I was looking at my VW westy sitting in my driveway getting absolutely no use since I purchased my Eeee. I was thinking about how I loved the pop top. Then I thought the Eeee would be the most amazing vehicle if it could have a pop top. So all you aftermarket Manufacturer's out there here is a million dollar ideal for you.
Make a pop top option for the Eeee. Please please please :D
It doesn't have to be huge just big enough to fit two sleepers. In a new aerodynamic shell that pops up when it's time to snooze.
It could sit on top fastened to the Eee by the anchors that the luggage rails use to connect to the Eee and the sleepers could have access to it through the rear sunroof ( it's pretty big ).
Go for it guys. It's all yours.

Mortaaay
Dreaming of a Pop top Element... Oh yeah.

THATS A GREAT IDEA! I also have a VW Westy (73, orange) sitting in my driveway not getting any miles since buying an E. It really makes me feel kind of guilty because I love driving the VW, and camping in it is the best. BUT, I live in AK so in the winter that thing is pretty horrible(COLLLDD).

I like the idea of climbing up into the sleeping area through the skylight. I have only been camping in the E a couple of times, but the back is a better hangout spot than I thought it would be. I actually had my stove back there and cooked breakfast because it was so windy outside. I should say I did have the hatch and skylight open for air.

Anyway, good idea. I would buy it.

A quick Google search of "rooftop tent" gives quite a few makers of what you are looking for.

I kinda liked this one from www.LoftyShelters.com
I don't see a reason you couldn't cut a hole to make sunroof access.

http://www.loftyshelters.com/images/Columbus/GlobalView.jpg

Boy would hate to roll out of the bed from the E roof.

Honestly I know there is a cool factor of opening the roof entirely like a VW bus but I thought they leak and are loud?

[quote:c3c6248b15=" "]I don't see a reason you couldn't cut a hole to make sunroof access.[/quote:c3c6248b15]

I do: it's sort of hard to sleep with a gaping hole underneath your back...

...with that said, I'm both enamoured as well as perplexed by the car-top tents. hmm...

-brendan

for the pop top link. Definately going to check into that. 8)

but seems with some ingenuity one could convert one of the big long yakima or thule boxes into a big one man poptop :D

weird. but a fun thinkin about it nonetheless. *G*

best
D.

I got your box right here :roll: . Those roof top tents are a scream. Thanks Brendan. There might be something there.
I've thought about shooting out the moon roof and that's better than nothing but not as good as on top of the car. Is that asking so much. That and a ladder to get up and down. Oh and a good deli sandwich. That's not asking so much.

A Land Rover outfitter, Pangaea-expeditions appearently doesn't think too highly of this roof top load on an Element. Such tents have been mentioned on these forums before, though most of us have had our doubts as well.

http://www.pangaea-expeditions.com/images/sema2004/sema08.jpg

http://www.pangaea-expeditions.com/galleries/sema2004/

I'd like the roof-top camper even more if it had a trap-door interface with the AWD's sunroof. :)

-brendan

The tent on this Element is probably the Maggiolina Airland distributed in the USA by loftyshelters.com. Empty weight is 117 lb (51" wide 82" long). So what did they use for a roofrack - just a Thule? Loftyshelters claims the tent plus occupants load is 'static' and can exceed the 'dynamic' loadlimits given by Honda and/or Thule.

http://www.loftyshelters.com/MaggAirland.htm

That looks like it could be a neat idea if you want to have a quick camping setup and you need to have a minimum footprint. I've seen the ones that attach to the rear hatch, but then you have to leave the hatch open. The roof top tent would also be cool for camping with the kids. They could sleep up top while mom and dad get the lower bunk... As long as they can't watch through the sun roof.

There is an online travel journal of a family that spent several months traveling to Alaska and back, NorthByRover, in a LR Discovery with a roof tent. The parents got the roof tent, while the 2 kids slept inside the Rover. For inside use, they had a shelf that divided the cargo area, and then folded up the rear seats to form a sleeping platform.

Roof tents like this seem to be most popular in Africa, where camping off the ground has its advantages. A number years ago I saw, in the Yukon, a caravan of Italians in little Fiats (Panda?). Each had a tent like this on top.

I'm not convinced that a roof tent is an improvement over sleeping inside the Element with a tailgate enclosure.

paulj

The tent on this Element is probably the Maggiolina Airland distributed in the USA by loftyshelters.com. Empty weight is 117 lb (51" wide 82" long). So what did they use for a roofrack - just a Thule? Loftyshelters claims the tent plus occupants load is 'static' and can exceed the 'dynamic' loadlimits given by Honda and/or Thule.

http://www.loftyshelters.com/MaggAirland.htm


I still don't know if I'd trust sleeping on top of my E :|

I still don't know if I'd trust sleeping on top of my E :|

Just make sure to keep *all* the keys with you. You don't want to wake up at speed!

-brendan

I spoke to Rich the owner of Lofty Shelters (www.loftyshelters.com) and he now has on the first page of thier site an E with a roof top camper on it. He says they displayed it at the last SEMA show and it works out great.

Nice to see they've tried it out.

J

It scares me.



How much does it cost? :twisted:

I asked and the car at the SEMA show was using a Yakama rack. Rich said Thule was a fine setup too.
I will be buying my E this year (I bought a Maggiolina Extreme tent from Rich a year ago). I currently put my tent on top of a 1976 BMW "2002" and my wife and I love using it. With these tents you make the bed, crank it shut and leave (all bedding stays in it - plus more). When your ready to sleep you crank it open and go to bed. I think the Element/Extreme combo will work great for us.
J

As is evident in previous threads various of us have worried about the load rating of the rack with this shelter. Loftyshelters does make the important distinction between a live load and static one, arguing that putting 300 lbs on the rack when parked (shelter plus 2 people) is quite different from carrying that load down the road. It is nice to know that they are taking the initiative to test idea on the Element.

paulj

it would be cooler if somehow the tent had a trap door on the bottom... allowing one to crawl from inside the element, out of the rear sunroof and into the tent.

that would rock.

Wow that's awesome!

Not to be crude, but is there any danger in exerting "downforce" on the roof during a cozy night (cough cough)? Would it be possible to, uh, dent the roof?

I've been waiting patiently for that question lol!

Wow that's awesome!

Not to be crude, but is there any danger in exerting "downforce" on the roof during a cozy night (cough cough)? Would it be possible to, uh, dent the roof?

It actually sits on top of a roof rack, yakima, thule etc.

Sooo, if you zigged when she zagged and you accidentally punctured the floor and happen to be able to reach the roof...who knows. :-o

In other words, unless your packin' a 3 ton bottle jack I wouldn't worry about it. :razz:

so is there one for sale? the site is a bit confusing..... i would definatly be interestered in it... but it does bring up a good point... it does have a roof rack on it! so while you use the roof rack to put the thing on you can still load up your bike, fishing pole bags etc! thats a nifty thing to do... How would somthing that large stay secure? if you have it open and theres strong winds..............

