Rooftop tents

***Corey*** · 03-10-2008, 03:42 PM

I have been looking at a few different brands of rooftop tents as of late.
One brand shows it on a stock FJ Cruiser roofrack, and ARB's Simpson II tent is also shown on an FJ, with the ARB roofrack.

http://www.arbusa.com/rooftop-tents.php

The ARB FJ Cruiser has one of these tents, I have seen it when they went wheeling with us last year, and I also saw it down at ARB headquarters.

I Goggled the Simpson tent and found a great article on it.
http://www.4wdandsportutility.com/te...all/index.html

I have also seen that Jeep in person when I was down at ARB last year.
Owner Seth was getting the tent installed on the new custom rack when I was there.

Has anyone seen this brand of tent in person?
I am going to stop by ARB when I get off of work someday (they are just down the street from me) and see if it will work with my stock rack or not.
If not, I would have to go with the ARB rack, and I kind of like the factory rack.

Having a tent like this though would sure make taking off and going camping a quick thing for a night in the mountains.

nix4x4 · 03-10-2008, 04:18 PM

I always thought those were neat.
How stable are they and what do they use to support the bottom?

***Corey*** · 03-10-2008, 04:25 PM

That one has an aluminum floor, same as this one which goes into more detail on how it is built.

http://www.racktents.com/Tents.html

That is the one I saw online using the stock FJ rack.

That site has another one that is more $$$, and it uses a fiber floor.
I would think the fiber floor would not be as sturdy.
It is much lighter though than the aluminum floor types.

http://www.racktents.com/OasisII.html

I am getting pretty serious about this, but I need to find out how hard it is to remove/install too, as once it is on, I doubt you can wash your roof.
Of course I would not run it during the winter time.

dlbrunner · 03-10-2008, 09:10 PM

rooftop tents rule. I looked at one at the 4 peaks cleanup. Most are about a $1000 minimum. The one I looked at, the people had sheets and blankets, ready to crawl into in less than a minute plus a 4" thick mattress.

$1000 bucks well spent in my book.

Shoot, I love naps, I want to get one so if I get tired in traffic, I can bust into a walmart and take a 20 minute "power nap"

dlbrunner · 03-10-2008, 09:12 PM

Check expedition portal forums, they have some really good reviews and loads of people who use them regularly.

There are Overland tents, Magnolia, and a few others

***Corey*** · 03-12-2008, 04:23 AM

I have seen the Mag one, we have a member who has one on his FJ.
http://www.autohomeus.com/products/m...aAirlander.php

I am still kicking the idea of that one, as it will mount to the stock rack with Yakima towers and crossbars.

Here is member KD7NAC_07FJ's tent on his FJ.

He used these to mount it to the stock FJ rack.

http://www.yakima.com/Product.aspx?id=144

http://www.yakima.com/Product.aspx?id=155

jjrgr21 · 03-12-2008, 05:35 AM

got mine for $770 shipped, but i still have to mount it.

***Corey*** · 03-12-2008, 05:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jjrgr21

got mine for $770 shipped, but i still have to mount it.

Which one did you go for?

Brenjen · 03-12-2008, 09:31 AM

The square one that doesn't hang over looks more stable. If you've ever seen a freak wind grab a tent, you'll want stable. Just thought I'd throw that out there, I'm not into fluid dynamics that much but a strong wind gust might break one that has too large a footprint & you never know when wind will decide to pay you a visit.

***Corey*** · 03-12-2008, 09:40 AM

Yeah, I have been yakking with Wayne (KD7) about his, and that Mag unit is very nice, and sets up in seconds.

A little more money to dish out, but it will work with the stock FJ rack when equipped with the Yakima stuff.
I really do not want to swap out my stock rack, I like the looks of it.

***Corey*** · 03-13-2008, 07:07 AM

Looking at reviews on this tent now from Google...

Here is one from a Tacoma and FJ Cruiser owner.
http://www.anzaborrego.net/Travel/An...t-Reviews.aspx

I may even be able to get a discount on this model, as one of the vendors that carries it is an RV shop about 2.5 miles from where I live, and my neighbor just happens to be the head tech/mechanic there.

He stopped by my place after he got off of work yesterday after he found out I had told the parts guy that he was a neighbor of mine.

