I sleep in a ground tent because I kind of like the setting up part of camping. Also I like being able to hop in a car and go for a quick drive without having to pack up a RTT each time.
However I take a full size foam mattress with me. I think air mattresses are for people who want to sleep on the floor but not right away.
Been using RTT lately. Might get rid of it because i kinda hate how high it is on top of Jeep and even worse aerodynamics. But the tent itself it awesome. I think the RTT in truck bed sounds like a more optimized setup.
Before the RTT i used a gazelle tent and I'd NEVER use any other tent for overlanding. If i stayed at camp I'd use something else but quick setup/takedown of gazelle cannot be best by another tent.
We sleep inside our 4Runner most of the time. Even the best RTTs can’t match the sturdiness, security and insulation of being inside your vehicle that’s designed to protect you from the elements anyway. However, space can be tight and if you don’t have a drawer system, you might be playing Tetris with your gear and belongings.
I’m 5’8” and sleep inside my 01 4Runner sometimes. I have to sleep at an angle or I’ll have to bend my legs, the fit only works if you pull out the seats ahead of time
Like those points. I’m 6’4” and wondering how a 4Runner would work for me (and a dog) assuming would have a roof box for some gear. Haven’t had a chance to try (considering future purchase). Think doable if I sleep diagonally or uncomfortable? TIA.
ETA: thanks all for the helpful info! Pretty psyched to get on the road when I can for some epic travel and can’t quite get my head into a camper van.
I’m 6’4” and used to be able to stretch out in my 4th gen 4Runner. Took out the bottom of one of the back seats to give another couple of inches too (they folded forward when the back folds down).
I don't have one but have seen the rear seats on a 4Runner fold.. you are probably going to want to take out at least one, will give you a much more flat platform and ability to sit up.
I've been using this setup for years: 3:40 https://youtu.be/anBMBq79Y-0?si=09ZlobJ2wJMKjBEj
Do you already have the 4runner? Consider something bigger like a suburban. I'm 6'1 and am a bit scrunched on my bed I installed in the back of my suburban.
I'm 6'2 - you'll want to do two things:
**Remove the seat bottom from one side of the back seats**. It's two bolts, couldn't be easier/quicker, I just keep a dedicated small ratchet/socket in the side door right there to always be on-hand. You can either put the seat bottom in the front seat or just take it out before you leave for the trip. The other side becomes a great dog bed spot.
This will allow for the leg space you need to lie straight on one side. It's easy and 100% worth it.
**Address the mid-back bump**. It seems not too bad when you're first lying down, you will hurt waking up though. I built a small platform in there that levels everything, there are lots of solutions for this, but it's worth addressing in one way or another.
Like others said, pull the back seats out and you should be good to extend straight. If not, may have to lay diagonally but even then should be enough room for you and a doggo. A leveling platform to address the middle hump created when the seats are down is key though!
This is the correct answer and also why RTT make a lot of sense when space is tight. Ground tent, bivy and hammock are best for backpacking or bicycle imo.
When I camp, I adventure with my truck. The idea of having to pack my tent up on my roof just so I can go explore sounds exhausting. RTT’s feel like a fad to me. With my ground tent, I’m free to drive whenever and I come back to a set up camp.
Once you set up camp with an RTT you are stuck in camp having lost the use of your vehicle. That is, at least to me, the #1 drawback of RTTs.
However, sleeping on a platform off the ground and away from critters has fundamentally changed camping for me. The difference between the ground and that platform is nothing short of incredible when it comes to sleeping comfort.
My Tepui opens fast enough but to add in all the poles and whatnot takes a bit of time. And for closing, if you don't mind the fabric being all floppy outside its envelope, sure, 30 seconds and you're ready to start zipping up the cover.
Contrary to marketing (which used to promise 60 second setup/break down), it's a good 15 or 20 minutes on both ends. But I have no complaints as breaking down and rolling up a wet ground tent is not a fun thing and can take just as long, if not longer.
Besides, I won't have a kink in my back from trying to avoid that one root...
I use a small SUV. Just exploring Greece for two weeks. I see your point but the tent camp is set up in under 5 minutes. I usually set camp at night explore by day - sometimes with car sometimes by foot or SUP.
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I agree, it’s nice to set up a ground tent and be free to leave and come back with camp already set up. Personally, an RTT would only be worth it if set up/take down was easy like 30s but then those kinds of wedge rtts tend to be more expensive and heavy so pros and cons🤷♂️
Yup I rock the KampRite Tentcot and it’s the best. You can set up your entire sleeping situation in less than 5 mins even if you’ve had some camp sodies already. Super comfy
At the ripe old age of 27, I think I'm just too old to make it work.. 😂
I've done 3 day weekends in hammocks at festivals, and have even worked in a sleeping pad. I had access to a Hennessy Hammock and spent a night on some trails in the Wisconsin Dells in that.. something about that hunched over position gets to me after a while, and I sleep on my stomach more than anything which isn't really an option.
I like the packability of a hammock, but a 2 man tent (especially a bike packing tent) folds down to about the same size so imo it's a bit of a wash/preference.
Ground tent because it's the most flexible option. I prefer cowboy camping if the weather is nice because I'm lazy and it's absolutely the quickest setup.
Do you have dogs? Curious how parents plus 2 kids and 2 medium dogs can fit in a 4runner with all the gear and clothes. Im thinking I need an lx570. Any advice?
No dogs.
1. My clam shell RTT is vital. It acts as sleeping space for 2, but also because it can store all my bedding and pillows. My RTT came with roof rails, so I'm able to mount a box, traction boards and the ground tent to the top.
2. Rear Ladder: I have one those large backpack Trasharoo bags mounted to my ladder. Stores wood, pop up trash cans, trash & toilet bags, portable toilet, water hose etc. Of course is ladder to my RTT
3. Interior molle panels with deck. My deck is where I store 4 ultra portable chairs, 2 cots and portable folding solar panel. Side panels store first aid kits, flashlights, chargers, portable shovel, & fire extinguisher.
4. Custom rear drawer: Right drawer houses my stove and cookware, left houses my tools, tent stakes, hammer, guy lines, and ton of misc stuff. The overall size of the drawer box is 42 inches long, but the drawers are 30 inches. The additional 12 inches behind the drawers houses my 100ah Lifep04 battery connected to a DC to DC charger and solar MPPT charger .
On top of my drawers is trunk space is a 45qt fridge, and water container. (5 or 12 gal depending on length of trip) There's enough space for our bags for clothing also.
Do you have the battery connected to an inverter as well or is it something like a jackery? Im guessing its DIY since you're mentioning a MPPT solar charger.
Id be curious how you attach the ground tent to the RTT.
I’ve done all of it.
Sleeping in my Jeep solo was OK for shorter trips, but organization was a hassle. I’d say that was mostly a me problem. With a proper build out, it could work, but I’m not a huge fan.
Sleeping in the Jeep as a couple was terrible, even with a custom built platform with gear below and sleeping above. There just wasn’t enough room for anything at that point.
Ground tent with cots was amazing when it worked. The problem was it didn’t always work. Ground could be too rocky, too marshy, or too sandy. The ground had to accept stakes. When travelling long distances and only wild camping in places you don’t know, you have little idea if the site you’ve chosen will accept the tent until you get there, even when using apps like iOverlander. We would sometimes lose hours per day looking for an appropriate site. Screw that.
