r/rooftoptents

We were finally able to get out with our new Santa Fe XRT.

I know this tent isn't for everyone but we love it. Our family of four sleeps up there with zero issues. And the annex is amazing for having that nice extra space for keeping stuff dry and getting changed.

2026 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT

Yakima Timberline Towers w/60" CoreBars

Smittybilt Overlander XL Gen 2 Tent

Smittybilt Annex

Also for those who might be wondering. The first photo was taken before I slid the tent back a bit. I was in the middle of setting it up when I took the quick photo to send to someone.

Designed and printed these nice and tidy traction board mounts, hopefully they won't mess with my optimized aerodynamics to much.

Very pleased with the results, they're held in place firmly yet are easy to remove with a specific tool.

(repost because not all pictures got uploaded)

Awesome project, was a challenge to install (so many custom Santa Cruz issues) but all worked out well... The Garvee was a quick & easy set up and just as easy pack up... Only had one night in a cabin driveway but great first run.

No gas mileage loss really, less than half a liter/100km.. ( tent sits barely 2 inches above the cab roof so no wind resistance or noise can be heard, this was the goal mounted this way.

Hoping to get a night in the woods in the next few days... Have a big trip planned in 2 weeks!

Stayed about an hour local since we had a toddler. Great experience overall and booked 3 more single night weekends already

2 adults and 1 toddler fit well in the ironman 4x4 1200 i think is the model

New to the rtt game and glad I made the change. Ongoing changes to the trailer. Tows great behind an outback.

Trailer springs are pretty soft when fully loaded/ fenders rubbed a few times on some parts of winding Sierra Buttes roads.

Tepui autana 3. The overhang/ ladder entrance doesn’t seem stable. I don’t know if it’s the trailer, the rack is totally custom but mounted/ solid. It’s “bends” too much for comfort. Opposite entrance, no problem and when inside the overhang portion seems stable.

I’m thinking about getting two large cabinet jacks to support it more/ rigid.. Any recommendations would be appreciated. I’ll add more pictures soon.

Thank you

Finally found the time to get out and into the mountains. Basic campsite for a first test, winds pushing 20mph lol

This is a TopOak tent roughly 160lbs. Was a pain to get it on. I have to remove it soon to use my rack for lumber, has anyone come up with ideas to remove their tent on a similar setup? Only thing I can think of is getting a hydraulic table that can o that high o build a cart that’s is similar in height. How we got it on was leaning it on the tailgate and pushing up on I which was the only option I had at the time which I don’t want to do again. Thank you. Note: don’t have a garage or carport

Here’s my setup:
Naturnest Sirius 1 Plus hardshell RTT
Cali-Raised Overland Bed Bars
Black PVC trim boards to close up gaps
3X Plano Heavy Duty Camo Sportsman's Trunks

Was looking for something that would provide security to the bed to keep out pests and wandering eyes, be somewhat weather resistant, and not reduce fuel economy too much. I came up with this custom setup. The tent fits the bed dimensions really well. I could not get a setup that would be low enough and wide enough to completely cover the bed, so I added some black PVC trim boards from Menards to close up the gaps. It keeps most weather out of the bed, but water still will collect. I store all of my gear in the bed in Plano Sportsmen trunks that are weather proof.

As for the Naturnest Sirius 1, it is a great starter RTT. For anyone interested in it, these are the things to be aware of that I’ve found with it… Rain tends to collect on the top and once it’s built up a bit, will spill off the front overhang. If you bump your head on it going in and out, you will get a waterfall down your back. I am just in the habit of tapping it before going in and out during or after rainfall. The tent will also build up condensation inside in it’s out the box setup. The first trip was just myself and I had to wipe down the inside every morning. Second trip I added something to space an inch or two where the overhang meets the top of the tent in front and left the skylight open inside. This gave it enough of an air gap that with the wife and I, we did not have any condensation buildup at all over multiple days. Other than that, setup and tear down is super quick and easy and it does all the basics well for a budget tent. It will still fold up with a blanket and sheets to make setup/teardown even easier. I am curious to see how it lasts over the long haul.

Just went on a 10-day camping/road trip in my new setup.
(Pictured)

I’ve been an avid camper my entire life and have set up tents in 100°F heat, rain storms, the dead of night, and in the snow. When I say that the ease and speed of a rooftop tent is a game changer, I truly mean it. I’m consistently able to open my tent, set it up with blankets and pillows + inflatable mattress, and be ready for bed within 5-10 minutes. No rain fly setup, no messing with tent poles or stakes, no laying down tarps or worrying about drainage. It takes the stress of having to set up/pack up completely away so you have more time and energy to enjoy your destination. Even more than just the utility when camping, I was able to set up the tent in quiet parking lots for short naps or to lay down and relax. No commitment to a location, just some quick buckles to release and up she goes. Genuinely ZERO regrets from this purchase.

Note: For those curious about purchasing this model or similar model tent, I am ≈ 6’3 and 210-220lbs and fit snuggly in the tent laying straight up and down (if I lay on an angle I can fully spread out and point toes). One of my main concerns prior to purchasing a tent was my ability to lay comfortably within it, and I can confidently say that the Naturenest Sirius 2 ABS can comfortably fit us big guys.

Feel free to ask me any questions about my setup or the tent! I’d be happy to give advice/suggestions to those looking to join the community.

Daisy and Rosie approved 😆🐶

Magheraroarty Co Donegal , Ireland.

So I wanted a combo truck top and tent that didn't have any cab over ( to fit in my garage)

This appeared https://www.yankodesign.com/2025/07/14/this-pickup-topper-with-integrated-rooftop-tent-is-winning-hearts-for-its-smart-design-and-ease-of-use/ but apparently it's just a concept or is not available.

I was also thinking of adding https://www.topperezlift.com/ this to have like 2 rooms haha.

Over kill?

Asking 800$

I am looking to sell my Tepui Autana 3 RTT. It comes with an annex and a rain fly. Very lightly used. Pick up only in SF East Bay.

Looking for an upgrade to the standard foam mattress to suit an X hinge rtt.

I saw there's now self inflating matresses. Has anyone upgraded their bed, is a denser foam enough or is inflatable the way to go?

Something like what CSS And Outback Tourer sell but 1) it's available, 2) it's reasonably priced.

I searched AliExpress (where I got what looks like the exact model of CSS x1.4 ) but can't see a suitable China direct option.

Any suggestions welcome!

Currently in the Kimberly, just finished three weeks on the Gibb River in the rtt, been epic and excited for some upgrades!