How to install a Tepui rooftop tent • Overlanding Taco
How much time is required? 90 minutes What materials will be required? – A rooftop tent (Tepui Kukenam Sky 3) What tools will you need? – A socket wrench or a ratcheting wrench Rooftop tents have been more popular over the past few years. They enable people to camp off the beaten path in areas where it would otherwise be difficult to pitch a tent due to rocks or difficult terrain, they provide better warmth because they are elevated above the ground, they are safer because they are elevated above the ground if wild animals are present, and they do a variety of other things.
In this blog article, we’ll go over the steps to take from purchasing the tent to taking it on your first trip.
- The tent may be picked up at the store. We ordered the tent from REI and were able to pick it up the very next day after placing our order. Because of the presence of our SnugTop camper shell, our packaged tent fit perfectly into the back of our vehicle. Despite the fact that it would have fit without a camper shell, it may be necessary to make some adjustments if you have bed racks that sit low to the ground. The second alternative is to have it transported to your house and pay an additional $150-250 for the overweight shipping service
- Then unpack the tent yourself. We took careful to lay the cardboard box down so that the tent would have a nice place to rest on while we were putting it up. We didn’t want to harm any of the surfaces of the tent, so we removed the steps and hardware from the interior of the structure. In addition to the tent, all of the pieces you’ll need to erect the tent will be supplied in the tent with the tent itself. You’ll need to locate the tent’s door, unzip it, then raise the tent up so that you can get your arms within the tent to retrieve the items. The ladder is the most obvious thing to look for, but there’s also a tent cover and a box of hardware (mounting tracks, bolts, nuts, and washers) to keep an eye out for. Lay out the pieces and double-check that you have everything. The bed of the truck is an excellent spot to lay everything out after you’ve determined that you’ve gathered everything from inside the tent. This will allow you to compare what you have in front of you to the components list in the installation instructions. Because we had all of the necessary components, we were ready to travel. Determine which direction you want to position the tent. To begin, decide whether you want your tent to extend to the side of your car (perpendicular to the vehicle, either towards the driver or towards the passenger) or to the back of your vehicle (parallel with the vehicle extending over the tailgate). This is because we are also constructing sliding bed drawers that may interfere with the ladder, therefore we elected to open the tent towards the passenger side of the vehicle. If you select perpendicular, you will not be required to take any action. You must shorten the mounting tracks if you choose parallel installation
- Then you must install the mounting tracks. The tracks are pre-drilled into the bottom of the tent, which makes setup a breeze. You must first take the bolt and washer and locate the hole from the inside of the tent, then insert the nut into the groove of the track and align it with the hole, and lastly tighten the bolt to attach the track. You must repeat this process for each of the four holes. An example of one of the bolts inserted into the nut that is located in the channel of the mounting track is shown in the figure below. In the image, there are two more bolts with washers and accompanying nuts
- Tighten the mounting tracks down with the appropriate nuts. Tighten the bolts that hold the mounting tracks to the tent with your socket wrench until they are snug. This stage of the assembly is one of two that will keep your tent securely attached to your vehicle, so be sure nothing is loose during this process. Of course, you don’t want to overtighten
- Turn the tent on its side. As soon as the mounting tracks have been installed on the bottom of the tent, it will be necessary to turn the tent over so that the top of the tent can be seen. We’ll need this information for the following stages. Ladder brackets should be installed. This is a really straightforward procedure. In a manner similar to that described before, fasten the ladder brackets to the tent frame where pre-drilled holes have been made from the inside of the tent. Every now and again, we had to reorient ourselves to make sure we were putting items on the proper side so that they would be suitable for a tent with a passenger-side opening
- Secure the ladder
- And so on. Another straightforward step, however we ended up mounting it in the wrong direction (as seen in the image). It still works perfectly good, with the exception of the velcro straps being in the wrong position and making it difficult to secure or undo. We’ll re-mount it correctly as soon as possible, however we didn’t realize the problem until our first journey with it. The tent cover is secured with a zipper. The tent cover helps to keep the tent protected from the weather while you’re driving, and it also, I assume, adds an added degree of protection to ensure that the tent doesn’t pop open accidentally while driving. It can be frustrating to get a zipper to work properly, as it is with any zipper. The zipper, on the other hand, is a rather heavy quality zipper that goes on effortlessly
