Overland Sleeping setups compared - Pros and Cons! [part 2]
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- čas přidán 8. 11. 2020
- In this video I discuss two different options for sleeping setups while out overloading - Roof Top Tents and Integrated Pop-up roofs.
Nothing is perfect, and nothing in "better" and "worse", so I highlight the pros and cons of each different option
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![Overland Trailer Pros & Cons - Sleeping setups compared [part 3]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/GRr8AJYXyu4/mqdefault.jpg)
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I come from a background where I prefer simplicity over anything else and each expedition I do I realize how I don't even need a big vehicle... My current setup is simply a platform Inside the vehicle, and I tack all my stuff in just 4 closing boxes... I just rest the boxes on driver's seat when it's bed time and in morning I move boxes behind... Done.
I even removed the roof rack on last trip I realized I don't need it. I love the simplicity Dan brings to adventure gear, the most helpful on youtube by far
I built a similar setup in a full size 4x4 SUV and it works well for one person with plenty of room to sleep or even to cook inside to avoid mosquitos and wet weather. I have roof-racks but only use to occasionally pack my fishing canoe. It's also very stealthy and looks just like any other typical suburban vehicle so I can sleep anywhere without attracting attention.
Hi MJ, what vehicle do you drive?
@@jamesdismoreMain I have been driving a 1997 Toyota Haice van for 3yrs but since I'm alone i moved to a much smaller Toyota Ipsum mini van that I bought last month. I realized that I'm an adventure traveller and my interest is not going off-road but to visit the cultures, towns, villages, I want to see people's way of living and mix with them, so it's why all my vehicles are simply 2wd to suit my need....
I'm on road to drive around Africa, 40 countries and I expect to cover over 80,000 miles by the time I'm done in 2025. I do it in phases by covering 3 to 5 countries at a time over a few months, and I have covered 13 countries so far in past 3yrs. I'm doing 5 more countries starting March next year and I'm now taking a much smaller Toyota Ipsum mini van instead of my Toyota Haice because I realized I don't need all that huge space anyway.
I put all my stuff in 4 lockable boxes and my bed platform is simply a plywood that's mildly raised and I have plenty of space inside that Toyota Ipsum mini van still. One box is for all my personal belongings from clothes, shoes, soaps, first aid kit, and I only take what I need.
Second box holds all my cooking gear like stove, plates, lives, dry food.... Third box is for the car effects like minor spare parts, tools, recovery gear.... The last box is where I throw everything else that might come along and that box is literally empty. I don't remove my bed our of place, it's a full size bed in there and I love that luxury.... Just below the plywood of the bed platform is where I put my spade, sand ladders, camping chair and table. The bed platform is only like 6 inches off the floor and those 6 inches are actually excess of space to throw in there anything...
I now feel the key is to minimize as much gear as possible and focus on enjoying the trip, I also don't do any modifications I just make sure my vehicle is perfect condition and simply functional.... I never got any troubles....
@@MikeR55 your experience is like mine. Because I have nothing outside my vehicle that looks unique, I just blend into any community I visit. I don't have roof rack or spare fuel hanging on the outside, or even spade or sand ladders.... Just plain vehicle....
And when I'm in a place I get opportunity to be seen as a normal person who's not wealthy but just normal trying to live my dreams with passion.
And same time I have excess of space to enjoy my nights. I only built my vehicle to be able to do 3 things in comfort:
To sleep well each night like a baby.
To cook a meal easily.
To shower well each day even if I'm on roadside.
I just built my vehicle to help me do that and I never regret.
I learn my travel tips from people who travel on motorcycles around the continent of Africa not people who drive 10 tonnes trucks with 3 tonnes of expedition gear. I learned that in adventure u actually need far less stuff than you'd ever imagine. On my first trip I carried like 15 shirts and 8 trousers 🤣🤣🤣🤣 but these days I carry 3 t-shirts, 2 long sleeve shirts only plus 2 trousers and 1 short.... That's all... Because anything more is actually useless.... Lol
@@mugumyapaultheafricannomad9488 Thanks for your detailed reply. I have great respect fo you. Also sounds like you and I share an interest in people and cultures. It wil be 2 years before I am able to go to Africa. I will look for you when I get there.
A few other thoughts on RTT:
- you can take them on and off the vehicle. So can make your vehicular a weekend camper and an every day use vehicle.
- RTT, in good condition, have a reasonable resell value (and can be sold separately to the car)
- Equally, you can sell your vehicle but keep the tent if you like!
- Breakdown time, storage, aerodynamics, all vary depending on the brand. Some are quick, not cumbersome, quite light, hold bedding...
One issue is you can’t set-up camp then drive into town! So, if you’re at a campsite somewhere, you have to break camp just to drive to the supermarket down the road!
He talks about that too.
Just discovered this channel. Why doesn’t this guy have more views/subscribers ??? A veritable TREASURE trove of information !! Thank you sir, for sharing your knowledge and experience from your travels!
Wow, thank you!
