How do you Make a Roof Top Tent? (9 Clever DIY Builds)
Rooftop tents are unquestionably amazing, and there’s no denying it. You can quickly and simply transform your car or truck into a beautiful outdoor hideaway wherever the open road may take you with these portable tents that can go anywhere with you. Unfortunately, rooftop tents are prohibitively costly, making them unaffordable for the great bulk of the population. Furthermore, just because you spend a substantial amount of money on a rooftop tent does not guarantee that it will include all of the features that you desire.
Make your own rooftop tent out of tarpaulin.
It’s also the most effective method to personalize your adventure rig to be precisely what you’ve always wanted it to be.
Don’t be concerned.
There are nine different ways to construct a roof top tent: Are you interested in building your own rooftop tent, but aren’t sure how to get started?
1. Patrick Remmington Method
Patrick Remmington’s approach for building a DIY rooftop tent provides you the opportunity to build your own hard-shell shelter on the top of your automobile. Using plywood, the floor and top of the tent are both hard and protective surfaces, which are created by pressing the plywood against each other. You then connect the tent to gas springs, which allow it to open and close automatically when you arrive at camp. This allows for a rapid and simple tent setup when you arrive at camp.
While Patrick does not provide a step-by-step technique for building a tent, the fundamental principles in his methods may be used to the construction of a shelter of your own.
That’s all there is to it.
2. 410 Expeditions Method
Using Patrick Remmington’s approach for building a DIY rooftop tent, you will be able to construct your own hard-shell shelter on the top of your vehicle. Hard, protective coverings are created for both the bottom and upper portions of the tent using this technology, which makes use of plywood. You then connect the tent to gas springs, which automatically open and close the tent when you arrive at camp. This allows for a rapid and simple tent setup when you arrive at camp. A waterproof and strong canvas is recommended for the sides of the tent; however, you can use any fabric you like for the sides if you want.
All you need is plywood for the structure, gas springs for the supports, and fabric for the tent walls to finish it off. Just like that, you’ve completed your task.
3. Nick K’s Method
Nick K demonstrates how to construct a hard-shell rooftop tent from the ground up in your own house in this video. He gives a comprehensive supply list, making this a fantastic resource for anyone who aren’t sure where to begin their project. This design, developed by Nick K, employs 3/4-inch plywood and corrugated plastic to construct the top and bottom of the tent, as well as gas struts to make it simple to open and shut the tent when you arrive at camp each evening. In the end, the tent’s body is comprised of 600 denier waterproof fabric that has been affixed to the tent frame using Velcro straps.
It’s possible to get nearly all of these supplies on Amazon or at your local hardware store, making this a great alternative for folks who don’t have a lot of spare time to go out and look for difficult to come by materials at specialist stores.
4. Tagayak TV Method
A tutorial on building a hard-shell rooftop tent from the ground up in your own house is provided by Nick K in this video. His resources list is extensive, making this a fantastic resource for anyone who are unsure of where to begin. This technique, developed by Nick K, employs 3/4-inch plywood and corrugated plastic to construct the top and bottom of the tent, as well as gas struts to make it simple to open and shut the tent when you arrive at camp each night. In the end, the tent’s body is comprised of 600 denier waterproof canvas that has been fastened to the tent’s frame using Velcro.
It’s possible to get nearly all of these items on Amazon or at your local hardware store, making this a great alternative for folks who don’t have a lot of spare time to go out and look for difficult to come by materials at specialist stores.
5. Camping Colorado Method
You may follow along with this video from Camping Colorado if you want to learn how to build a rooftop tent on a tight budget. Dylan demonstrates how to construct a clamshell hardtop rooftop tent out of components that cost no more than $150. His rooftop tent was constructed from plywood and gas struts, and the entire contraption was fixed to the roof of his Jeep Compass as a result of his efforts. In the following step, he cut and fastened an ordinary plastic tarp that he obtained from a local hardware shop to the clamshell’s top and draped it over either side of the container.
This gives complete waterproof protection at an affordable price. While Dylan’s tent isn’t the most visually appealing tent on the market, it does the job and is an inexpensive option to get out and enjoy the great outdoors from the comfort of a rooftop tent.