- Take a deep breath and prepare to be lifted! Having reached this phase, it is necessary to load the tent onto the truck. Although we use Yakima crossbars, these tents are compatible with a wide range of other rack systems as well. Before lifting the tent, you should make sure you understand which way it has to move in order for it to open in the proper direction. Once you’re in the proper position, bend your knees and tense your core before lifting! Because the tent weighs more than 120 pounds and must be lifted to a high altitude, this would be best accomplished by a group of four people, although it is certainly achievable by two. Set up your tent in a line with your rack and attach the brackets. Once the tent is mounted to the rack, it must be aligned so that when the mounting brackets are slid into the channel of the mounting tracks, they are on opposite sides of the cross bar and clear of the Yakima rack frame. Once the tent is mounted to the rack, it must be aligned so that it is clear of the Yakima rack frame. In all, you’ll need to move 8 brackets into the channel of the tracks
- This will take some time. Tent brackets should be secured to the rack. The brackets should now simply be put into the mounting tracks, with the bolts and nuts provided to secure them in place. There are a total of 8 bolts that need to be secured. You want to tighten the tent just enough so that it won’t move, but not so much that the metal bends and becomes brittle, which is what you want to avoid. To prevent the tent from slipping off the truck, I said in step 7 that there were two measures to be taken
- This is the second of those steps: pop open the tent. You’re not required to do this, but I don’t see how you could ignore the urge to indulge your curiosity! Celebrate by opening the tent and seeing what it looks like on the inside if you so desire. Phew! At this point, you’ve probably put in 1-2 hours, so take a deep breath and think about all of the adventures you’ll be able to go on in the future with your new rooftop tent.
Simply said, that’s the whole story! As seen by the amount of tools required (a socket wrench) and the methods outlined above, it is not difficult, but it does take some time and strength to raise it. Please contact us if you have any queries! Disclosure: Overlanding Taco devotes countless hours of testing and writing to assisting you in planning your travels, locating equipment, and finding other things that will help you live a better outdoor life. We occasionally provide links to items on Amazon and other websites.
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Outdoorsman with a passion for gearheading. In addition to being born and raised in New York, I also spent my formative years in the suburbs of Baltimore, went back and forth between Philadelphia and Brooklyn, and eventually ended up in the San Francisco Bay Area. Walker, our Taco(ma), and I are looking forward to overlanding across the Americas!
How to Install a Roof Top Tent
Roof rack tents are typically compatible with the majority of original equipment manufacturer (OEM) car roof racks. Manufacturers claim, on the other hand, that an aftermarket rack is easier to put your tent to, is more durable, and provides you with extra attachment points for additional gear than a factory rack.
Know Your Roof Rack Weight Ratings
Generally speaking, roof rack tents may be utilized with the majority of original equipment manufacturer (OEM) car roof racks. Manufacturers claim, on the other hand, that an aftermarket rack is easier to put your tent to, is more durable, and provides you with extra attachment points for additional gear than a factory rack.
Standard Roof Rack Installation
Installation and setup of a Tepui Kukenam tent with Yakima roof racks are demonstrated in this video.
Heavy Duty Roof Rack Installation
Check out this fantastic video that depicts the installation of a high-end aftermarket basket-styleARB roof rack, which is the most durable version available for a car of this type:
Roof Top Tent Installation
I’m not going to go into detail on how to erect a roof top tent because there are numerous excellent videos available that do it for you. This is an excellent illustration of what is required in constructing a roof top tent:
Single Person Roof Rack Installation
When there are no other choices for more assistance, here is a fantastic how-to for constructing a roof rack tent by yourself (with caution!).
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The typical method of securing your rooftop tent is to use security nuts and bolts to hold it in place. In order to remove any bolts holding your rooftop tent to your car, you must need a special adapter or tool created specifically for this purpose.
How long does it take to set up a tepui tent?
In only a few minutes, you can have your tent up and running. Unzipping the cover, opening the tent, unfolding the ladder, and connecting the rainfly rods are all that is required.
Are tepui tents good?
Because of its popularity, the Tepui Kukenam 3 is possibly the most well-known rooftop tent in the entire globe. It’s long-lasting, comfy, and simple to operate. Purchasing a Kukenam is a risk-free investment.
Can you put a roof top tent on a Rhino Rack?
Most roof top tents are attached to the roof rack system using a U-Bolt or Universal Clamp to provide a secure connection. If the bolts or clamps that are given are too tiny, it is a simple operation to adjust them to the proper size. When you’re testing the fit, the Rhino-Rack Heavy Duty crossbar is 40mm wide and the Vortex bar is 80mm wide, so make sure the crossbars are the same width.
What rack do I need for a roof top tent?
To ensure that the rack or bars you purchase have a Dynamic Weight Capacity (DWC) that is at least as strong as the tent, check the manufacturer’s specifications. The majority of models weigh between 120 and 165 lbs, therefore you will need a rack that can support more than 165 pounds to be on the safe side.
