 |
|
29 Mar 2007
|
 |
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: On our bicycles, probably pushing up a hill!
Posts: 435
|
|
Roof Tent vs sleeping in vehicle - Pros and Cons
We are planning to travel from Eastern Russia to London via India.
One of our dillemas is deciding on what the best option re sleeping arrangments would be. We still need to buy our vehicle, so we can still be flexible with that. The two vehicles of choice would be Toyota Troopcarrier or a Landcruiser. The troopy will be big enough to kit out with a nice bed inside, where the Landcruiser won't be. If we decide on the Landcruiser, then we'll have to use a rooftent.
It would be great to hear of different experiences people have had with their different set-ups and why they chose those particular setups.
To me, the main pros and cons between the two would be 1.)The extra cost for a rooftent, 2) Obviously a bit safer sleeping inside the troopy and 3)Probably (or rather hopefully) easier to use each day.  Need to try and keep things as simple as possible.
Performance wise, I would prefer the Landcruiser and I think it might be a bit more economical and a little bit lighter. I know the troopy is known for its reliability though. Decisions decisions...:confused1:
|
29 Mar 2007
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Southampton
Posts: 671
|
|
|
Not quite the same but ...
I can only speak about our Land rover denfender 110, which has a roof tent, but is also set up to (just) allow two people sleep inside. This wasn't done by us, but the previous owners. We slept inside for the frist time a couple of weekends ago, and it was definitely warmer and more cosy, which was good as it was close to zero outside. I think you can easily do this (sub zero temps) in a rooftent, but it is nice to have the choice. To sleep inside we have to move all our kit into the cab, or around us, but this only took about the same time as setting up the rooftent.
I am really glad we have this option, even if we do only use it a couple of times on our trip.
I would also guess that in very hot or humid conditions the back of the vehicle may get quite claustraphobic and sweaty.
BTW I am 6"1' and 16st+. My wife is 5"10' but a much more managable weight (I'm not allowed to know the exact dimension)
|
29 Mar 2007
|
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Bristol, uk
Posts: 25
|
|
|
We met a couple on our trip who had a troopy with a bed that slung from the roof when not in use and lowered to just below window level for sleeping. It worked but ceiling height was a bit low IMO.
We had a platform for sleeping in in our landy that we never used as the tent was so much better.
|
30 Mar 2007
|
 |
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Newcastle NSW AU
Posts: 153
|
|
|
Canopy on a Landcruiser
Jacques,
Here is a site with some photos of our Landcruiser. Sorry if I have sent you these previously as I do recall your name.
Members Rig/Profile @ ExplorOz
If you would like to discuss let me know.
Chris
__________________
Chris
|
30 Mar 2007
|
|
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Newcastle NSW AU
Posts: 153
|
|
|
Roof tents can be too high for shipping containers
Jacques,
Be aware of the overall height of the vehicle if you are going for a roof tent. The shipping containers cause a problem for some shipping with roof tents.
See Mark and Amy's story in Hectors adventure, they have a roof tent on their Landrover at the tyres needed to be let down to allow the roof tent to go into the container when travelling towards Australia.
Hector's Adventures
Photos of our 79 series with canopy. The best compromise we could come up with.
Members Rig/Profile @ ExplorOz
Chris
__________________
Chris
|
30 Mar 2007
|
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Bristol, uk
Posts: 25
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Chris D (Newcastle NSW)
Be aware of the overall height of the vehicle if you are going for a roof tent. The shipping containers cause a problem for some shipping with roof tents.
