[bob kellerman]

Hello, I like this tent:
http://www.amazon.com/Texsport-Lodge-Square-Dome-Tent/dp/B000IU11SM/ref=wl_it_dp_o?ie=UTF8&coliid=I2NCDTU7JZ1QF2&colid=12X59PDT15V5I

however, I cannot locate any specification that relates to the size of the opening that attaches to the vehicle.
I would prefer to attach the tent over the side doors as opposed to the rear hatch and tail gate.
I sleep on the passenger side seats and would like to be able to exit the vehicle into a sheltered space.
I prefer to lock myself in during the night for security.
Since the rear hatch/tail gate do not open from the inside,
upon rising I would not be able to exit through the back into the tent.
So, I thought that attaching the tent over the side doors would solve that problem.
I will greatly appreciate all coments on and/or criticisms of the feasibility of this idea.

 

[daoud]

That's a pretty cool tent. It's hard to say from the info given if it would fit over the side door opening. It's kind of a universal fit I guess, which probably means it would fit most SUV openings. Probably. Most.

There are a number of threads I've seen lately on the subject of DIY inside latches/releases for the back hatch. That's definitely something I want to explore, and it sounds as if you're in the market for such a mod too. Do some searching and check it out!

 

[z(+)diac]

http://www.texsport.com/PDF%20Break-Down/2010/Tents.pdf

Checkout page 8 (more photos/specs/layout)

Honestly, I'd say it won't work, but one thing I love about Amazon is that they are pretty great about returns. So if you were to purchase it, make sure you throw it on the E quickly, and if it doesn't work out, just return it

 

[ramblerdan]

Several versions of DIY interior hatch release here (multiple threads merged).

 

[paulj]

First, Texsport, tends to be near the bottom when it comes to quality. What's the floor made of? Poly tarp material?

Second, what kind of attachment do you want? Rain proof? bug proof? or just private?

I doubt if the sleeve is wide enough to include both side doors when open. It should though cover just the front door. But if there isn't a flap that extends some distance onto the roof it won't be rain proof. It would hard make a bug proof fit on the side. Making a bug proof closure with a sleeve around the whole backend is tricky enough. I can't think of a convenient way of making a bug proof closure along the bottom of the side.

I often rig a tarp over the side, giving me a rain proof entrance.

There are plenty of examples of tents enclosing the tailgate. And as others have noted, there are ways, simple and complex, of opening the tailgate from inside. The simplest is to lay a sock over the latching mechanism.

 

[paulj]

Side mounted tents seem to be (or have been) common with VW buses. Maybe this page will give you some ideas
http://www.busdepot.com/details/spacemaker.jsp

 

[scorsone]

Side mounted tents seem to be (or have been) common with VW buses. Maybe this page will give you some ideas
http://www.busdepot.com/details/spacemaker.jsp

Great link!!! That could be the best tent for the E if dimensions match up for the doors. Only downside is the E doors swing out while the VW slides.:-(

 

[TjankMjaster]

http://www.busdepot.com/details/spacemaker.jsp

I bet with minimal modification this would work fine on the side doors,.. Would work well on my Odyssey too, I bet.

I may look into this,.. Awesome Post! Thanks! :razz::razz: