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 2 of 3 1 2 3
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #16  
Old 16 Nov 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Ghana
Posts: 289
Tents to tyres
Hi Bronze,
I was idly going through your links and saw that you are running Grabber AT2 tyres... I would be really interested in feedback on them as we buy a lot of tyres and I just confirmed 50 of these tyres! We were using Maxxis 751 as a general fleet tyre and found them very good, hard wearing (but not on heavily loaded pick-ups) and quiet. We couldn't get the Maxxis so went for the General Tyre option. The General certainly looks more off road biased than the Maxxis, but that doesn't mean it will wear any better...
Would be cool if you had any feedback on them thanks,
gil
Reply With Quote
  #17  
Old 18 Nov 2008
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: UK
Posts: 66
I've done less than 10,000 miles on them so can't really comment on how they wear (they're looking pretty unworn so far though).

They do look quite off-road biased but they're actually better on road than the OE wranglers and much better off. They're cheap too...
Reply With Quote
  #18  
Old 20 Nov 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Ghana
Posts: 289
Thanks Bronze. After an afternoon in the rainforest in a downpour I can definately confirm they are better than 751 Maxxis, and in fact for a AT in the mud not bad at all! Holes for ice studs as well...
Reply With Quote
  #19  
Old 16 Jul 2009
Chris Scott's Avatar
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jun 2000
Posts: 4,934
Fold-out questions but may as well put it here to save space.
Having once had perhaps the only rooftent to fold out onto the roof, I wonder what the rationales are for having a fold-out over the back or the side.

Also, is it rare that bedding can fit in on a fold out, ready to go as on a Magg or Columbus while still making it easy to close, or does it depend on the mattress, etc.

Thanks for your ideas.

Ch
Reply With Quote
  #20  
Old 16 Jul 2009
roamingyak's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Sep 2001
Location: Portugal
Posts: 1,134
Fold out - saves roof rack space, provides shade/rain cover over the back door if you mount it that way, also allows the use of a 'shower skirt' for privacy/rain cover, but never seen one in use, too much hassle and bulky to store is a common comment.

Imho you should mount a tent over the back door or over the bonnet (think South Africans like this method to avoid Rhino's etc scratching themselves against the ladder in the night etc) as tents that fold out over the side create problems when you only have a narrow camping area (not unusual when you are camping in a hotels car park etc etc).

Over the back door it also adds to the illusion of security as somebody or thing would have to climb up the rickety ladder to get ya, as opposed to standing easily on the bonnet etc

(Awnings should generally be mounted on the passenger side whilst we are at it.....
__________________
Kiwi, 7 years around Africa. Overlanding channel:https://www.youtube.com/c/roamingyak
Reply With Quote
  #21  
Old 19 Jul 2009
Contributing Vendor
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Northumberland, UK
Posts: 558
roof tents
I've had 3 Hannibal folding tents, 1 Eezi Awn, and one Columbus carbon fibre.

Opening over the back door is better as you can just about unpack the tent from ground level without climbing on the bonnet. Undo the cover and use the ladder as a lever to open the tent. After trying both methods the vehicle seemed to move around less at night with the tent opening over the rear.

Darrin's right, it's great for shade if you're cooking off the back door, and is a simpler footprint if ground space is tight. Opening over the back can be a problem for some cars with tailgates, eg 100 series Cruiser or pickups with hardtops.

I've always left the bedding inside the tent. 13.5 duvet + 2 pillows. No problem in a folding tent or a Maggi.

Shower skirts are good if you need shelter in foul/cold weather, (great on our Arctic Circle trip) but they're a pita to pack away when wet. There's a lot of bulky, heavy, wet canvas.

However, I'm liking my current method most. 2.1mx1.5m Memory foam matress in the back of my Troopy. 5star!

Happy trails,

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
  #22  
Old 13 Aug 2009
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Dec 2001
Location: Denver, CO
Posts: 227
Quote:
Originally Posted by roamingyak.org View Post
(Awnings should generally be mounted on the passenger side whilst we are at it.....
Ok, I'll bite (and I may have had a G&T or two), why?

Nick.
__________________
Nick Taylor, a Colorado Mack'em
blog | vehicles
Reply With Quote
  #23  
Old 13 Aug 2009
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Bristol UK
Posts: 454
with reference to the OP Maggiolina every time I have a Topline and it is excellent. After faffing about with a folding Safari Equip RTT Im so glad I made the swtich. Feel like I have 1/2 a caravan on the roof with its whiteness but nevermind. Maybe I should get a Carbon one...

JoJo how are you getting on with the CF version? I REALLY fancy one, but its a lot of £££ right now, maybe something for the future. Give me a shout if you ever feel like selling it.