See Mark and Amy's story in Hectors adventure, they have a roof tent on their Landrover at the tyres needed to be let down to allow the roof tent to go into the container when travelling towards Australia.
|
Good point. We have a 2 inch lift and had to deflate the tyres and remove the rooftent for shipping, but it's a quick job and the bother was worth the comfort of a rooftent for 7 months.
|
30 Mar 2007
|
 |
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Sep 2001
Location: Portugal
Posts: 1,134
|
|
|
I would definately look at a solution where you can do both - inside and in a tent. In the desert with mostly cold windy nights, in Europe or in places like Mongolia, Northern India etc sleeping inside is essential to having a quiet relaxing sleep. You need to make sure you find a way of keeping dust out though! Seal up your back door well etc
But in hotter countries, or if the inside gets coated in dust its great to have any sort of tent that is clean inside and cool.
On my most recent trip I slept inside in Morocco and Western Sahara, but by the time I reached Nouakchott where the mossies start I was always sleeping in the tent which continued into Mali and Guinea - it was lovely and cool and clean and I always slept well - better than friends who were staying in the best hotels in each city as they had mozzie problems etc
|
30 Mar 2007
|
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: cheshire/england
Posts: 57
|
|
|
hi yes i agree its better to have both options we sold our 110 and aquired a 6x4 carmicheal commando so that for single night stops inside and for longer ones we have an oztent
|
31 Mar 2007
|
 |
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: south Cumbria
Posts: 364
|
|
Steve, didn't that rooftent have a resident snorrer called Derek? 
__________________
Chris
-----------------
"Never have a stupid argument with an idiot - he gets a lot more practice than you"
there I go again
not too hard really
|
31 Mar 2007
|
|
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: south Cumbria
Posts: 364
|
|
|
I have a roof tent which is great but there are times when you just need to curl up in the back so I have all my stuff under a board which just allows us to get a comfortable/ quick/ secure nights sleep
__________________
Chris
-----------------
"Never have a stupid argument with an idiot - he gets a lot more practice than you"
there I go again
not too hard really
|
1 Apr 2007
|
 |
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Ex Bris, Australia
Posts: 490
|
|
|
I picked up a 1992 HZJ75RV Troopcarrier late last year complete with a camper conversion for $7500.00 AUD. It took 2 weekends to clean out the bull dust and left over hay. It has travelled to the moon and back with over 400000k on the clock and has had an engine rebuild on the 1HZ diesel motor somewhere in it's life. It is a genuine two owner vehicle. After several shake down trips I find the fold out bedding arrangement, pop up fibre glass roof, sink and other goodies to be spot on. One the last trip it poured rain overnight and for once I was not attempting to dry out gear from inside a leaky tent. Other fellow campers were not so fortunate.
I suppose what I am trying to say is that you don't need to spend a fortune to get something reliable. I have probably spent another 3-4 thousand on rubber and suspension, but it is now capable of doing any long trip. Similar vehicles regularly fetch around 17-18k.
Glen
__________________
 Feb 2014, currently travelling the America's on a Tiger 800XC
Live every day like it's your last, one day you'll get it right!!!
Last edited by loxsmith; 1 Apr 2007 at 10:05.
|
3 Apr 2007
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: On our bicycles, probably pushing up a hill!
Posts: 435
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Chris D (Newcastle NSW)
Jacques,
Be aware of the overall height of the vehicle if you are going for a roof tent. The shipping containers cause a problem for some shipping with roof tents.
See Mark and Amy's story in Hectors adventure, they have a roof tent on their Landrover at the tyres needed to be let down to allow the roof tent to go into the container when travelling towards Australia.
Hector's Adventures
Photos of our 79 series with canopy. The best compromise we could come up with.
Members Rig/Profile @ ExplorOz
Chris |
Yes, that is a good point re the vehicle height. The troopy is a bit higher as some of the other makes/models as it is, so will definitely have to keep that in mind. Will also limit option for possible lift kit...
I saw the pics of your rig a while ago, yes. Looks like a good set-up. Nice and cosy  for those cold nights.
|
3 Apr 2007
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: On our bicycles, probably pushing up a hill!
