all added up. Here are some of my DIY improvements:

The main thing is packing it up. The cover is just that little bit too small. OK, I do want to have my bedding all packed up in there for convenience and space. The biggest change was to extend the cover with some decent tarp. Took about a day to do, a sewing machine and a good needle or two.
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Then the straps which hold the cover (other than the zipper) were always to short so a bit of string first and then a $1 shackle extended those nicely. The shackle lets the other strap slide through better than the string as well.
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The tie downs on the side (which help to compact the closed tent) were always a pain and started falling apart. Velcro doesn't work that well under a pull neither. I replaced them with the cheapest real tie downs I could get. Works brilliant.
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It's always good to have some lubrication for zippers which are exposed to dust. Not really DIY but keeps things going.
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Last but not least I've put a LED light in the tent. I had a bit left over from the awning and boot LED-job so that was for free. I also had some clear hose lying around which I sanded to make it distribute the light better (LEDs are quite focused). Bit's of cable and a small Anderson plug to finish it off. Total cost $5 for the Anderson. Pro tip: make the cable which runs up from your car long enough to have its lowest point outside your window or else you'll funnel water into your car if it rains.
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What have YOU done to your roof tent? What experience do you have with your tent? Are there similar issues with the brand tents?

[Figjam]

I have a Hannibal tent where one half of the ladder is permanently attached to the tent. I drilled a small hole in the ladder and fitted a pad bolt lock so that the ladder can be swung up and stowed out of the way when not required

[dannypatrol]

What do you guys do with the cover when the tent is up? Detach it or roll up?

[Stropp]

I just roll mine up at the front of the tent as i have a solar panel on the roof rack

[Cuppa]

What do you guys do with the cover when the tent is up? Detach it or roll up?

I have a Shippshape tent. The cover is held on with bungee cord around mushroom knobs. When the tent is up the cover becomes the awning. Great design. Also has walls that zip onto it to create a full enclosed annexe.

Will be selling it once we’ve bought a Tvan (going to look at one this weekend) & filling the roofspace with fixed solar instead. (Just thought It might be worth putting in a plug now whilst the rooftop tent topic is current).

[DX grunt]

Hi all.

I've seen a few roof top tents come onto the market lately and just want your opinion/advice.

As some of you know, I've got an ex Telstra 4.2 TDi, 2005 ute with a pod on the back.

On the roof of my pod, I have a plethora of aerials and 2 x 120w solar panels - all of which nearly occupy the whole roof space.

I was thinking about putting a roof top tent on the roof, on sliders, so that when I pull up in a parking bay (lol), I can just slide it out to the back of the pod to still allow my solar panels to charge.

Will the centre of gravity be too high whilst travelling? Constructive comments/other ideas would be appreciated.

Rossco

[threedogs]

What do they weigh 45KG ?
you wouldnt want more than 100kg up top including panels IMO
way too dangerous

[DX grunt]

What do they weigh 45KG ?
you wouldnt want more than 100kg up top including panels IMO
way too dangerous

Not sure what a roof top tent weighs.

[Winnie]

Hi all.

I've seen a few roof top tents come onto the market lately and just want your opinion/advice.

As some of you know, I've got an ex Telstra 4.2 TDi, 2005 ute with a pod on the back.

On the roof of my pod, I have a plethora of aerials and 2 x 120w solar panels - all of which nearly occupy the whole roof space.

I was thinking about putting a roof top tent on the roof, on sliders, so that when I pull up in a parking bay (lol), I can just slide it out to the back of the pod to still allow my solar panels to charge.

Will the centre of gravity be too high whilst travelling? Constructive comments/other ideas would be appreciated.

Rossco

I think Cuppa still has his and plans on selling it. Obviously on the same car too so I'm sure you could work something out with him!

[mullet_hunter]

Running an arb rooftop tent.. have led strips.. usb ports and 12v outlets all wired up inside to an anderson plug which i can plug streight into the solar during the day or the rear of the 4b at night...