Rooftop tent on Tig?

[Arctra]

Has anyone tried one of those roof-top tents on their Tig?



It looks like a neat design, but I have concerns. The max weight rating of the Tig’s roof rails is 100kg’s, and these units on their own seem to be up to around 80kg’s. On my own I’m another 120kg, and then there’s my girlfriend (whose weight I won’t mention as I value my life! ).

From what I’ve read, the weight ratings for the roof rails is the travelling weight and that they are capable of handling a lot more when static on level ground. Reading through this FAQ seems to confirm that, but they kind of have a vested interest in saying what they do:

http://www.cartopcamper.com/index_files/roof_top_tent_FAQ.htm

I would like to know if anyone has first hand experience with one of these on their Tig, or at least has used them on similar vehicles to the Tig.

[avalasia]

i don't think this is what the boys in Germany had in mind when they were designing the Tiguan.

I have a sunroof so i wouldn't want anyone sleeping, sitting, camping out on my roof.

[Achtung Tiggy]

What you need is a camper trailer! You won't have to worry about damage to your roof. All you need is a tow-bar... and about $4k!





http://giccampertrailers.com.au/camper-trailer-experts/

[Arctra]

What you need is a camper trailer! You won't have to worry about damage to your roof. All you need is a tow-bar... and about $4k!

Yeah, I started off looking at the trailer option as they are awesome, but it's so expensive. As I don't have a tow hitch I would need one first (~$1600) then the trailer camper which is ~$3000 more than the rooftop option. That's why I was asking. Also, storage of one of these would be easier for me than finding a safe place to park a trailer.

[clip]

I'm sure the roof would be fine on a Tig. Might think twice about using it on one on those Korean beauties though:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tc1ZDdgMVo4

[Achtung Tiggy]

This site shows the roof-top tent on a Rav4 and Touareg; and explains load limits.





The weight limit when driving is imposed by the vehicle manufacturer for safety reasons.
Adding a load to the roof of your vehicle increases the “swaying” when cornering.

This acts like a pendulum and there is a limit that the vehicles suspension is designed to take.

This load is far less than the roof rack load when stationary.

So although there is a roof rack load rating on each roof rack, the vehicle load is the first one to check on.




For example some models of the Kia Brand have limitations of 45kgs. Typically most cars are around 50-70gs and 4WDs can be much higher.

The Static load for your vehicle is calculated as follows:

For Pro Rack roof racks who manufacture to the Australian Standard, the Testing Static Load is FOUR times the Dynamic Load

So if the Rating is 75kgs then these racks WITH FIXED POINTS on the vehicle will take a static (sleeping load) safely of 300kgs.

Racks that use gutters or clamp and are gutterless will take less depending on how acurately and carefully the racks are attached to the vehicle.

http://www.mycube.net.au/

[Arctra]

Brilliant! Thank you very much for that. My main concern was putting the pressure through the 4 contact points where the rails join the roof. I had a good look at it this evening though, and there is a fair contact area to spread the weight, and the rails connect to the roof at a point that should be pretty strong and resistant to buckling thanks to the bend in the roof (similar principle to the bend in a bar of angle iron).

I think I'd still like to test one out on the roof, or for a weekend, before I went out and bought one though. Just need to find somewhere that hires them.

Thanks for your help!

[Achtung Tiggy]

No worries! Let us know how you go with the tent.

[jimbomort]

roof top tent looks

main problem is once you set it up, you cant take your car anywhere short of packing it away again. Fine if you are going to a place and staying put, but if you want to use your car, a major drawback no?

[Achtung Tiggy]

This is good if you've been on the road the whole day and need to set up camp for the night, before resuming your journey the next day.

On the other hand, if you are camping at a particular site for a few days, then the conventional tent would be a better choice.

[Moonan]

As far as load rating is concerned, the 100kg rating is indeed the limit for a Tigual doing 200km/hr down a german autobahn and having to hit the brakes HARD in an emergency! you and your GF will not worry it as a static load!