Why are roof top tents so expensive?
The cost of rooftop tents is more when compared to a modest, off-brand ground tent, owing to the complexity of their construction, overall design, and additional accessories. Rooftop tents, on the other hand, are long-lasting, high-quality, and should last you for a long time.
Are rooftop tents worth it?
A rooftop tent may be either a marvelous convenience or a dreadful pain in the neck, depending on what you’re doing with it. If you’re not going to be driving much during your camping vacation, or if you’re going to be sleeping in a new location every night, a rooftop tent will be more handy than a standard tent in many situations.
Can people steal your rooftop tent?
Do people steal the roof top tents? A roof top tent lock may be required in this case, as previously stated. Even though some roof top tents weigh more than 100 pounds, there have been several reports of criminals snatching roof top tents while campers are hiking or off the top of a parked car back home, according to the FBI.
Can I put a roof top tent on my car?
Yes! Most roof top tents are designed to fit on a variety of vehicles, including jeeps, trucks, and SUVs.
How much weight can a tepui tent hold?
Rooftop tents are becoming increasingly popular, and the Skycamp 2.0 from well-known firm iKamper is one of the most durable options available on the market today, capable of supporting up to 900 pounds of weight. Model Maximum Weight Capacity Thule x Tepui Ruggedized Kukenam 3 600 lb. Model Maximum Weight Capacity Thule x Tepui Ruggedized Kukenam 3 600 lb.
How many people sleep in roof top tent?
What is the maximum number of people that can sleep in a roof top tent? In a roof top tent, you may comfortably sleep anywhere from 1-4 people, depending on the model.
Are rooftop tents comfortable?
Rooftop Tents are more comfortable than ground level tents.
No matter how comfy a sleeping pad is that you purchase for your camping setup, it can never compare to the comfort of a genuine mattress. When it’s time to sleep in your Roofnest, you’ll appreciate the convenience of a high-density foam mattress that’s integrated into the structure of the tent.
Are tepui tents waterproof?
Meanwhile, the majority of tents are made of lightweight, high-tech materials, but the Tepui has the advantage of knowing you won’t have to hoof it anywhere, so it uses hefty waterproof canvas that feels satisfyingly rough to the touch, evoking the feel of Army surplus Boy Scout tents. Because of its robustness, it seems completely at home in a truck bed.
Why are roof top tents so popular?
Overall, a rooftop tent is far more pleasant than a standard tent in terms of sleeping conditions. There are a variety of factors contributing to this. It is most likely due to the fact that you will not be sleeping on chilly or damp ground. Instead, you’re perched far above the ground on a platform with a comfortable bed built into it.
Is rooftop camping safer?
Roof top tents, while not totally bear proof and solid walled, are nonetheless able to keep you safer than a standard ground based tent design, according to the manufacturer. Tents on top of vehicles were developed to accommodate overlanding in the African deserts while keeping campers secure from dangerous creatures such as lions and hyenas.
What happened to tepui tents?
The purchase of Tepui Outdoors Inc. by the Thule Group was announced in December 2018 by the company. Together with Thule’s industry-leading rack systems and accessories, the Tepui rooftop tent was created as the ideal addition to Thule’s adventure camping portfolio.
How do you clean a tepui tent?
When cleaning the fabric, use a moderate detergent (1 cup Lysol all-purpose cleanser to 1 gallon hot water) mixed with warm water and a soft to medium brush, as needed to remove any stains. – Before drying, thoroughly rinse the cloth with warm or cool water to remove any remaining detergent. – Allow it to dry in the sun with all of the windows open.
Do you lock your tent when camping?
Camping tent locks serve as a deterrent, however, like with many other security mechanisms, they are not impenetrable against theft or burglary. In order to prevent someone from breaking into your tent, you should consider investing in a tent lock. However, you should never assume that a tent lock is sufficient security for your tent.
How easy is it to set up a roof top tent?
How quickly can you put together a roof top tent? A hard shell roof top tent may be opened in less than 60 seconds, depending on the model. Soft shell roof top tents, which take around minutes to put up, are a bit more time consuming.
Do you need crossbars for a rooftop tent?
Roof Top Tents can be mounted on flat racks, crossbars, or a canopy, among other things. Simply ensure that your racks have a Dynamic Weight Capacity (DWC) that is at least equal to the weight of the tent before proceeding.
What is the cheapest roof top tent?
