Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > 4 wheels > Equipping the Overland Vehicle
Which hard shell rooftent? Which hard shell rooftent?
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
Equipping the Overland Vehicle Vehicle accessories - Making your home away from home comfortable, safe and reliable.
Photo by Hendi Kaf, in Cambodia

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Hendi Kaf,
in Cambodia



Overlanders Handbook - everything you need to know, available NOW!

Reply
Page 1 of 3 1 23
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 20 Oct 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Ghana
Posts: 289
Which hard shell rooftent?
Hi folks,
need some feedback if possible! I am in the market for a new roof tent, have up until recently had a hannibal folding type one. Now, I don't need roof rack space so the hard shell type really appeal due to their ease of opening and closing, not getting covered in dust and sweat would be nice. My ideal tent would be:
- hard shell
- 1.3 m wide or so
- generally super easy opening and closing
- sourced either South Africa or Germany for better freight deals and especially price from ZA!
Gil
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 21 Oct 2008
Contributing Vendor
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Northumberland, UK
Posts: 558
Hard shell roof tent
Hi Gil,

I had an EeziAwn roof tent for a few years and it was fine. Now I've gone to the dark side...

My Autohome Columbus is fantastic! Self erects on gas struts in 5 seconds, pull cord to close & tuck in sides in less than 30 seconds. No need to climb on the vehicle, it's all done from ground level.

Sleeping gear stays in the tent - including the ladder. I've used it in the Sahara and 900km north of the Arctic Circle. Cool & airy with 3 windows open or warm & cosy with them zipped shut. A lot less flappy than a conventional roof tent when it's very windy, and very slim so less drag on the car.

I bought the carbon fibre version, expensive I know, but it's only 28kg and it's my home for half the year.

Hannibal copied the design with their Impi tent. The fabric is the same as regular rooftents and there's a small canopy over the rear door.

Hope this helps,

Jojo
__________________
Atlas Overland - Specialist adventure tour company providing off-road holidays for 4x4 enthusiasts in Europe and North Africa.
Tours to Morocco, Iceland, Arctic Circle, Portugal, Alps, Pyrenees, Eastern Europe, Corsica, and UK weekend tours.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 21 Oct 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Ghana
Posts: 289
Good info Jojo, many thanks. The Impi I was considering as ZA is good for me for shipping, so am getting a mate to quote me. The columbus I hadn't heard of so will check it out if I can find a German seller. I really like the idea of the gas strut opening - call me lazy but I hate ars***g around with wet tents or rolling around on a dusty roofrack.
Thanks,
Gil
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 24 Oct 2008
silver G's Avatar
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: south Cumbria
Posts: 364
Hi Gill, I know someone in SA who made a hard shell that attaches to his roof rack enclosing his tent.
Autocamp also make a hard shell cover for their Marco Polo range which gives you the advantage of a big living space on the ground as well as raised sleeping.
Attached Images
 
__________________
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
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 24 Oct 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Ghana
Posts: 289
Thanks Chris,
have a done deal - Hannibal Impi being despatched from Durban next week - total price €640 Euros which seems to be a bit of a bargain looking at 2nd hand prices in the sale/wanted section. The autohome columbus tents looked great, no doubt. But 1000 euros more, so a bit of an easy choice! I couldn't help myself, but chatting to my mate and the South African prices being what they are at the moment led to a set of African Outback roller drawers being included as well. Great thing is he is loading a 40' container with various stuff so the freight costs nowt!
Gil
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 25 Oct 2008
silver G's Avatar
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: south Cumbria
Posts: 364
That seems like very good value - here in the UK it would be double the price and a hundred quid fitting charge - happy camping
__________________
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
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 25 Oct 2008
AliBaba's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Norway
Posts: 1,379
Quote:
Originally Posted by JoJo1 View Post
Hi Gil,

I've used it in the Sahara and 900km north of the Arctic Circle.
900 kms north of the Arctic circle should be around 74.4° north, where did you go?
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 25 Oct 2008
roamingyak's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Sep 2001
Location: Portugal
Posts: 1,134
My two cents:

- I have had a Maggiolina Columbus Variant tent for over a year now, but have yet to actually sleep in it ;-) I brought it because 5 nights out of 7 on all of my my trips I would sleep in a different place each night - and almost every day I would want to drive somewhere. So looking forward to the ease of use and increased sense of freedom when I set off again next year.

- The Hannibal Impi wasn't a very good design when it first came out - Dutch friends of mine who bought one in SA (after starting the trip with a Eezi Awn) complained it leaked badly in the rain - and I've heard similar things from others - so maybe check with Hannibal to see if it has been redesigned or modified etc. This was no more than 2 years ago.

