View Full Version : Car roof tents - anybody used one?
Pigmy Pony
18-05-2025, 12:07
Me and Mrs. P have decided that we really can't be arsed with all the airport/flight nonsense that goes with foreign holidays, so this year we plan to do a tour of the Scottish Highlands. Some nights we might spend in B+Bs (nothing planned), and some nights camping.
Now we do already have a big tent (more like a bungalow made of canvas really), but was looking at getting something a bit less of a faff to be repeatedly putting up/taking down. So these tents that fit on the car roof look appealing (not cheap though). Have any of you guys had any experience with these things, and what are your thoughts?
My thought are don't try and drive up the M6 with the tent pitched.
It wrecks your fuel economy.
My friend has one, and he loves it.
As my wife is seemingly allergic to tents, I have never tried one.
I don't see what the advantage is to sleeping on the car roof instead of, say, the ground?
I suppose it's an advantage in places where they have wildlife that can run off with one of your arms while you sleep but not an issue in the UK.
How do you sit in the tent and get a warm off of the fire when you're five foot up?
Pigmy Pony
18-05-2025, 13:42
I don't see what the advantage is to sleeping on the car roof instead of, say, the ground?
I suppose it's an advantage in places where they have wildlife that can run off with one of your arms while you sleep but not an issue in the UK.
How do you sit in the tent and get a warm off of the fire when you're five foot up?
They are (apparently) easier to rig up and take down, which if you only spend one night at each place, is a consideration. much smaller footprint too, you don't need space for your car and tent. I believe the laws in Scotland are different to here, and you wont normally find 'no overnight parking' signs in laybys. But you try pitching a ground tent in a layby - the tarmac will bend your tentpegs to buggery.
Yeah we're pretty safe from wildlife. In this country you are more likely to wake up to no wheels on your car than severed limbs.
Campfires? In what decade did you last go camping? H+S and insurers have pretty much put a stop to that. Shame really, that was the best bit about camping, making the fire increasingly big until someone says something. Campfires make for some of the most enduring and amusing memories.
Campfires? In what decade did you last go camping?
1980s.
Mikeandvan
18-05-2025, 18:52
What an odd idea. I'd just go regular tent.
Pigmy Pony
19-05-2025, 05:22
The more I look into it, the less I like the idea. Everyone who has one raves about them, but the cost :eek: Starting at about £900 for cheapy cheap, where the recommended vehicle speed is about 60mph, or if you get a 'hard shell' one you can safely drive to 80mph or so, but these coat a minimum of about £1300. Plus I'd need to buy some roof bars to attach it.
I just want minimum-faff camping, so maybe a tent with inflatable 'poles' would be the way to go. These are a fraction of the cost and go up in about 5 mins or so. We'll get out this week and look at some in the real world, ie not pictures on my laptop.
Get a puncture repair kit as well. ;)
I have never had one, but have seen them on Land Rovers as they are popular for overland traveling to Africa etc. (Mine had one with the previous owners.) My observation is that they are very small, and I would imagine climbing up the ladder after a couple of bevvies would be quite hazardous...
Last year I bought the Eurohike Genus 800 which has inflatable poles and it is brilliant. The 4 man Genus 400 is on an amazing deal at Blacks at the moment - based on the 800, I reckon no more than 10 minutes to pitch. https://www.blacks.co.uk/19672191/eurohike-genus-400l-air-tunnel-tent-19672191/6028929/?istCompanyId=d92b362f-ac8a-4a8a-87ca-c56eafad7955&istFeedId=2f99410f-1124-43d5-8232-86c184f09479&istItemId=qparirimp&istBid=t&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22555673738&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI7KH7soWvjQMVnZtQBh28TDi8EAQYAiAB EgJk7fD_BwE
The problem with tents is the installation of everything you need.
Pigmy Pony
19-05-2025, 10:30
Get a puncture repair kit as well. ;)
I already have one for 'Doris'. She likes it rough :eyebrows:
Pigmy Pony
19-05-2025, 10:39
I have never had one, but have seen them on Land Rovers as they are popular for overland traveling to Africa etc. (Mine had one with the previous owners.) My observation is that they are very small, and I would imagine climbing up the ladder after a couple of bevvies would be quite hazardous...