8 of the most affordable roof top tents: Tepui Explorer Ayer 2 ($1,199.95), Tepui Explorer Ayer 3, Tepui Explorer Ayer 4, Tepui Explorer Ayer 5, Tepui Explorer Ayer 6, Tepui Explorer Ayer 7, Tepui Explorer Ayer 8, Tepui Explorer Ayer 9, Tepui Explorer Ayer 10, Tepui Explorer Ayer 11, Tepui Explorer Ayer 12, Tepui Explorer Ayer 13, Tepui Explorer Ayer 14, Tepui Explorer Ayer 15, (Photo courtesy of @moveswithmak) Mount Bachelor CVT ($1,375) Smittybilt Overlander ($931.49) is a pickup truck.
(Photo courtesy of @jg.hikes) Tuff Stuff Trailhead ($860.46 Sale Price) is located on the Tuff Stuff Trail.
Front Runner RTT ($1,099) is the most expensive of the three. Overland Vehicle Systems TMBK 3 ($849.99) Overland Vehicle Systems TMBK 3 ($849.99) Weekender 56 ($1,099) from 23Zero. RTTs were employed.
How to Choose a Roof-Top Tent
With 279 customer reviews, the average rating is 4.5 stars. Given that camping has been around since Homo erectus came down from the trees, it would appear that we don’t have many new advancements in the art of sleeping beneath the stars to share with the rest of the world. As a result of their elevated positions, roof-top tents are drawing the attention of many campers who like to stay on the ground during their camping excursions. You should be aware of the following things if you are considering purchasing a roof-top tent:
- Roof-top tents have their advantages and disadvantages. The trade-off between a quick setup and a higher cost is critical
- How to determine which tent is compatible with your vehicle: Before you buy a tent, vehicle, or rack, double-check the specifications. They are attached to your car in the following ways: Because the floor is bolted to your roof rack, make sure you have a sturdy mounting system.
Additionally, you’ll want to examine things like annexes, the longevity of the tent, and shipping factors before making your final decision.
The Appeal of a Roof-Top Tent
Although roof-top tents have grown increasingly popular in the United States in recent years, they have been around for decades, originally garnering favor in locations such as Australia, where camping beyond the reach of creepy crawlies was immediately recognized as a brilliant concept. Several roof-top tent owners have expressed how having a lofty view point resonated with them on a primitive level in recent years. Perhaps it’s a throwback to our youth and a fondness for treehouses—or even further back in our psyches, to a time when humans slept in trees so that we could monitor our surroundings from a secure vantage point before falling off to sleep in a tree.
Pros of a Roof-Top Tent
- Pitching comfort: It is designed to be simple to set up. Once you’ve arrived at camp, you just untie a few straps, pop the tent open, and set up the poles and ladder
- A sturdy construction: Generally speaking, the floor, tent fabric, and pole materials are all very durable and capable of withstanding inclement weather conditions. Most come with a super-plush foam mattress
- However, some do not. Anywhere is a good place to camp: Set up camp anywhere: at a campground, a parking lot, a rural gravel road, or somewhere else. When you camp above the ground, you can avoid rainfall runoff, crawling critters, pebbles and sticks from getting into your tent floor. Stay level when camping: Placing strategically placed bricks or boulders beneath your tires might help you maintain a level surface.
Cons of a Roof-Top Tent(yes, there are a few)
- Cost: Significantly more expensive than a camping tent (albeit less expensive than an RV)
- Driving at a high rate increases aerodynamic drag, which has an adverse effect on your gas consumption and battery life. The initial rooftop connection is time-consuming: Furthermore, you must consider whether or not you want to go to the hassle of removing it between camping excursions. Day travels become more complicated: You can’t leave it set up while driving away from your long-term camp in your automobile.
Fitting a Roof-Top Tent to Your Vehicle
Due to the fact that the majority of roof-top tents weigh more than a hundred pounds, you’ll want to be certain that your rack is equal to the work. If you don’t already have a roof rack, you’ll want to keep the weight of your tent in mind while you hunt for a rack to act as the foundation for your vehicle. Because the specifications you want are not always readily available, you may have to contact both your vehicle’s manufacturer and the rack manufacturer directly in order to obtain the information you require.
- The total weight of the tent should be included in the product specifications. The dynamic weight capacity of your car and rack assesses your vehicle’s ability to carry the weight of your tent while you’re driving. You must double-check this specification for both the car and the roof rack. When mounting the tent on a separately purchased roof rack, you must first verify the dynamic weight capacity of your vehicle’s roof as well as the dynamic weight capacity of the rack you are using to ensure that both specifications are met. Factory racks are often less capable of supporting heavier loads than racks from third-party manufacturers like as Yakima, Thule, and others. Compatibility with racks: Check your rack’s owner’s handbook to make sure it is compatible with a roof-top tent before using it. It is noted that some racks and components are “not compatible.”