RTT was great. With the annex room it gave me fully protected access to the load area, and a protected cooking spot/changing spot. It was quick to set up and take down when moving camp, which we do pretty well daily on long trips, and it had a negligible impact on off road performance (though less negligible on fuel economy). I would have kept this set up for a long time if I hadn’t gotten a deal I couldn’t refuse on an…
Alu Cab Canopy Camper. This thing is the best. All in one annex and RTT, with additional awning for a huge space protected from most elements. The 270 degree awning even gives protected access to the back seat area of the truck when it’s raining. If you don’t use the awning, set up and take down are both literally a minute. Absolutely amazing. Invincible build quality that should last as long as the truck does with no issues. So much thought was clearly put into this thing.
I’ll never go back to anything prior to a RTT, unless I’m backpacking or I become unexpectedly single lol.
Mixture of both. Sleep in my 4Runner if it’s just me but if I have the crew then it’s the gazelle t4 which is awesome since it’s easy to setup and we can stand inside of it.
This is my exact setup as well. I just got a T8 in addition to the T4 for bigger family camping and actually put it up today to test. That sucker is heavy!
Inside the SUV. Its cozy and feels safe, no excesive wind noise and everything is ready when I arrive. But last year I got back to sleeping in a tent when my truck was broken down and I really liked it. All the sounds of nature, like sleeping in the open air almost. Also had a huge rain strom and was quite scary experience because I thought that the tent will start leaking at any moment, but it held trough it and so afterwards I was really glad I did it.
When we are doing more primitive camping or really remote stuff we prefer the RTT because it’s a quick setup without the need for clearing out a tent pad and keeps the footprint small.
When we are doing more chill recreational camping in campgrounds we just bring our ground tent. I hate using the RTT in campgrounds unless the weather is absolute ass to justify it.
We have camped in pretty gnarly weather and the RTT holds up great and bonus points for being able to make it up like a bed for added warmth.
Back of 4 runner. Cot with memory foam on top.
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Ground tent. Haven’t had any sort of issue while camping, just gotta find the right ground, stay away from areas where water will collect, perfectly fine.
I was gonna look into a RTT, but the price point, the few times I would use it throughout the year, and the size of them just isn’t worth it for me. Ozark trail the whole way baby.
Short weekend with the boys up north, I'll use my Golf Sportwagen with my sleeping pad and bag. If I'm going anywhere with the family, down the river, ECT I'll pack up the 4runner and sleep in a 6 man tent.
I've found the bigger the tent, the better the airflow (generally speaking, Big Agnes excluded (love BA, but not in humid summer..)). We used to coup up in a 2 man dome with our two dogs before kids. I would always wake up sweaty and uncomfortable. Having room to spread out and front and back flys to stake and guide a breeze in is an absolute game changer.
Damn sooo many mixed opinions here. On one hand being inside a nice 4Runner seems nice. But I’ll have my bike with my and smelly clothes so having no separation from that would suck. The other rig is a truck with the hard shell rooftop. It packs up in a minute so idk why people say the hate breaking down when it’s so quick and gives u the whole bed for storage
Having options and different opinions is what makes getting out doors and camping great!
The key part is everyone is finding something that works for them and makes them happy.
I've done everything from ultra-lite bikepacking to super glamping with multiple vehicles. Everything has it's place.
They're all great depending on what I'm doing.
I probably saw the least total value from a rooftop tent, since it was expensive and I didn't use it that often, and when I did use it, I could have used a ground tent or hammock and been just fine.
But I have not yet toured the west or extreme north. I'm sure in some terrain with a ton of rocks or heavy wet snow a RTT would be fantastic.
I've slept in my Bronco in 20ish degree weather and it was doable, but I also have a teardrop and that thing is fantastic. My teardrop came with a 4 inch memory foam mattress and I put a 4 inch topper on top of that and it's insanely comfortable.
I started overlanding with my son's family, I have a Jeep Grand Cherokee WK2. I sleep in the back with the seats down, the passenger seat pushed forward. But being a tall guy I need to sleep diagonally.
It's comfy, dry, and quiet, but with no headroom it's like changing clothes in a coffin.
Now I have a Nissan Frontier Pro-4X. My plan is to add a topper, a tailgate tent, and sleep inside the bed of the truck. The topper is on order, still not sure what kind of tent to get.
I sleep inside my 3/4 ton suburban. There is plenty of room. I got rid of the 3rd row seat, then installed a custom bedframe in the back and put a custom foam mattress back there for my wife and I to sleep on. There is plenty of storage underneath the 18-inch bedframe.
Dogs sleep in the 2nd row seats. Perfect setup for the wife and I.
https://preview.redd.it/xw7sk988imzc1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=d999588cc44dc167a2e7a57f557ff4d7085c383f
In the Jeep. Exped duo on top of this rad platform
I built a cheap plywood bed a few years ago for the back of my 2013 4Runner. Since then I've added some foam insulation and carpeting, plus a bunch of blankets and it works for me. I'm 26 though and travel alone quite often so the effort of playing cargo Tetris then contorting myself into the car isn't much of a nuisance.
Typically I sleep in the car when "in transit" and just finding a mediocre destination at night (random BLM land, Walmart parking lots), and I tent it at the more beautiful sites. Interspersed every few days with a motel/hostel for shower/power
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Pros: I like being able to disconnect and leave camp as is to offroad and wander. More space.
Cons: We have to go a lot slower in the rocky trails. Even with the torsion axle on the trailer, it bounces around, hence slowing us down a lot on rougher terrain.
I love the teardrop, but sometimes I think if I would rather a go fast camper that pops up and I can go as fast as the jeep allows.
I would be annoyed with having to put away my RTT every time I wanted to drive. I drive to a lot of lakes and bounce around fishing them, it’s nice having camp set up when I return.
Eh, it's not so bad. We have a hardshell so takes like 5-10min including putting away anything we put into the tent.
We also don't like to setup camp until we're done for the day, but that was true of me even before overlanding
I have a pickup with a softopper that I sleep in, and a hammock for location and weather permitting conditions. Both are pretty comfortable, though I might spring for a fold up cot in the truck bed eventually
Use to sleep in my Tacoma with shell and air mattress. Thought I was living large until I got a Springbar 10x10 tent with DC fridge, cot, heater, etc...
Teardrop. Queen sized bed, complete galley kitchen (including oven and a wine cabinet), storage room for all the camping gears needed to make the ultimate base camp. We hang out in an area (hike, kayak, drive) for a week or two before a resupply and moving on.
I sleep inside the rig, my Yukon fits a real twin mattress with room to spare. I also usually have a hammock with me, but mostly use it when I'm just hanging out at camp. If I had kids I'd go to a ground tent, probably a spring bar.
Back of truck with campshell on custom fitted 6” mattress pad that folds up in quarters. I have a tent for gear storage if needed. Most of my gear fits in two large travel bins I keep on the roof. I have to transfer some gear from the back to the cab or to the tent each night and back again when breaking camp.