Last year I bought the Eurohike Genus 800 which has inflatable poles and it is brilliant. The 4 man Genus 400 is on an amazing deal at Blacks at the moment - based on the 800, I reckon no more than 10 minutes to pitch. https://www.blacks.co.uk/19672191/eurohike-genus-400l-air-tunnel-tent-19672191/6028929/?istCompanyId=d92b362f-ac8a-4a8a-87ca-c56eafad7955&istFeedId=2f99410f-1124-43d5-8232-86c184f09479&istItemId=qparirimp&istBid=t&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22555673738&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI7KH7soWvjQMVnZtQBh28TDi8EAQYAiAB EgJk7fD_BwE
That is a proper bargain Alex, though I may choose the taller version (ok it's a bit dearer, but has enough height to be able to stand up - Anita doesn't need to be seeing me pulling on my undercrackers while led down, that would be enough to spoil the holiday).
I can certainly recommend the 800 - when we used it in North Norfolk last year we had a pretty wild storm both wind and heavy rain and it stood up well. It comes with a big pump so inflating the "poles" takes no time, and then it just a case of the pegs and you are done.
Pigmy Pony
22-05-2025, 07:30
I can certainly recommend the 800 - when we used it in North Norfolk last year we had a pretty wild storm both wind and heavy rain and it stood up well. It comes with a big pump so inflating the "poles" takes no time, and then it just a case of the pegs and you are done.
We drove down to one of Black's shops (in Aintree) earlier this week, and almost bought their Genus 400. But then changed our mind and got the Rydal 600 air tent instead. Only 20 quid more and bigger too (like we needed it to be bigger!)
While we were at it also got a new air mattress (£16), frying pan (£3) some gas cans (£8), a mallet (£3) and a table (£16). Hard to say no at their prices. So now we have something to sleep in, something to sleep on, something to power the stove, something to put the stove on and something to fry the sausages in. So that's camping sorted :)
There was talk of Blacks being bought out by Go Outdoors later this month, according to the staff there this is now not happening, Blacks backed out of the deal. The staff were't bothered either way, but I don't like it when small companies get bought up by the big boys.
Yesterday I was trying out my scouse accent on the cat, I think it was talking to the young lady at Aintree Blacks that set me off.
Did you use the word "sausages"?
The 'Go Outdoors' here is pretty dismal. It's the size of a zeppelin hanger and carries dozens of brands but with no depth of stock. They didn't have what I wanted and the staff attitude could be described as 'lacklustre.'
Given it was a 6 mile round trip to get there I wasn't going home empty handed so bought an alternative. Staff persistent to get me on the 'loyalty scheme' which was irritating.
Next time will just buy off Amazon.
Nice haul there, Steve! I have to buy 2 new air mattresses - pitched the tent in the garden at the end of the summer for a sleepover for the kids and the dog charged straight into the tent and bit irreparable holes in them, the little bugger.
I think Millets and Blacks are the same company? Would be a shame if they all became one big conglomerate.
Pigmy Pony
22-05-2025, 09:03
The 'Go Outdoors' here is pretty dismal. It's the size of a zeppelin hanger and carries dozens of brands but with no depth of stock. They didn't have what I wanted and the staff attitude could be described as 'lacklustre.'
Given it was a 6 mile round trip to get there I wasn't going home empty handed so bought an alternative. Staff persistent to get me on the 'loyalty scheme' which was irritating.
Next time will just buy off Amazon.
The staff at Blacks were friendly and very helpful, the young lady even lugged our new tent downstairs while we carried on browsing. She was stronger than she looked :) Blacks stock and prices are pretty much identical to Go Outdoors, but without the five quid 'membership' nonsense. I would definitely go there again.
I think Millets and Blacks are the same company? Would be a shame if they all became one big conglomerate.
Just checked and yes, JD Sports owns Blacks and Millets.