- Capacity for static weight: The ability of the rack (and the car roof) to hold the required number of sleepers and their belongings is rarely a concern in these situations. The majority of automobile roofs are already designed to resist the forces associated with a rollover accident. When you combine this with the load distribution offered by the solid tent-floor platform and the additional support supplied by the ladder, you have a construction that is extremely durable. Having said that, you must still ensure that the static weight capacity of your vehicle and its rack is sufficient to hold the weight of your tent, as well as the weight of everyone within it and their sleeping gear.
Attaching the Tent to Your Roof Rack
Although the initial procedure of fastening the tent to the roof rack will take some time, after you have driven your car into camp, the rest of the process will be quite quick. Read and carefully follow all of the installation instructions that have been supplied. A strong companion will also be required because you will require assistance in lifting the tent onto the roof rack of your vehicle.
Additional Shopping Considerations
There is one major consideration: identifying which tent types will be compatible with the weight capacity of your car rack or trailer. After that, there are a few things to think about, including:
- Awnings and annexes: Some tent types have additional living space or covered areas, and some tents allow you to install one later on. Levels of durability: While all roof-top tents are quite durable, certain manufacturers produce really tough variants that are meant for lengthy excursions in harsh environments. Some manufacturers also provide all-mesh canopies as an alternative
- However, they are more expensive. Hardtops: Fabric variants are significantly less expensive. In the car, hardtops provide greater protection for your belongings. Costs of shipping: Purchases made in-store are the most convenient option, while some models may only be available for purchase online. Because it is a large item that will be expensive to transport to your house, check for alternatives such as REI’s ability to ship to a store for no additional charge. Before you buy, give it a shot: Finding a facility that hires roof-top tents may need some investigation, but it will be worthwhile in the long run—because the most crucial aspect is determining whether this elevated form of van living is right for you.
Other Tents That Attach to Your Vehicle
As a result of advancements in the field of tents that attach to the roof of your car, businesses are also developing alternatives that attach to other elements of a vehicle, such as the tailgate of an SUV or the bed of a pickup truck. The advantage of some of these configurations is that they allow you to put up the tent and then drive away in the car for day outings or overnight stays. Roof-Top Tents are available for purchase.
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John Griffith worked as the Director of Marketing for Tepui Tents before Thule acquired the company, and he went on to develop Hitchfire Grills in the process.
His roof-top tent expeditions span from weekend family camping vacations to lengthy surf trips in Baja California, among other destinations.
Jeep JK Teraflex Roof Rack & Tepui Tent Installation
Chris and Garrett from GRJ Offroad are shown in this video installing the Teraflex NEBO Roof Rack as well as the Tepui Kukenam Ruggedized SKY Tent on the GRJ Hypercon Jeep JK Rubicon in this video. The TeraFlex JK Nebo Roof Rack System was designed specifically for Jeep JKs and integrates OEM looks and style with durable performance to boost load carrying capability for off-road excursions. The factory finished appearance makes it seem as at home in the city as it does off-road in a fully-loaded Rubicon pickup truck.
The Tepui Kukenam SKY Roof Top Tent
This roof top tent is equipped with fast release clips on the rain cover as well as two functional SKY panels in the roof for illumination. All of the panels are constructed of 260g ventilated coated canvas, and they are equipped with no-see-um mosquito netting as well as water resistant YKK zippers in case you need to seal the hatch in the event of an unexpected downpour. It is not necessary to acquire extensions for large or raised cars because this roof top tent comes with an 8ft-6in telescoping ladder that is already installed.
Thank you for taking the time to watch!
How to Thrive in a Roof Top Tent
Any vehicle may be transformed into a residence with the help of a roof-top tent (RTT). Aside from the addition of load bars or a roof rack, there are no other significant changes that need to be made to the vehicle. In addition, an RTT has no substantial impact on the vehicle’s off-road performance. We are a family of four that has only ever overlanded with an RTT once. We adore our Howling MoonRTT, therefore it’s only right that we express our appreciation for how resilient their product truly is.
- We had a comfortable room to spend the days playing cards, cooking, and waiting out the storm thanks to the adjacent annex.
- That’s one tough tent you’ve got there.
- The tent should last at least another three years, if not longer.
- If you want to travel for an extended period of time, it is a good idea to bring along spares.
- Be a tall person.
