An article on how to install a rooftop tent has been published!
Feb 10, 2020
We asked "Rigless" about installing the popular rooftop tent.
RIGRES Rooftop Tent vol.1
Can the Crow's Nest be installed on any vehicle?The article posted in mid-December, "A trip with the RIGRES rooftop tent in a Hummer H3," has been the most accessed article on our website since the end of December, and has received an excellent response from readers. Many readers have said, "I want one someday," followed by several inquiries about whether it can be installed in any American car. In order to respond to these opinions, we interviewed the RIGRES again.
Updated: 2020.01.28 Text by Eiji Ishiyama, Photos by Komy
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Regress Instagram @regressive_evolution [ Homepage ] |
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DIY rooftop tent
Last time, we covered camping with rooftop tents, but this time we're talking about various aspects of rooftop tents themselves (such as how to install them, which many readers were curious about, the types of cars they can be installed in, the materials and strength of the tents themselves, etc.).
First, rooftop tents have become popular all over the world since about two years ago.
Also known as an over-top tent, it is a tent mounted on the roof. For example, even if you can't buy a camper van, it is said that by mounting a tent on the roof, you can turn your car into a light camper van.
The trend in America seems to be to put a tent in the bed of a pickup, but in Japan, there are not many pickups, so roof tents are the norm. Of course, a "tent in the bed of a pickup" is cool, but if you think about it based on the car you currently own, you'll end up with a rooftop tent.
Ligress, which we interviewed this time, sells the Crow's Nest rooftop tent made by Feldon Shelter, and currently sells three sizes of rooftop tents.
3 sizes: Regular, Extended, Family
The Hummer H3 that we previously covered is equipped with the Crow's Nest's "regular" size, and this time we spoke to them again about its installation.
The first thing to note is that this rooftop tent can be installed by DIY.
Of course, since it is mounted on the roof of the vehicle, installation requires a stepladder or several adults, but it was a surprising discovery to learn that it can be installed by DIY.
First, rooftop tents have become popular all over the world since about two years ago.
Also known as an over-top tent, it is a tent mounted on the roof. For example, even if you can't buy a camper van, it is said that by mounting a tent on the roof, you can turn your car into a light camper van.
The trend in America seems to be to put a tent in the bed of a pickup, but in Japan, there are not many pickups, so roof tents are the norm. Of course, a "tent in the bed of a pickup" is cool, but if you think about it based on the car you currently own, you'll end up with a rooftop tent.
Ligress, which we interviewed this time, sells the Crow's Nest rooftop tent made by Feldon Shelter, and currently sells three sizes of rooftop tents.
3 sizes: Regular, Extended, Family
The Hummer H3 that we previously covered is equipped with the Crow's Nest's "regular" size, and this time we spoke to them again about its installation.
The first thing to note is that this rooftop tent can be installed by DIY.
Of course, since it is mounted on the roof of the vehicle, installation requires a stepladder or several adults, but it was a surprising discovery to learn that it can be installed by DIY.
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Our previous article on the Hummer H3 received a lot of positive feedback from readers about our rooftop tent. We interviewed the RIGRES again to answer the question, "Can it be installed on any vehicle?" As you can see, it can also be installed on a Focus. However, there are certain requirements, and this applies only if the vehicle is equipped with roof rails or a carrier that meets the load capacity requirements. |
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This tent can be opened either to the side or the rear while facing the vehicle. The photo shows it opened to the side. Of course, you can change it to suit your preference. |
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The reason for the popularity of Crow's Nest is that you can enjoy a super stylish atmosphere as you can see here.
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We asked him to look back on the time he installed the tent on his Hummer H3. As you can see, the tent itself is delivered already assembled. All that's left to do is "install the tent on the vehicle."
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As described above, it is decided whether the tent will open to the side or rear of the vehicle body, and the rails on the tent side are attached in the direction corresponding to the opening position.
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The opening position can of course be changed, so readjustment is possible later.
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You'll need roof rails before you can install the tent.