6. Raise Them Wild Method
Rooftop camping is demonstrated in this video by Raise Them Wild, who uses a Jeep Cherokee to demonstrate their technique. Construction of a tent platform was completed by the Raise Them Wild team using 3/4-inch plywood, 1/16-inch aluminum sheets, and scrap steel from an old bed frame. Then they attached hinges on the side of their vehicle, which will be utilized to deploy support beams for the underside of the platform while the platform is in use. What makes Raise Them Wild’s set-up distinctive is that they haven’t really constructed a rooftop tent for the event.
In this way, it is an excellent option for folks who do not want to waste their time constructing a tent body, however it is not a complete DIY clamshell rooftop tent solution in itself.
7. Jeremy Adventures Method
When it comes to building a DIY rooftop tent, Jeremey Adventures’ approach is very straightforward, especially if you already have a roof rack installed to your truck or SUV. Jeremy basically buys a Kamp-Rite Overside Tent Cot with a Rainfly and then attaches the entire setup on the roof of his Land Cruiser’s pickup truck. This is a really quick and simple method of making a rooftop tent that saves you from having to spend a lot of time constructing one from scratch. With Jeremy’s solution, all you have to do is figure out a way to attach the tent to the roof of your vehicle using simple clamps that you can make out of materials that are readily available at your local hardware store.
8. Apocalypse Auto Method
If you already have a roof rack installed to your truck or SUV, the method described by Jeremey Adventures for building your own DIY rooftop tent is really straightforward. A Kamp-Rite Overside Tent Cot with a Rainfly is all that is required for Jeremy, and he simply installs the entire system to the roof of his Land Cruiser. This is a really quick and simple method of making a rooftop tent that saves you from having to spend a significant amount of time building one from scratch. You only need to find a way to attach the tent to the roof of your car using simple clamps that you can make out of materials that are readily available at a hardware shop, according to Jeremy’s instructions.
9. Nomad Design House Method
Using this video, Nomad Design House demonstrates how they stretched a roof rack and constructed a rooftop tent for the top of their vehicle. They devised a straightforward extended roof rack for the top of their vehicle and then contracted with a local welder to put everything together. After that, they simply attached two pieces of plywood and a cheap pop-up tent to the rack before heading out on the open road. In spite of the fact that there isn’t much DIY involved in this approach, other from building your own extended roof rack, it is a straightforward way to create a multifunctional platform at the top of your car that can be utilized with a variety of different tents and other accessories.
Why make a DIY rooftop tent?
Using this video, Nomad Design House demonstrates how they customized a roof rack and built a rooftop tent for the top of their vehicle. To mount on the roof of their truck, they created a basic extensible roof rack that they then hired a local welder to put it all together. Then, before heading out on the road, they simply affixed two pieces of plywood and a basic pop-up tent on the rack.
In spite of the fact that there isn’t much DIY involved in this approach, other from building your own extended roof rack, it is a straightforward way to create a multifunctional platform at the top of your car that can be utilized with a variety of different tents and other items.
Potential cost savings
As previously said, rooftop tents are a costly investment. Some of the most expensive hardtop versions may easily cost you $4,000, but a “cheap” soft top will cost you at the very least a few hundred dollars more. While it is true that you will have to invest some money to construct a DIY rooftop tent, the materials cost of $100-400 will be far less than the cost of purchasing one from a factory.
Customization
When you purchase a rooftop tent online, you are forced to accept whatever the manufacturer chooses to provide for you. In spite of the fact that you may surely experiment with making some alterations to your tent after it has been delivered to you, you will not be able to select every single element of a rooftop tent when you purchase it commercially. Alternatively, if you construct your own rooftop tent, you will be able to entirely personalize it to match your specific requirements. This includes incorporating more storage, selecting the mattress you’ll be sleeping on, and incorporating other crucial aspects into your home away from home.
Disadvantages of a DIY rooftop tent
While creating your own DIY rooftop tent may seem like a fantastic idea, it’s vital to remember that it isn’t all rainbows and roses in the end. Here are a few of the drawbacks of building your own rooftop tent.
Time and effort
Making your own rooftop tent can be a cost-effective way to save money because all you need to purchase are the supplies. However, keep in mind that you will be compensating for those savings by devoting your valuable time to the building process. Construction of a rooftop tent may not be the most efficient use of your available time if you’re a busy person with little free time. Instead, it could be more cost-effective to simply purchase one rather than renting one.
