Rooftop tents n the wind?

markamcclure · Since 20 May 2011 170 Posts Portland, OR Stoked

I am considering a rooftop tent (roof nest falcon 2 or roof nest sparrow eye) for my SUV (Pilot). I plan to camp at windy spots (e.g. Rufus or the coast) this season. Yes, I know a van/trailer might be better, but this seems like a more affordable option.

Anyone have experience with these tents in the wind? I am a bit concerned about the canopy/pole design for these in strong winds.

Also, Google referenced a 17% reduction in gas mileage on average for RTT. Anyone know if that is accurate for their RTT? The falcon2 is slimmer, but heavier compared to the sparrow eye.

TIA, Mark

markamcclure · Since 20 May 2011 170 Posts Portland, OR Stoked

After investigating further it looks like the canopy is removable via zipper so it doesn’t flap in the wind.

mikeinhoodriver · Since 23 Apr 2009 424 Posts down wind somewhere Obsessed

Mark, I have a CVT Shasta Summit and I dont have any problem in the wind. The fabric weight of the tent is very substantial, so it doesnt flap like a traditional tent. I run it on my '02 Tundra and '11 Outback and have noticed any significant mileage decrease.

mikeinhoodriver · Since 23 Apr 2009 424 Posts down wind somewhere Obsessed

...not noticed

OG · Since 07 Jun 2011 591 Posts Addicted

those things look just as difficult to setup as a regular tent. true? def keeps you safe fr lions Wink

mikeinhoodriver · Since 23 Apr 2009 424 Posts down wind somewhere Obsessed

hilton · Since 15 Aug 2008 798 Posts Opinionated

When I was in college, I was part of a roof rack study regarding the best way to carry your windsurf boards. We found that just bare roof racks could reduce your mileage by 5% (this was before the wing shaped aero bars came along). And a standard roof top box could cut mileage by 10-15%. And a pile of 4-5 windsurf boards could reduce mileage by 20-25% depending on their orientation.
I would guess that 17% figure is fairly accurate as long as the roof tent doesn't protrude too far in front of your windshield.

My bigger concern with the roof tents would be overloading the roof racks. I believe the standard Thule racks have a 165 lb load limit, and most factory roof racks are even less if you are attaching to factory rails.
Granted, I have seen plenty of cars driving around with roof tents on standard racks, but I have also seen a few cars with dented roofs from overloaded racks, and heard stories of lost loads from rack failures.

kitebot · Since 20 Feb 2007 251 Posts Obsessed

I have never understood these roof tents. They need to be broken down every time you go anywhere. I like leaving my tent full of all my stuff so I don't have to drag with me when I go in to town or sailing.

mikeinhoodriver · Since 23 Apr 2009 424 Posts down wind somewhere Obsessed

kiteboard117 · Since 02 Mar 2005 450 Posts PDX McLovin

Just got back from a ~6000mile trip with our RTT rig and really happy with it. Honestly I was skeptical of the concept at first given we were going to be at windy spots and we already had space we could use for sleeping inside the van but its proven to be a super comfortable and convenient way to go. Our massive sponge of a dog can't ruin our bedding, we can leave the bed made and setup and take down in less than a minute, wind isn't much of an issue as long as you roll up any open window covers, great views and you aren't as bothered by stuff happening on the ground. I do think the clamshell design is extremely handy in harsher weather as you can point the hard roof into the wind and get some protection, plus all your latches are on one side. Ours is a CVT "mt hood" - it's actually exactly the same tent as the roof nest sparrow just re-branded, but the company is local and they were really great to work with. Even helped me mount it in their parking lot in bend using their forklift. I have seen some really cool double clamshell units that give you the option of unlatching only one side in windy conditions or both in good weather for more space.