Words by Steve Fennell
Known to have originated in Western Europe as far back as the 1930s, Roof Top Tents (RTTs) have evolved over the decades into one of the most popular and convenient aftermarket products in the world of off-roading. In addition to providing added comfort on the road, they are easy to transport, aerodynamic-friendly, can accommodate a variety of off-road vehicles, and are available with many features to expand off-road adventures with function and style.
It’s no secret that all this convenience comes at a price. Whether you’re looking at a soft or hard shell RTT, both start in the $1,000 range, and can go as high as $3,000 to $4,000, depending on the make, model, and options. Nonetheless, the many benefits of an RTT make for a good investment, especially if you find yourself off the grid more often than not.
“The RTT has to deliver in every aspect for the type of off-roading you do,” says Corey Johnson, owner of Torro Offroad of in Annandale, VA., the manufacturer of its Hard Shell SkyLux RTT. “You need to be very thoughtful in your research and it’s about getting the best value right up front for what you need.”
With the many makes and models on the market, the following points will offer the all-important criteria you need to get the best RTT for your next trip in the wilderness.
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Ryan McKee
RTTS are easy to transport and once set up offer function and style.
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Ryan McKee
While sleek and aerodynamic, it’s important to know the weight capacities of your rig when using an RTT.
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Ryan McKee
For certain hard shell RTTs, the floor base extends out over the vehicle, supported by the access ladder.
First Consideration: Weight Capacities of Your Vehicle
Understanding weight capacities of your rig is pertinent to safety and function. Generally off-road rigs can handle approximately 90-136 kg (200-300 lbs) of dynamic weight (when the vehicle is in motion) and accommodate two or three times that amount in static weight (when the vehicle is stationary). Understanding and not exceeding these capacities is essential to avoid your vehicle from being top heavy or worse, having your roof get damaged at a remote destination.
Roof Racks
Whether you have a stock model or want the latest and greatest, all roof racks for RTTs must indicate dynamic and static weight capacities to safely accommodate the overall RTT load (whether the vehicle is stationary or traveling). Most RTTs range in weight from 40-90 kg (90-200 lb) and as the general rule of thumb is to have a rack with a capacity of at least the weight of the RTT, always opt for more. It will provide a greater element of safety, security, and allow you to upgrade to a larger unit or accommodate additional passengers.
It’s also important to ensure the dynamic weight is high enough to prevent the RTT from coming loose during sudden acceleration or braking and during highway speeds of 75 to 100-plus kph (46-62 mph). The last thing you want is that expensive RTT coming loose at any time.
Hard Shell RTTs
One of the most popular models among hardcore wheelers, hard shell RTTs are available in a few different styles, one being the hard shell pop-up design. These are generally built for two people and essentially rise from the roof, rather than opening up and out to one side of the vehicle.
Another popular choice is “the hard shell fold-out model.” Sleeker when folded up and easy to deploy, the hard shell lifts up, rests at a 45-degree angle and serves as a wall for added protection from the elements, while the floor base extends out, locked in place with the access ladder. When folded for transport, the hard shells range in height from 25-50 cm (10-20 in), with 33 cm (13 in) being the ideal height to effectively reduce drag.
Soft Shell RTTs
Widely popular among entry-level and veteran enthusiasts, soft shell RTTS are available in a range of sizes and styles. As they can offer ideal protection, they come in various levels of quality. Nonetheless, some of the more important features to consider include a 100 percent waterproof rain fly and at least 150D rip-stop poly cotton; fabric that’s 100% waterproof poly cotton; a fabric weight of at least 280 grams per square meter (GSM); and overall weight between 54-57 kg (120-125 lb).
Higher end soft shell RTTs are also available and while not as cost effective, they can stand up to pretty harsh conditions. Some of the highlights include heavier, weather-resistant fabrics, quality stitching, four-season use, quicker and easier open/close times, and excellent ventilation.
Fabric
Polyurethane coated canvas is one of the more popular fabrics used for hard shell RTTs but the choice of the fabric weight depends on when and where you travel. For instance, ideal fabric weights range from 140 GSM (for the summer months) to up 380 GSM if you wheel three or four seasons of the year.
While heavier material may seem like a good option, it isn’t always the best. It doesn’t breathe very well and collects condensation and moisture more easily, resulting in a wet, damp interior in cooler weather.
Many manufacturers of quality RTTs use a happy medium GSM of 280. While it’s not the lightest, it’s not the heaviest either. It’s designed to provide a great level of comfort in many conditions plus offer optimal breathability.
“It’s important to choose an RTT that’s very breathable,” says Johnson. “A higher 380 GSM is too thick, while a lower end RTT with a GSM of 150 would be too light. The latter might be fine in the summer, but issues with condensation will occur in the fall and winter with heavier material as there’s no way to ventilate the humid air that is generated when we breathe.”
Floor panels
While aluminum floor panels are commonly the standard, it’s often overlooked that aluminum is a heat conductor, meaning that in colder weather, the heat will seep away from your sleeping area and make for a chilly night. To offset this, many manufacturers resort to varying forms of strong, insulated material sandwiched between two aluminum – or sometimes fibreglass – panels.
One of the most popular materials to consider is called honeycomb grid construction. Found in many RTTs including the SkyLux from Torro Offroad, it’s placed between two aluminum sheets to form a strong, well-insulated panel. In turn, it not only provides great insulation, but excellent support and weight distribution.
Ryan McKee
The better the sleeping pad, the better you sleep.
Sleeping Pads
In simple terms, the better the sleeping pad, the more comfort you’ll have on the road. “Having a mattress in an RTT by default is a huge plus,” adds Johnson. “It saves cargo space (as its stowed in the hard shell) and can also provide a very comfortable space outdoors.”
While many manufacturers often tout the thickness of a sleeping pad, this can be a little misleading. For instance, a 17-inch sponge sounds great, but if you can hit the floor base, you won’ be as comfy as you first thought. So, two of the main features to consider are density and overall support.
Sleeping pads vary from manufacturer to manufacturer and Torro Offroad offers a quality 4 cm high density pad in its SkyLux RTT. "According to Johnson, a sign of a good quality sleeping pad is when it quickly comes back to form, or barely deforms when your press hand on it."
“The last thing you want is to feel like you’re sleeping on a rock,” says Johnson. “It can also eliminate waking up with a sore hip or back before a long day on the road or trail.”
There are many RTTs available on the market and many aspects to consider. Which is why it’s best to consult with an RTT representative or retailer to discuss your options. It will give you an idea of what you need (or don’t need) and result in the right choice of comfort and convenience for many seasons to come.
Ready to shop for a Roof Top Tent? Visit www.4wdsupply.ca
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Ryan McKee
Many RTT options are available for enhanced outdoor living.
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Ryan McKee
Many RTT options are available for enhanced outdoor living.