Frustration
The process of creating your own rooftop tent can be time-consuming and frustrating unless you’re really competent at construction or enjoy a challenge of any kind. Because there are no pictogram-style instructions available for creating a DIY rooftop tent, if assembling anything from Ikea gets you so angry that you want to rip your hair out, it may be wiser to just purchase a commercial rooftop tent instead. Following that, there will be car camping. Roof Top Tents from Front Runner Tents (Owner Review) Is it safe to sleep in a roof top tent when there are bears around?
12 DIY Rooftop Tent Ideas For True Campers
Construction of your own rooftop tent can be time-consuming and frustrating unless you are really talented at construction or enjoy a challenge. If putting together anything from Ikea gets you so upset that you want to rip your hair out, it might be best to just buy a commercial rooftop tent instead, because there are no pictogram-style instructions available for creating a DIY rooftop tent.
Following that, there will be more car camping opportunities. roof top tents by Front Runner Tent Sales, Inc. (Owner Review) Can you tell me if your roof top tents are bear-proof? Our Top 10 Picks for 4 Person Rooftop Tents. Camping Essentials from Dollar Tree
1. Cheap Roof Top Tent
I’m starting with this inexpensive DIY rooftop tent built out of a Pop-up tent, ladder, flat bar, super strut (to attach the tent to your roof rack), a roof rack, bolts and angle iron. The second rooftop tent on my list is a simple DIY tent made out of a pop-up tent, ladder and flat bar. Make the foundation of your structure out of the length of plywood you choose, and then add your metal hinges. Metal hinges should overlap and be lined with wood. A hole should be drilled in the tip of the overlapped metal.
Prepare the flat bar by drilling two holes in it and inserting bolts through them to secure the roof rack in place.
2. DIY Roof Top Tent
Aluminum trim, coroplast, and a waterproof zipper are used to construct this rooftop tent, which is completely watertight. The entire project was created in the shape of a clamshell. The coroplast sheet that acts as the tent’s ceiling was positioned at an angle near the tent’s base. The tent was constructed from denier waterproof canvas, and a bar magnet was used to ensure that the cloth remained attached to the aluminum trim. Both sides of the canvas were stitched together to form a zipper that ran from bottom to top.
A extremely cool and impermeable rooftop tent, it is made of canvas and polyethylene.
3. How To Build A Roof Top Tent On A Budget
This is a low-cost rooftop tent that you may use to experiment with. Pop-up tents, ladders, plywood and other items are used in its construction. The pop-up tent is put on the roof rack of the vehicle. It is recommended that you choose a pop-up tent because it already includes an entrance, a built-in net, and a convenient size for your needs. This project is designed for the low-budget do-it-yourselfer. The supplies required for a project can be obtained at a local home improvement store.
4. DIY Roof Top Tent
Try out this low-cost rooftop tent to see whether it is right for your needs. Pop-up tents, ladders, plywood and other items are used to construct this structure. The pop-up tent is fastened to the roof rack of the vehicle. Use of a pop-up tent is recommended due to the fact that it already has an entrance, a built-in net, and a convenient size. This project is designed for the low-budget do-it-yourselfer to do. Home Depot is a great place to get the resources you need for a project.
5. DIY Roof Top Tent Camper
The materials for this rooftop tent include a compact truck lumber rack, scrap steel square tubing, and plywood sheets, among other things. The ability to construct this roof, as well as exceptional stitching abilities, are also required for the construction of the tent. Make a clean cut through the overhanging piece of the rack, and then lightly sand down the rusty surface. Remove part of the square tuning and cut it in a cross pattern to enable for the connection of the rooftop tent. Make two platforms for the lid out of the plywood sheets you have leftover.
Afterwards, lay the rack on top of the lid and fasten the rack in place with lag bolts to ensure that it is secure on the lid. Setup is as simple as putting the tent on top of the rack and going! More information is available by clicking here.
6. Homemade Roof Top Tent
This do-it-yourself rooftop tent project is simple to construct and involves little investment in materials. It is constructed using 48 feet of plywood, hinges purchased from Home Depot, tent materials purchased from Fabrics Plus, and frame pipe purchased from Home Depot. Sewing is a very necessary skill to have if you want to construct this rooftop tent. Sewing textiles for the panels is a critical step in the process. Pipes and plywood may be cut and bent directly within the Home Depot store itself.