The Yakima gear will arrive tomorrow for my rack to hold one of these or another type.

jjrgr21 · 03-13-2008, 11:14 AM

the rack-tent, from toyota of dallas. that was shipped to maryland

***Corey*** · 03-13-2008, 04:32 PM

Bummer, the RV shop by me does not want to order from the company.

I talked to Autohome yesterday, and they told me the shop by me was not the best to work with, and had suggested another one further away from me.

Called them up, put a deposit down, and it will arrive at their shop by Thursday.
If so, I will take Friday off and get in installed.

If it goes as smooth as planned, I should have some pics by next weekend.

***Corey*** · 03-14-2008, 07:08 PM

Mama mia, you gotta check this out, the homebase for these tents is in Italy.
http://www.autohome.it/

Here is the model I am getting, the AirLander, but check out the other Maggiolina links to the far left.
http://www.autohome.it/file_gb/magg_adventure.html

Here in the US the only Maggiolina model we get is the AirLander.
They have many more available elsewhere, and some have roof racks built into the top.

Here is how the units are constructed.
http://www.autohome.it/file_gb/magg_technical.html

I will think about getting the awning later too.

They even have a feet kit to set it up on the ground.

***Corey*** · 03-21-2008, 03:29 PM

Just a sneak peak, I will have many more pictures tomorrow, but I will be posting them in my buildup thread in the FJ Cruiser section.

I am a little too tired tonight to open it up, plus I want to get the sheets on the mattress and get better pictures when I have time.

Gotta start dinner now for my youngest son and I.

It is big, and it will take awhile to get use to it, but when I saw it opened up at the shop, I can tell it is going to be very comfortable on trips.

**aviator** · 03-21-2008, 05:45 PM

Looks very nice Corey...
I saw a pic in Austrailian 4wd monthly of one of those with a set of solar panels on the top I think...
You could put some additional offroad lights on the underside at the edges if you wanted to as well...

***Corey*** · 03-21-2008, 06:15 PM

Thanks Paul.
I thought with that up there I would no longer be able to wash the roof with the mitt, but I can still.

Now for the top of the tent, I will need to use a brush.
With my 4' ladder I use to wash the roof with, I do not think I will be able to reach the top by hand.

It seems pretty tall now, maybe 2' taller than my neighbors stock height Jeep TJ.

I am getting pumped now to do some camping in it come May.

BT17R · 03-21-2008, 08:48 PM

Wow, very nice Corey! Which size did you get? How easy is it to R&R? What's it weigh? It might be too tall to fit in my garage installed, but I'd want to remove it for DD use anyway. If it came in black, I'd be ordering next week!

03-10-2008, 03:42 PM	#1 (permalink)
*Corey* Co-Founder/Administrator Staff Join Date: May 2002 Location: Auburn, Washington Posts: 23,770	Rooftop tents I have been looking at a few different brands of rooftop tents as of late. One brand shows it on a stock FJ Cruiser roofrack, and ARB's Simpson II tent is also shown on an FJ, with the ARB roofrack. http://www.arbusa.com/rooftop-tents.php The ARB FJ Cruiser has one of these tents, I have seen it when they went wheeling with us last year, and I also saw it down at ARB headquarters. I Goggled the Simpson tent and found a great article on it. http://www.4wdandsportutility.com/te...all/index.html I have also seen that Jeep in person when I was down at ARB last year. Owner Seth was getting the tent installed on the new custom rack when I was there. Has anyone seen this brand of tent in person? I am going to stop by ARB when I get off of work someday (they are just down the street from me) and see if it will work with my stock rack or not. If not, I would have to go with the ARB rack, and I kind of like the factory rack. Having a tent like this though would sure make taking off and going camping a quick thing for a night in the mountains. __________________ Corey 2007 FJ Cruiser ARB bumper, Warn XD9000, OME lift, roof top tent, so much more, see my website & buildup thread PNW FJ Cruisers ☺ Detailing 101 ☺ Join Topsites ☺ Muffler Comparisons ☺ Maggiolinas In The Wild FJ Cruiser Buildup ☺ New Roof Top Tent ☺ Video Of My Penthouse ☺ Rehinge Your ARB/Engel Fridge