I like this display

http://www.loftyshelters.com/images/MaggiolinaAdventure/movie.gif

just found this....

http://www.loftyshelters.com/IndexFrame.htm

back to the vanagon days................

http://www.loftyshelters.com/IndexFrame.htm

$1500-$2100? Gasp! That better be one damn nice tent:-)

$1500-$2100? Gasp! That better be one damn nice tent:-)

I had the exact same reaction!! :-o At that price I think I'll stick to my Kelty on solid ground....

Here's the account of an extended trip using a roof top tent - to Alaska

http://www.northbyrover.com/preparation.htm

The car is a LR Discovery, the tent is Hannibal from South Africa (a roof top tent has advantages in parts of Africa). The kids slept inside the car, the parents on top.

My tent was $1650 delivered. It was a lot of money and I thought about it for a year before I did it. Now that I have it I am very happy I did. It is not for everyone though and I know it.

My reasoning was: I like to go on the road for more than three weeks at a time and sleeping on the ground was getting too tough on me. I also didn't like setting up and tearing down wet tents (early departure and plenty of dew never dries out of packed equipment.) The tent on the roof lets us keep all of our supplies in the vehicle without major rearrainging come bedtime or breaking camp. I know sleeping in the E is an option also but this works better for me. The camper is also not vehicle dependant either and I put it on my sedan for overnight fishing trips at the beach. I have been on three - two month four corners of the US trips and the money saved over hotels more than payed for the Maggiolina Extreme camper many times over.

The camper itself is built like a tank and I think will last about forever. If something does happen to the material section it can be easily replaced. The manufacturer Zipher has been in business since the 1950's in Italy.

I am excited about purchasing a new Element for traveling and hope the combo will take me reliably and comfortably the thousands of miles ahead.

J

I first saw this type of roof tent in 1988 in the Yukon. A bunch of little Italian 4x4 cars were touring from Vancouver to the Arctic Circle and back. Each had one of these roof tents. At one campground there was a bus with a number of roof tents on top.

For that 3mth trip I was using a pickup variant - a camper shell whose roof flipped over, forming a bed with a popup tent covering the whole thing. For a trip in which we were on the move each day, that kind of car based tent worked well. In latter years we shifted more to 'base camp' trips, where we'd stay put for several days. For that I found a separate tent worked better. Also the year around maintenance of a car based tent was a pain (without dedicated out of the weather storage).

My Element camping trips have been some of each, sleeping in the car many of the nights, but retaining the option of setting up a base camp.

paulj

One of the first things I made was a pully system so that my tent is in the garage above the car - close to the ceiling (bottom of tent is at 7 1/2 feet). I pull the car underneath and lower the tent to the roof rack of the vehicle. This system works great and takes up no real usable space.
I didn't have room for a pop up camper in the backyard either and here in Fllorida the mildew eats anything outside (nor did I want to pull one anyway).

Good luck to all, I just wanted to spead the word about these tents.

J

Keep us upto date on how the E and roof tent combo works.

maybe some pics too?

Just found another shot of this Element on the KC Hilites site.

http://www.kchilites.com/gallery/pictures/Element.jpg

http://www.kchilites.com/gallery/cat.asp?iCat=29

You see Empire is thinking what I'm thinking. Roof Lights! I Likey!

Those 4 roof lights make a lot of sense. With a hundred pounds of tent on the roof, you want to have a very good view of the mud holes as you drive to your campsite in the dark. In addition if the trail is badly overgrown, the lights will deflect branches, keeping them from getting caught in the roofrack.

paulj

Man these tires look great. Anyone have an idea what they are??

http://www.kchilites.com/gallery/pictures/Element.jpg

Man these tires look great. Anyone have an idea what they are??

http://www.kchilites.com/gallery/pictures/Element.jpg

My hubby says that they look like "BF Goodrich ATKO".

http://www.nomad-explorer.com/

The thing looks like a hot tub when its poped up.

In the SEMA pictures you have a hi-lift jack propped up against a tire, using I think their wheel attachment. Do you actually carry the jack in the Element? Do you have experience with the jack either for lifting wheels to put rocks in the hole, or as a winch?

How does the water can carrier on the hitch work? Can it fold out of the way so you can lower the tailgate? I've done enough off-season camping to like carrying several days worth of water with me. However the best arrangement that I"ve come up with, so far, is a stash of 1.5L disposable bottles. Other containers are just too tall or the water sloshes around too much.

In my experience while camping further north along the Pacific coast, I've learned that a good dining/living shelter is as important as a good sleeping space. Hence my thread about side awnings.

It is nice to see someone else using Cooper tires.

paulj

I would email Sid at Nomad Explorer. He seems like a very nice guy and answers all my emails about his E. I get the impression he's happy with the set up.
Jon

We found a camper that's light weight and matches the shape of the E.....just have to match the color now !!! We bought the Cabin A2 and are awaiting delivery sometime in June. Here is a link if anyone's interested...
http://www.aliner.com/index.html We will update everyone when we finally get it ! The last image is how the a-frame camper sets up.

I just found a lighter weight roof top tent - Oasis II, 40 lb

http://www.everythingsuv.com/oasis_tents_main-esuv.asp

It isn't obvious, though, how the ladder would work with the center rack placement on the Element:

http://www.everythingsuv.com/Oasis%20Tents/OasisJeep1.gif

Lol this is funny. No room to camp, but there IS room to cart around a freakin ladder???????????? :confused:

I still have a hard time expecting the roof to hold me and my family. That would be almost 400 pounds! :lol:

Weight hasn't been a problem for us (350+ lbs myself and wife).

lwclancers: Ladder stows inside the tent. I have a ladder for each side (convenience).

Rooftop tents are not new and Zipher (what Lofty Shelters sells) is a 50+ year old company. I have Pop Mechanix from 1960 with one on top a wagon. They work great and add more sleeping space. Four can now sleep in and on the E, two up, two down.

There are lots of alternatives... whatever works for you is the right one.

Jon

Here's two pics of the roof rack I've been making to hold my Maggiolina Extreme tent. The rack looks like it will work out very nicely. Its all marine grade aluminum and will be matte black powder coated.

BTW: I bought the Rally Red E in May of this year.

http://www.elementownersclub.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=13777&stc=1&d=1142133344

http://www.elementownersclub.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=13778&stc=1&d=1142133344

http://www.elementownersclub.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=9410&stc=1&d=1130857264

care to do some aluminum welding for me? :)

I haven't moved much beyond hardware store angle aluminum, bolts and pop rivets, as shown in this post: http://www.elementownersclub.com/forums/showpost.php?p=170125&postcount=10

I just found a lighter weight roof top tent - Oasis II, 40 lb

http://www.everythingsuv.com/oasis_tents_main-esuv.asp

It isn't obvious, though, how the ladder would work with the center rack placement on the Element:

http://www.everythingsuv.com/Oasis%20Tents/OasisJeep1.gif


Afraid I'd forget the altitude one night and die in route to the bathroom. :-o

I think that roof top tent is a very cool idea. I like it better than a ground tent or one of those that connects to the back of the SUV.

seems kind of dumb to put a tent on top of your car. Sounds like it might be a good lighting rod..plus that middle of the night pee...ahhhh the fall will hurt :-o

What's dumb to some is brilliant to others. Again... just sharing what my E is up to.