As soon as the panels are finished, position the frame and platform so that they are perpendicular to the desired length, and then secure the tent to the wooden platform with webbing.
More information is available by clicking here.
7. Roof Top Tent Build DIY
The following materials will be needed to construct this DIY rooftop tent for your car: a tongue and groove subfloor, plywood, gorilla glue, a jigsaw, and a variety of other tools. Make the base of the sunflower out of 34″ tonguegroove plywood, and the upper lip out of 14″ plywood. Face glue it and then apply extra 14% to it “to the inside of the upper lip With a jigsaw, cut out the joists for the frame of the structure. Create two pocket holes in the cross members, one on either side of the joists, using a pocket hole jig.
Due to the possibility that wood glue would not work successfully for this project, gorilla glue is advised.
8. Rooftop Car Camper DIY
The components required to construct this rooftop automobile camper are as follows: two fiberglass roof shells, two pop-up spring bars, two sliding hinges, and fourteen-inch plywood “Plywood is a type of wood that is used for structural purposes. A Reduce the height of one of the fiberglasses on all four sides by four inches “and screw two front hinges into the holes that have been created. Attach two black foldable uprights to the top and bottom holes of the original holes at a 90-degree angle.
Attach the reinforcing bar and drill four u-bolt holes through the bar and the bottom shell of the structure.
Attach the back plywood to the top shell.
More information is available by clicking here.
9. DIY Roof Top Tent
You’ve undoubtedly thought of attempting to build a camper on your own. This stunning DIY rooftop tent is constructed with crossbars, a pop-up tent, and 1 12 inch plywood “The use of wood, plywood, and piano hinges will be a lovely start. Remove the pop-up tent’s legs, and then frame the plywood with the 11-inch lumber “wood and securing it to the roof rack at the back of the vehicle Glue a pair of piano hinges to the side of the board so that it may be opened easily.
As soon as the platform is in place, attach the remaining portion of the tent to the board by staining it to a hole in the board to prevent it from falling off.
10. DIY Low Profile Roof Top Tent
A mesh tent, a roof rack, plywood, and a ladder were used to construct this rooftop. The roof rack was constructed from metal rod and plywood, which was then framed with 1 12″ wood and the strut was affixed to the board. Installation: Place the board on the rack and fasten the mesh tent to the board using the screws provided. You are now ready to go camping if you just attach the ladder to the tent’s door opening. Construction of this DIY camper is really inexpensive, and it can be transported in any type of vehicle.
11. DIY Roof Rack Build For Roof Top Tent
Before you start building the roof rack for this tent, you should ask yourself two questions: first, what kind of air are you planning on using it for, and second, where are you going to put it. In addition, what would you put on it? Knowing the answers to both questions will assist you in determining the size of the rack you are creating for your application. After constructing the rack, a flat metal plate should be used to secure the rack to the vehicle at both the front and rear. Install the plywood board and place the tent on top of it to complete the project.
It is quite simple and enjoyable to put together.
12. DIY Roof Top Tent
Have you ever fantasized of converting your automobile into a camper? This is a simple stage in the process of building a rooftop camper for your automobile. The first stage in constructing this is to construct a sleeping cabin in order to sketch out the real design you intend to use. Afterwards, transfer the design on the coroplast sheeting. The coroplast should be cut and creased where you wish to fold it. Build the doors and windows as you see fit. Using a box cutter or a razor blade, cut the three edges of the holes, but leave the top edges alone.
Make the struts for the window as well as the platform’s support structure.
Coroplast, super glue, grommets, velcro, and plywood were used to construct this rooftop structure.
Conclusion
Has this guide been of assistance to you? If you answered yes, please share your thoughts with us! You might know of a friend or family member who would be interested in learning how to build a DIY rooftop tent for you. We would much appreciate it if you could share this post on your social media accounts. If you have any questions or suggestions about this article, please feel free to post them in the comment box at the bottom. Thank you for taking the time to visit!
15 DIY Roof Top Tent Ideas for Car, RV, and Camper
Are you willing to save a significant amount of camping time when traveling from one location to another? Consider using one of these 15 finest DIY roof top tent ideas, which will be mounted on the vehicle’s roof and will be high enough to keep varmints at bay while providing shelter. With a DIY roof top tent built on your car, you will feel as if you are living the camping luxury lifestyle; it will quickly pop-up to provide you with a camping cottage complete with all of the conveniences you could ask for.