A pop up roof basically makes your 4x4 into a van. There's many more advantages, like security at night, where you are inside the vehicle and can jump behind the steering wheel in case of emergency. Roadside stop and a rest, I just pop the roof and make a sandwich. Waiting for the ferry or at a border, I'll be inside with all the comforts of home. A whole day of pouring rain, not too bad with the heater on, some music and food, and I could go on and on. Another great video Dan! 👌
Completely ok with you, Dan, only thing I disagree with is that most of the roof tents allow you to leave your sleeping stuff upstairs, from what I know
The only thing I can't keep up in mine are my pillows. Bedding once folded does just fine
Hi Dan. I really enjoy your videos because I can associate with your thinking and experiences. We evolved over the past 20 or so years from a ground tent to a canvas RTT and now have a clam shell tent. At 62 years of age, the clam shell is perfect and takes about 5 minutes to tidy up and close up. All our bedding remains in the tent as well as the access ladder. We are in South Africa and travel south of the equator. Looking forward to future videos. Pity I missed you when you were here.
Good one, Dan! Especially appreciated the roof-top tent list of cons, as I'm afraid too many folks drink the kool-aid on that concept while lacking 'out there' experience. You omitted a mention of your hard top roof being an ideal base for solar, which I'd say is one of its biggest attributes for 'quality of life' while traveling. We've always felt our 1970 VW Camper, with its pop-up roof, was a wonderful option for inexpensive, extended travel.
Very true!
We’ve had our Ursa Minor for two years with zero regrets. We usually use a ladder because it’s easier for two people, but being able to get up and down from the inside in bad weather or sketchy areas is invaluable. It’s so easy I’ve popped it up and down just because someone asked about it. We are in our mid 60s and love the freedom it gives us to get off the beaten track.
Absolutely perfect!
I think for the first couple of months of ownership I had poped it up more times to show people than to sleep in it! ha
This definitely was a great video, would love to see you add trailers and inbed campers, as those 2 seem to be the new way for most.
Great video série on the logistics of overlanding! You cover everything that we need to know. I have an RTT. The bedding/ sleeping bag stay there from April ton October, exec when I wash them 🤷🏻♂️😜
About time someone seriously talked about the elephants in the RTT room, center of gravity and aerodynamics. Keep the great content coming!
Good info - thanks!
Another great and informative video. Thanks Dan!
Glad you liked it!
Agreed Dan. It took me nearly 3 years to decide upon a rooftop tent. Ours is on our trailer, which works out perfectly for us. I’m able to easily pack it up, leaving sleeping bags & pillows in it, in about 10 minutes once the annex is packed up. The biggest reason we chose our RTT was because of how many sites we had to pass up as there was no way to drive any tent stakes in. We also chose a high end RTT as I think a discount tent, as with ground tents, leads to a discounted life span.
Something to consider. I spent 17 years selling and installing roof top cross bars on car, vans, trucks, camper shells etc. Most roofs with cross bars can only hold about 150-165 lbs safely. So if you are going to do a platform / roof top tent on top of your vehicle make sure that the set up can support the weight
I just received my Defender 110 that I will eventually install a Dormobile poptop roof on.
I do like how GFC has a new 80lb hardshell rtt that flush mounts to certain vehicles. It keeps a much lower center of gravity and very little weight compared to really any other rtt setup.
I was curious your thoughts on off-road trailers. I know there are a ton around in every shape and size, but I would really enjoy a video of you just comparing different designs/sizes and considering the pros and cons of each one from your experience in overlanding. Doesn’t have to be exhaustive, but just an overview would be great. Keep up the great videos!
Absolutely, I'll film one eventually when I can hang out with friends who have one again
Planning my Overlanding trip for Africa in 2022, your videos have been such a help, keep it up man!
Awesome! Let me know if there's something you're wondering about that I have not covered and I gladly will!
@@TheRoadChoseMe Not OP, but I am a Patreon. I’d love to hear how you might set up a JL. For example, AEV has nothing out for it (and we’ve all just about rotted waiting). How would you approach the wheels and tire considering the larger wheel Wells on the Rubicon? No lift? Just some thoughts. I’ve gotten a lot of inspiration from you and it’s certainly shaped the build of my JL for the PanAmerican highway (although I’m going to take you Canadian route to the artic as I’ve already been very far north in Alaska).
@bmpwe - For what I do, and for what I plan to do, I'd build a JL similar to my JK. I'd focus on living space and comforts. It's plenty capable off road and I've said many times there's no need to go to 35s.
Awesome episode
Nicely done! After much consideration and research I went with an Alu Cab Expedition rooftop tent. As it is an aluminum structure clamshell setup and take down is crazy quick. I also like that I can put things on the roof as well. I do think the pop top option is the very best though. Being able to stay inside vehicle and not go out of it to get up into the tent is sweet👍 I avoided the soft top rooftop tents because I didn’t want to give up roof space, and clamshell is much cleaner too👍
Great series of videos! I love the practical advice w.o. brand-affiliation or "instagram cool factor". I would say that most of the cons you list for RTT relate to the fold-out types though. A clam-shell RTT is effectively the same as your setup, with two important drawbacks: 1) Not integrated w. the vehicle, and 2) Still places a heavy load up high. However, most clam-shells are just as quick to pop up as yours, and they also can store bedding etc.