What's dumb to some is brilliant to others. Again... just sharing what my E is up to.

And thanks, Jon. Your workmanship is impressive, to say the least. And I look forward to seeing pics of the tent. :)

Is that whole thing resting on a regular roofrack? Or is their extra racks under it of something?
I don't see how one rack could support one person sleeping in there!

Jon, beautiful work on that rack. You have created quite a thing of function and beauty, great job.

I bet you could sell quite a few of those if you wanted to make some extra ca$h. :)

I like the idea of the sleeper on the roof. If I camped more than a few times/year I would give some serious consideration to this arrangement.

Can you please post a bunch of pictures of your tent mounted to your rack? Both open and closed... thanks. :)

Looks great Jon, verry cool!
Yes please post pics with it in action.

As an owner of VW Westfalia, I really like these roof top camping units and might be willing to pay for one (not cheap) but I have to wonder about the weight capacity of the E.
2 kids on the roof = 150 + lbs.
2 adults = 300 + lbs.
Can the E handle that?

There's another current thread about Lofty shelters. Keep in mind that the Honda rack capacity is based on issues of vehicle stability on the road and Honda's liability. It isn't purely a measure of the rack or roof structure strength.

paulj

Jon,

I'm very interested in the Maggiolina tent -- looks extremely cool, and it would greatly extend the Element's "sleepability". Can you tell me what size/model you ended up purchasing (Airland small, medium, extreme, etc.)? I've tried contacting Lofty Shelters, but can't seem to get any response.

Thanks,
John

I'm very interested in the Maggiolina tent -- looks extremely cool, and it would greatly extend the Element's "sleepability". Can you tell me what size/model you ended up purchasing (Airland small, medium, extreme, etc.)?

I wouldn't go larger than 'small'. Small is 51" wide and 115 lb empty. This close to the width of the Element's roof, and close to the weight limit of the Yakima/Thule racks. In the pictures the tent does not project beyond the roof.

http://www.autohomeus.com/gallery/honda.php

Here's the Canadian distributor for Autohome:
http://www.captivatrading.com/

My tent is an Extreme and weighs 130lbs. It is the same dimensions as a small Airland but with an added roof rack and beefier top. I believe a medium Airland would also fit OK (and the stated weight is the same as my Extreme). The medium would cover 58" Yakima bars completely. This would help in the ladder placement since the tent would be out to the sides past the trim on the E (I put a hand/ladder rail on my rack to take care of this. I would probably recomend a small airland though since it would be the lightest on aftermarket racks (and the roof racks on top of my Extreme are of little use).

Actually I have thought of installing a solar panel on the Extreme's racks and charging a small 12v sealed battery inside the tent to run the lights and a fan at night. Charging all day as we drove around.

There is nothing wrong with a medium or large OverLand up there either. When erected they create an awning above the doors on one side of the E.
http://www.autohomeus.com/products/overland.php

I just didn't trust my Thule rack so I made my own custom setup (I believe the Yak is stronger though Thule claims 150lbs). The other thing about the Thule is that the front bar is at a different angle (canted forward) than the rear. If you placed a yard stick across both bars it wouldn't touch on them completely flat. (With my Thule Kayak carriers one goes straight up and one slants to the front.) With the Yakima round bars this doesn't matter.

That said... On my custom roof rack NOTHING moves of flexes EVER! This is also true when fully loaded with my wife and self up there. My wife and I are 350 + 135 for tent for aprox 500lbs. The car doors open and shut as if nothing was up there (fully loaded, tested). If we move around, the car sways a little on its suspension or the tires give a little. No differently than when you get in or out of the vehicle. The roof has proven its not going to collapse or bend... period.

The tent is always on my E now and I'm off to Lake Lure, NC on thursday.
BTW: I haven't seen any loss in gas milage and no funny noises from the wind with it in place either. Actually adding a Thule wind deflector under the tent increased the noise and lowered the gas milage so don't bother.

I will take lots of pics for those curious about the setup. I noticed the previous pics of my rack where lost a while back.

Hope this helps, Jon

The E at ( http://www.autohomeus.com/gallery/honda.php ) has a small Airland on it. I talked to the owner ( http://www.nomad-explorer.com/ ) and he is using Yakima bars and very happy with the set up. The light bars on the tent are made to mount using the same bolts that hold the pantagragh opening mechanism inside the tent. He had a fab shop do them.

It is my understanding that Lofty Shelters has become AutohomeUSA. They are setting up distributers across the US. Their number is 888-852-2359. Press 2 for Rich and tell him I sent you.

They are even introducing a Columbus carbon fiber model with carbon fiber prices. Check it out at http://www.autohome.it

Jon and Paul,

Thanks, both of you, for the great advice. I've talked to AutoHome, and they're not expecting a new shipment of Maggiolina Airlands until early December. I'll look at getting one then.

-John

Repost of Aluminum Rack before powder coat.

Camper Closed on Rack

Camper Open

Interior dimensions are 51 x 82 inches, or something less?

The matress is 48x72" in mine. There is about 3-4" at the head and foot of the matress where the pantagraph opening mechanism lives that I put a peice of foam over to make a sleeping area of 48x80".

Hi all,

We just got a 2005 EX 4WD this past Saturday, which replaced my wife's 2003 Passat wagon, and we love it. I also have a VW Eurovan MV Weekender (the one with the pop-top camper),. Other than my camper, I'm going back to Honda from now on. You take the reliability for granted in a Honda until you get something else.

This thread really got my attention, because I had always wanted a Honda setup like my van. Fact is, the top is the best bed in the house for several reasons:

Stays cleaner due to lack of traffic
Better airflow
Flatter surface
Kids get excited about bedtime

I figure you'd carry a rooftop cargo box anyway, either to carry gear for more than two people, or to keep it safe and dry while you sleep in the Element. This is a cool alternative.

Hmmm, maybe I could have 2 Elements?

VanGo73

There's a picture of the current Nomad Explorer Element at SEMA 05 at:

http://www.expeditionswest.com/equipment/SEMA_05/expedition/tuesday/index.htm

This year it has Loadwarrior in place of the roof tent, with full spare, jack, and traction boards.

paulj

A new thread on Expedition Portal about roof top tents, with information on a number of brands:
http://expeditionportal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=303

Pic at River Creek Campground, Lake Lure, NC and the E-tent combo from atop Mount Mitchell.

Repost of Aluminum Rack before powder coat.

Hey Jon

Interested in selling a powercoated Jon Rack for the E?

also...what are your sleeping impressions ? what model did you get?

what do you think of the new carbon colored unit....this might look better up top?

Main question is still the rack....

