Roof campers? Please explain
- Thread starter Paddy
- Start date
Good point. There should be a difference between a hard shell and safari-style tent, I would think.
And, depending on your rig, you might not see a difference. I don't in my almost 6800 lb 80-series.
A.
Herbie
Rendezvous Conspirator
Yes, overall I would say it is a concern. I think the addition or lack of a RTT is only ONE factor in this, but it is something to consider. On the one hand, adding a relatively light RTT can sort of "help" CG by taking up your roof real estate and keep you from loading it up with heavier stuff. I think there's a certain ExPo expectation of a swath of jerry cans and Zarges cases on a roof rack. That's a bad practice, I'd say.
On the other, I think it's wise to consider how you load the vehicle even if you never put stuff on the roof. If you end up high-loading the interior of the vehicle for whatever reason, then the RTT may be the bridge too far.
I have to say, while I didn't have a RTT, I just did a trip down to climb some mountains in southern CO, and I took some extra people, so I had to borrow one of those Yakima Space Cadet boxes. Its not as wide as a RTT, but its about as tall as the one's I've seen (this is the short, fat stubby version). I saw maybe 1 mpg loss from the drag, but really I was about where I expected. I don't think the MPG loss is nearly as big for these as it is for say, tires, lift, bumpers, winch, yada yada yada. A nice wind deflector would maybe be a good idea, but more for bugs than for MPG.
I am REALLY jonsing for one of these. And an exchanger shower. After 3 days of hiking, my legs were sticking together in my bag, and being on a slant really messed with my equilibrium, and I did not sleep well. RTT and a shower. Next on my list!
I am REALLY jonsing for one of these. And an exchanger shower. After 3 days of hiking, my legs were sticking together in my bag, and being on a slant really messed with my equilibrium, and I did not sleep well. RTT and a shower. Next on my list!
Lightning and storms. I have had my ARB RTT in straight line winds in Arkansas or Southern Missouri I can't remember which and felt extremely safe. We got over 4 inches of rain in 2 hours and stayed not only dry but had a great time. We have also woken up in a foot of snow several times both in our land cruiser and with the RTT on our outback. I for one won't ground tent again the RTT is camping taken to the next level.[/ATTACH]
libarata
Expedition Leader
Again, unless you are going off camber, how much of a concern is it? Adding lifts will do more to change your CG than what an RTT can. Sure, it will make you take everything inside the vehicle, over stacking everything up top. But for those of us not blazing a trail through the amazons, or putting ourselves sin situations where a fly farting on your mirror would capsize you, CG is your least concern. What is for breakfast is.
stingray1300
Explorer
Then just make sure you have a strong enough push guard to deal with the situation... :sombrero:
libarata
Expedition Leader
Insurance. Also, who swerves? Take the moron out.
I here I thought my big steel bumper was for hitting steroid-eating super-deer, I stand corrected. It is for morons. ARB should add that to their glossy…:REOutShootinghunter
A.
jdlobb
Adventurer
there's some literature out there about how steel off-road bumpers considerably increase safety in high speed collisions because they better spread the impact across the width of the vehicle
BIGdaddy
Expedition Leader
i think all your pro's and all your con's are true.
I enjoyed our RTT years in a high-quality Maggiolina, and quite honestly I've been enjoying our recent tent camping days as well. Each has it's merits.
Up to you to decide.
Dances with Wolves
aka jk240sx
mountainbiking 101. hit obstacles at speed. keep yer butt off the seat and transfer weight to limbs.