- If you are traveling with a friend, you should work together to open and close the tent.
- You may secure it in place with specific straps that you can add.
You will also experience less annoyance while attempting to go through whichever door or window the cover is blocking.
This may be accomplished by bringing either plastic leveling blocks or a few pieces of wood with you on your trip.
When sleeping in an RTT, the midnight/early morning pee may be a real pain in the neck.
In the other, a funnel is attached at one end to a length of hose that exits the tent and empties into a bottle on the ground.
This is not a humorous prank.
Make use of bulbs that provide a mellow glow.
During it comes time to close the tent, tuck the bedding into the half of the RTT that is above the vehicle and compress as much as possible, making sure that the bedding does not interfere with the tent poles when closing.
Close the tent by having one person tuck the tent fabric inside while another raises and lowers the other half of tent, utilizing a ladder to provide simple leverage on the opposite side of the tent.
After flinging the cover over the sides of the tent and pulling it securely in, toss the ratchet straps over (weighted with a tin cup or something similar if the wind is blowing) and then ratchet the tent closed.
It is important to release part of the tension in the ratchets when the tent has been entirely zipped up.
It is recommended that you glue or stitch some extra material over the rubbing places.
Before putting the window pegs away, make a mental note of how many there are.
Taking care of puddles of water: There will be days when you are stuck in the rain or wind due to terrible weather.
The only option may be to wait it out if it has been pouring or snowing for a week in every direction.
Despite the fact that we have always been early risers, since embarking on our long-term travels, we have began to get out of bed later in the mornings, with our faces appearing on the street as late as 9 am in some cases.
What else is there to do in a tent than sleep as you wait for the sun to come up and dry the tent?
While waiting for a break in the downpour, use a dirty towel to dry the tent as best you can before shutting it.
It is best to close the tent only when it is completely dry, and to open the tent as quickly as possible if it has been closed while damp.
The formation of drops on the inside of the tent’s canvas, which then roll down the canvas and land on your face, ear, or eye can result in a unique sort of water torture known as “water torture.” The inner support poles of the tent were covered with two extremely absorbent Peruvian sheets of multicolored Alpaca wool, which served as a good barrier against humidity.
- If you take good care of your roof tent, it will survive for many years, and you will likely find that there is no better place to sleep than in it.
- Even though he was born and raised in Johannesburg, South Africa, he considers Cape Town to be his home.
- www.a2aexpedition.com.
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- The first edition of Adventure Journal has gotten a lot of positive feedback from readers.
Order today and it will be delivered by priority mail for delivery within one to three business days! 132 pages of stoke, inspiration, profound ideas, and genuine adventure await the reader on this page. Take a look at what all the fuss is about.
Roof Top Tent – by Front Runner
The shop will not function properly if cookies are deactivated on your computer or device. $1,169.00 (excluding of tax and shipping) Currently in stock When fully assembled, this roof top tent is 1.3 meters wide by 2.4 meters long. The super-low 330mm profile decreases wind resistance while driving and lowers the vehicle’s overall height by almost one meter. The Front Runner Roof Top Tent has the lowest profile of any roof top tent currently available on the market! In order to purchase Roof Top Tent by Front Runner, you must purchase it in multiples of 1.
- Equipment and guidance that has been tested and proven You may put your faith in us. Money refund guarantee for 30 days Guarantee
- Off-road construction was used. Tough
- Easily attaches to the top of your Front Runner Roof Rack to provide quick, easy, and comfortable shelter wherever you go
- Sleeps 2+ people in comfort
- An immediate bedroom is created with a single seamless motion. Weighing only 43kg, it is far lighter than all other comparable roof top sleeping options now available on the market. The body of the tent is made of 260g poly-cotton ripstop fabric, which is water-resistant and durable. Full-coverage rainfly made of waterproof, UV-resistant 400d polyester oxford fabric for maximum protection. With the help of convenient side-release buckles, you may simply remove or install the item as needed. A solid, insulated foundation is provided by a durable base consisting of an aluminum frame, sheeting, and dense foam core. High-density foam mattress (6cm / 2.25″ thick) with a machine-washable, moisture- and mildew-resistant polyester oxford fabric cover for added comfort
- It is possible to unzip skylight vent windows in the roof to allow for fresh air, sunshine, and starry views, or they can be sealed to trap heat and keep out the weather
- The side window privacy panels zip up to close, allowing the size of the aperture to be modified according to privacy requirements or weather circumstances
- The side window privacy panels zip up to close
- A total of two hanging pockets give enough storage space for personal belongings (34cm by 22cm / 13.5″ by 8.5″)
- The heavy-duty 650g nylon tent cover is made of durable PVC coating and will protect your tent when it is packed and in transportation. Tracks for mounting (included) can be installed either from the front to the back or from side to side, depending on your requirements. Included are universal mounting plates as well as all essential hardware. Upgrade to our Quick Release Tent Mount Kit for faster and simpler installation and disassembly. Incorporate a handy shelter below with ourRoof Top Tent Annex, which slides simply into the channel of the tent foundation
- It comes with an integrated sliding aluminum ladder. The weight limit for the ladder is 180kg/400lbs.