Thanks

Jim

I appreciate your interest in my roof rack. I don't have the means to make more though at a cost that would be resonable for re-sale. There are too many hours involved for me to do it again. I think in total I spent twice what a Yak rack cost in just material and powder painting. It's all marine grade aluminum and tig welded together too. Sorry.

Sleeping is just fine in the tent. The mattress is a bit firm though (but a million times better than a thermarest on the ground). My wife and I have plenty of room in there. The Extreme is the smallest width of the Maggiolinas.

Since the roof rack is used up with a tent I have now ordered a RackandRoll trailer to haul my Kayaks, bikes and Scuba gear (http://www.rackandroll.com). It looks like a nice setup for the Element (another of this style trailer is the Sports Rig at http://www.sportsrig.com/). I could see getting an Overland (http://www.autohomeus.com/products/overland.php) tent and putting it on the trailer along with more gear. Two fold up legs at the back of the trailer (so the shock absorbers don't compress) when you set up camp would make the platform solid for sleeping.

Jon

Wife and I are considering buying an Element for multi-week trips, and want to camp with it, haul road or mtn bikes, backpacking gear, Coleman stove or Jetboil stove, plug-in cooler, maybe a Sunshower or porta-pottie bucket (!) , clothes, shoes/boots, and other random stuff. Probably all at once. Sometimes will stay in hotels, sometimes in tent, sometimes at friends' houses. Total freedom!

Am thinking of either buying one of these roof-top tents (with 3"-4" thick mattress, bedding, and pillows that stay dry inside the tent when closed up) to put on the Element roof. OR, buy a small cargo trailer and mount the tent on that, and put a lot of the cargo inside the trailer for waterproof carrying, without clogging up the inside of the E.

http://www.autohomeus.com/gallery/honda.php
http://www.autohomeus.com/gallery/trailer.php

We are trying to do the RV thing, without having to buy an RV!

Any thoughts on these items, or this approach?

cfcf

Roof top tents have been discussed in the past. One thread is
http://www.elementownersclub.com/forums/showthread.php?t=11526&highlight=lofty

found by search on 'lofty', since Loftyshelters was the prior distributor these Autohomes tents.

I've taken the internal sleeping platform route - with 4' long wood and steel platform that combines with the front seats to make a full length bed. I've also experiemented with a variety of 'side awnings' and tarps.

There have also been some camping trailers threads.

Most of the camping threads used to posted under the do-it-yourself section.

paulj

I've tried several camp configurations, all but one entailing sleeping in the E and storing gear in either an attached SUV tent or a backpacker tent.

Storing gear (clothes) in my backpacking tent and 12'x12' screen room (cooking stuff) and sleeping in the E closed up is so far the most efficient and comfortable.

Sleeping on the roof has no appeal to me but I think the roof tents are a cool idea.

If I were camping on the roof, I'd hate to wake up and have to tinkle in the middle of the night.

Last trip photos. Wind, rain, 28 degrees in Florida. Kelty Large Carport, RackandRoll Trialer and Autohome camper.

Maggiolina Extreme from Autohome

JonLadd, I think you have out done me in the tarp-city category :)

I see you have a Kelty Carport. I just noticed that Kelty has added a 'deluxe' model, one that larger side flaps that can reach the car, and an extra pair of poles that can lift the outboard corners about 6', turning the leanto into a more horizontal (but arched) awning. I'll have to experiement with some poles the next time I have my Carport in use.

paulj

Sometimes will stay in hotels, sometimes in tent, sometimes at friends' houses. Total freedom!



http://www.autohomeus.com/gallery/honda.php
http://www.autohomeus.com/gallery/trailer.php

We are trying to do the RV thing, without having to buy an RV!

Any thoughts on these items, or this approach?

cfcf

The approach is a great idea especially considering the huge savings of having an E vs an RV.

Then there's 'urban camping.' My ex g/f's brother converted an ordinary looking van into a living van and we were able to camp in some expensive cities in very low profile and w/ no cost for lodging and w/ no complaints from the authorities, nor annoyances from the residents.

We met some people living like this full time in RVs, vans, even a guy in an old Datsun Z near the beach in Honolulu. But if they have
no fixed address, I wonder how they'd handle vehicle insurance if they had a big loss? I imagine insurance companies frown on insureds not living and garaging the vehicle where they say they do.

SUPER Total Freedom!...Live almost anywhere...very low cost for lodging.

paulj,
The storm everyone is suffering through in the NE came through here over the weekend. It was pretty cold for this area since we are not used to it. We had wanted to go close to home and kayak but the rain and wind ruined that. The Kelty Carport is a wonderful thing and let us have a place to eat and sit while it was storming (20-30mph wind). I don't think we would have stayed without it. The Kelty Canyon tarp over the top was a last minute thing but it worked out great over the tent. I thought the campsite was quite funny and a photo was in order.

I've bought some aluminum awning tracks and think i'm going to put them on the sides of the tents top half. Then make some lightweight awnings for each side so we can get in and out of the tent dry if its raining. I have a ladder for each side now. Autohome sells awnings but they are too heavy and bulky for me.

Also camping that weekend was 20 or so teardrop trailers in Little Talbot Island State Park (FL) and their owners were quite talkative about us sleeping on the roof. Mostly they remark about going to the bathroom in the middle of the night and missing that first step. yeh, yeh...

In May we will be taking our "E" camper out for a big trip ( Florida to Graceland, Amarillo, Grand Canyon, Bryce, Zion, Monument Valley, Hovenweep, Mesa Verde, Chaco Culture, Bandelier, Santa FE, Roswell, Carlsbad, San Antonio, and New Orleans). Getting my system of containers sorted out so we have the least confusion setting up and breaking down. I'm sure it will be quite an adventure. I'll be on the lookout for other E's.
Jon

I wondered what it would be like to enter or exit a rooftop tent during bad weather. I can see where some sort of awning over the ladder would be nice.

There's an active discusion of root top tents on Expedition Portal. A lot the interest there is offroad camping in areas like Arizona and Baja.
http://expeditionportal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=303

I had something approximating a rooftop tent on my pickup some years ago. It was Wildernest camper, essentially a fiberglass campertop, with a lid that flips open, forming a sleeping platform, and poptop tent.

paulj

I've been sleeping on the roof (with my wife) in a Maggiolina tent for over a year now many various trips. With 600 lbs up there (tent + 2 adults) you can open and shut the doors without any sign of stress. Put the strength rumor to rest.
I've discussed this in detail at:
http://www.elementownersclub.com/forums/showthread.php?t=11526&highlight=lofty
1 to 2 minute set up/down time, no dew, more breeze, and a great view in our lofty shelter.

I have been thinking how nice a Westy version of the E would be since the first day I brought my E home. After several camping trips in the E, I really miss my Westy. I don't miss the large percentage of my waking hours required to keep it on the road, but I sure miss it's functionality.

The problem with the roof-top tent, IMHO, is that you still don't have stand-up room. I'd want the whole top to lift, not just crawl into an attic through the skylight. Since the E's interior is a lot shorter than a Westy, it would have to be a real space-saver design to fit in even the basics for camping.

