The manufacture of the FJ Cruiser by Toyota subsidiary Hino Motors in Hamura, Japan, started officially in 2006. It was, however, introduced as a 2007 model. This launch was after years of a conception phase and favourable consumer feedback.
The Toyota FJ Land Cruiser is unmatched as the most dependable and durable transportation option. It is often an option for people who need to travel by road over a long distance. These road trips require a lot of preparation, and travellers must take all the essential tools necessary to be as comfortable as possible. One of these critical tools is a rooftop tent.
A rooftop tent is an item that may be attached to the roof or bed of a motor vehicle. It allows you to sleep above the car as comfortably as possible. It is less expensive than hotels, more practical, and marginally more comfortable than tent camping.
With a rooftop tent on your Toyota FJ Cruiser, you need a location to park, and you can get all the beauty sleep you need. Using your FJ Cruiser roof rack, rooftop tents are very simple to set up, operate and maintain.
What to Consider When Buying A Roof Top Tent
1. Weight
The FJ cruiser roof rack plays a vital role in determining the weight of your rooftop tent. There are maximum load ratings for the roof rack and the car’s roof that cannot be exceeded while the vehicle moves.
2. Size
More space is always better when it comes to rooftop tents. A large tent offers more space and better ventilation to avoid suffocation. However, it is vital to consider the maximum load rating of your FJ cruiser roof rack to ensure that your tent’s size is perfect.
3. Material
The materials used in rooftop tents are similar to those used in regular tents. The material determines how well your rooftop tent can keep the weather elements at bay. Also, as with anything else, tents made with more robust and thicker fabrics are more expensive and last longer.
The Best Roof Top Tents For Toyota FJ Cruiser
There are two main types of rooftop tents;
Hard Shell
It is more durable and consequently more expensive. This group of rooftop tents is suitable for frequent travelers or adventurers as it can stand harsh weather conditions. It also provides better soundproofing and insulation to help light sleepers sleep better.
A few examples of hard shell rooftop tents are:
1. FSR Odyssey
Also called the Freespirit Recreation Odyssey and is one of the best hard-shell rooftop tents for your FJ Cruiser. Its material has a three-layered technique that allows it to become an air conditioner when it’s hot and a heater on cold nights. It comes in various sizes and is durable and easy to use.
2. Motorsport Pop Up
This rooftop tent is manufactured by TMB, a California-based company that makes high-quality rooftop tents. This tent offers flexibility and durability with a hard plastic shell to protect the canvas during storage. It also has storage nets to keep flashlights, phones, or anything else you might need at night. It can comfortably take one to two people without worries, making it a perfect choice for couples who love road trips.
3. Danchel Outdoor Tent
This rooftop tent is an excellent choice for a small family of three. It has an aluminium frame for the tent’s actual structure, a durable plastic shell, and thick canvas cloth. It also contains a mattress so you can nap comfortably while out camping. It is durable and easy to set up.
Soft Shell
Photo by Stefan Widua on Unsplash
As the name implies, Soft Shell rooftop tents are softer than Hard Shell tents. Hence, they are lighter and more easily foldable. One significant advantage of the Hard-Shell rooftop tent is that it is considerably cheaper. Examples include:
1. The Raptor Series Voyager
These rooftop tents are affordable and can accommodate one to two people. It is easy to assemble and gives a fantastic view of your environment while protecting you from harsh weather conditions.
2. Thule Tepui Explorer Kukenam 3
This rooftop tent is well-ventilated and can keep the elements out without stress. It can comfortably accommodate three people, making it a good option for a family of three.
3. Campoint Sunroof Rooftop Tent
It is a two to three-person rooftop tent with a skyline rainfly, and a ladder is an added, affordable option. These tents are waterproof, as they are made of non-rip polyester. They are also long-lasting and come with mosquito netting to protect you from mosquitoes in the woods. They have a lightweight frame made from Aluminum tubing and are easy to set up or take down. The three-person sleeping capacity of the tent makes it a rooftop tent of choice for couples who want a lot of room or a small family of three.
Conclusion
The FJ Cruiser gives you room to set up your rooftop tent with the FJ cruiser roof rack. A rooftop tent provides a cheaper alternative as regards a place to spend the night and is an essential travelling tool. While their initial costs might seem high, they are usually durable and last very long.
Reference Articles
https://www.maplewoodtoyota.com/toyota-fj-cruiser-chronology.htmhttps://wheretheroadforks.com/hard-shell-vs-soft-shell-roof-top-tent-pros-and-cons/