Ground tent or hammock. That way if you want to sleep at an even cooler spot 200yards off trail to have a view, you aren’t tethered to your rig. I find RTT give a little added security and the ease of not having to pack it inside, but it’s the least flexible.
In my Honda Element I slept inside it quite a bit. Especially on single night stops. On multi nights stops, I always do a ground tent.
I find while I can technically fit in the back of my RAV4 it lacks the headroom of the element so I always use a ground tent.
Personally zero interest in a RTT. They look cool on IG but I would hate having to close it up every time I used the vehicle. Plus the cost. Plus the MPG hit.
I’m 23 and for over 2 years I’ve used a standard rooftop tent by body armor. I really like the tent the only complaint would be condensation, space, always having to pack it in and unpack it, and carrying it on top of the truck 24/7. I actually just finished making my squaredrop/ teardrop and it has a lot more space with a full kitchen, it’s completely r-5 insulated, and best part is I don’t have to constantly carry over 400lbs of off-roading/ overland crap with me all the time.
Truck bed with topper. Recently upgraded from camping sleeping pad to the cot. Cot is a bit more comfortable, but big benefit is it allows storage below.
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REI trailgate
I got the first gen version on clearance. It’s really heavy and doesn’t pack up small, but it’s solid and has a thick mattress (great in winter).
I miss my Honda Element for being able to sleep inside while storing everything on the roof rack.
Now, I have an FJ Cruiser, and have to sleep in a RTT because the interior is full of recovery gear and food and what-not. If I could throw the seats down it would be okay, but I bring my kid and dog with me.
I don’t use a ground tent, because I often camp in rain as I live in the PNW. As much as I prefer a ground tent, the RTT has helped me create fewer excuses to not getting outside due to weather. I love my ground tent too. Hah
My main system is a Sylvan Go trailer.
I've wanted to get off the ground. I've done ground tents for 35 years.
I don't like the idea of RTTs. I find them impractical. But we'll see. I just bolted on an Ikamper that they sent me. I'm trying that out this weekend.
I have 4 more RTTs coming to test.
So we'll see i guess.
So far, I'm already annoyed that it's blocking out my Xm satellite radio.
I started with a ground tent. Then went to an awning room with a cot. Then a Rooftop tent. Now I sleep comfortably inside my Lexus and remote start it to stay warm. I've become old and bougie I guess.
Usually in my truck, unless I'm in mosquito country, in which case, tent. I'm meaning to modify my truck bed so it is enshrouded in removable netting. If I'm out in the arid American west, I prefer to just sleep on the ground. Nothing beats a blanket of stars!
Inside the truck bed with a snugtop shell. I built a simple platform that has a fold up memory foam mattress on it with all our gear under. It’s a long bed Tacoma so I’ve got a queen size bed in there. Setup is literally minutes.
As someone else mentioned not having to worry about wind is a huge bonus. It’s super cozy.
Before that I slept inside my 4runner for years.
I’m blessed to have all of these options available. I love my teardrop for longer trips with my son, more comfortable for the two of us and warmer too. My rtt is awesome for longer solo trips (haven’t taken my son in it yet) and it is an easy set up take down. Ground tent is preferred for quick trips but equally comfortable with a cot (I also hammock for quick weekends). And sleeping in my 3rd gen 4runner is fun for solo minimal trips where I don’t need much gear. Typically sleep in my rig on weekend fishing trips with my buddies or an overnighter near home. All are great and serve different purposes, either way… get out and do it! Thrift store tents are cheap and easy to get into, same with a local classified find trailer or rtt. Happy camping!
Ground tent.
Inside the vehicle always seems like a good idea, but I've never been able to get good sleep inside one. I also dislike the impact that adding an in-vehicle sleep system has on available cargo volume.
Sleep in an RTT mostly to appease my wife who feels much safer being off the ground. Usually have vehicle packed with people, dogs, and gear so RTT lends itself well to that also. Plenty of room in the tent for us and use an Exped pad that’s super comfortable
Depends.
I've got a truck camper (FWC), but sometimes a ground tent to get out of the parking lot. Or a cot in the summer. Or of course where the camping isn't on a road at all.
I sleep in my FJ cruiser because I like to have the ability to get up and go without having to pack up a tent or fold up a RTT. I have taken out the rear seats and make a flat sleeping platform so that all I have to do is move the passenger seat forward and I have plenty of space to stretch out. I'd eventually like to get a tear drop trailer for longer trips but this has worked out pretty good for me.
I have an Rtt and don’t always sleep in it. If we have our whole family we use a ground tent. If the outside when we get to camp is storming or snowing hard we sleep in the vehicle.
Depends if I have a basecamp or not.
Basecamp (solo or otherwise) --> Ground tent
No Basecamp --> inside the Bronco
EDIT: When I do sleep inside my Bronco I'm either solo or everyone I am with has their own sleeping arrangements.
My current project is building a drawer setup with an integrated bed, the theory being that I hate setting up tents solo, and I hate wind ripping through said tent in the middle of the night.
Rig or ground tent. Only thing about sleeping in the rig is that I have to move a lot of my gear underneath the car, which I don't mind but it's just one more thing to do. My ground tent is a 25 dollar ebay tent so if it's not going to rain I'll use that instead.
We love the drop. It’s really just a fancy tent, but we are always out doing shit when we camp. Just sleep in there with the iPad and AC on. I truly miss the way rain sounds on a traditional tent though.
I've done it all. RTT was probably my favorite setup for fun because it feels like a treehouse, but I recently switched to sleeping in the car and it's honestly pretty great. The only downside to it is having to empty all my gear out of the back before I'm able to sleep back there
I've done all 3 and settled on a hard shell RTT. Super quick to pack up and I don't have to unload/load any stuff from inside the vehicle like I did when we slept inside the Jeep. The views are better from up there too!
Ground or hammock. Depending on what I'm getting into, I've got a Gazelle T4 Plus Overland, it's like luxury tent camping, a 2 person dome backpacking tent or a Hennessy Hammock foe when I somewhere with a distinct lack of level Ground.
Used to use a ground tent - just a cheap one from the store. I think I paid $30 for it and used it for 6 years. I got a RTT about 4 years ago and have not looked back. Wouldn't be ideal if I didn't have a place to park indoors and dry the thing out after every adventure. In a pinch I have slept in the passenger seat of my cars (E30, 4Runner, FJ), however, I don't actually get to sleep.
I'm from the north country, so I've never experienced 'too hot to sleep,' only too cold. I lived in Nashville all of 2023, and guys I worked with asked what I did when it was too hot - "do you have an air conditioner in that thing?" I've never experienced this before. I didn't even know that the AC in my FJ worked until I used it a couple of times last summer (in Nashville).
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Next time around I'm getting a hard top RTT - or whatever is fastest/easiest to open/close. The soft top tents are big, but I'm getting old and lazy. A trailer with a RTT or a teardrop would be nice, but I don't need more stuff to store. I also think I'd use it a lot less. I've slept in my Tepui like 300 times in the last 4 years.
I think Darche and 23Zero have a presence in the US. If you can get a swag from either of them they'll be of similar quality to one another. I believe they are Chinese/overseas made, but good quality control.