I think I'm going to have to get a trailer to get the kitchen and bedroom I used to have in the VW. And when I'm going places I don't want to trailer, we'll just go back to the tent.

You should check out tentrax.com. Tentrax makes a very neat camping trailer that can be customized to match your E. I am going to purchase one after I trade my orange 2004 EX 4x4 for a 2006 silver EX-P 4x4 this fall.

Maggiolina Extreme from Autohome


Sweet camp site:shock: . Does the truck sway a lot when moving around?
What does this type of sleeper cost an E owner?

My brother is thinking seriously about buying one of these roof top tents. He would be putting it on a Subaru Outback, not an E. You're right about wanting the rv life without the rv. Much cheaper. After the initial outlay it seems like a good deal. Nothing to tow and the inside is open for gear. I've had success with a sleeping/storage platform in the back and a cargo box on top. Lots of room for me and my gear. Have fun with whatever you come up with. Steve

Having read over the thread about rooftop tents, seems like the "static load" question may be problematic if you're going to put 2 adults up there. I think you'd stand a good chance of breaking the welds on your attachment points, (as discussed previously).

WallyWorld (WalMart) sells an inexpensive tent that is a sorta "pop up" thing. I think it's called "first up" or something similar. It's not the flimsy hunting shelter pop up type- this one looks pretty substantial- it's got large, hinged "ribs" and it sorta folds up. Har to describe, but deploying it looks really easy- put it on the ground, lift the center and it opens like an umbrella.

For my money and time, I'd pick up something like that and pack it in the back of the E. When you get to your site, pop it open and store your gear in there. An additional roof-top storage box or safari rack would give plenty of additional storage up top.

If you do go for the rooftop camper thing- please post pics!!

Having read over the thread about rooftop tents, seems like the "static load" question may be problematic if you're going to put 2 adults up there. I think you'd stand a good chance of breaking the welds on your attachment points, (as discussed previously).

However, the roof rack and tent would apply a nearly vertical load to the attachment points. Such a load would not stress the welds. Side ways or twisting loads would stress the welds more.

paulj

Paulj and I have put a lot on top the E!

My tent is 135lbs, my wife and I come to 350lbs. I calculate approx 485 + lbs for everything. As I've said in other posts, with both of us up there the E doors open and shut fine (and with my homemade rack there is no flex on the welds). My rack is all one piece and ties the four welded mounting points together solidly. The rear foot of my rack spans the three factory holes and then extends back over the shorter tab (that holds the plastic body trim). There is a stand-off that fills the gap and a 4th mounting screw in the tab via a Thule blind nut. Pictures of the rack are enclosed.

I have a Thule rack too. When I would put two 45lb Kayaks up there the bars would flex up and down a lot. I would suggest ALWAYS using front and rear tie-down lines to hold the boats in place (and stop things from rocking). The bars are also not square with each other. The front one tilts down toward the front and the rear is near parallel with the ground. If you hold a yard stick across the two you'll see it doesn't sit square on the front bar. Anything like a cargo box with a flat bottom will bolt up askew in the front. I wish I would have bought the round Yaks instead. Another thing is that the bars on both the Yak and Thule's are not parallel to the ground (front vs rear). A cargo box / tent will sit nose tilted down on them.

To make it all work (for me), my homemade rack's front two feet are taller than its rear ones. The tent sits level to the ground (when the E is on level ground). I've even got an bubble level inside the E like the RV'ers use.

My tent has been up there for months and It gets used all the time. In May its going cross country again. The price is high on these tents but after two years of camping in it, it still looks brand new. My traditional tents have always faded away in the FL sun after a season or two.

I'm not trying to sell these, just passing on my experiences. There's no perfect solution, everyone gets to do what they like. Its great everyone utilizes their E in so many different and imaginative ways. I'm happy I'm still getting out there in mine.

Jon

Vermillion Cliffs and off road in Utah

More Pics on the road

and some more

This trip was from Florida to AZ, UT, CO, NM. 16 National Parks. Rafting trip down the Grand Canyon in the middle.

The Element was wonderful.

Great photos; now that's what you call taking full advantage of the E's space and versatility!!!!! Love the homemade tent on the roof.

We have a 2 month trip coming up along the west coast of Mexico - primarily beach camping. My goal was to outfit the E such that we could sleep in it if needed, carry enough gear for extended beach camps and be energy independent. I bought the Honda roof top carrier because it allowed my solar panel to fit snugly. I have 2 - 104 ah batteries that will be used to primarily run a Coolmatic ice chest style refrigerator (has a compressor so ambient temp. doesn't effect temp. inside chest). Additional wiring allows for using both 12v dc and 120v ac appliances. The back seats are taken out and a raised sleeping platform snuggles around the cooler and with the aid of 4" cushions allows us to get a good nights sleep. For entended stays in the same place we have a very large 2 room coleman tent, chairs, folding table and all these items along with 5 plastic storage bins ( cooking gear, dishes, etc. ) all store underneath the platform. Our set up had been great on short trips and I am anxious to try it long term. The E is, in my opinion, the perfect poor mans RV.

There's lots of discussion about equiping an expedition vehicle, with particular attention to Baja and other parts west coast Mexico, on Expedition Portal.
http://expeditionportal.com/forum/

Boost, that sounds like a fantastic set-up! Good luck on the trip and have an awesome time. Don't forget to post pics. :D

I bought the Honda roof top carrier because it allowed my solar panel to fit snugly..
What type of solar panel are you using?

Have you seen this forum?
http://www.bajanomad.com/forums/index.php

Thanks for the web site tips. I'll be sure and check them out. The solar panel I have is a 85 watt Kyocera. I will post pics when we get back.

Just thought I would share some photos of my roof top tent on my new 2007 EX. I can open it and close it in less than 10 minutes. It has a foam mattress and you can leave your bedding inside, so a fully made bed is waiting ten minutes after I pull into a camp site.

That's a BC Forestry Service campsite at Lois Lake accessible only by logging road so we did some off roading, nothing that requires "real" offroad capabilities though. The last pic is the ferry lineup with the tent packed away before getting dusted offroad.

I have another piece that makes a room below the overhang but we didn't need it this trip. Next I'm going to try mounting it so I can climb up through the sunroof right up into the tent. I'll post pics of that when I get to it.

I hope these pics work I haven't posted any before.

http://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa186/jatmandy/dscf2891jd1.jpg

http://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa186/jatmandy/dscf28922zj5.jpg

http://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa186/jatmandy/dscf28962pb8.jpg

http://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa186/jatmandy/efoldedhd5.jpg

Pretty clever! Can you give some insight as to the construction or origin? What does it weigh, looks like it is rather loosley packed in it closed state. Cost? Is it a standard tent adapted?

Thanks! When I previewed they showed up. I'll try photobucket next time.

Pretty clever! Can you give some insight as to the construction or origin? What does it weigh, looks like it is rather loosley packed in it closed state. Cost? Is it a standard tent adapted?

