Nissan Patrol 4x4 (Africa)

Oompie thinks maybe do a lay out of the items you will be packing on the roof [me thinx go WORST case scenario]
(Weigh the stuff as well - or guess the weight of what you don't have at hand] THEN determine the size of rack you will need - and get that size]
I have the bigger one [full length - BUT it is only on when I go "bundu" [i have to pack for Outreach groups, two weeks at a time - so i need max space] the rest of the time it is "parked" in the garage.

Which make ??? the one that suits yr budget best... [DONT ask the salesmen at the 4x4 shops - they sell what they make money on, and not what is YOUR best interest.

Sun roof ??? surprised how seldom it is used anyway [adn in Kruger & SA game parks it is illegal to "hang" out the sunroof anyway ...

Hi
I have a Front Runner rack and I am very happy with it. Numerous additions from tables, spot brackets and all accessories available. Bobby at Front Runner is always there to advise and suggest. Any problems, and they will support you asap. In addition they are also available from all the leading 4X4 retail stores. Prices are set by Front Runner so it's difficult for the salesman to make more that what the Suggested Retail is. You can check with their web site to make sure. Labour for fitment could be a few bob.


Each roof rack comes with a wind deflector , and it works well.

I agree with Grant, the front runner windcheetah is a good roofrack and fits well. I like the low profile accessories, like the gasbottle brackets and the jerrycan brackets. It fits easily and can be removed quickly.

The list of accessories is huge and I especially likes the table that slides under the roofrack!

Better late than Never!!
Some comments on the roof rack story. I have a custom made Front Runner roof rack. The reason it is custom made is that I changed the roof slat gap from 11cm to 7cm so that when you (but mainly the kids) are on the rack they dont fall through the slat gap and damage the roof or twirst an ankle! It is also much easier to walk around the rack when you are packing it without having to worry about standing between the slats. This is not a big deal as it only added two more slats to the roof rack (it is a full length rack) I investigated the removable section for the sun roof and decided to leave it as I have put a PVC zip bag in the front section of the rack for all the soft light items (clothes bags, sleeping bags etc) So I would have only been able to use the "trap door" for the sunroof if nothing was on the roof and I removed the zip bag. It is a nice feature to have for photography but my roof rack is normally so packed that it would not be an option 90% of the time, unless I have offloaded all my camping kit and I am then on a game drive. (I dont have a trailer)

Some other things I like about this rack is that is has a great stainless and Ali table that fits between the roof and the roof rack and can be upacked in less than a minute. I made up special gas bottle holders (seriously over engineered) that fit off the back of the rack so as not to take up any space in the roof rack. I also have Jerry can holders, spade, and rod holders mounted on the rack.

I can send photos if any one is inerested.

I would also recommned not getting a roof top tent but that is another story!!

Hello Steve

I would also recommned not getting a roof top tent but that is another story!!

Please tell that other story? After a couple of years with ground tents, I have just about made up my mind that it is the only answer?

Thanks
Peter

I have the Tentco rooftop tent and it works perfect. I like the "add -a-room". It opens to the back so you have automatic coverage when you want to prepare food in the rain or windy conditions.
To set-up the tent takes 2 minutes and you are ready to sleep. It also gives you some peace of mind when you sleep in the wild. I once had Lions and elephants next to my tent on the ground and it is not a nice feeling. You feel much more at ease up there.
Folding up the tent is another story, it takes some effort to get everything in place again and could take up to 5 minutes and the car is high, so you have to stand on the wheels to get everything into the cover.
I once slept high in the mountains in Lesotho with a very strong wind and the tent was great.

The tent can sleep 2 people with ease and when folding it up, I keep the blankets and pillows in the tent.

Wilfred

Dankie Wilfred

These are exactly the reason why I am considering rooftop camping. It currently takes me about two hours to unload and pitch camp, and the same to get going again, which makes a huge difference to how far you can travel in a day. Furthermore my blow-up matresses are noisy and often get punctured.

Unfortunately I have two small challenges added: Firstly there are four of us (and I cant ask the girls to sleep on the ground between the lions while Mommy and I "hide" up top), and my budget doesn't run to the average roof top tent.
to overcome these I am designing my own rooftop tent large enough for all four of us yet light enough for the Patrol. It is 2.1m long and 1.22m wide folded or 2.4m open, and high enough to accomodate the bedding. I am also considering fitting pneumatic cylinder to help with the folding.

But Steven's comments bother me and I would like to understand the reason.

Hi Peter,
I have the Hannibal RTT with the Safari Tourer extention which I think is very well made. When we went to Kaokoland all 4 of us (2 adults & 2 kids) slept in the tent as the kids didn't want to sleep alone. (I planned that the kids would sleep in the tent and Swambo and myself would sleep in the extention.) I must however comment that my tent is the slightly bigger one in the range.

The roof top tents are great when you tour and need to break up camp everyday but I think it is a nightmare when you go to a place like the Kruger National Park and you just want to go on a game drive early in the morning (or make a quick trip to the shop!) because you have to pack up the tent everytime.

I am considering fitting my RTT to my Venter for the 'tame' camping weekends and Kruger trips and to only put it on the roof when overlanding.

Thanks David

How old are your kids? Mine are 16 and 8, do you think all four of us will fit in that tent? I have it in mind to keep my canvas tents for trips like that, but I haven't done one for a year and a half.

Cheers
Peter

No, I think they are too big! Mine is 12 and 4 and the youngest slept at our heads. The combo sound better