Can't wait for the next video! Please go into detail about the roll bar relocation you did!
Will do! - I'm editing it now and it will be online on Thursday!
While we don't circumnavigate Africa we do spend our time all over northern Vancouver Island (home), the far north of BC, into the Northwest Territories and the Yukon. My 70+ year old body wouldn't be happy with any of a ground tent, roof top tent or even the Ursa configuration. What works for us is a well built Teardrop trailer. It was garage built from a kit out of Oregon, all I've done is install the Dexter axle lift (3") and go from 15" tire/wheel to 16". So 4" total lift. (if the NWT allows us in we plan on doing the Dempster this late summer. Be the third time, leaving late so hopefully my wife gets to see the northern Lights.)
Sounds like you have a great setup that works really well for you! Nice one.
If I would go on an over landing expedition I would use your set up
Another excellent video my friend. :)
Thank you! Cheers!
Another great video Dan. A further alternative is a tent on trailer such as below link to Caprivi trailer. perhaps you could do an video and advise any comments you have on that subject. A big advantage seems to be that when you come to camp site and set up tent you are not tied to having to pack everything up every time you need to go somewhere in your vehicle (especially if you are staying for a day or 3) - just lock up the trailer, put a few things in the back of your vehicle (always keep a second small fridge in there for the beer and bbq stuff) and off you go. And also none of that huge weight on top of your vehicle that compromises performance, centre of gravity etc when you go off with just the vehicle to see the sights, go on off road trails, game drives etc - instead you have all that nimbleness of your 4wd vehicle available for such drives (and what's the point of going to all these amazing countries and places if you don't occasionally stop just relentlessly moving on and instead go do that sight seeing, game driving and off road stuff?) and then you just head back to camp and park up in the evening. Trailer and tent already there with just a little extra effort to unlock and complete the set up!! And one big advantage of tent top trailer is not only do you get bed space on the 'roof' of trailer but you can get those with a 'drop down room' beside the trailer (scroll through photos in below link to get the idea) plus you can put awning both sides of trailer for cooking and eating at table under shelter/shade - and possibly add to shelter with a 270 deg awning on the side and back opposite the 'tent room' side of the trailer (maybe some limitations re weight on that - but at least a 180 awning would work). Or you can put a hard shell roof top tent and awning on the trailer. Obviously a bigger commitment and the downsides of have a trailer - but it is another option. The below links to one of the smaller trailers I found - but there are others bigger!! PS there are also some vehicle roof top tents that come with 'drop down room' beside the vehicle so you have extra stand up space for getting out of the wet, changing etc while under shelter before you climb up to your bed. Cheers www.africanbackbone.co.za/3.4x4-Camper-Trailer-for-Sale.htm?prodSubCatID=96&prodCatID=151&prodID=2930
I CONCUR! Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for watching!
In the process of getting an Ursa Minor for my Wrangler. So excited for next season!
You are going to absolutely love your new camper!
Dan I love your videos and agree with many of your points but have to disagree with one or two. I've been using an RTT for the past 6 years. Mostly for weekend camping trips but we've done a few multi-week expeditions as well. I'll be the first to admit they do have their draw backs. Setup and tear down are definitely the biggest ones, however power in the tent and bedding storage are not. Much like the back of your stock jeep wasn't outfitted for potable water there's nothing stopping someone from outfitting an RTT with electricity. Also I have no problems storing all my bedding in the RTT. Pillows, sheets, sleeping bags and a double thick down duvet, although my RTT was designed to accommodate these things where some of the less expensive options may not be. I'm looking forward to the detailed review on your setup especially hearing the cons. As has been mentioned by others many people drink the Kool-Aid on one option or another and they don't stop to consider the compromises that they'll need to make.
Keep the videos coming and hopefully we'll meet up on the road one day.
Agree about the cons of a roof top tent. I have a very nice, very expensive Eezi-awn and it really doesn't save that much time with putting it away. Add the weight and height to my pig of a Jeep and it wasn't a great fit for me. I still have it in my garage, but switched to a very nice Kodiak Canvas ground tent. It's comfortable for sleeping, but also cooking and lounging, so a little more useful. The big advantages to a roof top tent to me - no problem finding a flat spot to setup and better in heavy rain/flooding.
I just bought the smittybilt overlander gen 2 roof top tent. I bought it because of the price point and because i will not use it on a regular basis. I will say those soft shells are a pain in the rear to pack away when you have a full size truck (f250 with leveling kit). It is a stop gap for me until i get a jeep build going with either a ursa minor or a jxl conversion.
Setting up my RTT is substitute for Yoga. 😅Anyway, really happy to have found your channel Dan. Great info and awesome positivity! Hope to meet you one day on the road!
Welcome aboard!
I like the idea of RTT on pickup. It's an expendable/upgradable item. So far, I haven't seen one that would lift on a rack from an aerodynamic position to a sleeping position giving access to truck bed.
Maybe look at the Alucab canopy camper ?