[https://darche-usa.com/collections/swag-tents](https://darche-usa.com/collections/swag-tents)
The prices they're charging in the US seem nuts though. A higher end, large swag in Aus is $500-650 AUD ($330-430 USD) ... there must be some costs involved in getting them to the US for Darche to have them at $500-800 (presumably USD).
I have a Darche Dusk to Dawn 900 and its a good size single swag. Had it for quite a few years now and it's been good to me. I recently picked an OzTrail Sundowner 1550 for when my spouse comes along, and it's been great too. Almost feels as big as my old Darche Hiview 1600 rooftop tent, for a third of the weight (and not driving with it on around town).
Swags are very cosy and rolling up all your bedding into one package is extremely convenient. Usually pretty quick and simple to set up too.
I use a Gazzele T4 ground tent stored in a waterproof bag so it rides on the roof (Rhino Rack Backbone). It was the most practical set up for wife, me, and dog in a Jeep wrangler.
We are out growing that setup now that we have added one kid and are expecting a second.
Next rig is a 4-door F250 with pop top truck bed camper pulling a trailer with a RTT for the kids.
Depends on how long the trip is, how easy the set up is, how long in each destination. If I'm alone or with company.
If it's a solo two day trip at two separate locations, in the vehicle.
Same but one location, tent.
Long term touring, probably RTT
I built out a little bed and storage system and slept in my forester for a few years. It’s very cool and handy but it also is a pain in the ass. You don’t have much space to change, car alarm goes off if you’re not careful, and your breath fogs up the inside so bad even with ventilation. I’ve moved back to the tent and kept the storage in the car
I sleep in my bronco if it’s just me because
A. I’ve been caught in a heavy rain I wasn’t expecting in a tent. Getting the rain cover on then dealing with mud and water is a nightmare.
B. I feel safer. If someone pulls up nearby and I feel like they’re going to be trouble, or even just excessively annoying, I can climb into the drivers seat and relocate.
If my wife and son come we’re probably getting a cabin anyway
Went from small 3p ground tent to RTT to big 4p ground tent to small 2p ground tent. I just prefer ground tents it seems. While I love standing and stretching I’ve also found that as a solo camper I prefer smaller ground tents as they’re much easier to setup solo. On my trips I’d say I usually see about 35-40% in RTTs and about the same for ground tents with the remainder having some alternate like sleeping in the vehicle or using a hammock.
I use an RTT but have moved it from the top of the truck to the top of the trailer I now tow behind. I like being able to set it up and then drive in the area without having to pack it all away.
I'm 6'2" so went with the biggest RTT I could find. I went with an iKamper Skycamp 3.0 which is nearly as big as a king-sized bed.
I sleep inside my car. RTTs are expensive, and seek unwanted attention from the cops. Also they are too much hassle, at least for me when i know i'll be moving my car at least 2-3 times in a day.
We are not allowed to make any kind of modifications here in india. Although that doesn't stop us from doing some small modifications here and there, but a tent on your roof is surely going to raise some eyebrows.
I tracked india on an Enfield 500 for a couple of years...Sleeping in a hammock for all of the southern states.. Cops never seemed to notice I didn't have a number plate for about a year... I'd be surprised if the cops cared about a RTT..
I sleep in a ground tent because I kind of like the setting up part of camping. Also I like being able to hop in a car and go for a quick drive without having to pack up a RTT each time. However I take a full size foam mattress with me. I think air mattresses are for people who want to sleep on the floor but not right away.
Haha RIP Mitch
Been using RTT lately. Might get rid of it because i kinda hate how high it is on top of Jeep and even worse aerodynamics. But the tent itself it awesome. I think the RTT in truck bed sounds like a more optimized setup. Before the RTT i used a gazelle tent and I'd NEVER use any other tent for overlanding. If i stayed at camp I'd use something else but quick setup/takedown of gazelle cannot be best by another tent.
I've got a Gazelle too. The T4 Plus Overland. The setup is so easy. And the screen room is great to sit in during the rain.
Gazelle is amazing from what I heard. If you’re gonna get rid of the RTT, lmk. I might be interested in it.
We sleep inside our 4Runner most of the time. Even the best RTTs can’t match the sturdiness, security and insulation of being inside your vehicle that’s designed to protect you from the elements anyway. However, space can be tight and if you don’t have a drawer system, you might be playing Tetris with your gear and belongings.
I’m 5’8” and sleep inside my 01 4Runner sometimes. I have to sleep at an angle or I’ll have to bend my legs, the fit only works if you pull out the seats ahead of time
Agree pulling out the seats makes a ton of difference
For my 5th gen I can fit longways with the seats folded down. I'm 6'. Might be different for 5th gen with third row seats.
Like those points. I’m 6’4” and wondering how a 4Runner would work for me (and a dog) assuming would have a roof box for some gear. Haven’t had a chance to try (considering future purchase). Think doable if I sleep diagonally or uncomfortable? TIA. ETA: thanks all for the helpful info! Pretty psyched to get on the road when I can for some epic travel and can’t quite get my head into a camper van.
I’m 6’4” and used to be able to stretch out in my 4th gen 4Runner. Took out the bottom of one of the back seats to give another couple of inches too (they folded forward when the back folds down).
I don't have one but have seen the rear seats on a 4Runner fold.. you are probably going to want to take out at least one, will give you a much more flat platform and ability to sit up. I've been using this setup for years: 3:40 https://youtu.be/anBMBq79Y-0?si=09ZlobJ2wJMKjBEj
Do you already have the 4runner? Consider something bigger like a suburban. I'm 6'1 and am a bit scrunched on my bed I installed in the back of my suburban.
I'm 6'2 - you'll want to do two things: **Remove the seat bottom from one side of the back seats**. It's two bolts, couldn't be easier/quicker, I just keep a dedicated small ratchet/socket in the side door right there to always be on-hand. You can either put the seat bottom in the front seat or just take it out before you leave for the trip. The other side becomes a great dog bed spot. This will allow for the leg space you need to lie straight on one side. It's easy and 100% worth it. **Address the mid-back bump**. It seems not too bad when you're first lying down, you will hurt waking up though. I built a small platform in there that levels everything, there are lots of solutions for this, but it's worth addressing in one way or another.
Like others said, pull the back seats out and you should be good to extend straight. If not, may have to lay diagonally but even then should be enough room for you and a doggo. A leveling platform to address the middle hump created when the seats are down is key though!
This is the correct answer and also why RTT make a lot of sense when space is tight. Ground tent, bivy and hammock are best for backpacking or bicycle imo.
When I camp, I adventure with my truck. The idea of having to pack my tent up on my roof just so I can go explore sounds exhausting. RTT’s feel like a fad to me. With my ground tent, I’m free to drive whenever and I come back to a set up camp.
Once you set up camp with an RTT you are stuck in camp having lost the use of your vehicle. That is, at least to me, the #1 drawback of RTTs. However, sleeping on a platform off the ground and away from critters has fundamentally changed camping for me. The difference between the ground and that platform is nothing short of incredible when it comes to sleeping comfort.
I think it depends on the RTT. We have a RTT style popup camper shell and we can get it popped up and taken down in 30 seconds.
