Some rooftop tents take up the whole roof & fold out giving an awning/annexe. These are self supporting. Some fold out the bed area & require the ladder to remain in situ to hold half the tent up. There are a few types with the supporting ladder which also have annexes, but the ladder remains in the middle of the annexe.
The one I have can be left up during the day with the ladder removed. I would suggest this type for 5 of you as the kids would have plenty of room to sleep in the annexe & enough room to get out of the weather on the occasions it turns foul.
These pics are taken off the ’net as we don’t have any with all the annexe walls set up - because we’ve never bothered.
If you’re on Facebook - plenty more pics - https://www.facebook.com/shippshaperooftoptents
Features we appreciate in the design are:
Shade & shelter without need for poles - Two poles only if awning or annexe is put up. Annexe zips onto the awning. The awning is the tent’s cover when packed, no need to store a separate cover. If repairs are ever needed, the cover is easily removable from the rest of the tent. Sit’s lower on the roof when packed up than many. With the design the ‘doors’ to the tent can remain open in even the worst weather ensuring plenty of airflow. Newer versions due for release soon also have a heavy vinyl floor. I think it will velcro into place. We did consider a similar design but with a sewn in groundsheet, but it didn’t allow for the larger annexe & was less flexible in how you could set it up. We felt it would be easy enough to put a tarp or matting down if required .... but we never have never bothered with more than a couple of foam mats at the bottom of the ladder.
The shippshape’s aren’t cheap, but they are quality & will last, ( ours is about 12 years old) plus hold their value if looked after. If you look at getting a second hand one expect to pay around $2k to $3K. They have been off the market for a while but their second hand market has continued. New ones are now available to order & with the full annexe & all the bells & whistles will set you back around $5k
We paid $2 ½K (with the full annexe) but then turfed the knackered foam mattress & replaced it with a single sided made to measure inner spring one for another $600. Very comfy.
Video of ours set up for the first time.
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