I made a truck bed rack for my RTT for about $100 out of some 2" electrical tubing. It mounts low so the top is about the height of the roof, therefore, I don't have to climb up on anything to close it and doesn't really impact wind resistance. I have found that i can keep my sleeping bag and pillow in the tent, and in terms of setup and takedown time, about 1 min 30 secs to unfold, and about 5 mins to close up, granted that is without putting up any poles for the side rain flaps.
Another great video, but I do have to make a few comments on the roof top tent's downsides, based on my own experience. I know not all RTTs are the same, but I have a Chinese hardshell (ABS plastic cover) roof top tent that weighs about 50 kg. It is very aerodynamic. I use it on my LR Discovery 3 and it's mounted on just two factory cross-bars. Fuel consumption was only up by 1 l/100 km (diesel engine) with the tent on. Also, I leave up three thick sleeping bags inside as well as sleeping clothes for 3. Pillows, indeed, do not fit so we store them in the vehicle. It takes less than 1 minute to set up, and 3 minutes to pack up. The tent just cost me around 1500$ with all the import fees, shipped to Romania. I didn't have high expectations, but I have used it for around 30 nights this year and it has been absolutely awesome and dependable. I probably wouldn't take it on a multi-year expedition, but for more "moredate" use, it is great.
Tent name? I am looking for a tent to fit my hilux, for a family of 3
@@Prayersol DAC tents in China. But there are several Romanian companies importing and selling them here with warranties, for similar prices. Tough Tents is a good one of the latter.
I an also subscriber of epic family road trip .... it’s so amazing they have spend 5 years on a jeep ... 5 members ... it really blow my mind ...!
I was wondering myself. But as fas as I know the have additionally a van (sprinter?) , and I guess from time to time they use that one as well
Great video this within the previous one. By the way, concerning to RTT problems, I can not have one because it increases the total height of my SUV (Fortuner). I have a very low profile garage. And so on, when return from trips to my home, I have to unset every thing from the roof, to park my car. So, I sleep in the car (removed all rear seats , and built a plywood plataform). Perhaps in the future, I will live in another place, with a higher clearance garage, to park a SUV with a RTT installed on it. But today, it is impossible.
Great video! I'm curious about your thoughts on slide-in popup truck campers? They've been around for decades and they seem to be an easy solution to most of the issues you've raised in this video. Plus you can have a heater for the cold nights and even some have air conditioning for the hot nights. Granted they're not as cheap but with many on the used market they can be bought fairly cheap. Looking forward to your next video!!
I've never had one, though I think they're a pretty good option if staying in North America. They tend to be kind of light and flimsy, and I think most people that drive them to Argentina have problems with them basically falling apart like a cheap RV.
Hey, very interesting video. I would like to hear your opinion on the EXP-4 offroad trailer from Bruder. Apart from being pretty expensive this to me seems like the ultimate way to go overlanding... Then again I know very little about it and would like some professional advice. Thanks!
I love your setup, but the biggest disadvantage I see with systems like the Ursa is that you have to devote so much interior space to it. You have to keep that center aisle clear in the back of the jeep so you can access the tent (as far as I can tell). This reduces your storage / packing capacity. I suppose it forces you to pack less, and, more intentionally, but I think it is a notable disadvantage. Clearly it works perfectly for you!
I'm glad you shared that info about some of the lower-end RTTs basically "wearing out" after 8 months of full time use. From the videos so far, yours looks essentially brand new after daily use over a period of years. From a "value" perspective, even if yours cost 4x as much, you're well ahead of the game I'd say. Can't wait to see your full review!
You don't have to keep the isle clear at all - you can climb into it from the backseat, or from the outside if the interior is PACKED!
You can have an additional “room “ under the fold out, So you can cook “outside” and you can access truck or pack away sleeping gear in the dry.
Good point, I forgot to mention that!
I'd love to have a Ursa minor. Pricey for sure. Hopefully they make one for the Jeep Gladiator. Great video. Safe travels
I would love to see them make one for the gladiator. Although I'm concerned with the chassis flex when offroading. Big and long overlanding trucks have this problem and the "box" (living space) has to be bolted to the chassis with a specific system in mind to allow the chassis to flex without flexing the box, otherwise it would rip the box apart, I suggest you look it up. I don't know how big of an issue this would be on a gladiator, how much flex there is between the bed and the cab?, but it may not be feasible.
They have announced they will be making one for the Gladiator!
@@TheRoadChoseMe very cool 😎. Thanks.
@@TheRoadChoseMe that's awesome
@@luisfelipebayardomelgoza4104 I find this topic really interesting. Thank you for mentioning it, Luis. I have a Gladiator also. I chose the RLD bed canopy and a BunduTop clamshell but it has not arrived yet so I am unsure if it is a good idea or not. I chose this setup because I want to be able to take the forward tops off while overlanding. I am new to the new 4x4s and I am learning from you knowledgable guys every video. I would like to hear more about the flex, this is something I have not considered. I want to cut/remove the crossbars running from the A pillars to the B pillars for the openess like I had on my 1972 CJ5 with no roll bars at all, but I am concerned about the flex and my Gladiator becoming a taco between A & B pillars. What do you think? Sometimes I may have too much imagination and too little common sense. Please be nice :) Will this setup flex too much and become a taco?