Cheers, dj
__________________
Kiwi, 7 years around Africa. Overlanding channel:https://www.youtube.com/c/roamingyak
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 25 Oct 2008
Contributing Vendor
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Northumberland, UK
Posts: 558
Heading north
N71 10' 21" actually, all the way to Nordkapp. Just checked my log - it was nearer 1000km. Awesome!
__________________
Atlas Overland - Specialist adventure tour company providing off-road holidays for 4x4 enthusiasts in Europe and North Africa.
Tours to Morocco, Iceland, Arctic Circle, Portugal, Alps, Pyrenees, Eastern Europe, Corsica, and UK weekend tours.
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 25 Oct 2008
Contributing Vendor
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Northumberland, UK
Posts: 558
roof tents
Hi Darrin,

You'll love the Columbus, such a doddle to use and as comfortable as the conventional types. Plus better mpg.

Not sure if Hannibal are still manufacturing the Impi. I believe there were copyright issues as Maggiolina thought they'd ripped off their design. Not a great fan of Hannibal - my 1.2m was replaced twice and they still couldn't get it right. Bought an EeziAwn second hand in perfect condition which then had 3 years' hard use with no problems. Ended up selling it for more than I'd paid for it and put the money towards the Columbus.

Jojo
__________________
Atlas Overland - Specialist adventure tour company providing off-road holidays for 4x4 enthusiasts in Europe and North Africa.
Tours to Morocco, Iceland, Arctic Circle, Portugal, Alps, Pyrenees, Eastern Europe, Corsica, and UK weekend tours.
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 25 Oct 2008
AliBaba's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Norway
Posts: 1,379
Quote:
Originally Posted by JoJo1 View Post
N71 10' 21" actually, all the way to Nordkapp. Just checked my log - it was nearer 1000km. Awesome!
Okay, roadmiles... Cape North is approximately 500 kms from the Arctic Circle.
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 25 Oct 2008
Contributing Vendor
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Northumberland, UK
Posts: 558
nordkapp
Quite right!

Had to take the road as I've not tried the roof tent on the Cessna yet...
__________________
Atlas Overland - Specialist adventure tour company providing off-road holidays for 4x4 enthusiasts in Europe and North Africa.
Tours to Morocco, Iceland, Arctic Circle, Portugal, Alps, Pyrenees, Eastern Europe, Corsica, and UK weekend tours.
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 26 Oct 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Netherlands
Posts: 476
Red face ok ok
Quote:
Originally Posted by AliBaba View Post
Okay, roadmiles... Cape North is approximately 500 kms from the Arctic Circle.
OK guys, stopping pissing. Its 517 km due north as the crow flies.

Nice idea to try the roof tent on the Cessna, like to see that.

cheers,

Noel
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 26 Oct 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Ghana
Posts: 289
Well, Hanibal are definately still making the Impi, whether they have improved or not I don't know, but the price was just tooo good! Never really had an issue with my folding normal type Hanibal, so hope the same with the hard shell one. Will put up some opinion when it arives (hopefully 5-6 weeks). Thanks for the reviews as always folks.
Gil
Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old 11 Nov 2008
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: UK
Posts: 66
I've got a Columbus roof tent (medium). I'm 6'4" and it's just long enough. It has an external thermal layer that velcros on for cold confitions. I've got a 3" memory foam mattress in it that's very comfortable.

It doesn't like high winds, other than that it's great.

Reply With Quote
Reply
Page 1 of 3 1 23

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

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
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Which is the best way to mount a rooftent? Bensouthall Equipping the Overland Vehicle 9 7 Mar 2007 20:45
XR 650 L headlight shell/cover ???? gwc Honda Tech 7 5 Nov 2005 07:07
ROOFTENT WANTED !!! karellevrau Camping Equipment and all Clothing 0 29 Dec 2002 21:15
wanted: rooftent M&M Oskamp TRAVEL Equipment for Sale / Wanted 2 31 Dec 2001 02:40
Shell Optimax karter257 Travellers' questions that don't fit anywhere else 0 25 Sep 2001 14:25

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

25 years of HU Events
Be sure to join us for this huge milestone!

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

Virginia: April 24-27 2025
Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
CanWest: July 10-13 2025
Switzerland: Date TBC
Ecuador: Date TBC
Romania: Date TBC
Austria: Sept. 11-14
California: September 18-21
France: September 19-21 2025
Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
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...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

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)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

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 travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

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!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

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.

Susan and Grant Johnson 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.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 11:02.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top