- Additionally, knowing a little bit about engineering will assist you to put up these tents on the roof of your vehicle more effortlessly.
- It’s time to experience next-level camping without breaking the budget with the help of these rooftop tents.
- The plywood will be an excellent choice for the basis of the majority of these tents, and because of its even flatness, it will be simple to put up and balance on the roof of a car.
- If, on the other hand, you enjoy sewing tents, you can bring along extra tenting fabric in addition to the wooden structure.
Take a quick tour of all of these handmade DIY roof top tent ideas and you’ll notice a plethora of beautiful models to select from, which will undoubtedly add some spice to your camping experience.
- 10 DIY Truck Camper Plans that are easy to build
- There are 5 DIY camper shell plans that you may use to build your own. 15 Ingenious Homemade DIY Truck Bed Camper Ideas
1. How to Build Roof Top Tent
Check out the pinnacle of DIY ingenuity right here, and grab the blueprints to build your own vehicle rooftop tent right here. The materials for this DIY roof top tent will cost you no more than $100. Plywood sheets measuring 4′ x 8′ are used to construct the tent’s foundation. After that, construct the tent structure out of conduit and select the most appropriate cloth for the tent component. DIY roof top tent will fly up to give a camp on top of your vehicle’s roof, saving you the trouble of installing a separate tent and making it extremely cost-effective to leave home depot canopy tent behind.
2. DIY Roof Top Tent – A Frame
It is impossible not to be impressed by this clever DIY build of the DIY roof top tent. The design will be completed in around 8 hours and will last for a lengthy period of time. Plywood should be used to construct the basis of the rooftop tent, with 1x4s wood boards being used to construct the elevated side border or bottom lips. After that, cut the top folding frame, mount the roof rafters and vertical supports, and lastly cover the top folding frame with 1/4″ plywood to complete the project.
www.tacomaworld.com.
3. Plywood Roof Top Tent
Installing rooftop tents on your cars will take your camping experience to the next level, keeping you safe from insects and varmints while on the road. As a result, this will prove to be a wise decision in the direction of safer camping. Make use of the 4ftx8ft plywood to construct a base that is evenly level. The A-frame of the tent should be constructed out of 1×4 lumber, and the vehicle mounting structure should be constructed out of 1×6 lumber. Polyurethane should be applied on all of the wood parts.
4. DIY Rooftop Tent
You will like this rooftop tent that has been custom designed to your exact specifications and comes in the perfect measurements. Bamboo plywood, cloth, and metal tube are used to construct this rooftop tent design. Simply construct the entire structure of this rooftop tent by welding together the metal tubes; the tent should be supplied with a hinged back. Plywood should be used to completely fill the frame, and the metal tube lines should be painted white. After that, simply take the triangle fabric pieces to cover the sides and choose a rectangle piece to cover the front of the dress.
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5. Handmade Roof Top Tent
Choose this nifty tent, which will fit well on the top of your camping truck and provide excellent ventilation. The majority of the components of this rooftop tent are constructed of tenting cloth. Metal tubes, wood slats, and even PVC pipes can be used to construct the structure of a roof tent, depending on your preference.
Install a bed mattress inside for the utmost in sleeping and sitting comfort, and be sure to get a metal ladder to conveniently access this roof-top tent from the ground level. A DIY Roof Top Tent Project for those who love to sew. freespirite.
6. Best Roof Rack Tent
View the intricate features of this fantastic-looking roof rack tent, which has a one-of-a kind frame. It comes with a wooden foundation to keep everything stable. Construct the tent frame out of the conduit and stakes. Finally, you can put up a tent that you may make yourself at home with basic sewing skills. It will also be possible to utilize a secondhand roof rack tent or one that does not have poles, which will be a more affordable alternative. The next step would be to attach the frame straps that may be included with the sew-on Velcro if it is available.
7. Easy DIY Roof Top Tent
Learn more about this great-looking roof rack tent that comes with a distinctive frame by checking out the features on the following pages. Plywood is used to construct the foundation. Construct the tent frame out of the conduit and stakes you purchased. Final step is to erect a tent, which you may construct yourself at home. Use of a repurposed roof rack tent, as well as tents that do not need poles, will be another low-cost alternative. Adding the frame straps that may be included with the sew-on Velcro would be the final step.