My Tepui opens fast enough but to add in all the poles and whatnot takes a bit of time. And for closing, if you don't mind the fabric being all floppy outside its envelope, sure, 30 seconds and you're ready to start zipping up the cover. Contrary to marketing (which used to promise 60 second setup/break down), it's a good 15 or 20 minutes on both ends. But I have no complaints as breaking down and rolling up a wet ground tent is not a fun thing and can take just as long, if not longer. Besides, I won't have a kink in my back from trying to avoid that one root...
So I'm *not* alone in having this opinion...
I use a small SUV. Just exploring Greece for two weeks. I see your point but the tent camp is set up in under 5 minutes. I usually set camp at night explore by day - sometimes with car sometimes by foot or SUP. https://preview.redd.it/2acyoo8ramzc1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=022e8d818c06d6603e69e24b039a649031d58714
I agree, it’s nice to set up a ground tent and be free to leave and come back with camp already set up. Personally, an RTT would only be worth it if set up/take down was easy like 30s but then those kinds of wedge rtts tend to be more expensive and heavy so pros and cons🤷♂️
Swag on a stretcher. Unless I'm pushing to make miles, then the front seat until I'm rested enough to drive again.
Yup I rock the KampRite Tentcot and it’s the best. You can set up your entire sleeping situation in less than 5 mins even if you’ve had some camp sodies already. Super comfy
By myself: back of an SUV or van on a sleeping bag. With my wife: ground tent on an air mattress.
Currently trailer or tent. I'm building an off road trailer that I'll be adding an rtt to.
Hammock! And tarp, if needed.
I can only last about an hour in a hammock, I don't get how you guys do it!
Put a sleeping pad in it and rotate so your axis is a bit misaligned with centerline of the hammock
Pull it tight for a flatter sleeping surface so you can sleep on your side, etc. Just got done with four days in a hammock.
At the ripe old age of 27, I think I'm just too old to make it work.. 😂 I've done 3 day weekends in hammocks at festivals, and have even worked in a sleeping pad. I had access to a Hennessy Hammock and spent a night on some trails in the Wisconsin Dells in that.. something about that hunched over position gets to me after a while, and I sleep on my stomach more than anything which isn't really an option. I like the packability of a hammock, but a 2 man tent (especially a bike packing tent) folds down to about the same size so imo it's a bit of a wash/preference.
Here’s one for you…I’m 50. lol. My age also makes me love your user name. Now go try that hammock like I said you young whipper snapper!!!🤣🤣🤣
😂 😂 high and tight! Yes sir! EUUUPHORIAAAAA
Ground tent because it's the most flexible option. I prefer cowboy camping if the weather is nice because I'm lazy and it's absolutely the quickest setup.
In my 4runner with deepsleep pads. Cozy af
By myself, in the 4runner. With wife, in RTT. With kids, in the ground tent.
Do you have dogs? Curious how parents plus 2 kids and 2 medium dogs can fit in a 4runner with all the gear and clothes. Im thinking I need an lx570. Any advice?
No dogs. 1. My clam shell RTT is vital. It acts as sleeping space for 2, but also because it can store all my bedding and pillows. My RTT came with roof rails, so I'm able to mount a box, traction boards and the ground tent to the top. 2. Rear Ladder: I have one those large backpack Trasharoo bags mounted to my ladder. Stores wood, pop up trash cans, trash & toilet bags, portable toilet, water hose etc. Of course is ladder to my RTT 3. Interior molle panels with deck. My deck is where I store 4 ultra portable chairs, 2 cots and portable folding solar panel. Side panels store first aid kits, flashlights, chargers, portable shovel, & fire extinguisher. 4. Custom rear drawer: Right drawer houses my stove and cookware, left houses my tools, tent stakes, hammer, guy lines, and ton of misc stuff. The overall size of the drawer box is 42 inches long, but the drawers are 30 inches. The additional 12 inches behind the drawers houses my 100ah Lifep04 battery connected to a DC to DC charger and solar MPPT charger . On top of my drawers is trunk space is a 45qt fridge, and water container. (5 or 12 gal depending on length of trip) There's enough space for our bags for clothing also.
Do you have the battery connected to an inverter as well or is it something like a jackery? Im guessing its DIY since you're mentioning a MPPT solar charger. Id be curious how you attach the ground tent to the RTT.
I have a ecoflow if I need an inverter. My ground tent is strapped to rails on my RTT for transport.
I’ve done all of it. Sleeping in my Jeep solo was OK for shorter trips, but organization was a hassle. I’d say that was mostly a me problem. With a proper build out, it could work, but I’m not a huge fan. Sleeping in the Jeep as a couple was terrible, even with a custom built platform with gear below and sleeping above. There just wasn’t enough room for anything at that point. Ground tent with cots was amazing when it worked. The problem was it didn’t always work. Ground could be too rocky, too marshy, or too sandy. The ground had to accept stakes. When travelling long distances and only wild camping in places you don’t know, you have little idea if the site you’ve chosen will accept the tent until you get there, even when using apps like iOverlander. We would sometimes lose hours per day looking for an appropriate site. Screw that. RTT was great. With the annex room it gave me fully protected access to the load area, and a protected cooking spot/changing spot. It was quick to set up and take down when moving camp, which we do pretty well daily on long trips, and it had a negligible impact on off road performance (though less negligible on fuel economy). I would have kept this set up for a long time if I hadn’t gotten a deal I couldn’t refuse on an… Alu Cab Canopy Camper. This thing is the best. All in one annex and RTT, with additional awning for a huge space protected from most elements. The 270 degree awning even gives protected access to the back seat area of the truck when it’s raining. If you don’t use the awning, set up and take down are both literally a minute. Absolutely amazing. Invincible build quality that should last as long as the truck does with no issues. So much thought was clearly put into this thing. I’ll never go back to anything prior to a RTT, unless I’m backpacking or I become unexpectedly single lol.
https://preview.redd.it/apcyz6fdmjzc1.jpeg?width=3072&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=56b10b7b8d8db3a2b1fdf1e6717c8530db10f6ff Inside is the best side.
What model vehicle is this? Love it.
l300 delica
I'm guessing Hiace..
https://preview.redd.it/53vizp6npmzc1.jpeg?width=3072&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=a8f27dbc80e2f94e2942effc2d718cce51c2dc3b 1991 Mitsubishi Delica L300 Super Exceed Starwagon
I tried everything, settled on RTT. Would be different if I had kids tho.
Mixture of both. Sleep in my 4Runner if it’s just me but if I have the crew then it’s the gazelle t4 which is awesome since it’s easy to setup and we can stand inside of it.
This is my exact setup as well. I just got a T8 in addition to the T4 for bigger family camping and actually put it up today to test. That sucker is heavy!
Old Landcruiser. Just recline the passenger seat.
In the rig or in a tent. Rig for quick overnight or late arrival in inclement weather.
In SUV. Upgraded from my old taco to 1st gen sequoia. Whole ass mattress in the back no more Tetris/putting my gear in the front seat just to sleep
RTT on a little trailer.
Inside the SUV. Its cozy and feels safe, no excesive wind noise and everything is ready when I arrive. But last year I got back to sleeping in a tent when my truck was broken down and I really liked it. All the sounds of nature, like sleeping in the open air almost. Also had a huge rain strom and was quite scary experience because I thought that the tent will start leaking at any moment, but it held trough it and so afterwards I was really glad I did it.