It's made by Hannibal Safari equipment in South Africa. I saw lots of these when I traveled in Africa so I looked for them and found a company here in Canada that imports them, cost me $1890 CAD for the basic tent. I got the 1.6 meter size which is the biggest in this style they also make a 1.2 and a 1.4 meter. I think it weighs about 100 lbs. I also got the Jumbo kit that gives you the add-on room below the overhang for $495 CAD.

The floor is a high quality plywood, canvas is very heavy and light proof, with all the flaps closed you can't see any light from outside even in midday sun. The canvas cover is a little loose I think to allow for some expansion with bedding etc. but it doesn't flap at all when driving.

These tents keep you safe from lions in Africa, I don't think it would help much with a bear!

Here is a pic of the tent with the Jumbo kit attached. (not my vehicle)

http://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa186/jatmandy/tourerweb.jpg

Cool, thank you for the feedback...

Here is a pic of the tent with the Jumbo kit attached. (not my vehicle)

http://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa186/jatmandy/tourerweb.jpg

Hey that's really pretty great, can we have details, contruction or manufacturer and maybe with weight, measurements etc......

It looks like it really worked well, it the fabric canvas? (or a more light weight material?

Thanks,
jurn

I do like the whole concept of this tent. I did a quick web search and found this US site (http://www.hannibalusa.com/).

Oh, man... the mod fever is burning now...

I do like the whole concept of this tent. I did a quick web search and found this US site (http://www.hannibalusa.com/).

Oh, man... the mod fever is burning now...

Hello BH,
I like that site but, and perhaps it's my old eyes, but in the specs I couldn't find a weight on the roof top tents, plus to consider, is the weight of the rack. It love the safari look and I use the yak basket to haul my gear.

I've been interested in this (or one like it) tent for a while. I presently enjoy camping with a platform inside, well built and has loads of staorage. It serves the dog and myself quite well, but....I still have an interest in the roof tops tents, not sure about adding the extra weight though.

regards,
jurn

From what I saw of the site, the tents are actually for the Land Rovers. They did say something about calling them for information about other vehicles.

I didn't see a whole lot of specs there either, but it does look interesting. Maybe someone who actually has some spare time (and isn't at work) can call and get the low down on the Element.

Hi Aman,

That's a very cool setup.

Aside from your thoughts on the weight issue (which has got to be around 500# with two people up there, right?) and not being devoured by hungry lions, I'd be interested to hear what other benefits you found in camping up on your vehicle.

Thanks for the pics,

Krusty

I still have an interest in the roof tops tents, not sure about adding the extra weight though.

check this catalog (http://www.hannibalusa.com/hannibal_catalog.pdf) out, it's saying the weight is 85-95 pounds.

check this catalog (http://www.hannibalusa.com/hannibal_catalog.pdf) out, it's saying the weight is 85-95 pounds.


Me thinks that's the weight of the tents, (thanks for finding it) then one has to add the weight of the rack itself.

The rack does look pretty sturdy.

I see Aman posted the tent is $1890 and the add on overhang room for $495, but the rack? Is that included for the $1890. Don't know.....

The material looks like, as he pointed, out pretty durable as well.

I'll roam around on the internet, it's not like I don't have really comfortable sleeping quarters now, but...just curiuous.

regards,
jurn

Hi Aman,

That's a very cool setup.

Aside from your thoughts on the weight issue (which has got to be around 500# with two people up there, right?) and not being devoured by hungry lions, I'd be interested to hear what other benefits you found in camping up on your vehicle.

Thanks for the pics,

Krusty

I am concerned about the weight I would like to be able to carry more stuff on top but I think the packed weight of about 100 lbs is probably the max I would want to put on top of my E especially when going over potholes. The static weight of 500+ lbs doesn't worry me, it feels sturdy when we are up there (me, my wife and our three year old boy) and I think it could handle a lot more.

As for benefits, the bed is very similar to a tent trailer bed and is about the same size as a queen size bed. We use standard queen size sheets and quilt. I was having a hard time talking my wife into camping until I came up with the car top tent idea, she loves it! Also here in BC you are as likely to get a week of rain as you are a week of sunshine, I've done my time sleeping on the hard ground in soggy sleeping bags because a river or lake has formed around my tent and seeped inside.

The biggest drawback I can think of is, if you want to go for a drive you have to pack up the tent. I put it on and take it off by myself, but I wouldn't recommend it. If I had a garage I'd rig a hoist and store it on the ceiling and then just drop it into place.

http://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa186/jatmandy/peekaboo.jpg

Me thinks that's the weight of the tents, (thanks for finding it) then one has to add the weight of the rack itself.

The rack does look pretty sturdy.

I see Aman posted the tent is $1890 and the add on overhang room for $495, but the rack? Is that included for the $1890. Don't know.....

The material looks like, as he pointed, out pretty durable as well.

I'll roam around on the internet, it's not like I don't have really comfortable sleeping quarters now, but...just curiuous.

regards,
jurn

The rack is just a standard Yakima setup, two bare bars. Not sure how much that weighs but not much I would think. They don't include any mounting hardware because it is not designed for any specific rack you have to drill holes and mount it yourself. I just used four u-bolts.

Cool idea. Thanks for posting.

Here is the South African site, it has a bit more info about this tent.

http://www.hannibal.co.za/

another alternative: http://www.racktents.com/Tents.html

and another option.... http://www.loftyshelters.com/

I've been looking at different ways to enjoy camping with my E, and http://www.racktents.com is a nice looking system...another site is offering the same tent though, with changing room, and all the same goodies - with shipping included for $999 right now (supposedly this is some introductory offer) until august 30.... Still a lot of money when I've got a great $60 tent with more room. That convenience factor of the instantly ready tent is really enticing though

Check out the site...they've also got some plans available for constructing your own kitchen to sit on one of those hitch haulers - not sure about the weight from that though, I'd end up just having it on a trailer I'm sure.

Anyways, check it out if you want - http://www.cartopcamper.com

I'm a prospective Element buyer, and one primary reason I'm looking at the Element is because it appears to be a good car-camper. I like the large rear moonroof on older models, the relative height & space, etc.

In researching the element, I came across the E-camper poptop camper which can be added to the Element. I've always liked the poptop concept on westfalias, etc., and liked the way the E-camper allowed you an elevated view of the beach or wherever else you were. It also obviously give you more space for gear or extra sleepers, along with allowing fresh-air camping off the ground, which provides obvious benefits. Finally, it allows one to stand up (through the moonroof) and change, etc. with privacy.

However, there are some downsides. In addition to cost ($4000 & up), it is a permanent fixture which blocks any view or even air through the moonroof. (Except when open, and even then the view is still blocked.) It also does not allow for (much) stargazing, as the top is a solid material.

I am therefore proposing the following: a temporary sleeping platform that can be attached to the roof of the Element, accessible either through the moonroof or a small exterior ladder. The platform would affix to standard Element roof racks, with perhaps additional (rubber?) supports near the ends to provide additional contact with / support from the roof.

