Anybody Got A Tent Box?

[Jimmi]

This could suit my purposes, I wouldn’t have to cut a hole in my Kombi, I have the option sell it separately and it’s only £2000. The only downsides I can see is the extra fuel and having to get into it when it’s p!ssing down. If there any tent box owners I’d love to hear your thoughts.

 

[kiter]

We did two trips in the defender with a fold out roof tent, 5 weeks in Iceland and following year 3 weeks in the pyrenees. Performed great in a variety of weather conditions. The major downsides were it weighed a tonne so physically getting it on and off the roof when not in use was a real hassle and the fold out variety do take a bit of time to pack away properly, worse if they get wet. I think a tent box be much easier on both counts and I'd certainly have one any day before a pop top.

 

[Jimmi]

One of the massive advantages of a pop top is standing height. But as mines a Kombi with no kitchen etc. I don’t really need it.

 

[ZipcodeUK]

I'm also considering this option. Looking to speak to some folks with first hand experience using them with a Transporter.... especially with how easy it is to load onto the top of the van.

 

[cgtmiles]

Just wondered the roof load limit and so checked the brochure:

Roof load limit: 100kg (with two roof carriers) or 150kg (with at least four roof carriers).

So I don't know about whether this only applies to when in motion or not but I guess these aren't suitable for large boned couples

 

[Jimmi]

Just wondered the roof load limit and so checked the brochure:

Roof load limit: 100kg (with two roof carriers) or 150kg (with at least four roof carriers).

So I don't know about whether this only applies to when in motion or not but I guess these aren't suitable for large boned couples

So these figures are for dynamic loads not static according to tent box website, the empty tent box weighs 65kg so is fine when in motion. Once me and the fat girlfriend get in it’s probably over the weight limit, but while parked it’s fine.....Apparently! Loads of people have them on all sorts of cars and no one seems to have any issues.

 

[cgtmiles]

So these figures are for dynamic loads not static according to tent box website, the empty tent box weighs 65kg so is fine when in motion. Once me and the fat girlfriend get in it’s probably over the weight limit, but while parked it’s fine.....Apparently! Loads of people have them on all sorts of cars and no one seems to have any issues.

Right, that makes sense, I had several large estate cars before though and had a massive Thule roof box and it was always an issue as the weight of the box empty was over a third of the total weight so was always a consideration when packing it. Never thought about these roof tents until I saw this thread.

Did you see the news the other day that someone was jailed for smuggling 3 people into the country in a small cheap halfrauds box. My first thought was; He’s over his load limit!

Anyway, sorry, off topic now, good luck with the tent plans.

Looks like a great idea for a weekend only conversion. We have a pop top and like the head room as mentioned before but with an awning up or outdoor living it’s not essential I guess. Another factor I know can be an issue from owning a massive roof box is that it has to be stored somewhere when not fitted.

 

[Jimmi]

I rarely camp for more than 3 nights so this is a good option for me. I can’t be bothered pitching a tent, and I cook under the tailgate. So moving my bed from the back of the Kombi to the roof means more room for bikes and beer etc.