A big disadvantage to the pop top that you missed is how conspicuous it is. I heard from an element owner that he gets stopped to talk about it on a nearly daily basis [I took that as my que to leave him alone].
You also cant stealth camp (although Dan has a good solution for this).
That all said, I’m in line and should have my Ursa Minor installed some time between March and June next year.
Another con of a heavy RTT is the wear and tear on your vehicles suspension, bearings and brakes. I had a big Tepui on my wrangler for years and it was awesome but the weight along with my kitchen took its toll. Now I’m camping solo so I have a clamshell which opens and closes in 2 minutes. Big folding tents on lifted Jeep’s aren’t great for shorty solo overlanders like me.
Our pillows and blankets fit in our easy-awn while closed.
That certainly is the ideal setup for extended trips like your African adventure. But you have to realize that probably 00000.1 percent of people are going to take a 2 or 3 year trip. For most people a weekend here or there, or that 2 week vacation once a year is it.
Even myself... I go for 4 or 5 days probably 8 or 10 times a year and then 3 or 4 weeks straight once a year, moving almost every day. A popup roof is not practical for most people.
But there's still a lot of good information in your videos that can be scaled back to smaller trips. And that's what makes your experience sooooo helpful. I'm hooked!
Hi Tom,
I agree with you 100%, and that's exactly why I laid out the pros and cons of each.
As I said nothing is ideal for all people, and each different option is good for different tasks.
I'm happy to hear the information I'm giving is useful, thanks!
I still go with sleeping inside my vehicle on a sleeping platform if it's only for a night. For longer stay I currently go with a ground tent but will get a teardrop camper next year. I don't like the idea that I always have to break camp if I only want to explore the area by car.
That is a huge advantage of trailers, for sure!
Thanks again Dan. I’m still struggling with how to modify the back of my pickup. Pop up roof would be great, but would probably have to be custom (expensive). Cheers.
How about something like a GoFast or AT Overland camper?
Thanks Dan. I checked them out. They look great, and would be a wonderful solution except for the price. I have a hard time justifying spending $7000 to $10,000 on one solution. Watching ‘Dirt Sunrise’ recent video they have a pop up roof, and say they want to remove it and move their bed back into the lower part of the vehicle (I think wind was a big problem for them). I know you have been very happy with yours, but it is so much money that could be the whole travel budget for a modest overland expedition.
I agree 100% - they are no doubt expensive, and money spent on gas in the tank is better than on gadgets or gear
@@markuffindell look up skinny guy campers
Do you have to dry it out every time after the camping??? I'm so interested in ursa minor!
I think you might be over emphasizing the con of needing to remove bedding from RTT's. Most of the more common fold over tents will hold plenty of bedding, heck it's the feature that sold me on buying one in the first place. Totally agree on the soft cover being the worst though. And I'll admit to being jealous of the guys with pop tops, if they checked more boxes for me I'd have one.
I wish I could find a pop top addition like your Ursa Minor for a 4Runner/GX that only has clips/clasps on the inside so if it is nasty/cold I don’t have to get out of the vehicle.
And that's why I tell people to choose a vehicle based on their needs, not based on the badge on the front!
The very fact the roof exists is why I drove a Jeep.
Any rocking effect sleeping with strong wind up there and can you level your bed inside to a certain degree? Thank you, looking forward to the next video. Sleep half in and out my short Jeep with a bed extension witch works rather well.
Strong wind is no problem, and getting it level is a trick that I cover in the video coming on Thursday!
Would love to hear your thoughts on an overland trailer!
I've never had one, so I'm no expert. Next time I'm with friends that have one I'll get as much info as I can and get a review going!
This company makes some pretty wicked overlanding trailers. They’re a bit on the pricy side but I’ve seen CZcams videos of people who have bought them used and are quite happy with what they get.
www.maltec.org/
@@zacharyotto2135 you didnt mention the company...
@@brycedunlap I put the link to their website at the end of my comment.
@@TheRoadChoseMe I’ve got one... come to Colorado! I’m a novice overlander tho! Great video!
👍👍👍👍👍
How does such a roof tent behave in a strong wind? In the Sahara near the coast, I often had to deal with strong winds at night. I can imagine that it can be a bit uncomfortable.
There are a wide variety of RTT, and some are very robust. You need tostart researching the pros and cons of each type, and regional availability
If money was not problem, would you still go with clam type pop up roof or go for all even pop up roof? Also traveling in Africa, would you recommend bringing hiking tent and light sleeping set up for some hiking trips, or do you only do day trips from your car? In emergency - would you be able to pull your roof down and drive away without exiting the vehicle? I 100 agree that being able to go from your bed and around your inside your car without exiting it is brilliant! Keep up the good lectures.
I see no advantage to an all even pop-up roof. Just more weight in the canvas.
There really isn't a lot of hiking options in Africa. Although it's my favourite thing in the world, I was only able to do it a handful of times.
