DIY Trailer / Roof Top Tent

[Squatchout]

I keep looking around for a camping solution that will best fit the different camping needs I have and keep coming back to this tent. It looks so much better now in green with green fly. The recent improvements I like a lot. With the recent purchase of a mini truck I like that I could use it on that or the trailer.

I do have yet a couple of more questions. If I had one of these my trailer would be stored outdoors in the weather. The tent would likely be used about once a month. How much hassle is it to unsnap the tent from the base and take just the fabric portion indoors for storage on a regular basis. It rains a lot here and mildew is a problem on even the trailer paint at times just from humidity. Also have you had much concern or problem with these being stored outdoors for extended period with just the travel cover on them if closed up dry? In winter it would need to come indoors as my property is wooded and the mice WILL find their way in to something like this in cold weather. Quite a few Pop-ups get sold around here cheap because of mice and mildew damage to the canvas.

[compactcamping]

Hmmm, if you want to move it between your trailer and truck, just build a full platform for it. Then you would remove the whole unit, just like a "regular" rooftop style tent, storing it indoors when on in use. I wrote a guide on Building a MOAB Platform, check it out.

Being in Oregon I know all about wet, rainy, mildew and moss. For sitting outdoors between uses, just make sure it's dry and don't snap the cover down so you can get some ventiation. The covers are waterproof, although sometimes need a little seam sealing. Oh yes mice too, after the first cold snap my traps in the garage and shop are full every morning for about a week.

[Mayne]

Any luck in extending the changing room out?

[compactcamping]

Mayne, Not ready to start prototyping for a bit, but would extending the door end out at a 30-45 degrees, adding 3-4' to the changing room footprint and moving the door to the side met your needs?

[Mayne]

So total would be 4.5' by 7' then yes definitly. That would take care of my needs.

[Mayne]

Also... Is the 3" mattress a hard and fast rule, or can a person get away with 4"?

[compactcamping]

Yes c-room footprint would be 56" wide x ~7' long. 4" mattress would be tight, would depend if it compresses a little when closed. The hinges are design so there is extra space for Summer weigh sleeping bags with a 3" mattress.

[reran]

Mayne, Not ready to start prototyping for a bit, but would extending the door end out at a 30-45 degrees, adding 3-4' to the changing room footprint and moving the door to the side met your needs?

Is the extended changing room now an option? Also, maybe I missed it but does the changing room have a built in floor? Thanks!

Leland

[compactcamping]

Leland, Doing an extended changing room is still on the list, although unsure about schedule at this time. The changing rooms are designed without a floor.

[reran]

Scott, I imagine it shouldn't be too much of an issue to sew on a floor... would it? Would you be able to provide some good water proof material for a DIY install? Thanks. Leland