The staff at Blacks were friendly and very helpful, the young lady even lugged our new tent downstairs while we carried on browsing. She was stronger than she looked :) Blacks stock and prices are pretty much identical to Go Outdoors, but without the five quid 'membership' nonsense. I would definitely go there again.
We used to have a Blacks here and it was very good, excellent stock and helpful, knowledgeable staff. It was my first port of call but turned out that at some point in the 20 years since I last shopped there, the building it was in had been demolished and is now just a hole in the ground. Hence the trip to Go Outdoors.
Pigmy Pony
22-05-2025, 09:17
Did you use the word "sausages"?
I didn't, but I may try it tonight. She does like sausages. But it wouldn't work with a scouse accent, I'd have to say it in a growly fashion, like that dog did on "That's Life" back in the 80s.
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/g5qLcjcJ3UQ?t=10&feature=share
I didn't, but I may try it tonight. She does like sausages. But it wouldn't work with a scouse accent, I'd have to say it in a growly fashion, like that dog did on "That's Life" back in the 80s.
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/g5qLcjcJ3UQ?t=10&feature=share
Nobody our age has ever forgotten that. I mean it's up there with the moon landings and Oliver Reed on 'Wogan.'
Did Oliver Reed land on the moon? I don't remember that. :hmm:
And I don’t actually remember the Wogan Oliver Reed interview, and Google not much help.
He was drunk and his speech was slurred during the Wogan interview. He even walked on with a bottle in his hand!
Did Oliver Reed land on the moon? I don't remember that. :hmm:
Neither did he ;)
And I don’t actually remember the Wogan Oliver Reed interview, and Google not much help.
Sorry, it was Aspel not Wogan - which sort of ruins the point I was making :)
Clip of it here from 0.21
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BKdtP_CDpm8
Pigmy Pony
22-05-2025, 13:25
Did Oliver Reed land on the moon? I don't remember that. :hmm:
No, but he probably liked sausages. And beer.
I did find that, but I didn’t remember it either, although I just generally think of Oliver Reed being mashed out of his head on any interview!
Pigmy Pony
22-05-2025, 13:35
Thread drift at its finest! Just to keep things on topic I'm picturing Oliver Reed climbing into a car roof tent of an evening. That would make good telly :)
Oh yeah, we were supposed to be talking about roof tents! :lol:
Pigmy Pony
22-05-2025, 13:47
Roof tent proved to be a non-starter, which makes it fair game :)
We plan to test the new tent in the garden and get some practice in, just so we don't look like complete numpties when the holiday comes around. If the weather is amenable, maybe next weekend when the granddaughter stops over. Kids love that sort of thing.
Yes, garden camping is great for the kids, and as you say, a practice run is a good idea to not only make sure there is no numptiness when it gets to the real deal but also that everything is in the bag and it is properly stitched together!
Sorry, it was Aspel not Wogan - which sort of ruins the point I was making :)
Clip of it here from 0.21
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BKdtP_CDpm8
Shows how much I remembered of the episode. I thought it was with Wogan and that he walked on with a bottle and not a pint jug. :doh:
Good luck with the 'garden camping'. :)
And don’t forget to try cooking the sausages.
Pigmy Pony
23-05-2025, 17:55
Rain forecast all next week, so garden tent thing may not happen until next weekend. But there's nothing stopping me checking the camping frypan for sausageability :)
Rain forecast all next week, so garden tent thing may not happen until next weekend. But there's nothing stopping me checking the camping frypan for sausageability :)
Obviously check the frying pan. But for the tent dry run isn't it best to do it in bad weather?
To really replicate a camp site you should dig your lawn up a bit so at a push it could be used to re-enact the Battle Of The Somme. Then tilt the whole garden onto at least a 20 percent slope, and have a stray dog trying to nip your heels while you try to assemble it. Plus the standard wind and rain of course.
Pigmy Pony
23-05-2025, 19:17
Obviously check the frying pan. But for the tent dry run isn't it best to do it in bad weather?