03-10-2008, 04:18 PM	#2 (permalink)
nix4x4 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: I'm an Ohio boy! Posts: 1,198	I always thought those were neat. How stable are they and what do they use to support the bottom? __________________ The Stable... 2002 Toyota Tundra SR5 AccCab V8 4WD 1992 Toyota Truck DLX Xcab V6 5-speed 4WD 1995 Honda Accord LX 4 door I4 Check out my sweet myspace

03-10-2008, 04:25 PM	#3 (permalink)
*Corey* Co-Founder/Administrator Staff Join Date: May 2002 Location: Auburn, Washington Posts: 23,770	That one has an aluminum floor, same as this one which goes into more detail on how it is built. http://www.racktents.com/Tents.html That is the one I saw online using the stock FJ rack. That site has another one that is more $$$, and it uses a fiber floor. I would think the fiber floor would not be as sturdy. It is much lighter though than the aluminum floor types. http://www.racktents.com/OasisII.html I am getting pretty serious about this, but I need to find out how hard it is to remove/install too, as once it is on, I doubt you can wash your roof. Of course I would not run it during the winter time. __________________ Corey 2007 FJ Cruiser ARB bumper, Warn XD9000, OME lift, roof top tent, so much more, see my website & buildup thread PNW FJ Cruisers ☺ Detailing 101 ☺ Join Topsites ☺ Muffler Comparisons ☺ Maggiolinas In The Wild FJ Cruiser Buildup ☺ New Roof Top Tent ☺ Video Of My Penthouse ☺ Rehinge Your ARB/Engel Fridge

03-10-2008, 09:10 PM	#4 (permalink)
dlbrunner Contributing Member Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: phoenix Posts: 1,118	rooftop tents rule. I looked at one at the 4 peaks cleanup. Most are about a $1000 minimum. The one I looked at, the people had sheets and blankets, ready to crawl into in less than a minute plus a 4" thick mattress. $1000 bucks well spent in my book. Shoot, I love naps, I want to get one so if I get tired in traffic, I can bust into a walmart and take a 20 minute "power nap" __________________ Duncan -------------------------------------------------- Current: 95 4X4 SR5 V6, Yakima tracks/rack installed. Aisin hubs. Sonoran Steel IFS Truss. Cobra CB(finally!) Desired: 66 FJ45 shorty EX's: 89 4X4 V6 Downey'd 72 FJ40 W 350/SM465 powertrax, "Billy"

03-10-2008, 09:12 PM	#5 (permalink)
dlbrunner Contributing Member Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: phoenix Posts: 1,118	Check expedition portal forums, they have some really good reviews and loads of people who use them regularly. There are Overland tents, Magnolia, and a few others __________________ Duncan -------------------------------------------------- Current: 95 4X4 SR5 V6, Yakima tracks/rack installed. Aisin hubs. Sonoran Steel IFS Truss. Cobra CB(finally!) Desired: 66 FJ45 shorty EX's: 89 4X4 V6 Downey'd 72 FJ40 W 350/SM465 powertrax, "Billy"

03-12-2008, 04:23 AM	#6 (permalink)
*Corey* Co-Founder/Administrator Staff Join Date: May 2002 Location: Auburn, Washington Posts: 23,770	I have seen the Mag one, we have a member who has one on his FJ. http://www.autohomeus.com/products/m...aAirlander.php I am still kicking the idea of that one, as it will mount to the stock rack with Yakima towers and crossbars. Here is member KD7NAC_07FJ's tent on his FJ. He used these to mount it to the stock FJ rack. http://www.yakima.com/Product.aspx?id=144 http://www.yakima.com/Product.aspx?id=155 __________________ Corey 2007 FJ Cruiser ARB bumper, Warn XD9000, OME lift, roof top tent, so much more, see my website & buildup thread PNW FJ Cruisers ☺ Detailing 101 ☺ Join Topsites ☺ Muffler Comparisons ☺ Maggiolinas In The Wild FJ Cruiser Buildup ☺ New Roof Top Tent ☺ Video Of My Penthouse ☺ Rehinge Your ARB/Engel Fridge

03-12-2008, 05:35 AM	#7 (permalink)
jjrgr21 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Maryland Posts: 1,414	got mine for $770 shipped, but i still have to mount it. __________________ 2003 4WD TRD Tacoma 1986 4Runner

