If you’re an avid camper or overlander, you know the convenience and comfort that a rooftop tent can offer However, purchasing a hard shell roof top tent can be quite an investment Luckily, with a little bit of creativity and DIY skills, you can build your own hard shell roof top tent at a fraction of the cost In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of building your very own DIY hard shell roof top tent.
Materials Needed:
– Hard shell case or storage container (such as a military surplus ammo can or a plastic storage box)
– Heavy-duty hinges
– Latches or locks
– Foam insulation
– Marine-grade plywood
– Waterproof fabric
– Mattress or sleeping pad
– Drill
– Saw
– Screwdriver
– Glue
– Sealant
Step 1: Start with a Hard Shell Case
The first step in building your DIY hard shell roof top tent is finding a suitable hard shell case or storage container You can repurpose an old military surplus ammo can or a plastic storage box Make sure the case is sturdy and durable enough to withstand the elements.
Step 2: Add Hinges and Latches
Next, attach heavy-duty hinges to one side of the hard shell case to create a lid that can be opened and closed Make sure the hinges are strong enough to support the weight of the lid and any additional materials you’ll be adding to the tent Install latches or locks on the front of the case to secure the lid in place when the tent is closed.
Step 3: Insulate the Interior
To keep your DIY hard shell roof top tent cozy and comfortable, line the interior of the case with foam insulation This will help regulate the temperature inside the tent and provide some soundproofing as well Cut the foam insulation to fit the walls and bottom of the case, and secure it in place with glue.
Step 4: Build the Platform
Next, you’ll need to create a platform for the mattress or sleeping pad Cut a piece of marine-grade plywood to fit inside the bottom of the case, leaving room for storage underneath Attach the plywood to the interior walls of the case using screws or glue.
Step 5: Add the Fabric Tent
To create the tent portion of your DIY hard shell roof top tent, cut a piece of waterproof fabric to the size of the lid of the case diy hard shell roof top tent. Sew or glue the fabric to the lid, leaving room for windows or ventilation openings if desired Make sure the fabric is secure and will provide adequate protection from the elements.
Step 6: Install the Mattress or Sleeping Pad
Finally, add a mattress or sleeping pad to the platform inside the case Choose a comfortable and compact option that will fit snugly inside the tent when closed You can also add additional blankets or pillows for extra coziness.
Step 7: Seal and Finish
Before taking your DIY hard shell roof top tent out on your next camping trip, make sure to seal any gaps or seams with waterproof sealant This will help keep out moisture and bugs while you’re sleeping You can also paint or decorate the exterior of the case to make it more personalized and stylish.
Benefits of a DIY Hard Shell Roof Top Tent
Building your own DIY hard shell roof top tent has a number of benefits Not only will you save money compared to purchasing a pre-made tent, but you’ll also have the satisfaction of creating something unique and customized to your specific needs Additionally, a DIY hard shell roof top tent can be easily customized with additional features such as solar panels, storage compartments, or even a rooftop deck.
Conclusion
With a little bit of time and effort, you can build your very own DIY hard shell roof top tent that will provide you with a comfortable and convenient camping experience By following the steps outlined in this guide and using the materials listed, you’ll be well on your way to enjoying the great outdoors in style So why wait? Start building your DIY hard shell roof top tent today and take your camping adventures to the next level.