Alright, let’s talk about these rooftop tents for SUVs. You know, those things you stick on top of your car? Yeah, them. I seen ’em around, and folks seem to like ’em. So, I figured I’d tell ya what I know, or what I heard anyways.
First off, why would anyone want one of these things? Well, I guess it’s better than sleepin’ on the ground, right? No rocks pokin’ your back, no creepy crawlies gettin’ in your hair. And if it rains, well, you stay dry, mostly. ‘Cept if it leaks, then you’re just wet up high instead of down low.
Now, there’s different kinds, you see. Some are hard, like a turtle shell. They call ’em hardshell rooftop tents, I think. Those are supposed to be tough, keep the rain out good. And they say they’re easier to set up, just pop ’em open like a box. But they cost a pretty penny, let me tell ya. Heard tell of one called the TrustMade Hardshell Tent. Folks say it’s the best, holds four people even. Forty-nine inches, whatever that means. Big enough for a whole family, I reckon.
Then there’s the soft ones, like a regular tent, but on your car. They fold up all nice and neat, but I hear they can be a pain to set up. And if it rains real hard, well, they might leak a bit. But they’re cheaper, so there’s that.
- Hardshell Tents: Tough, easy to use, expensive.
- Softshell Tents: Cheaper, but maybe not as good in bad weather.
Size matters too, just like with shoes. You gotta think about how many folks you’re crammin’ up there. Some tents are just for two, like a cozy little love nest. Others can fit three, four, or even more. But the bigger they are, the heavier they are, and the more gas your car’s gonna guzzle. That’s somethin’ to think about, with gas prices these days bein’ what they are. Heard of one called the Roofnest Condor 2 XL, must be one of those big ones.
And don’t forget about your SUV. Not all SUVs are created equal, you know. Some are bigger, some are smaller, some are stronger, some are weaker. You gotta make sure your car can handle the weight of the tent, and the folks inside it. Wouldn’t want the whole thing comin’ crashin’ down in the middle of the night, now would ya?
Putting it up on your car, that’s another thing. Some are easier than others. Some you can do by yourself, some you need a whole crew. And you gotta make sure it’s strapped down good and tight, or it might fly off on the highway. Now that would be a sight, wouldn’t it? A tent flyin’ through the air like a big, ol’ kite.
So, what’s the bottom line? Well, if you got the money and you want somethin’ easy and tough, go for the hardshell. If you’re on a budget and don’t mind a little fuss, the softshell might be alright. Just make sure it fits your car and your needs. And for goodness sake, read the instructions before you try to put it up. Nobody wants to be stuck in the dark, fumbling around with poles and straps.
And one more thing, don’t go climbin’ up there if you’ve had too much to drink. You might fall off and break your neck, and then you won’t be sleepin’ in no tent, that’s for sure. You’ll be sleepin’ six feet under, and that ain’t no fun for nobody.
Anyways, that’s all I got to say about these rooftop tents. Hope it helps ya make up your mind. If not, well, can’t say I didn’t try. Now, where’s my tea? All this talkin’ makes a body thirsty.
Tags: rooftop tents, SUV tents, hardshell rooftop tents, softshell rooftop tents, camping, outdoor gear, SUV camping, TrustMade Hardshell Tent, Roofnest Condor 2 XL