8. Canopy Camper With Buit In Rooftop Tent
This canopy camper will undoubtedly become a favorite addition to your camping collection. It comes with a built-in rooftop tent and will offer you with all of the camping comfort you could want. You can fold out the rooftop tent from the canopy roof, and because it is located at a high elevation, you will feel extremely safe when camping in this rooftop tent. Construct the structure of this canopy camper out of aluminum tubes, and then cover it with the nicest tent fabric you can find in your local hardware store.
More information may be found hereyoutube
9. DIY Car Top Tent on Budget
Prepare for a safe camping trip by constructing this car top tent that can be completed on a tight budget. This rooftop tent has an A-frame and unfolds on a hinge to expose a comfortable inside where you can set up your bed. It is available in two sizes. Perhaps the most remarkable aspect of this project is the fact that it was installed in a regular automobile. After construction, the camp is 210 cm in length, 130 cm width, and 120 cm high. One of the greatest rooftop tents that you can rapidly construct out of plywood, 1x4s, and cloth is seen below.
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10. Wild Coast Roof Top Tent
You will undoubtedly fall in love with this wild coast rooftop tent, which can be expanded to give an area that is comparable to a full bedroom plus a living room. The interior of this wild coast rooftop tent is well-lit, which helps to lighten up the entire structure. All you have to do now is construct the structure of this wild coast rooftop tent out of aluminum tubing.
One of the greatest rooftop tents ever created, and you will give it a ten-out-of-ten rating. You’ll need to perform a lot of stitching here in order to complete the enormous tent for this rooftop tent. www.outhereadve.com.
11. Chevy Trailblazer Roof Top Tent
The free designs and directions offered above will allow you to quickly and easily construct your own personalized rooftop tents. Use these resources to get started. Take a look at this one. The Chevrolet Trailblazer rooftop tent is designed to be inspirational. Camping on a rooftop will be a breeze with the help of this pop-up rooftop tent, which will be relatively affordable and simple to construct. The foundation should be made of plywood, and the frame should be constructed of aluminum tubes.
12. Roof Top Tent Platform
By following the free designs and instructions provided above, you will be able to quickly and easily construct your own customized rooftop tents. Take a look at this. Inspire others with the Chevrolet Trailblazer rooftop tent! Using this pop-up rooftop tent, which will be very affordable and simple to construct, camping at great heights will be a reality. The foundation should be made of plywood, and the frame should be constructed of aluminum tubes. The tent should be sewn by you using your sewing abilities and should cover the model completely.
13. Cool Roof Top Tent
Consider being inspired by yet another stunning rooftop that will leave you speechless at first glance. The tent is built on a plywood foundation and is covered with two pieces of hinged plywood that may be folded to become a part of the base. Installing this rooftop tent will be a wise step toward a safe and luxurious camping experience, and creating this tent will not be a significant financial investment for you. One of the greatest rooftop tents for adding to your vehicle’s roof is this one.
14. Roof Top Tent for Trailer
Consider being inspired by yet another stunning rooftop that will leave you speechless on first impression. Set on a plywood foundation, the tent is covered with two hinged plywood panels that may be folded to become a part of the foundation. It will be a wise decision to install this rooftop tent as a first step toward safe and enjoyable camping, and erecting this tent will not be too expensive. It’s one of the greatest rooftop tents you can have for your car.
15. Napier Truck Bed Tent
Peep inside the intricate features of this Napier truck bed tent, which is quite remarkable. This stunning truck bed tent, which can be used as a huge bed when not in use, will inspire you to create your own. Build the tent’s foundation out of plywood once more, and then attach the custom frame made of aluminum tubing to the tent’s frame. The next stage would be to add a tent, which you could sew yourself if you wanted to. Finishing straps, which may or may not include sew-on Velcro, can be added.
It will not be too expensive for you to construct it at home.
Homemade campers are built by a large number of people who are both creative and handy. Check out these easy-to-build DIY camper trailer designs to save money and reduce your camping expenses. Here are some freeteardrop camper plans to assist you in saving even more money.
