If you love camping and exploring the great outdoors, having a roof top tent can be a game changer Instead of setting up a traditional tent on the ground, a roof top tent allows you to easily sleep off the ground, away from critters and damp ground While hard shell roof top tents can be quite pricey, you can save some money by building your own DIY hard shell roof top tent In this article, we will guide you through the steps of building your own hard shell roof top tent.
First, let’s talk about the materials you will need for this project You will need a hard shell roof top tent to repurpose, which you can find online or at outdoor stores You will also need a drill, screws, brackets, hinges, gas struts, weather stripping, and a mattress or sleeping pad to fit inside the tent Make sure to measure your vehicle’s roof to ensure that the tent will fit properly.
To begin, start by removing the fabric from the hard shell roof top tent This step is crucial as you will be attaching the tent to your vehicle’s roof and you don’t want any excess weight from the fabric Once the fabric is removed, you will be left with just the hard shell of the tent.
Next, you will need to attach brackets to the bottom of the hard shell roof top tent These brackets will be used to secure the tent to your vehicle’s roof rack Measure and mark where the brackets will be attached and then drill holes for the screws Attach the brackets securely to the bottom of the tent using screws.
After the brackets are attached, you will need to attach hinges to the back side of the hard shell roof top tent These hinges will allow the tent to open and close easily Again, measure and mark where the hinges will be attached and then drill holes for the screws diy hard shell roof top tent. Attach the hinges securely to the back side of the tent using screws.
Once the hinges are attached, you will need to attach gas struts to the hard shell roof top tent Gas struts will help to lift and hold the tent in place when it is open Attach the gas struts to the sides of the tent using the appropriate hardware Make sure that the gas struts are securely attached and that they can support the weight of the tent.
After the gas struts are attached, you will need to attach weather stripping around the edges of the hard shell roof top tent Weather stripping will help to create a seal between the tent and your vehicle’s roof, keeping out moisture and debris Attach the weather stripping securely around the edges of the tent using adhesive.
Finally, you will need to add a mattress or sleeping pad inside the hard shell roof top tent Make sure that the mattress or sleeping pad fits snugly inside the tent and provides a comfortable sleeping surface You can also add any additional bedding or pillows to make your sleeping experience more enjoyable.
Once you have completed all of these steps, your DIY hard shell roof top tent is ready to be mounted on your vehicle’s roof rack Make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for mounting the tent securely to your roof rack Once the tent is mounted, you are ready to hit the road and enjoy camping in your very own DIY hard shell roof top tent.
In conclusion, building your own DIY hard shell roof top tent can be a fun and rewarding project for outdoor enthusiasts By repurposing a hard shell roof top tent and following the steps outlined in this article, you can create a comfortable and convenient sleeping space for your outdoor adventures So why wait? Start building your DIY hard shell roof top tent today and elevate your camping experience.