I can close my roof from the inside (full review coming on Thursday).
Please include the dimensions of the interior roof opening of your ursa minor in your next video! Thanks
You got it!
Were you going to cover overlanding trailers? They seem to be becoming more and more popular the past few years. Still didn't mention for rooftop tents the challenge of going up and down that ladder at night to go to the bathroom. Big disadvantage over a ground tent, your setup, or sleeping in the vehicle.
Though I'm African in Africa and my trips are all still around Africa for now, this trailer thing is too much of North America people. I found a guy in Zimbabwe in February who had a Jeep Wrangler and a trailer and his trailer broken, he had to go back to South Africa to get it fixed before moving forward and he felt like he won't bring trailer again to Africa for one reason:
U literally have 2 vehicles to care about. And it's much easier to integrate stuff in your vehicle and eliminate whatever you can eliminate in gear and bring no trailer especially here, from my experience.
I don't discourage trailer if u weigh the pros and cons but myself it's the last it I would ever think of taking on expedition that lasts months at a time.... I rather get a bigger vehicle like mercedes sprinter van than a trailer which literally like having 2 cars..lol..
I want to hear Dan Greg cover this topic any day. Thanks for this
I wonder if it was my friends Jared and Jen that you met in Zim.
They have a BIG silver Jeep with a very big conqueror trailer. And they constantly went back to South Africa when it was broken!
I'd really like to get inside of a Jeep with an Ursa Minor, to get a feel if the space is big enough for me. I'd like to know how feasible it would be to build a comfortable work setup inside. I know Chris Shontz (venture4wd) is always running to coffee shops to do laptop work.
Hopefully my next video will show you how much space there is.
When all the overland shows resume next year you can come and see one - they are always at all the shows.
Hey Dan, how tall is your Jeep now with the Ursa Minor, big tires, solar panels etc...? Do you know how much height the Ursa Minor adds on it's own? I wonder if it's possible to fit a JKU/JLU with the pop up roof in a garage.
Officially the Ursa adds 10 inches over the stock hard top. I don't remember how tall mine is exactly, but it fit through the door of a 20 foot container with room to spare - that's 7 foot 6, or 2.29m
Dan, how easy is it for one person to get up in the middle of the night if two are in the pop top tent you have?
There are two separate access hatches to climb down inside, or you can climb out the side. It works, but usually the second person does wake up.
An Ursa Minor pop-top roof might seem pricey… until you realize you don't need to cut a hole on the roof of a jeep.
Great video! Its good to hear the pros and cons of both systems.
I am interested in the canopy camper setups for the smaller trucks(Ranger, Tacoma, etc.). They seem to be a great compromise between sleeping arrangement, and utility.
Another great video Dan! I can't wait for the next one! Questions I have are in relation to heating and cooling. I currently have 6 computer fans mounted on rain gutter shields that fit in the rear windows of my JLU. 3 in and 3 out for circulation. Do you use any fans up in the tent area? I'm still up in the air (pun intended) about heating options. The Webasto heater Chris from Venture4wd has now seems too problematic. I have to keep things relatively simple or I tend to get frustrated and then not use them. Also, did you seam seal your Ursa Minor? Thank you!
I don't have any kind of heater, because I designed and built my setup for Africa. I would look at something like Chris has, but hopefully with less problems!
I have a small fan I take upstairs with me, it works wonders. I cover it in this one: czcams.com/video/nxEwiuwSNE4/video.html
I didn't need to seam seal the Ursa, ALL the zips are covered by a fabric flap
The Webasto gas heater carbons up at altitude, seems to be anything over 5,000 feet. The Webasto diesel heater, from all accounts I have seen, is bullet proof.
@@TheRoadChoseMe I was going to say all you need is a Webasto heater and you could live on the Canadian coast all winter and not have to rent a place. I did see Chris have trouble right after he got his but is it still acting up? If it's problematic then I would just go with the cheap Chinese diesel heater.
I love the Ursa but 10 grand US, plus a drive down there is too much. I have conceived how I would built one, or modify a clam shell roof pop tent.
Chris said recently that if he was do it over, he'd get the diesel version and a small tank for diesel fuel, because of the problems he's had with altitude affecting the gas version. When it works, though, he loves it. I've also seen the diesel Webasto in van builds for cold winters and apparently it works great and sips fuel so you don't need much, and doesn't produce moisture in the air like propane heaters do.
@@traviskinchen2265 Thanks for that.
So…Best to have all 3? Ground Tent, Roof Top Tent, and Sleeping platform.
Come to australia, we have rain that goes side ways almost
He’s Australian!
@@JamesGray6 so am I. We have had rain come into our kitchen from the back door and we have a back veranda. The side ways rain happens when we have wind tho lol
Do a video with this guy from Alberta who travels in his White Minivan. I think he is in the territories these days. I think his name is frosty. czcams.com/video/zMa9_bGvwSg/video.html
He has similar content with a cool way of presenting. Lots of drone and food footage.
