If you love camping and adventure, a rooftop tent is a great investment. Not only does it provide a comfortable and convenient place to sleep, but it also allows you to stay off the ground and away from potential dangers like insects and wildlife. However, roof top tents can be expensive, with some high-end models costing thousands of dollars.
If you have some basic DIY skills and a desire to save money, building your own hard shell roof top tent can be a fun and rewarding project. In this article, we will guide you through the process of creating your very own DIY hard shell roof top tent.
**Materials Needed**
Building a DIY hard shell roof top tent will require some basic materials and tools. Here is a list of what you will need:
– Hard shell roof top tent shell (you can purchase this online or salvage it from an old roof top tent)
– Plywood
– Hinges
– Latches
– Mattress
– Foam insulation
– Fabric for the tent cover
– Sewing machine
– Drill
– Screws
– Saw
– Tape measure
– Sandpaper
– Paint
**Building the Base**
Start by building the base of the roof top tent. Use plywood to create a sturdy and flat surface for the mattress to rest on. Cut the plywood to the desired dimensions and sand down any rough edges. Attach hinges to one side of the base so that it can fold up and down easily.
**Insulating the Base**
To make your roof top tent more comfortable, consider adding foam insulation to the base. Cut the foam to the same dimensions as the plywood base and attach it with adhesive. This will help keep you warm in cold weather and cool in hot weather.
**Building the Shell**
Next, attach the hard shell roof top tent shell to the base. Make sure it is securely fastened with screws and hinges so that it can open and close easily. You can purchase a hard shell roof top tent shell online or salvage one from an old roof top tent.
**Making the Tent Cover**
To create the tent cover, measure the dimensions of the shell and cut the fabric to size. Sew the fabric together to form the tent cover, making sure to leave openings for windows and doors. Attach the tent cover to the shell with latches so that it can be easily removed for cleaning or repair.
**Adding the Mattress**
Lastly, add a comfortable mattress to the base of the roof top tent. Make sure it fits snugly and provides enough support for a good night’s sleep. You can also add pillows and blankets to make your roof top tent feel like home.
**Final Touches**
Once your DIY hard shell roof top tent is complete, you can add some final touches to make it your own. Consider painting the shell a fun color or adding decals to personalize your tent. You can also add accessories like a ladder or storage compartments to make your camping experience even more enjoyable.
In conclusion, building a DIY hard shell roof top tent is a challenging but rewarding project that can save you money and provide you with a comfortable and convenient camping experience. With the right materials, tools, and a little bit of creativity, you can create a roof top tent that is perfect for all of your outdoor adventures. So get started on your DIY project today and soon you’ll be camping in style with your very own hard shell roof top tent.
**diy hard shell roof top tent:** DIY hard shell roof top tent