Conclusion:
Are you a camper who is hooked to the outdoors? Then you will undoubtedly appreciate the fact that you are safe when camping in the wild. So, instead of putting up tents on the ground, consider using theseDIY roof top tent ideas, which will keep you secure from varmints and other animals. Roof top tents are the pinnacle of camping luxury and will be a wise investment for those looking to spice up their camping experience. It will save a significant amount of time while setting up tents. There are projects on the list that will match every budget and ability level, so check them out!
Build This Rooftop Tent Without Even Leaving Home Depot
Is camping something you can’t live without? When you camp in the bush, you will undoubtedly appreciate the security it provides. For this reason, instead of putting up tents on the ground, use theseDIY roof top tent ideas to keep you and your family secure from varmints. Roof top tents are the pinnacle of camping luxury and will be a wise investment for anyone looking to add a little spice to their camping experience. In terms of time savings, tent installation will be greatly facilitated. There are projects on the list that will match every budget and ability level, so take your pick!
A 3D design drawing showing the frame, hinges and base.
Built using a regular 4 by 8 foot sheet of plywood and hinges purchased from Home Depot, the foundation is sturdy and functional. The conduit used for the structure came from Home Depot, and the cloth used for the tent component came from ripstopbytheroll.com. The basic construction (excluding a little amount of additional padding expense) was created for less than $100, which was the intended price.
Roof top tent parts, after cutting and bending at Home Depot.
In the end, Andriy found that plywood might not be the most suitable platform for a good night’s sleep, and the additional foam cushions required increased the cost to $170, which was still less than a fourth of the cost of the lowest type of rooftop tent available for his car.
The specialized parachute stitch that was recommended online.
In the end, Andriy found that plywood might not be the most suitable platform for a good night’s sleep, and the additional foam cushions required increased the cost to $170, which was still less than a fourth of the price of the lowest type of rooftop tent available for his car.
The frame and hinges being tested, open and folded for transit.
Andriy had to learn how to sew before he could begin cutting and assembling the panels that would form the shell of his tent, which added an additional layer of difficulty to the project. Who knows, ripstop nylon might not be the first fabric option for a novice sewer, but sometimes being an amateur means you don’t know what you can’t accomplish – so you just go ahead and try it!
The nearly finished tent, ready for installation on the car’s roof.
In the end, he went with a sophisticated, double stitch parachute seam that turned out to be a bit excessive, but his research kept driving him in the direction of that choice.
In addition to the translucent vinyl top, the tent’s ends and side panels are constructed of lightweight nylon, which allows campers to have a clear view of the night sky or, in the case of horror fans, whatever horrifying creature comes charging into your tent in the middle of the night.
Open tent frame, bolted to the roof rack.
He went with a sophisticated, double stitch parachute seam that turned out to be a bit excessive, but his research kept guiding him in the direction of that choice. Its ends and side panels are constructed of lightweight nylon, and its roof is made of clear vinyl to provide tent dwellers a clear view of the night sky, or if you’re a horror enthusiast, whatever horrifying creature attacks your tent in the middle of the night, whichever comes first.
The hard work paid off in a finished, functional roof top tent.
If you decide to follow in Andriy’s DIY footsteps, here are a few pointers to consider:
- To protect the tent while it is folded down in travel, I believe a tarp is necessary, and I agree that wind speeds of 70 miles per hour will shred ripstop. A good rain fly is absolutely necessary. The tarp he used made a lot of noise in the wind
- You’ll want to sleep on a heavy-duty foam pad or an air mattress instead. Plywood is an extremely hard material.
The finished tent, folded down for travel.
On Andriy’s website, you can see additional images and read more commentary about his construction project.
He also made a time lapse showing how the tent sets up once you get to your camping location.
It’s the desire to travel, the freedom of being on the open road. It is not the goal that is important, but rather the trip. It is on a journey around the world. You don’t need a home since when you travel, you’re already at your destination. That’s what it’s like to live in an RV. The difficulty is that organizing an epic RV vacation is a complicated process. We at RV LIFE think that life should be straightforward. As RVers ourselves, we understand the process and have assisted millions of RVers in achieving their travel goals by gaining confidence and completing their journeys.
Join the discussion in any of our fantastic RV forum groups if you have a question regarding ANYTHING connected to recreational vehicle travel.
Step 2: Make a plan for your ideal RV vacation.
We Designed the Best Rooftop Tent Ever. Sort Of.