My CZcams channel is about trucking in Alberta/Canada, but I am thinking of sharing more of how my wife and I travel in out Toyota Highlander and sleep in it. We are looking at getting a hard shell roof tent and continue overlanding on long weekend with our new born.
The more time you spend on the road, the closer your preferences will converge with Dan's. I've been doing this stuff for over 40 years. One thing that Dan talks about alot, and is a major issue for me as well, is that few luxuries are worth the trouble over the long haul. Just get the basics right. I have developed a true phobia to anything that requires "setup". RTTs , tents, pop-ups,...not for me. I tried a trailer once, and it was a complete pain in the ass. I do realize though that traveling solo, as I do, is whole different game from traveling with a family, or even with a partner.
you'd have to account for that space no matter what, because once you close up the tent, there's no room for them anyway.
same thing if it was a ground tent.
a lot of people strap stuff to their roofs. will it weigh as much as a tent? possibly, maybe not.
but it will all create more wind resistance.
you didn't think these cons through very well.
Part 3: trailer/camper??
There used to be a hardtop pop up to fit a jeep which opened 180 degrees. I think ursa minor stopped making it. Any idea if someone still makes something similar? Used to open over the front of the car.
That is no longer made, and there are no plans to ever make it again.
Would that have suffered like a roof top tent do you think? As it seemed to add a lot of space to sleep whilst still having stand up room in the main section.
I still like the idea, and AT Overland make their "habitat" camper for pickups that folds right over the same way. You can get one for a Gladiator!
Not true about RTT. We have a Hannibal tent sleeps 4 and we can leave the bedding (not pillows) up in the tent. We also have power. And lights connected.
Does your roof pop up affect righty of the car before and after?
No, the Jeep is designed to be used without a roof at all, so it's all good.
No, no, no. Most RTT’ have room for your sleeping gear to be left up there.
I have a ton of nights in both RTT and ground tent. Me personally like the ground tent if I shall stay more than two nights at one spot and use the car during day. When I don’t stay long at one spot I go for the RTT. Madrases and sleeping bags take up a lot of room in your car and it takes some time to pack them in to the car as well. In the RTT you just leave them there. But the RTT is a lot of weight generally high up and on most vehicles make I significant wind catch.
What about wind driven rain? Your setup seems quite susceptible?
The canvas is very waterproof, it never gets even damp on the inside. I talk a lot about it in the next video coming tomorrow.
Any other companies besides Ursa-Minor you’re aware of that do the pop up integrated roofs?
It's entirely vehicle dependent. There are companies in South Africa and Australia that do Land Cruisers and other things. You'll have to do a LOT of googling and searching.
@@TheRoadChoseMe Yeah that’s all I can seem to find is companies that do Land Cruisers or Toyotas. Hoping I can find a company that does Jeep XJs but so far no luck in my research 😞
To be honest I doubt you'll find one. The XJs are not common around the world for expeditions, and they're getting older, so there wouldn't be much money in it for a company to invest in the R&D and tooling to make it happen.
@@TheRoadChoseMe Bummer, I was hoping to take her across the Middle East some day. Oh well. Thanks for all the info Dan!
Have you seen the guy on expeditionportal.com adapting the roof from a Westfalia onto an XJ? It's pretty neat!
Another informative video, Dan. Thanks again. 🙏👍
I have also been following The Lone Jeeper’s website (www.thelonejeeper.ca). I came across his website looking for help building up my 2-door Jeep JK (most of the Jeep builds for overlanding have been for 4 doors). Not too sure about a rooftop tent, for the cons you mentioned.
I am considering the Goose Gear plate system or some sort of sleeping setup inside with my sleeping pad and sleeping bag.
Do you get Swags over in Canada?
No, people here don't really know about them
@@TheRoadChoseMe Well - there's a business opportunity for you! Import them from Australia.
Not sure actually how good they'd be in anything other than a warm dry climate. I've just crossed the Simpson Desert using one and it was great, but they'd be pretty miserable in terrible weather. You'd be dry inside the swag, but no shelter at all for getting changed etc.
The thing about swags is they are classic Aussie kit - heavy, poorly insulated and BIG. Just like Aussie jackets and sleeping bags!
People in North America go for higher quality, lighter gear and smaller. Partly because of the weather, and partly because of the activities they do (hiking, canoeing, etc.) with that gear.
While it's strong and durable, most Aussie stuff is actually pretty terrible for use over here. It wouldn't work.
I have watched all your videos and this is the first time I do not agree with you.
I have owned 3 different roof top tents and stored all my sleeping gear in the tent, one of the big advantages of a roof top tent. You do not have to take it out when you pack up.
In my new tent, I have a led light and 2 USB charging points.
I have a room under my tent where I can cook etc. The toilet is also there. (I have a small bladder and have to get up during the night). I can do that without waking my wife. Can you do that with the pop up roof? It takes me 2 minutes to zip the room onto the tent. The ladder is under the tent, so we can get in and out under cover, rain or snow. Ok, It never snows in Africa.
Gas mileage is the same for me with the rooftop or roof rack, same with it being top heavy. I use 2 airbags in the rear coils, works fantastic.