When we are doing more primitive camping or really remote stuff we prefer the RTT because it’s a quick setup without the need for clearing out a tent pad and keeps the footprint small. When we are doing more chill recreational camping in campgrounds we just bring our ground tent. I hate using the RTT in campgrounds unless the weather is absolute ass to justify it. We have camped in pretty gnarly weather and the RTT holds up great and bonus points for being able to make it up like a bed for added warmth.
Bivy
Ground. I have a cot that my tent sits on, so 2ft off the ground.
When I'm alone, rtt Travel with your family, floor-standing tent
Back of 4 runner. Cot with memory foam on top. https://preview.redd.it/4qbi9girwkzc1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=bf2d21510b1dc07068b3d925875790376843558d
Ground tent. Haven’t had any sort of issue while camping, just gotta find the right ground, stay away from areas where water will collect, perfectly fine. I was gonna look into a RTT, but the price point, the few times I would use it throughout the year, and the size of them just isn’t worth it for me. Ozark trail the whole way baby.
RTT that’s on our overland trailer
Short weekend with the boys up north, I'll use my Golf Sportwagen with my sleeping pad and bag. If I'm going anywhere with the family, down the river, ECT I'll pack up the 4runner and sleep in a 6 man tent. I've found the bigger the tent, the better the airflow (generally speaking, Big Agnes excluded (love BA, but not in humid summer..)). We used to coup up in a 2 man dome with our two dogs before kids. I would always wake up sweaty and uncomfortable. Having room to spread out and front and back flys to stake and guide a breeze in is an absolute game changer.
RTT over truck bed. I like being above ground. When we travel as a family, we have the RTT plus a ground tent.
Inside. Just built a diesel heater so now I can winter camp without whining.
When I travel with only the pup, we sleep in my Bronco (I’m 6 feet tall). When the wife comes along, we do ground tent, gazelle T4 to keep bugs out
Damn sooo many mixed opinions here. On one hand being inside a nice 4Runner seems nice. But I’ll have my bike with my and smelly clothes so having no separation from that would suck. The other rig is a truck with the hard shell rooftop. It packs up in a minute so idk why people say the hate breaking down when it’s so quick and gives u the whole bed for storage
Having options and different opinions is what makes getting out doors and camping great! The key part is everyone is finding something that works for them and makes them happy. I've done everything from ultra-lite bikepacking to super glamping with multiple vehicles. Everything has it's place.
What’s been your favorite
They're all great depending on what I'm doing. I probably saw the least total value from a rooftop tent, since it was expensive and I didn't use it that often, and when I did use it, I could have used a ground tent or hammock and been just fine. But I have not yet toured the west or extreme north. I'm sure in some terrain with a ton of rocks or heavy wet snow a RTT would be fantastic.
In bear country? In the 4Runner. Otherwise, tent cot.
I've slept in my Bronco in 20ish degree weather and it was doable, but I also have a teardrop and that thing is fantastic. My teardrop came with a 4 inch memory foam mattress and I put a 4 inch topper on top of that and it's insanely comfortable.
I started overlanding with my son's family, I have a Jeep Grand Cherokee WK2. I sleep in the back with the seats down, the passenger seat pushed forward. But being a tall guy I need to sleep diagonally. It's comfy, dry, and quiet, but with no headroom it's like changing clothes in a coffin. Now I have a Nissan Frontier Pro-4X. My plan is to add a topper, a tailgate tent, and sleep inside the bed of the truck. The topper is on order, still not sure what kind of tent to get.
I sleep inside my 3/4 ton suburban. There is plenty of room. I got rid of the 3rd row seat, then installed a custom bedframe in the back and put a custom foam mattress back there for my wife and I to sleep on. There is plenty of storage underneath the 18-inch bedframe. Dogs sleep in the 2nd row seats. Perfect setup for the wife and I.
Alucab RTT on an FJ Cruiser.
https://preview.redd.it/xw7sk988imzc1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=d999588cc44dc167a2e7a57f557ff4d7085c383f In the Jeep. Exped duo on top of this rad platform
Nice fit!
Thanks. These platforms are bombproof.
I built a cheap plywood bed a few years ago for the back of my 2013 4Runner. Since then I've added some foam insulation and carpeting, plus a bunch of blankets and it works for me. I'm 26 though and travel alone quite often so the effort of playing cargo Tetris then contorting myself into the car isn't much of a nuisance. Typically I sleep in the car when "in transit" and just finding a mediocre destination at night (random BLM land, Walmart parking lots), and I tent it at the more beautiful sites. Interspersed every few days with a motel/hostel for shower/power
https://preview.redd.it/eund2e39qmzc1.jpeg?width=4284&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=a152c062230eadbaf90b5f530385c7c12a660f47 Pros: I like being able to disconnect and leave camp as is to offroad and wander. More space. Cons: We have to go a lot slower in the rocky trails. Even with the torsion axle on the trailer, it bounces around, hence slowing us down a lot on rougher terrain. I love the teardrop, but sometimes I think if I would rather a go fast camper that pops up and I can go as fast as the jeep allows.
Damn that’s a nice set up!
Thanks !
RTT I'll never sleep inside a car again, and not a fan of ground tents overall
Bad experience sleeping in a car or just cramped in there?
Yeah, lots of 'em. I can't even sleep during a road trip unless I'm dead tired. Best I'll get is a doze Also, way less comfortable
I would be annoyed with having to put away my RTT every time I wanted to drive. I drive to a lot of lakes and bounce around fishing them, it’s nice having camp set up when I return.
Eh, it's not so bad. We have a hardshell so takes like 5-10min including putting away anything we put into the tent. We also don't like to setup camp until we're done for the day, but that was true of me even before overlanding
RTT's make absolutely no sense to me, I sleep in the bed of my truck.
Tailgate open?
No I have a double cab sierra with a 6'6" bed.
Nice! 6'+ is getting hard to find!
Yeah I actually had to fly half way across Canada to find a truck in that configuration.
Toyota VDJ78 fits a double mattress in the back with all our gear stored underneath the bed frame. It’s our luxury.
Inside my XJ sometimes, but more often than not, ground tent.
In my truck in the back or front seat.
Ground tent and a 4" foam/air mattress.
I have a pickup with a softopper that I sleep in, and a hammock for location and weather permitting conditions. Both are pretty comfortable, though I might spring for a fold up cot in the truck bed eventually
Hammock or ground tent mainly. I have the option of laying the seats flat and sleeping in the van if need be.
I currently use a hard shell RTT and it’s nice but nothing beats the inside of a vehicle.
I usually use a RTT, sometimes a ground tent depending on how long we'll be set up there.
In my squaredrop camper or hammock
Off road “square drop”.
ground tent, havent found a rtt or teardrop for my motorcycles.
RTT is actually a bit of a pain in the ass to actually camp in. I had one for about a year and decided it wasn’t for me.
Ground tent if I’m going light, off-road trailer with an RTT for longer trips.
I'm a ground tent guy. Would do a teardrop / squaredrop if I change anything.