03-12-2008, 09:31 AM	#9 (permalink)
Brenjen Registered User Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Searcy, Arkansas Posts: 1,191	The square one that doesn't hang over looks more stable. If you've ever seen a freak wind grab a tent, you'll want stable. Just thought I'd throw that out there, I'm not into fluid dynamics that much but a strong wind gust might break one that has too large a footprint & you never know when wind will decide to pay you a visit. __________________ '95 4Runner 3.0 Automatic bone stock; it's becoming a project slowly but surely, one part at a time "If ye love wealth better than liberty, the tranquility of servitude than the animated contest of freedom, go from us in peace. We ask not your counsels or arms. Crouch down and lick the hands which feed you. May your chains sit lightly upon you, and may posterity forget that you were our countrymen!”

03-12-2008, 09:40 AM	#10 (permalink)
*Corey* Co-Founder/Administrator Staff Join Date: May 2002 Location: Auburn, Washington Posts: 23,770	Yeah, I have been yakking with Wayne (KD7) about his, and that Mag unit is very nice, and sets up in seconds. A little more money to dish out, but it will work with the stock FJ rack when equipped with the Yakima stuff. I really do not want to swap out my stock rack, I like the looks of it. __________________ Corey 2007 FJ Cruiser ARB bumper, Warn XD9000, OME lift, roof top tent, so much more, see my website & buildup thread PNW FJ Cruisers ☺ Detailing 101 ☺ Join Topsites ☺ Muffler Comparisons ☺ Maggiolinas In The Wild FJ Cruiser Buildup ☺ New Roof Top Tent ☺ Video Of My Penthouse ☺ Rehinge Your ARB/Engel Fridge

03-13-2008, 07:07 AM	#11 (permalink)
*Corey* Co-Founder/Administrator Staff Join Date: May 2002 Location: Auburn, Washington Posts: 23,770	Looking at reviews on this tent now from Google... Here is one from a Tacoma and FJ Cruiser owner. http://www.anzaborrego.net/Travel/An...t-Reviews.aspx I may even be able to get a discount on this model, as one of the vendors that carries it is an RV shop about 2.5 miles from where I live, and my neighbor just happens to be the head tech/mechanic there. He stopped by my place after he got off of work yesterday after he found out I had told the parts guy that he was a neighbor of mine. The Yakima gear will arrive tomorrow for my rack to hold one of these or another type. __________________ Corey 2007 FJ Cruiser ARB bumper, Warn XD9000, OME lift, roof top tent, so much more, see my website & buildup thread PNW FJ Cruisers ☺ Detailing 101 ☺ Join Topsites ☺ Muffler Comparisons ☺ Maggiolinas In The Wild FJ Cruiser Buildup ☺ New Roof Top Tent ☺ Video Of My Penthouse ☺ Rehinge Your ARB/Engel Fridge

03-13-2008, 11:14 AM	#12 (permalink)
jjrgr21 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Maryland Posts: 1,414	the rack-tent, from toyota of dallas. that was shipped to maryland __________________ 2003 4WD TRD Tacoma 1986 4Runner

03-13-2008, 04:32 PM	#13 (permalink)
*Corey* Co-Founder/Administrator Staff Join Date: May 2002 Location: Auburn, Washington Posts: 23,770	Bummer, the RV shop by me does not want to order from the company. I talked to Autohome yesterday, and they told me the shop by me was not the best to work with, and had suggested another one further away from me. Called them up, put a deposit down, and it will arrive at their shop by Thursday. If so, I will take Friday off and get in installed. If it goes as smooth as planned, I should have some pics by next weekend. __________________ Corey 2007 FJ Cruiser ARB bumper, Warn XD9000, OME lift, roof top tent, so much more, see my website & buildup thread PNW FJ Cruisers ☺ Detailing 101 ☺ Join Topsites ☺ Muffler Comparisons ☺ Maggiolinas In The Wild FJ Cruiser Buildup ☺ New Roof Top Tent ☺ Video Of My Penthouse ☺ Rehinge Your ARB/Engel Fridge

