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I'll get pilloried on here for this answer, but it's a case of "Because Overlander." That's a subset of the much older "Because Racecar" that we see a lot in the Porsche community. It's a way to further destabilize an already top-heavy vehicle, at substantial cost and complexity, and it is driven by the desire to have cool gear, and have that gear be seen. The tents are, in fact, quicker to set up than most "tent-in-a-bag" solutions, mostly because they aren't being disassembled as thoroughly. But it's not like people are careening into camp at midnight, grabbing four hours of sleep, then away at 4:30 am and need to minimize set-up time.
I know, I know, it's an Overlander thread and everybody's going to defend the practice of RTTs. I'm cool with that. I just find it completely unnecessary and detrimental to the vehicle's handling, at least theoretically; I've not driven a Defender with a RTT, only a Wrangler Unlimited, and you could feel that rack and tent up there on every curve in the road. The Defender probably masks it more than the Wrangler (I would hope so!) but it still diminishes the truck's safe handling limits.
Personally, I'd rather throw my bag out on a mattress on the ground (I don't even carry a tent backpacking -- just a pancho and a bivy sack in case it rains) and sleep in back of the truck if it rains. But if I used a tent, I'd choose to bag it every morning and unfurl it at night.
For me, minimalism is the point of traveling across the land, whether by foot, bicycle, or truck. Others no doubt hold different opinions!
Speaking of handling, as least the one I had (Falcon XL, an ultra thin RTT), I didn't feel any difference. It does add wind noise when travel above 60 mph. Before getting a RTT, I slept in the car, my defender can fold the seats complete flat. It's actually quite comfortable sleeping in it. The reason for me to get a RTT are 1) I can carry an actual queen size mattress with me, much better than sleeping on a air mattress 2) ease of setup, so I don't have to move everything out, especially my big refrigerator and in again after done sleeping 3) my specific RTT doubles as a roof rack, so that I can mount awning, solar panel, kayak paddles, privacy tent on it 4) RTT offers a better view and better cell coverage when you need the connection
Here is my setup. On top, Gazelle T8 hub tent (two parents, a toddler, and two 50 pound dogs), an 11pound Propane tank, and a 95L Roam box. Inside, I have an artic cooler with 4 Durabox(collapsible when not in use). We carry clothes in a canvas duffle bag but just upgraded to the NorthFace Duffle. Its my daily driver and I have to park in parking garages so I need set up that I can easily take apart and load up when its go time.
Those Roam boxes are great. I have the 95L and 105L. I will be using them on the factory rack when my Defender gets here in a few weeks.
I have the Small front runner rack and I bolted the 95 onto the roof. Super easy to do but if I was to do it again, I would just use lashing straps to lock it down. I also have the 105L and will use it instead of the 95l if I need someone space for whatever reason. That one is lashed on.
I'll get pilloried on here for this answer, but it's a case of "Because Overlander." That's a subset of the much older "Because Racecar" that we see a lot in the Porsche community. It's a way to further destabilize an already top-heavy vehicle, at substantial cost and complexity, and it is driven by the desire to have cool gear, and have that gear be seen. The tents are, in fact, quicker to set up than most "tent-in-a-bag" solutions, mostly because they aren't being disassembled as thoroughly. But it's not like people are careening into camp at midnight, grabbing four hours of sleep, then away at 4:30 am and need to minimize set-up time.
I know, I know, it's an Overlander thread and everybody's going to defend the practice of RTTs. I'm cool with that. I just find it completely unnecessary and detrimental to the vehicle's handling, at least theoretically; I've not driven a Defender with a RTT, only a Wrangler Unlimited, and you could feel that rack and tent up there on every curve in the road. The Defender probably masks it more than the Wrangler (I would hope so!) but it still diminishes the truck's safe handling limits.
Personally, I'd rather throw my bag out on a mattress on the ground (I don't even carry a tent backpacking -- just a pancho and a bivy sack in case it rains) and sleep in back of the truck if it rains. But if I used a tent, I'd choose to bag it every morning and unfurl it at night.
For me, minimalism is the point of traveling across the land, whether by foot, bicycle, or truck. Others no doubt hold different opinions!
Thanks for you perspective on this. I was really trying to figure it out, thinking maybe it was to prevent bugs or scorpions or something. I'm gathering that "overlanding" is akin to ADV in the motorcycle world. Most people with fully loaded BMW GS Adventures never take them off road.
i have a roofnest condor Xl ok top of a Front Runner small rack using Front Runner high mount brackets. The RTT sits really high and actually hard to get to certain buckles and latches in the tent. FR didn’t have the low mount brackets in stock and needed the tent for next week.
i have never been overlanding but will be doing some primitive camping with the kids. RTT are a luxury and the price reflects its. The condor Xl when opened is a kind size bed. perfect for the family and if i am going to try to get the fam out with me camping they have to be comfortable to want to go again. Of course you can pitch a tent. Much cheaper option
the driving characteristics actually haven’t changed much. the Defender was never a good handling vehicle compared to what i am used too and didn’t notice much difference since it’s been on.
but unlike most the tent will come off when not in use. this is tricky part as it weighs 150 pounds and sits very high. it won’t fit in the garage and i like my cars in the garage
i always debated getting the full FR rack but with all the issues you hear about i ended with the short rack. But it sits a couple inches higher. If i had the full rack i would of went with the falcon and might of had a chance getting it in the garage
but if you are out camping every weekend the RTT makes sense. i can get my RTT settup in less than 2 mins. and your off the ground
Problem I have with lashing straps is they’re good for one use, then I can’t release the buckle. 😔
And what is that tall black piece of plastic with the red horizontal strips in the picture above?
Ludders54 - do you have a box or special carrying case for your Gazelle as it is strapped to your rack?
I'm trying to figure out how I will transport mine and would love some side shots and interior shots of your setup.
Sorry p010sp0rt8, that’s not my picture, I was just replying to Patriot when he was asking what the boxes were, I have the same ones that’s all. You’ll need to ask the OP 👍🏼
I just latch the Gazelle onto my Frontrunner rack with eye hoops. I use 3 300lbs lashing straps (non-ratching) and it holds it perfectly. I use the milk carton to hold my 11lb propane tank and two lashing straps to hold it in place on the roof. The black boxes are collapsable that I have organized with camping gear. When I get to the site and a box is unloaded, like sleeping bags, I collapse the box so it doesn't take up space. When I get home, I can quickly unload and place it in the garage and everything has a place.