The need for adventure, that desire to be free on the open road The journey is more important than the goal. World travel is being undertaken by it. You don’t need a home since when you travel, you’re already at your place of residence. The RV LIFE is what you get when you live on the road. Organizing an epic RV excursion, on the other hand, is a bit difficult. Keeping things simple is important to us here at RV LIFE. Due to our own experience as RVers, we understand the process and have assisted thousands of RVers in achieving their travel goals by providing them with confidence and guidance.
Join the discussion in any of our fantastic RV forum groups if you have a question about anything connected to RVing.
Step 2: Create a detailed itinerary for your ideal RV vacation.
THE INSIDER’S GUIDE TO ROOFTOP TENTS: WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE YOU BUY
The need for adventure, that desire to be free on the wide road. It is not the final destination that is important, but the voyage itself. It’s going on a globe tour. As long as you’re traveling, you don’t require a residence. That’s what RV LIFE is all about. The difficulty is that organizing an epic RV adventure may be difficult. At RV LIFE, we think that everything should be straightforward. As RVers ourselves, we understand the process and have assisted millions of RVers in achieving their vacation goals and traveling with confidence.
You may post your query on ANYTHING relating to RVing in any of our fantastic RV forum groups. Step 1: To learn more and to join up for a free trial, go to this link. Step 2: Create a detailed itinerary for your fantasy RV vacation. Step 3: Relish in the priceless memories!
How much does it cost?
The fact that rooftop tents are more durable than ground tents also implies that they are often more expensive than ground tents. In most cases, a decent ground tent will cost you a couple hundred dollars, although rooftop tents might cost as much as several thousand dollars. That does not imply that it is not worthwhile! However, when putting up your camping itinerary, it is necessary to consider your budget.
Are they easy to transport?
Tents are heavy—and that’s exactly what they’re designed to be! Don’t let yourself get carried away in a storm. It is possible that the added weight and lack of aerodynamics associated with roof top tent camping, in example, will result in lower miles per gallon on occasion. Most rooftop tents will also necessitate the purchase of an updated car rack to accommodate the additional weight. Because this is typically an added expense for first-time tent campers, it is vital to keep this in mind when creating a budget for your roof top tent.
Where do I put it when I’m not camping?
You mean to tell me that you don’t want to sleep under the stars on the roof of your car every night?! The purpose of your rooftop tent should be considered when deciding when to put it away for the winter or for the summer. Will you wish to use it on a regular basis, on a seasonal basis, or perhaps a few times each year? The ideal place to store your tent should be determined ahead of time since you will not want to be continuously removing and replacing it, especially given the weight of the tent.
However, although the installation and removal are not difficult (there are only 8 bolts), the removal requires the assistance of a friend and some muscle.
What’s the difference between soft shell and hard shell roof top tents?
You’re saying you don’t want to spend every night under the stars on the roof of your car? The purpose of your rooftop tent should be considered while deciding whether to store it or use it again. How often do you plan to use it? Will you wish to use it on a regular basis, seasonally, or maybe sometimes throughout the year. The ideal place to store your tent should be determined ahead of time since you will not want to be continuously removing and replacing it, especially given the weight of the tent.
Installation and removal are not difficult (just 8 bolts), but removal takes the assistance of a friend and considerable physical strength to accomplish.
Soft Shell
Soft shell tents are those that have walls and are what we think of when we think of camping in a tent in the classic sense. Thin and lightweight, they’re constructed from durable yet breathable materials like as nylon, cotton canvas, or polyester to keep you cool in hot weather. These tents are less costly, feature larger sleeping spaces and provide more shade than hard shell tents. They also have windows throughout (including stargazer windows) and may contain an annex room for more accommodation.
In addition, you’ll need a larger campground to accommodate the footprint of your car, which doubles the width of your vehicle. Furthermore, soft shells have a less aerodynamic design, which means that they are not as robust in a storm as hard shells.
Hard Shell
Traditional tent camping involves the use of soft shell tents, which are ones that have walls and are what most people see when they think of tent camping. Thin and lightweight, they’re constructed from durable yet breathable materials such as nylon, cotton canvas, or polyester to keep you cool in the summer. These tents are less costly, have larger sleeping spaces and provide more shade than hard shell tents. They also feature windows throughout (including stargazer windows) and may contain an annex room for extra space.
Additionally, because the footprint of your vehicle doubles in width, you’ll need a larger area to set up your tent.