Posts: 435
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by roamingyak.org
I would definately look at a solution where you can do both - inside and in a tent. In the desert with mostly cold windy nights, in Europe or in places like Mongolia, Northern India etc sleeping inside is essential to having a quiet relaxing sleep. You need to make sure you find a way of keeping dust out though! Seal up your back door well etc
But in hotter countries, or if the inside gets coated in dust its great to have any sort of tent that is clean inside and cool.
|
Good point re keeping the curios lot out. I'm sure they can become a handfull wanting to get some conversation going when you are trying to sleep.
I'm sure though it will be a lot cooler being able to sleep in a tent on those hot nights - with a nice breeze coming through.
I think though that we will probably go with sleeping inside the car. We still have quite a bit of time to get the setup right and make and to test it out. I think we will however take our freestanding tent with us. We used it for a 3 month trip in Oz and it was no real probelm putting the tent up every other night. Not sure if it will be feasible for us to spend the money on a rooftent for 'just in case' we want to use it. From what I can see, they look quite expensive. 
|
7 Apr 2007
|
|
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Newcastle NSW AU
Posts: 153
|
|
Shipping containers
Jacques,I have read that the standard shipping container door height is 2292mm. Chris
__________________
Chris
|
7 Apr 2007
|
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: cheshire/england
Posts: 57
|
|
|
snorer
Quote:
Originally Posted by silver G
Steve, didn't that rooftent have a resident snorrer called Derek? |
yes you are spot on chris
|
|
Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
|
|
|
Posting Rules
|
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
HTML code is Off
|
|
|
Similar Threads
|
| Thread |
Thread Starter |
Forum |
Replies |
Last Post |
|
Pros & Cons; HJ60 Vs. HJ61
|
hks3sgte |
Equipping the Overland Vehicle |
10 |
21 Oct 2006 10:42 |
| |
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...
2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.
"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)
Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.
Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes.
(ONLY US RESIDENTS and currently has a limit of 60 days.)
Ripcord Evacuation Insurance is available for ALL nationalities.
What others say about HU...
"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia
"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK
"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia
"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA
"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada
"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa
"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia
"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany
Lots more comments here!
Every book a diary
Every chapter a day
Every day a journey
Refreshingly honest and compelling tales: the hights and lows of a life on the road. Solo, unsupported, budget journeys of discovery.
Authentic, engaging and evocative travel memoirs, overland, around the world and through life.
All 8 books available from the author or as eBooks and audio books
Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!
New to Horizons Unlimited?
New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!
Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.
Read more about Grant & Susan's story
Membership - help keep us going!
Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.
You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.
|
|
helps answer the question - Why Go? Inspirational stories by veteran travellers Greg Frazier (5 times RTW), Peter and Kay Forwood (193 countries), Tiffany Coates (Mongolia Mayhem) and Rene Cormier (University of Gravel Roads).
Get Ready! covers planning, paperwork, medical and many other topics! "Inspirational and Awesome!" See the trailer here!
What stuff do I need - riding gear, clothing, camping gear, first aid kit, tires, maps and GPS? What don't I need? How do I pack it all in? Lots of opinions from over 150 travellers!
Ladies on the Loose! For the first time ever, a motorcycle travel DVD made for women, by women! These intrepid women share their tips to help you plan your own motorcycle adventure. They also answer the women-only questions, and entertain you with amazing tales from the road! Presented by Lois Pryce, veteran solo traveller through South America and Africa and author of 'Lois on the Loose', and 'Red Tape and White Knuckles.'
Cotton or synth sweat-wicking t-shirts with the cool Horizons Unlimited graphic on the front and a snappy slogan (changing every year) on the back.
Show your route on your panniers. Great conversation starter when you meet people on the road!
Motorcycle and travel books to inspire and inform you!
The definitive guide to planning your motorcycle adventure! This insanely ambitious 2-year project has produced an informative and entertaining 5-part, 18 hour video series. "The ultimate round the world rider's how-to!" MCN UK.
Roof Tent vs sleeping in vehicle - Pros and Cons
Shipping containers
Linear Mode