03-14-2008, 07:08 PM	#14 (permalink)
*Corey* Co-Founder/Administrator Staff Join Date: May 2002 Location: Auburn, Washington Posts: 23,770	Mama mia, you gotta check this out, the homebase for these tents is in Italy. http://www.autohome.it/ Here is the model I am getting, the AirLander, but check out the other Maggiolina links to the far left. http://www.autohome.it/file_gb/magg_adventure.html Here in the US the only Maggiolina model we get is the AirLander. They have many more available elsewhere, and some have roof racks built into the top. Here is how the units are constructed. http://www.autohome.it/file_gb/magg_technical.html I will think about getting the awning later too. They even have a feet kit to set it up on the ground. __________________ Corey 2007 FJ Cruiser ARB bumper, Warn XD9000, OME lift, roof top tent, so much more, see my website & buildup thread PNW FJ Cruisers ☺ Detailing 101 ☺ Join Topsites ☺ Muffler Comparisons ☺ Maggiolinas In The Wild FJ Cruiser Buildup ☺ New Roof Top Tent ☺ Video Of My Penthouse ☺ Rehinge Your ARB/Engel Fridge

03-21-2008, 03:29 PM	#15 (permalink)
*Corey* Co-Founder/Administrator Staff Join Date: May 2002 Location: Auburn, Washington Posts: 23,770	Just a sneak peak, I will have many more pictures tomorrow, but I will be posting them in my buildup thread in the FJ Cruiser section. I am a little too tired tonight to open it up, plus I want to get the sheets on the mattress and get better pictures when I have time. Gotta start dinner now for my youngest son and I. It is big, and it will take awhile to get use to it, but when I saw it opened up at the shop, I can tell it is going to be very comfortable on trips. __________________ Corey 2007 FJ Cruiser ARB bumper, Warn XD9000, OME lift, roof top tent, so much more, see my website & buildup thread PNW FJ Cruisers ☺ Detailing 101 ☺ Join Topsites ☺ Muffler Comparisons ☺ Maggiolinas In The Wild FJ Cruiser Buildup ☺ New Roof Top Tent ☺ Video Of My Penthouse ☺ Rehinge Your ARB/Engel Fridge

03-21-2008, 05:45 PM	#16 (permalink)
aviator Super Moderator Staff Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: COTKU,Ontario,Canada Posts: 5,307	Looks very nice Corey... I saw a pic in Austrailian 4wd monthly of one of those with a set of solar panels on the top I think... You could put some additional offroad lights on the underside at the edges if you wanted to as well... __________________ Silver 1994 Hilux Xtra cab 4x4 3.0 K&N cone filter, ported MAF, advanced timing, oversize exhaust, free flow cat, "rumble" muffler custom covered SR5 seats, map lights, factory AC tv4184 style black interior conversion started mods to come... header, custom centre console, stereo upgrade tinted windows Founding member 1972TLC fan club Toyota Hilux... Get in or Get out of the way.

03-21-2008, 06:15 PM	#17 (permalink)
*Corey* Co-Founder/Administrator Staff Join Date: May 2002 Location: Auburn, Washington Posts: 23,770	Thanks Paul. I thought with that up there I would no longer be able to wash the roof with the mitt, but I can still. Now for the top of the tent, I will need to use a brush. With my 4' ladder I use to wash the roof with, I do not think I will be able to reach the top by hand. It seems pretty tall now, maybe 2' taller than my neighbors stock height Jeep TJ. I am getting pumped now to do some camping in it come May. __________________ Corey 2007 FJ Cruiser ARB bumper, Warn XD9000, OME lift, roof top tent, so much more, see my website & buildup thread PNW FJ Cruisers ☺ Detailing 101 ☺ Join Topsites ☺ Muffler Comparisons ☺ Maggiolinas In The Wild FJ Cruiser Buildup ☺ New Roof Top Tent ☺ Video Of My Penthouse ☺ Rehinge Your ARB/Engel Fridge

03-21-2008, 08:48 PM	#18 (permalink)
BT17R Contributing Member Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Da Gorge, Oregon Posts: 5,140	Wow, very nice Corey! Which size did you get? How easy is it to R&R? What's it weigh? It might be too tall to fit in my garage installed, but I'd want to remove it for DD use anyway. If it came in black, I'd be ordering next week! __________________ '07 FJ TRD SE 6M/T 100% Black '09 4R SR5 TE 5A/T Shadow Mica--Inbound

03-21-2008, 09:03 PM	#19 (permalink)
*Corey* Co-Founder/Administrator Staff