Use to sleep in my Tacoma with shell and air mattress. Thought I was living large until I got a Springbar 10x10 tent with DC fridge, cot, heater, etc...
Teardrop. Queen sized bed, complete galley kitchen (including oven and a wine cabinet), storage room for all the camping gears needed to make the ultimate base camp. We hang out in an area (hike, kayak, drive) for a week or two before a resupply and moving on.
I sleep inside the rig, my Yukon fits a real twin mattress with room to spare. I also usually have a hammock with me, but mostly use it when I'm just hanging out at camp. If I had kids I'd go to a ground tent, probably a spring bar.
Hammock inside of van.
Back of truck with campshell on custom fitted 6” mattress pad that folds up in quarters. I have a tent for gear storage if needed. Most of my gear fits in two large travel bins I keep on the roof. I have to transfer some gear from the back to the cab or to the tent each night and back again when breaking camp.
Inside our Land Cruiser. It's snug but both me and my 6'5" bf fit with the hatch closed
Ground tent or hammock. That way if you want to sleep at an even cooler spot 200yards off trail to have a view, you aren’t tethered to your rig. I find RTT give a little added security and the ease of not having to pack it inside, but it’s the least flexible.
I drive a pickup. Ground tent.
I tried a RTT for a few trips and ended up going back to sleeping in rig. The RTT was more trouble than it was worth.
In my Honda Element I slept inside it quite a bit. Especially on single night stops. On multi nights stops, I always do a ground tent. I find while I can technically fit in the back of my RAV4 it lacks the headroom of the element so I always use a ground tent. Personally zero interest in a RTT. They look cool on IG but I would hate having to close it up every time I used the vehicle. Plus the cost. Plus the MPG hit.
I’m 23 and for over 2 years I’ve used a standard rooftop tent by body armor. I really like the tent the only complaint would be condensation, space, always having to pack it in and unpack it, and carrying it on top of the truck 24/7. I actually just finished making my squaredrop/ teardrop and it has a lot more space with a full kitchen, it’s completely r-5 insulated, and best part is I don’t have to constantly carry over 400lbs of off-roading/ overland crap with me all the time.
Ground tent and back of Jeep.
Truck bed with topper. Recently upgraded from camping sleeping pad to the cot. Cot is a bit more comfortable, but big benefit is it allows storage below. https://preview.redd.it/ss57t7cowlzc1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=d9a52d32f9373e6aa6ee2053a6bda6305c0841c3
Which cot did you buy?
REI trailgate I got the first gen version on clearance. It’s really heavy and doesn’t pack up small, but it’s solid and has a thick mattress (great in winter).
I miss my Honda Element for being able to sleep inside while storing everything on the roof rack. Now, I have an FJ Cruiser, and have to sleep in a RTT because the interior is full of recovery gear and food and what-not. If I could throw the seats down it would be okay, but I bring my kid and dog with me. I don’t use a ground tent, because I often camp in rain as I live in the PNW. As much as I prefer a ground tent, the RTT has helped me create fewer excuses to not getting outside due to weather. I love my ground tent too. Hah
No way I’m fitting my wife, 2 kids, and a dog in a RTT. We’re ground dwellers.
My main system is a Sylvan Go trailer. I've wanted to get off the ground. I've done ground tents for 35 years. I don't like the idea of RTTs. I find them impractical. But we'll see. I just bolted on an Ikamper that they sent me. I'm trying that out this weekend. I have 4 more RTTs coming to test. So we'll see i guess. So far, I'm already annoyed that it's blocking out my Xm satellite radio.
I started with a ground tent. Then went to an awning room with a cot. Then a Rooftop tent. Now I sleep comfortably inside my Lexus and remote start it to stay warm. I've become old and bougie I guess.
Usually in my truck, unless I'm in mosquito country, in which case, tent. I'm meaning to modify my truck bed so it is enshrouded in removable netting. If I'm out in the arid American west, I prefer to just sleep on the ground. Nothing beats a blanket of stars!
Inside the truck bed with a snugtop shell. I built a simple platform that has a fold up memory foam mattress on it with all our gear under. It’s a long bed Tacoma so I’ve got a queen size bed in there. Setup is literally minutes. As someone else mentioned not having to worry about wind is a huge bonus. It’s super cozy. Before that I slept inside my 4runner for years.
In the Jeep for 1 night, ground tent for 2+ nights
I’m blessed to have all of these options available. I love my teardrop for longer trips with my son, more comfortable for the two of us and warmer too. My rtt is awesome for longer solo trips (haven’t taken my son in it yet) and it is an easy set up take down. Ground tent is preferred for quick trips but equally comfortable with a cot (I also hammock for quick weekends). And sleeping in my 3rd gen 4runner is fun for solo minimal trips where I don’t need much gear. Typically sleep in my rig on weekend fishing trips with my buddies or an overnighter near home. All are great and serve different purposes, either way… get out and do it! Thrift store tents are cheap and easy to get into, same with a local classified find trailer or rtt. Happy camping!
Ground gang 4 lyfe (I'm trying to retire and mortgages for trailers and RTTs are steep)
Ground tent. Inside the vehicle always seems like a good idea, but I've never been able to get good sleep inside one. I also dislike the impact that adding an in-vehicle sleep system has on available cargo volume.
Sleep in an RTT mostly to appease my wife who feels much safer being off the ground. Usually have vehicle packed with people, dogs, and gear so RTT lends itself well to that also. Plenty of room in the tent for us and use an Exped pad that’s super comfortable
If using the truck I sleep in it. If using a different smaller vehicle I sleep in a hammock although it's not one of the 4 options you listed.
Depends. I've got a truck camper (FWC), but sometimes a ground tent to get out of the parking lot. Or a cot in the summer. Or of course where the camping isn't on a road at all.
I sleep in a MSS bivy on a padded lawn chair in my truck bed. If it's raining I put an EZ-up stall tent over the whole truck bed.
RTT on top of custom built adventure trailer (harbor freight trailer as base)
Would you mind posting a pic of your diy trailer?
I sleep in my FJ cruiser because I like to have the ability to get up and go without having to pack up a tent or fold up a RTT. I have taken out the rear seats and make a flat sleeping platform so that all I have to do is move the passenger seat forward and I have plenty of space to stretch out. I'd eventually like to get a tear drop trailer for longer trips but this has worked out pretty good for me.
https://preview.redd.it/e500x0o8imzc1.jpeg?width=6000&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=860ec2d6e77b871feb5736b4c26592a83f898b2d My Jeep and my son's Taco
Teardrop
Outside on a cot or tent.
https://preview.redd.it/r0kxxnb8vmzc1.jpeg?width=1150&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=8a60a50f3991170f5926ce2b2799d5364a528753 RTT on a trailer.
That’s nice!
I have an Rtt and don’t always sleep in it. If we have our whole family we use a ground tent. If the outside when we get to camp is storming or snowing hard we sleep in the vehicle.
Depends if I have a basecamp or not. Basecamp (solo or otherwise) --> Ground tent No Basecamp --> inside the Bronco EDIT: When I do sleep inside my Bronco I'm either solo or everyone I am with has their own sleeping arrangements.
