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General => General Discussion => Topic started by: Bird on December 24, 2012, 11:05:46 PM

Title: Which would be better for fuel
Post by: Bird on December 24, 2012, 11:05:46 PM

Discussing over a few reds tonight with a mate - Camper trailer V Rooftop tent.

He has a camper and thinks that he will get better economy with a rooftop while still taking the same amount of gear stacked on, in and under.

Now some of these Rooftops I've seen are large parachutes on top of the car..

Would there be much in it?

Thoughts?

Title: Re: Which would be better for fuel
Post by: jeb1900 on December 24, 2012, 11:28:59 PM

I think that he will probably get more fuel efficiency by doing without the trailer.  Without much of a push at all.  Especially if he uses some ratchet straps to fasten down the parachute as much as possible.  In my experience trailers rapidly add to the fuel consumption, no matter how large or aerodynamic.   

However, I am not a big fan of rooftop tents at all.  I think having one would send me crazy. 

In my opinion, you're far better off getting something like a Blackwolf Turbo tent, or OZtent RV5.  Just as quick to set up, not on the roof of your car where you rock and sway.  You dont need to climb up rickedy ladders that likely hurt your feet with no shoes on.....  When you're not going camping for a few months, you cant get it off your roof without devising some sort of winch system or getting a few of your friends around.

Most of all though, if you decide to go for an afternoon drive you do not need to pack up your whole campsite. 

Title: Re: Which would be better for fuel
Post by: Kalebjarrod on December 25, 2012, 06:08:28 AM

I think roof top would be more feul efficient but unless your on the move everyday they would be a PITA to camp in for a week

Title: Re: Which would be better for fuel
Post by: GeoffA on December 25, 2012, 06:11:30 AM

Many moons ago, one of the mags did a test on this. The RTT won, but not by much.
From memory, the fuel consumption increase with the RTT was about 75% of that for the trailer.

IMO, any fuel advantage with the RTT would be completely obliterated the sheer inconvenience of it all...........

Title: Re: Which would be better for fuel
Post by: rodsswag on December 30, 2012, 11:13:43 AM

When I had my rooftop tent on my 105 cruiser I lost a bit over 100km's in the 2 tanks.
Also lost the same in putting on 285 tyres to replace 265.
If you had a wind deflector on it would not be anywhere near as bad.
Bestthing I could think of was a solar panel mounted in front to do 2 jobs.
 :cheers:

Rod....