The platform could be constructed of lightweight material, and designed to have a thin camping mattress placed on it. This would allow the platform itself to be made of criss-crossed bars or stiff metal wire with relatively large spacing, further reducing weight. The platform would also have guardrails around the side, probably around 8-12 inches long, to prevent people rolling off. The rails could be canted out at a 45 degree angle and enclosed in soft foam to increase space and comfort.

The platform would allow one to pull up to a lake, ocean, or clearing, climb up on the roof, unroll the sleeping pad, and enjoy the view, stargaze, and eventually sleep, without worrying about ground critters.

The platform could also be be compatible with various types of enclosures, ranging from simple mosquito netting on curved tent poles to full-on tents of various types, designed to keep out rain, etc., while still allowing a skylight view on nice nights.

Anway, this is just a concept at this point, but it seems this could be done much more cheaply than the E-camper, while providing greater versatility. The platform could be attached before camping trips, and removed otherwise, and the various enclosure options could be packed in the car and attached when desired.

I'll probably work on this concretely if/when I get my Element, but I thought I'd share this idea on here, as I know there are far better engineers and builders on here than me, and I imagine they could provide good suggestions for materials, techniques, and possible concerns. I can't imagine it's a completely new idea either, and maybe it's already been raised here, but if I spark anyone else's creativity, that's obviously great as well.

Something like this but with access from the sunroof?

http://trdparts4u.com/ProdImages/297482%20Touring_main.jpg

Thanks for the merge, Rambler.

I was aware of the pre-fab tents, and they're a nice design -- basically like the e-camper, but removable.

However, they can't be entered from the moonroof (without modification), and perhaps most problematic, the tents are permanently affixed to the frame, so you can't just have an open sleeping platform for unobstructed stargazing.

What I want to make is an open sleeping platform that can be converted/enclosed when desired, but otherwise left open. More versatile. That's why I originally made ths post in the DIY/Mod section -- I don't think this is made anywhere yet, and I think it will have to be homemade. Just wanted to present it as inspiration for others & so I get can ideas.

(It would seem that a tent could be designed that could either fit around or on top of the sleeping platform. Maybe it could be homemade from nylon and mosquito netting, or it could be modified from an existing tent. But the foundation would be a stand-alone sleeping platform, appx 5x7, that could safely keep persons atop from rolling out. Would also probably make a great/spacious luggage rack when unoccupied. Maybe could even be made out of PVC to reduce weight?)

Anyway, the existence of the pre-fab roof tents makes clear the idea is possible, and that the static sleeping weight on the roof, even in a temporary, rack-affixed design, would not be a problem. Good to see.

You might consider starting with a strong rack like the Gobi (http://www.gobihonda.com/element.htm), the TPS Lizard (http://www.elementownersclub.com/forums/showthread.php?t=40339), or a DIY like those by Twilightzero (http://www.elementownersclub.com/forums/showthread.php?t=55157) or ClarkM (http://www.elementownersclub.com/forums/showthread.php?t=29252). Then you could add a plywood base and pitch an ordinary dome tent when the mood strikes you.

Note: Here's what I'm thinking right now, as a very basic DIY:

1. 5x7 sleeping platform, attaching to a roof rack like the pre-fab roof campers. Composed of 1 or 2 inch PVC pipe, with two 7-foot pieces running the length of the roof. 4 5-foot pieces connecting the longer pieces at right angles -- one on each end, and two in the middle.

2. Smaller Assemblies (12 inches in length) extending outward at 45-degree angles from the edges of the flat platform. Together creating a shallow basket in which someone (or two) could comfortably/safely lay and sleep.

(PVC appears to be fairly sturdy, and I know there are different connector fittings that might allow the pieces to be connected securely, especially if reinforced with screws. The platform would likely need additional support/contact with the rooftop away from the roof rack base, though. May not be strong enough, though, feel free to comment.)

3. The spacing of the shorter pipes should allow for unobstructed viewing and access through the moonroof. The mattress (e.g., cabela's 3-inch roll-up camp mattress) could be kept rolled up and tied down near the front of the roof on the platform, so that once on the roof, it could be quickly unrolled over the platform. Or, it could be cut into sections, so it stays ready in the platform, with one section sliding away to reveal the moonroof opening. If necessary, a sliding or swinging bar/slat could be incorporated in the platform to provide support over the moonroof area when the mattress is in place. (To prevent the mattress from sinking into that opening.)

4. While more sophisticated tent options could eventually be developed, I would start by simply drilling holes in the 4 corners of the platform, such that flexible tent poles could be snugly inserted. If, say, 2 12-foot poles were inserted into the holes in the rear of the platform, and then criss-crossed diagonally and inserted into the holes on the front of the platform, you'd presumably have an adequate upright framework to drape mosquito netting or tent screening over, thus keeping bugs out while not blocking the view. On rainy (or potentially rainy) days, a rain fly could also be draped over the framework to keep out the rain (and could also provide privacy when desired). The fly could be attached to the platform with clips, etc., for easy attachment and removal.

The tricky part would be making the platform fully bugproof, especially since you'd want moonroof access, and the platform would be affixed to the roof rack. One simple way to do this would be to have a large enough size of netting,/screening and simply place it on top of the platform before putting the mattress in place. That would eliminate the risk of bugs from below. The netting could then be gathered along the exterior side of the platform until needed. The netting/screening could have a large zipper along the side for enclosure and exit -- if/when the netting was needed, the poles would be put in place, the netting would be pulled over the pole framework, and the zipper would be closed, sealing the netting/screen "room".

This doesn't address moonroof access, though. To deal with that, the netting could be attached to the platform, covering all of the bottom of it except rubber-washer perforations for attachment bolts, and an opening over the moonroof. This opening could be zippered, but it's possible that the mattress could be fitted well enough to the platform that when in place, it blocks any bug entry into the sleeping area.

But that still allows bug entry into the vehicle, clearly undesirable. I would therefore instead attach the netting to the platform such that when the netting is cut to allow for the moonroof hole, the remaining netting drapes down into the moonroof itself, and is affixed to the interior ceiling of the vehicle with tape or (preferably) velcro. (This would be affixed whenever the platform is put on the roof.) And thereby creates a continuous bug free zone, both inside and on top of the car.

Anyway, sorry for the stream of consciousness, I was thinking this out as I wrote it. But I think this would be a decent, inexpensive, and more versatile solution for rooftop camping, provided the platform materials were sturdy enough. (Would seem you could build this for a few hundred dollars or less.) I understand that PVC might not be strong enough, perhaps copper/metal piping or another material would be better. But given that interior sleeping platforms have been made of this, it might work. Also, while you'd obviously want to make the guardrails reasonably strong, they'd probably never have the full weight of the sleeper on them -- would simply be guides to prevent people from rolling off in their sleep, like on bunkbeds. And ultimately, while different people might want different types of tenting material, windows, etc., the key for me is simply having full, unfettered views when possible, adequate bug protection when desired, and rain protection when needed. Once those goals are met, all kinds of different tent/netting/fly combinations are possible on a very basic pole frame.