Nick, most rear doors open out/swing out to the right. so on a RHD vehicle it makes sense to have the awning on the opposite side where you can walk around to access the (open) boot/back.

You dont have to do this, but its the most commonly adopted approach.

G
__________________
Land Rover D90
www.Siroccoverland.com | Follow us on Facebook
Reply With Quote
  #24  
Old 13 Aug 2009
roamingyak's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Sep 2001
Location: Portugal
Posts: 1,134
Quote:
Originally Posted by Griffdowg View Post
Nick, most rear doors open out/swing out to the right. so on a RHD vehicle it makes sense to have the awning on the opposite side where you can walk around to access the (open) boot/back.

You dont have to do this, but its the most commonly adopted approach.
G
Yip - you can sit under the shade in your deck chair (with complimentary G&T) and be able to see your back door when it is open, or at least the approach to it. So it would be hard for somebody to sneak in an grab something as you would see them approach etc

If the awning was on the other side it would be quite easy for somebody to walk up and help themselves (unless you want to close/open the door every time etc)

Also, when you want to access the front of the vehicle it is generally easier to do so from the passenger side which does not have the foot pedals and steering wheel in the way.

But hang it off the front bumper if you wish - its all fine! ;-)
__________________
Kiwi, 7 years around Africa. Overlanding channel:https://www.youtube.com/c/roamingyak
Reply With Quote
  #25  
Old 13 Aug 2009
Alexlebrit's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: West London
Posts: 920
Sorry to maybe drift even further off topic but I was wondering about roo-tents and roaf loadings. I just got the Maggio-doodad catalogue in the post and there's a pick of one of their Columbus Smalls on the top of a Renault Twingo!!



SMALL CAR - BIG TENT

Now my Twingo handbook says no more than 70 kilos on the roof, and that's me without even starting on a roof tent. Is that a cautious safety thing? or is it 70 kilos when driving but more when stopped? I have laid on the roof before and I didn't break the glass sunroof.

And why are awnings etc still seemingly made out of heavy canvas-like stuff when the rest of us are using nice lightweight nylon etc for our tents, even the HUGE family ones?

And finally, has anyone ever made their own roof-tent/awnings? Or seen anything online for tips/hints?

Sorry to the OP for enlarging the topic, but this looks like a mine of people who actually know about these things.
__________________
Happiness has 125 cc
Reply With Quote
  #26  
Old 13 Aug 2009
roamingyak's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Sep 2001
Location: Portugal
Posts: 1,134
Perhaps better to copy your questions to a new post and delete this one - It's nice to maintain a little posting discipline for readers that stumble along later... ;-)
__________________
Kiwi, 7 years around Africa. Overlanding channel:https://www.youtube.com/c/roamingyak
Reply With Quote
  #27  
Old 13 Aug 2009
Alexlebrit's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: West London
Posts: 920
Quote:
Originally Posted by roamingyak.org View Post
Perhaps better to copy your questions to a new post and delete this one - It's nice to maintain a little posting discipline for readers that stumble along later... ;-)
Well often I would, but as Chris hadn't (and he's a mod) I thought I'd stay here, and as Columbus tents have already been talked about on this thread, it's only a slight drift away really.
__________________
Happiness has 125 cc
Reply With Quote
  #28  
Old 13 Aug 2009
roamingyak's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Sep 2001
Location: Portugal
Posts: 1,134
"it's only a slight drift away really" - not really, but as nobody will make me a mod I can only make suggestions ;-)

__________________
Kiwi, 7 years around Africa. Overlanding channel:https://www.youtube.com/c/roamingyak
Reply With Quote
  #29  
Old 13 Aug 2009
Contributing Vendor
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Northumberland, UK
Posts: 558
Stuff
Hi all,

G - sold the Carbon Fibre Columbus I'm afraid, best roof tent I've ever had.

Alexlebrit - roof load is probably OK. Ratings normally relate to dynamic loading when driving the car as opposed to the static load when you're in the tent at night.

Happt trails,

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
  #30  
Old 13 Aug 2009
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: UK
Posts: 221
Ref Chris's question - I think most roof tents can fit the bedding in, but depending on the design of the tent frame and the thickness of the mattress, you can end up with a bit of a wedge shape going on when you fold it over.
My Autocamp will fold with a couple of sleeping bags in, but much more than that and it doesn't fold totally flat. Which bugs me.

I got round this by using self inflating mattresses last few times out - lighter, flatter and more comfortable to be honest, though not as wide as the foam mattresses I took out.

This has now been superceeded by a Range Rover ambulance though No more climbing!
__________________
www.simba4x4.com
Reply With Quote
Reply
Page 2 of 3 1 2 3

« 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 15:55.

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