Build your roof top tent frame

[stevenmd]

I know, I know, I did a search for this topic but what I'm really after are some actual plans/drawing/pics of homemade roof top tent frames/setups. Anybody?

[Grim Reaper]

I'm looking as well. I'm trying to find a old school tent with internal pole support and a 7x7ft foot print. Where I have my issue is tent canvas needs a pretty heavy duty sewing machine so I am looking for a ready made tent in the size needed. The support can be out of Conduit. Very simple to make. The trick is the hinge to make it fold on itself. I am considering a composit like Nida Core for the floor material.

[stevenmd]

I have a 7x7 tent but it is not middle pole supported - apparently whenever I ask for camping stuff for Christmas, my parents get me a tent... I now have 3 of them. I am not concerned about it being heavy duty as it will be used only this summer right now on a solo trip. My family (wife and 4 kids) is too big to use it on family outings.

I want something that folds up on it's self also. I think the tent I have will work, all I have to do is add the external poles when I unfold it.

Another concern is a cover for it. I guess I could just sew some canvas.

[stevenmd]

Bump... anyone?

[rusty_tlc]

Here is one site (http://www.bushwalking.org.au/FAQ/DIY_RNCTents.htm), not roof top but lots of stuff you could adapt.
Maybe a Tarp tent (http://www.ray-way.com/tarp-nettent/index.shtml) could be adapted?
This site (http://www.backpacking.net/makegear/tarptent3/tarptent-print.html) has some good construction hints, not the best design for a roof topper though.

[stevenmd]

Nice links. The tent itself isn't the issue. I have a pretty good 7' x 7' tent that I plan on using. I was just wondering if anyone has any ideas or plans drawn up so I wouldn't have to reinvent the wheel.

I have some plans that I made up the other night. I will put it all together when I have a lock of time in the next few weeks. Once it is done, I will post up some pics!

[xcmountain80]

Hey I'm not certain what your looking for but I rebuilt my Hannibal 1.2m tent. I replaced everything but the tent canvas and the frame. The actual foot print of the tent is a 4x8 sheet of plywood. I can get you pics and whatever else if it would help.
Aaron

[stevenmd]

Hey I'm not certain what your looking for but I rebuilt my Hannibal 1.2m tent. I replaced everything but the tent canvas and the frame. The actual foot print of the tent is a 4x8 sheet of plywood. I can get you pics and whatever else if it would help.
Aaron
That would be pretty sweet if you could do that Aaron. You can either post them here or email them to me at stevenmsw@yahoo.com

Thanks!

[xcmountain80]

Ok let me see what photos I have on photo bucket and then which I have left from the rebuild project.The trickiest part with be the hinges, the aluminum poles are pretty straight forward and I imagine a stick of aluminum could be bent easily enough. They do use a brace on the corners that are riveted in place.
http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e31/xcmountain/P9200359.jpg
http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e31/xcmountain/P9200358.jpg
http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e31/xcmountain/P9200356.jpg
http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e31/xcmountain/P9200355.jpg
http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e31/xcmountain/P9200354.jpg
http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e31/xcmountain/P9200353.jpg
http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e31/xcmountain/P9200352.jpg
http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e31/xcmountain/8040b359.jpg
http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e31/xcmountain/OCT%20trip/PA020499.jpg

Aaron

[Willman]

:clapsmile

Nice!! Got any action camping shots?

:1888fbbd:

[PhulesAU]

Oh Man , I wished I could fit in that!!!! That looks great!

[Ridgewalker]

Great job Aaron!:wings:

[xcmountain80]

Keep in mind this is a Hannibal tent, but you can see how easy it might be to make your own. If you have a canvas guy for say boat canvas or awning canvas the tent could be easily designed hell for that matter you might be able to get them to make it out of lighter tent material.

Aaron

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e31/xcmountain/PA030551.jpg
http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e31/xcmountain/PA020494.jpg

[vengeful]

Hey XCMountain, what's the footprint size of the Hannibal, closed? I've been looking at various roof tents, and I really only need one large enough for 1, maybe 2 people, but I'd like one with as small of a closed footprint as possible, since I'd like to be able to still use part of my roof rack with in mounted.

[big sky trapper]

I love home built/rebuilt gear!!!

[xcmountain80]

Hey XCMountain, what's the footprint size of the Hannibal, closed? I've been looking at various roof tents, and I really only need one large enough for 1, maybe 2 people, but I'd like one with as small of a closed footprint as possible, since I'd like to be able to still use part of my roof rack with in mounted.

Well a 4'X8' sheet of plywood 1/2 ed would be 4'X4', I had a local canvas guy make me a new cover based on the old ones footprint for $110 out of a heavy duty pvc with ripstop nylon awning material almost just like the original cover. I did find this cover to be similar to that of inflatable boat material.

Aaron