It should be noted that if the tent installation height is greater than 2 meters, you will want a Tent Extension Ladder. NOTE: Front Runner Tent Mounts:Tent Mount Kit,Tent Mount Kit / TallorQuick Release Tent Mount,Tent Mount Kit/ TallorQuick Release Tent Mount The following are the recommended mounting techniques for this Tent. The set includes:1 x Tent 1 piece of flysheet 1 × Bed (mattress) 1 × Tent with a cover 1 x Sliding stairwell 1 × Rod & Reel Kit Mounting studs are included with this package.
Rainfly made of 400d polyester oxford that is waterproof and UV resistant.
Padding for Mattresses: 60mm ” (2.25″) thick polyurethane foam with a high density 650g heavy-duty PVC for the tent cover; aluminum sheeting and side rails with foam core for the tent base.
Dimensions of the tent: 1330mm when closed (including cover and ladder) ” (52.4″) Dimensions: 1245mm (49″) L x 330mm (13″) W (13″) Height with cover and ladder: 1295mm Height without cover and ladder: ” (51″) 1220mm L x 1220mm W ” (48″) 216mm W x 216mm H ” (8.5″) Dimensions of the HOpen: 3330mm for the outside with a rainfly ” (131″) 1330mm (48″) L x 2290mm (90″) W x 1330mm (48″) (52.4″) Interior Dimensions: 2438mm ” (96″) 1295mm L x 1295mm W ” (51″) 1168mm W x 1168mm H ” (46″) L L L L L L L L L L L L L L L L L L L L L L L L L L L L L L L L L L L L L L L L L L L L L L L L L (A Peak) Dimensions of the mattress:1990mm ” (78.4″) 1210mm (47.2″) L x 1210mm (47.2″) W x 60mm (2.4″) HWeight:43 kilograms (93lbs) Load Capacity: 270kg (600lbs) In order to access the fitting instructions, you must have Adobe Acrobat Reader installed.
Road Trippin’ with the Tepui Rooftop Tent & Subaru Outback
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Making Road Trips Easier with the Tepui Rooftop Tent
This amazing firm based in Santa Cruz creates an awesome rooftop car tent, which I first saw at the Subaru store when I was purchasing my new vehicle. They also make a variety of other cool products. Perhaps you’ve seen them driving around in the neighborhood? They appear to be large plastic crates carrying clothing, but they are actually a spacious, comfy tent that can be transported anywhere. Tepui Tents are available in a variety of various designs, all of which follow the same fundamental design principles.
- Water repellent is applied to a 600-denier ripstop polyestercotton mix that is used to construct the basic tents.
- All of the windows and doors may be rolled up and stored to keep them out of the way when not in use.
- The soft mattress, which is 2.5 inches thick and made of high-density foam, is probably the most surprise feature of the package; it is quite cozy.
- When closed, the two-person Ayer weighs 115 pounds and has a footprint of 48′′ x 42′′ and a height of 11′′.
It can accommodate two people. When fully opened, the dimensions are 48′′ x 84′′ with 39′′ of headroom. A heavy-duty PVC cover will keep your tent safe from the weather, and it has a huge zipper that is super-easy to use to keep it closed.
Installing the Tepui rooftop tent on a Subaru Outback
Within an hour after cutting open the delivery box, the Tepui was mounted on my vehicle and ready to go. All of the equipment you’ll need for installation are included within some extremely durable bags that will last the whole life of your tent. In order to connect the tent to the roof rack, the first step is to install the brackets that will hold it in place. One person must crawl inside and hold the bolts in place, while the other person secures the bracket and nuts on the other side of the doorway.
- I guess you could tape the bolts to the inside of the tent while you put the nuts on, but you’ll need that second person afterwards to assist you in lifting the whole thing up!
- This is true if your roof rack extends the entire length of your vehicle.
- As previously stated, two persons are required to hoist the Tepui.
- I’m sure I’ll come up with a system eventually.
- It is difficult to have enough space between the end of the bolt and the top of my Subaru Outback due to the length of the bolt.