To really replicate a camp site you should dig your lawn up a bit so at a push it could be used to re-enact the Battle Of The Somme. Then tilt the whole garden onto at least a 20 percent slope, and have a stray dog trying to nip your heels while you try to assemble it. Plus the standard wind and rain of course.
No. I like a good battle re-enactment as much as the next man but really the best thing to do is sack it off and stop in with some tunes. It's starting to look like you're not a fan of camping, though you do hide it well :)
No. I like a good battle re-enactment as much as the next man but really the best thing to do is sack it off and stop in with some tunes. It's starting to look like you're not a fan of camping, though you do hide it well :)
I stick with my father's advice which was 'Never go on holiday to somewhere worse than where you already live.'
Another one was 'Never fly on an airline that doesn't use the same alphabet as you.'
Used to go camping with the school every summer. France, somewhere out in the bushes near Biarritz.
Every year it was the same - lots of 20 mile hikes up and down mountains and a visit to Lourdes. Last year I went I was in the sixth form and expected to look after the younger pupils.
I was emboldened by this and suggested we visit the submarine pens at St Nazaire instead of Lourdes. No chance.
Poker in the evenings. One year I slow played this youth and won fifty quid. He's a KC now.
I went camping with my school once. Hated it - never again!
Pigmy Pony
23-05-2025, 22:38
I'll admit that camping wouldn't be my first choice when it comes to holiday accommodation, but we really want to tour Scotland, and B+B prices start at around £150 or so per night, and holiday cottages (no good for touring) are around £1500 for a week. If you can even find one that isn't already booked up.
Sheldon Cooper once said "Man has spent thousands of years perfecting indoors, why would I want to go outdoors?" and it's true you will be giving up some creature comforts, but there's other stuff which you don't get to see/do at home.
Also a bit of adversity can make for a more memorable holiday - I've stayed at many hotels over the years, some very nice indeed, but barely remember most of them. While sleeping in the doorway of a Spanish 'Burger King' to shelter from the rain because we couldn't get a hotel room I remember like it was yesterday.
I've slept in the car in Northern Spain, and in Amsterdam. Both uncomfortable, but as you say, memorable. Not that I would want to repeat the experience.
I have also slept in a yak shed in northern Tibet. Now that was memorable; being both comfortable and warm - I slept very well. :)
Firebottle
24-05-2025, 07:38
Shirley and I went camping for a holiday in Pembrokeshire many moons ago.
We borrowed a small tent from relatives, however the most important thing we took with us was a crate of Jenlain beer, wonderful.
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/5/5c/Jenlain_ambr%C3%A9e_75cl_01.jpg/500px-Jenlain_ambr%C3%A9e_75cl_01.jpg
I don't mind camping. Was supposed to be doing Hadrian's Wall walk - 50 miles Carlisle to Wallsend. Bought a tent for that years ago, never been out the box. Might still happen.
Closest I've come to camping in recent years was a week on a boat in Scotland - but that was more like caravanning with extra boat-related hassle.
I got a taste for 5 star hotels some years back and that probably ruined me for roughing it.
Saw this and thought of this thread… :lol:
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20250614/00b6f9b1c58be01b857baab871ddcae2.jpg
Pigmy Pony
14-06-2025, 15:54
Driving 400 miles with six kids in the car, he was setting himself up for a miserable time anyway.
Driving 400 miles with six kids in the car, he was setting himself up for a miserable time anyway.
I think he knew all along, and it was just an excuse to go straight back home again!
I think he knew all along, and it was just an excuse to go straight back home again!
With six children you'd think he'd have plenty of opportunities for a 'If you don't behave I'm turning this car around and we're going home' type ultimatums, especially over 400 miles.
Me and my brothers would sometimes get the first of those before we'd even left our street.
Get that in early save a bomb on the petrol too.
Wondering why he didn't just drive to a camping shop and buy another tent? Thanks to slave labour in the far east they're not even expensive anymore.
Pigmy Pony
14-06-2025, 17:42
Me and my brother didn't get much in the way of threats, just one then after that you got a crack. My mum drove a Ford Anglia, so we were within easy reach, while me dad with his Ford Consul and later his Jag had no chance.
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