When I asked, I was told, "The tent itself is already assembled, so all you have to do is attach rails to the tent, lift it up onto the roof of the vehicle, and bolt it to the roof rails or roof carrier attached to the roof."
He also said, "Depending on the roof rail and carrier, the bolts can be tightened by hand or with a wrench, but in either case you can do the work yourself."
Before hearing about it, I thought the construction would require some pretty elaborate work, but it was actually much simpler than I had imagined.
However, I learned that in order to mount a tent on the roof of a vehicle, you need roof rails or a roof carrier before you can install a tent. In other words, you can't attach the tent directly to the roof itself, so you absolutely need rails and carriers to connect the vehicle and the tent.
Furthermore, the rails and carriers have limitations and need to have a load-bearing capacity that can withstand the weight of the tent itself.
He also said, "Depending on the roof rail and carrier, the bolts can be tightened by hand or with a wrench, but in either case you can do the work yourself."
Before hearing about it, I thought the construction would require some pretty elaborate work, but it was actually much simpler than I had imagined.
However, I learned that in order to mount a tent on the roof of a vehicle, you need roof rails or a roof carrier before you can install a tent. In other words, you can't attach the tent directly to the roof itself, so you absolutely need rails and carriers to connect the vehicle and the tent.
Furthermore, the rails and carriers have limitations and need to have a load-bearing capacity that can withstand the weight of the tent itself.
By the way, the H3 is set to open sideways.
Can be installed on any vehicle as long as two requirements are met
Specifically, the weights of the three sizes of tents: Regular, Extended, and Family, are 54kg, 65kg, and 74kg, respectively, so the rails and carriers need to be able to withstand these loads.
For example, the regular size weighs 54 kg, so there is no problem if the rails or carriers required for installation have a load capacity of 60 kg. The load capacity of the roof rails on the Hummer H3 is 60 kg.
By the way, this load capacity is the dynamic load capacity figure, and it is said that the static load capacity is about four to five times that, so even if you attach a regular-sized tent to roof rails with a load capacity of 60 kg, there will be no problem.Also, even if two adults (let's say 70 kg x 2 = 140 kg) relax on the roof with the tent open at a campsite, the static load capacity of a 60 kg roof rail is about 240 to 300 kg, so it is a number that can withstand more than enough.
Therefore, any vehicle equipped with roof rails and a roof carrier that meets the load capacity requirements listed above can be fitted with a rooftop tent sold by Regress.
Now, when it comes to installing the tent, I wrote that it is easier than you might imagine, but on the other hand, that also means that it is removable.
This also went against previous expectations, but in short, it can be attached when needed and removed after use.
Of course, the tent is designed to be suitable for Japan's climate even if it is left attached to the roof without any such work. For example, the cover that covers the tent is made of a waterproof material that blocks direct sunlight, the rails that connect the tent itself to the roof rails are made of aluminum, and the bolts and other metal fittings are made of rust-resistant stainless steel, making it a very well-thought-out system.
For example, the regular size weighs 54 kg, so there is no problem if the rails or carriers required for installation have a load capacity of 60 kg. The load capacity of the roof rails on the Hummer H3 is 60 kg.
By the way, this load capacity is the dynamic load capacity figure, and it is said that the static load capacity is about four to five times that, so even if you attach a regular-sized tent to roof rails with a load capacity of 60 kg, there will be no problem.Also, even if two adults (let's say 70 kg x 2 = 140 kg) relax on the roof with the tent open at a campsite, the static load capacity of a 60 kg roof rail is about 240 to 300 kg, so it is a number that can withstand more than enough.
Therefore, any vehicle equipped with roof rails and a roof carrier that meets the load capacity requirements listed above can be fitted with a rooftop tent sold by Regress.
Now, when it comes to installing the tent, I wrote that it is easier than you might imagine, but on the other hand, that also means that it is removable.
This also went against previous expectations, but in short, it can be attached when needed and removed after use.