I like the idea of a pop up tent like yours, but it will only work with one person. A married couple in a pop up on a rainy day will cause a divorce.
I do agree on the rest of what you said.
Keep the videos coming.
Finally someone else using AIRBAGS so smart
beside added fuel cost you have a reduced range. For me the biggest downfall, 65 year old knees and ladders.
how do you wash your jeep with all this gear?
..... just like normal. (I'm not sure I understand your question)
@@TheRoadChoseMe water never leaks into the popup does it?
No, never.
The downside to the pop-up roof camper setup like yours and unlike the other kind of roof tents is that you now lose all your roof space you now cannot carry any cargo on the roof.
You can actually add a roof rack if you want, but it's only supposed to be for light things (canoe, kayak, etc.)
In my case I would never want more cargo on the roof, I already struggle with payload, so any more stuff and I'll be WAY over!
@@TheRoadChoseMe on my Jeep set up I have a Garvin roof rack and I haul most of my items that are weather resistant or in Tubs on the roof to keep my interior space more ample.
@@TheRoadChoseMe and with the roof rack added to your pop-up camper you can have canoes and kayaks on it and still pop them up or do you take them off every time you want to pop it up.
I believe with a light canoe or kayak you can pop the roof. Chris from @venture4wd does it all the time.
Love that chanel is not aussi Mr Gaget
10 min pack up time?! Dang, they slow. I can do mine in about 5 by myself. 🤣
OMG! I just sent you a huge long comment about this very thing. Then, as if by magic, the next video is the exact folks I asked you about! Please disregard my dumb questions that were part of that and just please answer anything this video does not.
Haha, no worries at all - I guess somehow you planted the idea in my head, Mr. Kanobe.
Hi! Greetings from Chile! (so excuse me for my broken english!) I have a 2005 Nissan Pathfinder with a fold type roof top tent (not the ones with the hard shell) , really big investment and i couldnt agree more with the pros and cos, however i would like to add the folowing pros and cons:
Con 1: basically you need 2 people to set it up, especially to put it back together. Con 2: not suitable for people who are travelling alone. Con 3: very noisy when theres heavy wind. Con 4: if you park in an underground parking lot BE CAREFULL and now moving to the PROS.
Pro: you can have A LOT more usable space in your roof rack, especially if youndont have a tyre carrier to put an extra spare wheel, recovery equipment and jerry cans, in my case i have extra space for my jerry cans in my roof rack. CON: if tou change vehicle you can keep using it. CON: with the annex (not sure of thats the word, you can have an extra room to put your stuff and even put a ground tent if you are travelling with more people
Keep up the good work, your videos and insights have been very helpfull when i want to do something for my travels!
Thanks for the extra pros and cons, that's great!
There is an Indian Gentleman on Facebook, retired, who whilst COVID halts life, put a clamshell - plattform oh his Maruti 800 (smallest "normal"Vehicle available, slightly bigger than a SMART). on The plattform he put an ordinary, cheap tent. Saw the same principle on a Lada Taiga in Mali - minimalist, but works
You can leave your bedding in most of the roof top tents on the market. And with one like yours, when one person has to go to the bathroom in the middle of the night, it’s a pain because you have to open the floor up to let them out and wait for them to come back. No thanks. I’ll stick with my rtt.
Upstairs in mine both people have their own access hatch, so you don't both have to move.
You can easily climb out the side too, which is what I do everytime.
@@TheRoadChoseMe I looked at a couple and they were not like that. Is that an Ursa only design?
Not sure, but that's how the Ursa works.
I’m thinking your pop up roof must be relatively unique to Jeep... otherwise the structural integrity of the cab would be massively compromised... but Jeeps are meant to go roofless....
I cover that in the review video that will go live on Thursday - it's available for multiple vehicles, with more in the works!
I'm a little disappointed this time, Dan. I think you could have drawn a much larger distinction between the pop-up roof, like your Ursa Minor, and pop-up truck campers (or aren't we "real overlanders"?). The pop-up truck campers have several advantages and disadvantages compared to an Ursa Minor. They block even more wind than a RTT, and have a little more weight up high. And you still need to get out of your vehicle to go to bed or cook. OTOH, you have an indoor kitchen/dining room/living room, and you don't have to make the bed every day, like you enjoy with your set-up. Oh, and then there's the furnace ;)
Certainly truck campers are another level altogether. I've never had one, and I'm no expert, so I can't give good information on them. I'lll leave that to people that are experts.
I have some questions :
1) How do you get into a roof top tent if you're inebriated ?
2) Snickers or Mars ?
You say because. Ursa miner is your sponsor lots of others are better and cheaper
1k
Still think a HIGH-ROOF 4X4 van is better. Sleep inside.
Certainly a very good choice, though you want to make sure it fits in a shipping container if going internationally, and make sure it's strong enough 4x4 for the places you want to go!
@@TheRoadChoseMe Yes, vans have gone 'SOFT'. They are now UNIBODY.
There's always a better option than a rooftop tent. It's just a fad.
You forgot what seems to be the most common use of a roof top tent ....flexing at the mall