I think my favorite idea when writing this post was the idea of the sliding mattress to allow moonroof access. The best bet, actually, would probably be to cut the mattress into three pieces. this would allow you to simply lift and move/slide one piece when getting in and out. The pieces could fit snugly inside the platform, eliminating any risk of gaps while sleeping. They could also be enclosed in a weatherproof fabric, since you'd be putting some kind of sleeping bag or blanket over them anyway for comfort.

(The mattress could thereby be kept in the platform when driving, along with the netting, and the fly could be secured snugly over the entire platform with bungees to protect everything inside from the elements.)

Anyway, I'm sure there's stuff I'm missing, so feel free to chime in. Appreciate the chance to brainstorm/drizzle on here, it's fun!

You might consider starting with a strong rack like the Gobi (http://www.gobihonda.com/element.htm), the TPS Lizard (http://www.elementownersclub.com/forums/showthread.php?t=40339), or a DIY like those by Twilightzero (http://www.elementownersclub.com/forums/showthread.php?t=55157) or ClarkM (http://www.elementownersclub.com/forums/showthread.php?t=29252). Then you could add a plywood base and pitch an ordinary dome tent when the mood strikes you.


The pre-fab tent people claim any standard rack is adequate, but I would agree strength is important. Even more important, perhaps, is size -- I'd generally prefer a larger rack that provides as much area support as possible.

The Gobi appears nice for this purpose -- you could even probably just put a mattress on their larger models and just sleep that way. However, you'd still need some kind of guardrail to prevent rolling out in your sleep -- not sure if the basket edges there are high enough. Also, they'd all apparently block the moonroof, which I don't want. Not only is there a view issue, but it seems it would be very convenient when car camping to be able to stand up through the moonroof and change.

A plywood base might be workable, and could be cut to fit the moonroof. But it would also be heavier than PVC, and presumably more affected by the elements.

As far as a dome tent goes, my personal preference is for as much openness as possible, which is why I favor simple netting which can be easily removed, and a fly when needed. But obviously, others may have different preferences. Some tents also offer major skylight screening in conjunction with flys, which would be closer to my preference.

(A more rectangular shape might fit the roof better than the standard dome, though.)

Came across this while Camping in the Big Sur area a few weeks ago. While not an Element, it is still good use of a rooftop.

Kelty Carport (old style) on track mounted to camper. I have one for each side now. with no poles the car is enclosed on both sides.

Jon

Kelty Carport (old style) on track mounted to camper. I have one for each side now. with no poles the car is enclosed on both sides.

Jon

Jon, tell us more about that camper up there! Please.

Here are multiple examples/photographs of Honda Element Pop Tops I found on-line:

http://www.ursaminorvehicles.com/Baja_La_Bocana.JPG

http://www.camperize.com/images/ursaminor.JPG

http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k194/indianclimber/640RedOpenBeach.jpg

http://image.motortrend.com/f/features/consumer/24066554+pheader/112_0904_25l+honda_element_camper+side_view.jpg

http://images1.americanlisted.com/nlarge/2006_honda_element_with_ecamper_20000_morro_bay_11 711947.jpg

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_gASchh8RiqY/SE6XEM6-atI/AAAAAAAAA6Y/ZhY_CXFnPho/s400/Honda+Element+Ecamper.bmp

http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k2/Roonies_2006/medium_2002673137_a8b19bd6e9_o.jpg

http://img23.imageshack.us/img23/5913/hondaelementpoptop.jpg

For more information on ECAMPER, here's their (Ursa Minor Vehicles) link: http://www.ursaminorvehicles.com/camper.htm

Here are multiple examples/photographs of Honda Element Pop Tops I found on-line:



Uh, did you know that Ursa Minor (http://www.elementownersclub.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=92) is an EOC sponsor and all of those pictures have appeared on this forum at least once?

Here's a pic of our Front Runner Feather-Lite set up. We're very happy with it, and feel it's a great choice for the casual 3 season camper. I'm happy to answer any questions about it anyone may have. There's also another thread in the camping catagory with more pix.

I have the Autohome Columbus roof top tent installed on my E and I like it a lot. The only problem for now is where to make the dogs (2) sleep. So far, i have kept them on the back seats, where I added a platform to give more space. But as the temprature gets higher, i think it would be a little hot in there. I left the 2 front windos opened, but I am not sure it would be enough. Right now, i am considering installing a bug shield over the area of the rear hatch to leave it open during the night. I guess it wold allow for plenty of fresh air to get in.:-)

E For E, you might consider one of the many 12v and/or D-cell battery powered fans available. We use a 10" O2Cool thats runs off 12V or 8 D batteries from a separate powerpack. The fan itself is light weight, and can be mounted by hook, magnet (sandwhich the tent), or stand. It's quiet and moves just enough air to make a big difference on a breeze-less night.

CFEXNAWD - good idea. I actually thought about it yesterday, but was wondering how long would the batteries last. What can you say from experience?

Maybe a small solar panel to charge the batteries during the day could be cool. Don't know if that would be enough though.

Anyway, I'll definitely look that way. What is the brand of your fan?

Thanks a lot

We use a 10" O2Cool thats runs off 12V or 8 D batteries



incase they cant respond I can answer a bit of your new questions.

E for E, the most we've used it on the D-cells was one night, maybe 6-8 hrs, of course it was fine. The directions state 24 hrs. on fresh D-cells, so I'd bank on about 3 nights worth (on low).

The primary source we use is the 12V outlet in the Element (I rewired them "hot" with key off). You can run a long time off the car battery, plus we usually have the Element running some during the day, so the battery stays charged.

We liked this fan for the option of 12V or portable batteries, with the separate powerpack. Keeps the fan very light to not have the batteries attached. It's an O2 Cool brand, we got it from Gander Mtn. Here's a link: http://www.gandermountain.com/modperl/product/details.cgi?i=419421&pdesc=O2_Cool_Model_1092_Tent_Fan_With_Battery_Pac k&str=fan&merchID=4005

Perhaps others have experience with this fan they might share? We've only had ours a few months, but love it so far.

Here's a pic of our Front Runner Feather-Lite set up. We're very happy with it, and feel it's a great choice for the casual 3 season camper. I'm happy to answer any questions about it anyone may have. There's also another thread in the camping catagory with more pix.

This is pretty cool! How does it do in the rain and wind? I'm up in Washington so we get lots of rain.

Lyte, we have not been in any real down-pours since we've had it, or strong winds. I would have no reason to believe it would not be just fine. The rain fly is a sound design, and the tent has more structure than a ground tent, so I would think it would handle strong winds well also.

We've gone through a couple light showers with no problems, and winds maybe up to 30 mph with no issues either. To me, it feels a lot more solid and secure than a ground tent. And if it does start to rain, I feel a lot better NOT being on the ground! :-)