Of course, the tent is designed to be suitable for Japan's climate even if it is left attached to the roof without any such work. For example, the cover that covers the tent is made of a waterproof material that blocks direct sunlight, the rails that connect the tent itself to the roof rails are made of aluminum, and the bolts and other metal fittings are made of rust-resistant stainless steel, making it a very well-thought-out system.
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Lifting the tent with the rails attached. The tent mounted on the H3 is a "regular size" tent. It can be lifted by two adults.
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As you can see, it can be lifted up, so it can be removed if necessary. Of course, you can leave it installed for a long time without worrying about its durability. |
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If you look at this, even people who live far away will be able to purchase with a certain degree of confidence. Once you place it on the roof, make sure to position it firmly.
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Once the tent is placed on the roof rails, check the opening direction of the tent again and secure it in the correct position.
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Then, secure the roof rails to the rails on the tent side with the included bolts and plates (four places in total). If there is a large space between the body and roof rails, there are bolts available that can be tightened manually. If the space is small, as shown in the photo, you will need to tighten them with the included wrench. That's it, it's complete.
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The completed installation. It took about 30 minutes. Once you get used to it, you can install and remove it in less than 20 minutes. This simplicity is also a feature of the Crow's Nest.
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The total height increases by 40 cm when the tent is installed.
So, to sum up, as long as you have roof rails and roof carriers that can withstand the weight of the roof tent itself, you can install the roof itself yourself. You can leave it installed as is, or you can remove it after use.
Also, when the tent is stored, it is about 40 cm tall on the roof. This means that the height of the roof rails and roof carriers is added to the overall height of the vehicle, and then the 40 cm height of the tent itself is added, so it's a good idea to get a good grasp of the size beforehand.
For example, if a vehicle has a total height of 1,700 mm and 50 mm roof rails are added, and a 400 mm tent is placed on top of that, the total vehicle height will be 2,150 mm.
*Some vehicles include roof rails in the overall vehicle height, so in that case the tent will add 400 mm to the overall vehicle height.
So, we asked him to show us photos of when it was installed on a Hummer H3 and to reflect on the work that went into it.
At the same time, I was shown the instruction manual that came with the new tent, which was surprisingly detailed (lol). The manual itself was in Japanese and was surprisingly thick for a tent that is easy to install. It was truly a user-first manual, and very helpful.
"It is designed to provide peace of mind to those who live far away and are unsure about installation," and I have come to realise that this is absolutely true. Naturally, they also respond to inquiries, so I am very impressed with their consideration.
As the outdoor boom continues to mature, rooftop tents are gaining popularity as the next step for those looking to take their outdoor adventures to the next level. The tents sold by Regress are particularly appealing not only for their appeal, but also for their high level of quality, ease of installation, and the attentiveness of the people who handle them.
Also, when the tent is stored, it is about 40 cm tall on the roof. This means that the height of the roof rails and roof carriers is added to the overall height of the vehicle, and then the 40 cm height of the tent itself is added, so it's a good idea to get a good grasp of the size beforehand.
For example, if a vehicle has a total height of 1,700 mm and 50 mm roof rails are added, and a 400 mm tent is placed on top of that, the total vehicle height will be 2,150 mm.
*Some vehicles include roof rails in the overall vehicle height, so in that case the tent will add 400 mm to the overall vehicle height.
So, we asked him to show us photos of when it was installed on a Hummer H3 and to reflect on the work that went into it.
At the same time, I was shown the instruction manual that came with the new tent, which was surprisingly detailed (lol). The manual itself was in Japanese and was surprisingly thick for a tent that is easy to install. It was truly a user-first manual, and very helpful.
"It is designed to provide peace of mind to those who live far away and are unsure about installation," and I have come to realise that this is absolutely true. Naturally, they also respond to inquiries, so I am very impressed with their consideration.
As the outdoor boom continues to mature, rooftop tents are gaining popularity as the next step for those looking to take their outdoor adventures to the next level. The tents sold by Regress are particularly appealing not only for their appeal, but also for their high level of quality, ease of installation, and the attentiveness of the people who handle them.
