Tuesday, May 23, 2023

Not sure I'm on board with that "tent on a car" thing

 


20 comments:

  1. This guy drove around the world and had a tent on top of his land cruiser, seemed to work well.
    http://transworldexpedition.com/ it was a neat trip to watch on the blog.

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  2. I liked the way the jeep was leveled, by driving the right front tire onto a convienent rock.
    irontomflint

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  3. Tends to keep the critters and insects from coming into the tent, make the ladies happier.

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  4. That looks like a Kevlar reinforced ultra-military kit bag beside the passenger front tire. Impressive! (Possibly Ukraine military surplus before our massive investment.)

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  5. It's convenient, until you need to make a run for more ice for the cooler.

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    1. It's like that with anything that has those two functions

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    2. My first thought was what if there is a medical emergency.
      How long is it going to take to break down. Probably just long enough for your buddy to bleed out.

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  6. I'm not convinced of the utility of these either, but then I've always lived a suburban life. Having one of these overhead tent thingies means that during the week, I'd be hauling around an extra 100-150 pounds everywhere I go, each of which decreases my gas mileage. On the weekends that I'd be out at an unimproved campsite (and let's be real: Is that going to happen even once a month?), opening up that tent means that the entire vehicle is tied to that campsite. Every fishing hole, trailhead, or deer stand needs to be within walking distance of that tent-on-a-jeep, or you'll be packing up the whole thing before heading out.

    But for those who can overcome these negatives, go for it. To each, his own.

    azlibertarian

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  7. FWIW the one time I checked putting a roof rack (just the rack) was worth 2 mpg, I wouldn't think you'd have a roof top tent installed unless you needed it.

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    1. 2013 Ram 1500 - roof rack is worth about a 1.5 mpg loss over a clean roof. Put anything on that rack, you're talking 3 to 4 mpg loss. Just from air resistance. I have a quick install type - after every camping trip I remove it to help on my daily commute.

      That said, I see lots of trucks, jeeps, SUV's in everyday driving with more roof racks, roof baskets, awnings, etc. attached as if they're going camping right then rather than to work. Guess they haven't figured out the mpg thing yet.

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  8. It's a step up from sleeping in the car.

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  9. They're popular in Australia where they were invented. You are not on the hot sand of the Outback and poisonous spiders and venomous snakes can't reach you.
    Al_in_Ottawa

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  10. Go buy a Pontiac Aztec.

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  11. Don't forget the extra added bonus - when the weather gets cold, you can run the vehicle and use the exhaust for heat. Win, win.....

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  12. Teardrop trailer is the answer.

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  13. I like those chairs
    Backwoods Okie

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  14. I pee too much for that

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  15. Super expensive and not worth it. Plus, weight and inconvenience of the ladder.

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  16. The Toyota Highlanders have a built-in fridge option.

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  17. Great for Oz.

    On this continent, the main benefit is allowing the bears to climb up and eat you without scratching the paint, which your next-of-kin will appreciate.

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