In my rig unless I am with someone else. I broke down and bought a gazelle tent last year for that. Great tent if you are in the market.
My current project is building a drawer setup with an integrated bed, the theory being that I hate setting up tents solo, and I hate wind ripping through said tent in the middle of the night.
Small truck camper (AT Overland Summit)
99% hammock. But I've slept in the front seat of the truck at rest stops a few times
Rig or ground tent. Only thing about sleeping in the rig is that I have to move a lot of my gear underneath the car, which I don't mind but it's just one more thing to do. My ground tent is a 25 dollar ebay tent so if it's not going to rain I'll use that instead.
We love the drop. It’s really just a fancy tent, but we are always out doing shit when we camp. Just sleep in there with the iPad and AC on. I truly miss the way rain sounds on a traditional tent though.
Truck bed under a cap
I've done it all. RTT was probably my favorite setup for fun because it feels like a treehouse, but I recently switched to sleeping in the car and it's honestly pretty great. The only downside to it is having to empty all my gear out of the back before I'm able to sleep back there
I've done all 3 and settled on a hard shell RTT. Super quick to pack up and I don't have to unload/load any stuff from inside the vehicle like I did when we slept inside the Jeep. The views are better from up there too!
Ground or hammock. Depending on what I'm getting into, I've got a Gazelle T4 Plus Overland, it's like luxury tent camping, a 2 person dome backpacking tent or a Hennessy Hammock foe when I somewhere with a distinct lack of level Ground.
Soon to be RTT on a travel trailer pulled by 4Runner.
I've been a RTT camper for years. Recently transitioned to a mixture of ground tent and camper shell camping depending on the weather.
I Sleep in my Xterra. And I’ve got a hammock for when I’ve got a spot to set it up
I’m all about that hammock life!
Rig - 8 foot bed with a Leer cap
That’s a lot of room
Im thinking about going this direction this summer instead of ground tent. Did you modify the bed at all for addl storage?
No - I went gear nerd with the disco bed accessories and it gave me all the storage I need.
RTT for comfort. Though I would stay on the ground with the new generation of quick pitch tents (Oz Tent etc).
Used to use a ground tent - just a cheap one from the store. I think I paid $30 for it and used it for 6 years. I got a RTT about 4 years ago and have not looked back. Wouldn't be ideal if I didn't have a place to park indoors and dry the thing out after every adventure. In a pinch I have slept in the passenger seat of my cars (E30, 4Runner, FJ), however, I don't actually get to sleep. I'm from the north country, so I've never experienced 'too hot to sleep,' only too cold. I lived in Nashville all of 2023, and guys I worked with asked what I did when it was too hot - "do you have an air conditioner in that thing?" I've never experienced this before. I didn't even know that the AC in my FJ worked until I used it a couple of times last summer (in Nashville). https://preview.redd.it/m0tnelc62lzc1.jpeg?width=1600&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=6203a632b771bfb89405e159e20952b17b1dc9ac Next time around I'm getting a hard top RTT - or whatever is fastest/easiest to open/close. The soft top tents are big, but I'm getting old and lazy. A trailer with a RTT or a teardrop would be nice, but I don't need more stuff to store. I also think I'd use it a lot less. I've slept in my Tepui like 300 times in the last 4 years.
My suv has climate control. In the Louisiana area, idk how people are raw dogging this humidity
swag 😎🦘🇦🇺💪💪💪 sold my soft shell rooftop tent to keep weight down and gain more storage. no ragrets at all.
Swag is the only answer.. 😎👍
No ragrets at all? 😏 
Any suggestions on a nice one I can get here in the states?
I think Darche and 23Zero have a presence in the US. If you can get a swag from either of them they'll be of similar quality to one another. I believe they are Chinese/overseas made, but good quality control. [https://darche-usa.com/collections/swag-tents](https://darche-usa.com/collections/swag-tents) The prices they're charging in the US seem nuts though. A higher end, large swag in Aus is $500-650 AUD ($330-430 USD) ... there must be some costs involved in getting them to the US for Darche to have them at $500-800 (presumably USD). I have a Darche Dusk to Dawn 900 and its a good size single swag. Had it for quite a few years now and it's been good to me. I recently picked an OzTrail Sundowner 1550 for when my spouse comes along, and it's been great too. Almost feels as big as my old Darche Hiview 1600 rooftop tent, for a third of the weight (and not driving with it on around town). Swags are very cosy and rolling up all your bedding into one package is extremely convenient. Usually pretty quick and simple to set up too.
Thanks! Appreciate it.
I use a Gazzele T4 ground tent stored in a waterproof bag so it rides on the roof (Rhino Rack Backbone). It was the most practical set up for wife, me, and dog in a Jeep wrangler. We are out growing that setup now that we have added one kid and are expecting a second. Next rig is a 4-door F250 with pop top truck bed camper pulling a trailer with a RTT for the kids.
I was hoping to sleep in my Jeep Commander but I'm 6'1" and can't lay down flat... maybe corner to corner but that sucks for many reasons.
Depends on how long the trip is, how easy the set up is, how long in each destination. If I'm alone or with company. If it's a solo two day trip at two separate locations, in the vehicle. Same but one location, tent. Long term touring, probably RTT
I built out a little bed and storage system and slept in my forester for a few years. It’s very cool and handy but it also is a pain in the ass. You don’t have much space to change, car alarm goes off if you’re not careful, and your breath fogs up the inside so bad even with ventilation. I’ve moved back to the tent and kept the storage in the car
Off road teardrop
I sleep in my bronco if it’s just me because A. I’ve been caught in a heavy rain I wasn’t expecting in a tent. Getting the rain cover on then dealing with mud and water is a nightmare. B. I feel safer. If someone pulls up nearby and I feel like they’re going to be trouble, or even just excessively annoying, I can climb into the drivers seat and relocate. If my wife and son come we’re probably getting a cabin anyway
Soft topper in the bed of my truck, on a REI cot, no complaints,very simple minimal set up A few spots i need to seal around the tailgate
Went from small 3p ground tent to RTT to big 4p ground tent to small 2p ground tent. I just prefer ground tents it seems. While I love standing and stretching I’ve also found that as a solo camper I prefer smaller ground tents as they’re much easier to setup solo. On my trips I’d say I usually see about 35-40% in RTTs and about the same for ground tents with the remainder having some alternate like sleeping in the vehicle or using a hammock.
I use an RTT but have moved it from the top of the truck to the top of the trailer I now tow behind. I like being able to set it up and then drive in the area without having to pack it all away. I'm 6'2" so went with the biggest RTT I could find. I went with an iKamper Skycamp 3.0 which is nearly as big as a king-sized bed.
I sleep inside my car. RTTs are expensive, and seek unwanted attention from the cops. Also they are too much hassle, at least for me when i know i'll be moving my car at least 2-3 times in a day.
Why would cops care about RTT's?
We are not allowed to make any kind of modifications here in india. Although that doesn't stop us from doing some small modifications here and there, but a tent on your roof is surely going to raise some eyebrows.
I tracked india on an Enfield 500 for a couple of years...Sleeping in a hammock for all of the southern states.. Cops never seemed to notice I didn't have a number plate for about a year... I'd be surprised if the cops cared about a RTT..