- Replace the given bolts with shorter ones purchased from a hardware shop as a workaround.
- The combination of their length and the limited clearance on the Subaru Outback makes this an exhausting knuckle-scraper of an installation.
Using the Tepui Rooftop Tent
Man I was so paranoid. Despite the fact that the dynamic load rating of the stock Subaru Outback rack was sufficient for this rooftop tent, I was nevertheless apprehensive about transporting such a large object on the roof. I kept peering out the sunroof, but the Tepui remained stable during each bend and at highway speeds. I was impressed. I did notice a slight loss in gas mileage, which was to be expected given the amount of drag that had been added to the top of the vehicle. Even so, it wasn’t much; I can normally travel approximately 550 miles cross-country on a single tank of petrol, and with this I get about 480 miles.
As a result, everything is dependent on other factors.
Aside from that, it makes no audible difference to the drive’s overall noise level.
Makingbreaking camp
The nicest feature of the Tepui is how simple it is to set up camp.
- Locate a suitable location to set up camp for the night
- Remove the cover by unzipping it. Grab the ladder and fold the tent open as far as you can. Install the tiny rods that keep the awnings up in their proper positions.
Breaking camp is just as simple as executing all of these actions in the opposite sequence, and it takes no more time. I’ll have a video up shortly to demonstrate how simple and quick the entire procedure is. Please make certain that your vehicle is parked on level ground, which I hope isn’t necessary to point out at this point.
My only complaints about the Tepui rooftop tent
Making the mounting brackets for my roof rack more secure was something I didn’t look forward to at all! As previously said, the bolts are lengthy, and there isn’t a lot of space between the tent and the roof of a Subaru Outback, which makes it difficult to install. Because I was ratcheting in such a confined space, both of my forearms were scraped raw and bleeding at points. This difficulty was resolved by replacing the lengthy bolts with shorter ones, and my disdain for the installation process was extinguished.
- As soon as I arrive at a campsite where I intend to spend many days, I generally leave my hiking tent set up and then drive away whenever I want without any difficulties from the site.
- Unhitching it and leaving it in camp isn’t really an option.
- It’s a hassle.
- No, not really, because it opens and closes in such a short period of time, but it is a minor annoyance if you intend on driving around in your car from camp.
- It is possible for condensation to build between the mattress’s bottom and the floor of the tent’s construction.
- Tepui does, in fact, sell a mat, according to their website.
Update: Two years later
With this rooftop tent, we’ve enjoyed numerous fantastic road trips across the United States and Canada. We’ve had no problems with the roof rack or the tent’s construction, either when driving or while sleeping in it. We were in the Canadian Rockies during some major storms, which brought with them unexpected snow and heavy winds. Aside from being chilly and having to put up with the wind noise, the tent performed admirably. That journey spanned more than 3,000 kilometers. The only thing to mention is that the foam mattress has begun to lose part of its cushioning, and we will most likely be replacing it in the near future.
So far, it’s been a fantastic investment!
Where to buy a Tepui rooftop tent
These tents are available from a variety of merchants around the country; you may use Tepui’s dealer locator to discover one in your neighborhood.
The tents are also available for purchase on the internet. Visit these two websites to see what they have to offer:
Are there any more Tepui owners that would like to add something? Do you have any questions? Please put them in the comments section!
Amazon.com : Thule Tepui Explorer Autana 3 with Annex, Blue : Sports & Outdoors
Please refer to the rooftop tent rules shown below in the PRODUCT DETAILS section. In order to attach a Thule Tepui rooftop tent to your car, you will need to purchase an aftermarket roof rack. The Thule Fit Guide, which can be obtained on the manufacturer’s website, lists the recommended weight capabilities for roof racks. The recommended roof load for your vehicle may be found in the owner’s manual of your vehicle. Thule roof racks are an excellent solution for transporting Tepui Rooftop Tents because of their exceptional design, quality, and strength.
For other brand roof rack uses, see the owner’s manuals for the vehicle and roof rack to determine the maximum weight capacity.
Crossbar Dimensions
The minimum railing distance required is determined by the tent model; for further information, read the tent specs listed below:
- 2 person tent measures 25.2 inches/64 centimeters
- 3 person tent measures 33.5″/85 centimeters
- 4 person tent measures 30.7 inches/78 centimeters.
Instead of Thule SquareBar Evo, Thule AeroBlades, Thule WingBar Evo, Thule ProBar Evo, Thule Xsporter, and TracRac bars for roof rack foot spreads more than 50″/127 cm should be utilized, rather than Thule SquareBar Evo.
