If you’re an avid camper or outdoor enthusiast, you may have come across the convenience and comfort of roof top tents These portable shelters sit atop your vehicle and provide a cozy and elevated sleeping space while you’re out adventuring in the great outdoors While hard shell roof top tents can be quite expensive to purchase, you can opt for a more budget-friendly option by building your very own DIY hard shell roof top tent In this article, we will guide you through the steps to create your own custom roof top tent that will surely elevate your camping experience.
Materials and Tools Needed:
– Fiberglass sheet
– Plywood
– Hinges
– Latches
– Gas struts
– Sealing tape
– Foam insulation
– Waterproof fabric or canvas
– Mattress
– Drill
– Saw
– Screwdriver
– Measuring tape
– Sandpaper
– Paint
– Brackets
– Nuts and bolts
Step 1: Design and Measurements
The first step in building your DIY hard shell roof top tent is to determine the size and shape you want your tent to be Consider the dimensions of your vehicle’s roof and how much space you will need for sleeping comfortably Once you have a design in mind, measure and sketch out the shape on a piece of plywood.
Step 2: Building the Shell
Using the plywood as a template, cut out the shape of the shell using a saw This will serve as the base for your tent Next, cut out the fiberglass sheet to match the shape of the plywood Apply sealing tape around the edges of the fiberglass sheet to create a watertight seal.
Step 3: Installing the Hinges and Latches
Attach hinges along one side of the plywood base and the corresponding side of the fiberglass sheet diy hard shell roof top tent. This will allow the hard shell roof top tent to open and close easily Install latches on the opposite side to secure the tent in the closed position while driving.
Step 4: Adding Gas Struts
To assist in opening and closing the tent, install gas struts on either side of the plywood base These will provide the necessary support and make it easier to lift and lower the tent.
Step 5: Insulating the Shell
To ensure optimal comfort inside the tent, add foam insulation to the interior of the shell This will help regulate temperature and reduce noise while camping.
Step 6: Covering the Shell
Using waterproof fabric or canvas, create a cover for the shell that will protect it from the elements Sew the fabric to the desired dimensions and attach it to the shell using brackets and nuts and bolts.
Step 7: Finishing Touches
Sand down any rough edges on the shell and apply a coat of paint to seal and protect the surface Add a mattress inside the tent for a comfortable sleeping area.
Congratulations, you have successfully built your own DIY hard shell roof top tent! Now it’s time to take it out for a test run and enjoy your custom-made camping shelter.
In conclusion, building a DIY hard shell roof top tent is a rewarding project that can save you money and provide you with a personalized camping experience With the right materials and tools, you can create a durable and comfortable shelter that will elevate your outdoor adventures So gather your supplies and get started on constructing your very own roof top tent today.