What is your preferred shelter? (Rooftop Tent vs Ground Tent vs Etc...)

[Defender 90 Keith]

my prefered shelter isn't the shelter I have. I'd prefer to have a trailer tent but finances dictated that my second option was the choice I made.

if the questions above was....."if money no object what is your preferred shelter" then a Conqueror UEV 490 would be right at the top of my list

 

[Jeremy M.]

I love my Eureka Assault Outfitter 4.

 

[armyRN]

I have a little trailer I pull behind my Jeep TJ (pictured) with a double sized tent-cot from Cabela's bolted to the lid (tent-cot not opened up in the picture) which functions as a RTT. Works fine, but you can't really sit up in it; it is really only good for sleeping in.

However, my preferred set-up: A ground tent with a cot (to keep me off the ground) with my little propane heater and a folding chair. I'm using a 24-gallon Rubermaid action packer for my clothes (and as a nightstand). Tent is a Browning 8'x10' tent; big enough for an oversized cot and chair and such but not too big. I can store stuff under the cot to save floor space. I can sit up on the side of the cot when getting dressed, and can stand up in it if I want. I can turn on the heater for a bit before undressing for bed, and then turn it on for a few minutes before getting up in the morning. The day after these pictures were taken, it snowed.

I have a larger 10'x12' tent for when there's two of us (and two cots). But this one works great when it is just me and I want the ground-tent option.

 

[Olaf Overland]

As a base camp for longer trips of a week or so we tow a TT with all the creature comforts. We just spent a week around Bodega Bay and it was nice to have a heater running and to be surrounded by sturdy walls to shelter from the wind.
For spontaneous adventures I had ordered a RTT last February and received it just in time to try it out once before the fire took our backyard playground.
The next adventure was supposed to be Oceano Dunes and we are still waiting ... Crazy times. Seems like we are not allowed to have any fun anymore. But that makes me want it even more!
I'm still working on the setup for all the gear in the FJ. It is currently a mess and requires constant unloading and reloading.

 

[peeeeetey]

I'm getting a pop up camper for $800. Havent seen it yet but it is mine if I want it. Wife spent the weekend watching pop up remodels on youtube.

 

[RedLeg]

Depends...Just replaced our previous base camp trailer with a more capable Conqueror overland trailer. We also have a CVT hard shell RTT an OZ Tent RV-4.

 

[ric8271]

I prefer a roof top tent, off the ground away from alligators, bears and panthers lol. I’ve seen a lot of gators and a bear family (mama papa and baby) still looking for that Florida panther. The alligator was in the pond watching the porta potty lol.

 

[Sebt1890]

Ground. I bought a full sized rack for storage.

Edit: If I could afford one I'd get one of those Patriot trailers.

 

[TheJungleIsNeutral]

Ground tent.
And by ground tent I mean awning tent. When it's just me I'll pitch a tarp or use the awning and either swag it (bedroll) on a groundsheet or park near a tree and run a hammock between said tree and the vehicle's roll bar.



When my significant other is with me I break out the awning tent.

 

[RoarinRow]

Ground tent.
And by ground tent I mean awning tent. When it's just me I'll pitch a tarp or use the awning and either swag it (bedroll) on a groundsheet or park near a tree and run a hammock between said tree and the vehicle's roll bar.
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When my significant other is with me I break out the awning tent.

Awesome setup!

 

[Noble Savage]

Camping hammock is mine. I love traveling light when I go out. I’m usually hauling a jon boat or kayak and fishing gear with me so the lightest I can get to put on my vessel the better.

 

[Back Road Geezer]

When I'm moving fast I keep it simple (and socially distant).
5 minute set-up/take-down. 20 minutes off the Interstate.
Dispersed camping Tushar mountains, Utah. September 2020

 

[Lanlubber In Remembrance]

Might be able to change out the hubs and not the axle for a larger tire. Maybe.

That might work too, it's worth the time to find out and would save time and money possibly.

 

[Lanlubber In Remembrance]

I have a little trailer I pull behind my Jeep TJ (pictured) with a double sized tent-cot from Cabela's bolted to the lid (not opened up in the picture) which functions as a RTT. Works fine, but you can't really sit up in it; it is really only good for sleeping in.

However, my preferred set-up: A ground tent with a cot (to keep me off the ground) with my little propane heater and a folding chair. I'm using a 24-gallon Rubermaid action packer for my clothes (and as a nightstand). Tent is a Browning 8'x10' tent; big enough for an oversized cot and chair and such but not too big. I can store stuff under the cot to save floor space. I can sit up on the side of the cot when getting dressed, and can stand up in it if I want. I can turn on the heater for a bit before undressing for bed, and then turn it on for a few minutes before getting up in the morning. The day after these pictures were taken, it snowed.

I have a larger 10'x12' tent for when there's two of us (and two cots). But this one works great when it is just me and I want the ground-tent option.

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Yes, I agree ! I cant do it anymore myself because of physical disabilities and I've been forced to buy a small cargo trailer for all my future adventures. I'm following the theme that if there is a will there is a way. Just doing it is what counts.

 

[ThundahBeagle]

I prefer ground tents. No climbing, easier to put a tarp over for extra shelter, way cheaper than other options , less weight. You look less cool but have extra to spend elsewhere. Edit after staying on the beach over thanksgiving and having to sleep in the front seat due to high wind im going to turn my old farm trailer into a camping trailer aka mini rv.
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First three sentences here are same for me. Except, kind of like in the picture, I have a cap on the bed of my truck (which is still attached, not being used as a trailer). So, when camping I am either in a ground tent or in the covered bed of the truck. These days theres an air mattress either way.

 

[ThundahBeagle]

if weather is decent and we are going fast and light and moving around daily, we tent camp or just sleep in the back of the truck and if weather is cold or we are staying more in one area, we take our 10' NoBo and use it as a base camp. And like Salty4Life said, an RTT is a pita for me as well.

Looks like a nice small travel trailer. I may have to look for something like that.

 

[ThundahBeagle]

I love my RTT, but since you say they suck .......... I guess they do.

Where. The hell. Is that? I want to go there.

 

[Jenny Leigh Bee]

I've never used a rooftop tent, but I'd like to try. If there's rain in the forecast I'll use a tent. If it doesn't get below 30F at night I'll throw a twin air mattress in the back of my truck so I can enjoy the stars.

 

[ThundahBeagle]

There is no perfect system, there are pros and cons with everything. That said, I prefer sleeping in my truck with a camper shell. The biggest con is having to unload everything at night, and reload in the morning. But I’m off the ground, and my shell is insulated, and weather tight. No dealing with wet tents or pulling a trailer. I'm slowly getting my camper set up to where I want it to be. I keep changing it around though. You are never really finished with a project, right?View attachment 125316View attachment 125317

Can it GET any more old-school than that?!?!

Love it!

 

[Mojavewanderer]

Can it GET any more old-school than that?!?!

Love it!

I still have the truck, but I’ve added a “new” vehicle to the stable as well. It’s a 1985 4Runner, and it has all sorts of new fangled things on it like fuel injection and power steering! The 4 Runner is much more comfortable, and will be for longer trips, and the truck will stay closer to home.