Hard top (car top camper) vs. soft top

[SHADYR]

I'm planning on purchasing my first car top camper for a Ford Explorer. I'm leaning toward the hard top style because of weather protection, etc. when it is not in use. Any suggestions as to the best brand would be appreciated.

 

[Kent R]

I'm planning on purchasing my first car top camper for a Ford Explorer. I'm leaning toward the hard top style because of weather protection, etc. when it is not in use. Any suggestions as to the best brand would be appreciated.

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[MMc]

Welcome from CA! I have looked at a lot of RTT’s the hard sided are generally be better made. It depends how much and when you plan to use it.

 

[SHADYR]

Thanks, Kent----I will likely use the car top camper once a month for 2-3 days each trip. The rest of the time, it will be in a RV Storage area under huge live oak trees. I do plan to buy a car cover to put on during storage, which will cover the car top camper as well.

 

[freak4life]

Hello Ron, welcome from Phoenix. I do not use a roof top tent so I have no suggestions for you, best wishes though.

 

[Boostpowered]

So your looking for a bed camper topper not a roof top tent? Your only gonna use it for a few days once a month and put in storage the rest of time?
I'd suggest a soft bed topper if thats the case the fiberglass hard top campers are a little heavy to be pulling it off and putting it on, they are tougher and more weather resistant but your gonna be worn out getting it on and off all the time. The soft camper toppers fold and roll up behind the cab.

 

[SHADYR]

So your looking for a bed camper topper not a roof top tent? Your only gonna use it for a few days once a month and put in storage the rest of time?
I'd suggest a soft bed topper if thats the case the fiberglass hard top campers are a little heavy to be pulling it off and putting it on, they are tougher and more weather resistant but your gonna be worn out getting it on and off all the time. The soft camper toppers fold and roll up behind the cab.

Boostpowered (I like that name!!)----I would be leaving the car top camper on the car----I would not be taking it on and off, so basically, the car (actually an SUV) will be parked about 95% of the month, and driven the other 5% of the month, but the camper will stay on the SUV. The vehicle is a Ford Explorer so it would be secured to the top of the car (not a truck, so no bed). Is a bed camper for use in the bed of a truck? Thanks!!