Building iKamper’s BDV Hardshell Rooftop Tent + Why I Got One
Vložit
- čas přidán 6. 08. 2024
- I’m stoked on this new hardshell rooftop tent from iKamper. It’s a tool that will make off-grid camping so much easier. When it comes to gear, I research things heavily and there are certain things I look for and pay attention to, especially as a product developer with several years' experience in the footwear and mountain bike industries.
The unassembled version of this tent is discontinued, but you can still purchase it assembled. With that in mind, I do share some key points to consider and first impressions at the end of this video that are still applicable to the tent, assembled or unassembled. Skip to 14:13 if you’re curious about those.
Huge thank you to iKamper for making this possible.
EXPLORE. RIDE. GET OUTSIDE.
--------------
Segments
0:00 Intro
0:34 Unboxing
1:49 Phase 1: Base Frame
5:48 Phase 2: Lid & Exoskeleton
10:44 Phase 3: Canvas
11:48 Phase 4: Cord & Mattress
12:40 Phase 5: Finishing
13:48 Ladder Mounting
14:13 Solving Problems
15:34 Mounting
15:42 Teaser - The Best is Yet to Come.
Subscribe: / zagrunner
Instagram: zag.runner...
#rooftoptent #camping #ikamper #zagrunner #exploreridegetoutside
How is this channel not bigger?! Content, quality, and editing are all great.
100% agree
DANG!! This was a great video Nick! 👊🏼 You are a total pro - attention to detail is off the charts. Looking forward to seeing videos with this tent out there. 👊🏼👏🏻
Thanks, Greg!
Bro I was on the fence about getting this DIY build, but you absolutely sold me. Thank you for the very informative video much appreciated.
You’re welcome! Glad it helped and have fun with the build!
Was hoping to watch the install video but could not find one. Great video!
Awesome build video! I think I've found my rooftop tent! Thank you for sharing the build video!
Sure thing! Glad it was helpful.
Stellar build vid man. Well done.
Thank you, Will! I appreciate it, dude. Can't wait to get out on some trips this year with you.
I got the solo and it's some of the unboxing experience I've had.
That thing is pretty sweet!
Impressive!!
I'm surprised the frame didn't have Nyloc nuts or crush washers... I have had a lot of issues with tents and roof racks vibrating apart over the years.... curious how that frame holds up. THis is a killer video detailing the process.
Thanks, Nathan! We shall see!
Missing your content zagrunner!
Fantastic video! I'm curious, have you encountered any issues with dirt/water infiltrating the top of the tent due to its incomplete sealing ? Or loud wind noise?
Thank you! What do you mean? The tent is sealed. No loud wind noises that I’ve noticed, but I’m used to carrying a rooftop tent.
Really nice video. Do you have instructions about how to mount it on the rack? I have a front runner rack, and I am curious how you mounted it on your 4runner ;)
Thanks! If you have a Frontrunner rack, then any of their tent mount kits should work with the BDV. I have the quick-release brackets and store my tent on a hoist in my garage.
Nice video. Can you advise me on how you get the mounts into the bottom channels for the crossbars? There is no way to slide t-track bolts in because the ends are blocked.
I made that mistake too. You have to slide tent mounting hardware in before you bolt the tent together. I forgot, so I unbolted the cross bars at the ends and swiveled them to the sides until I could get the hardware in the channels. It might take a little love tap with a mallet, but it works.
@@nickmcdvtt thanks for the info! Design flaw on ikamper’s part
What is the height from the bare roof to the top of the tent? I am trying to figure it out to see if I can fit it in my garage
I’m not exactly sure. The tent itself is about 7 in. tall. Dimensions should be on iKamper’s site. Mine is on quick-release brackets, which raises the height a bit more, but that 7 in. dimension should give you an idea of how far it will sit above your roof rack.
Question for you
Would this style of tent work with a taller person? I’m 6’3 and I’m worried that there won’t be enough room for my feet or head with this style of RTT
Great question. I had the same concern because I’m also 6’3”, but I fit in this tent. It’s longer than most wedge-style hard shells. Sometimes when I’m laying on my back, my feet will touch the canvas, but it’s not uncomfortable. There is no chance I’d fit in any other wedge tent except for maybe a GFC.
@@nickmcdvtt Would it be possible for you to make a video or a pic with you laying inside so we could see how much room you have?
The tent really looks good, but seems like that the tent is built for tropical weather country and cant believe that ikamper kinda cheap out the flooring of the tent compare to the skycamp versions with hard solid honey comb.
One of iKamper’s goals with this tent was to keep it light, but it’s no slouch in the rain. I’ve had it in downpours and it stays dry inside, open or closed.
Is the top insulated like alu cab?
No, there's no insulation in the lid if that's what you're asking, but iKamper accomplishes insulation via other methods, like zip-in insulation liners.
@@nickmcdvtt I see that the diy dbv is now 2300, would you say it's worth it?
The DIY BDV Duo is $3299. It’s assembled counterpart is $3699. Is it worth it? I certainly think so. Idk if you’ve watched the whole video or not, but I go into that in depth. If you have any questions, let me know.
@@nickmcdvttThey dropped the price by $1k. Unassembled is now $2299 and assembled $2799. It’s a great price now. I wonder what caused them to drop the price by that much. Perhaps it didn’t sell well? They’re calling it a “reintroduction”.
Yeah, I saw that. I’m not sure what the reason was but the new price is a great deal.
F that 😂 , NOPE. I ain’t got 3 weeks to put a tent together
Haha 😆 Realistically, it would only take you about 3 hours. Also, you can get this tent assembled if you don’t want to build it.