Tropical roofs, worthwhile?

[hutchinsonr]

What are peoples opinion of having "tropical roofs", a second layer of canvas above the roof. Cooler in hot climates? Also better weather protection?

[robcaz]

Hi hutchinsonr,

Tropical roofs work well as long as there is an air gap between it & the main roof to allow a breeze to pass through.

As an alternative some members have been using a solar blanket with great results http://www.campertrailers.org/solar_blanket.htm

The new canvas we had made from All Terrain Campers is their 10foot model & features a moon roof that opens over the bed side of the camper. Along with vents which allow cool air to enter from under the trailer & every wall with large flyscreens, the camper stays very cool in summer on a hot day http://www.campertrailers.org/robcazeag ... update.htm

We have been camping on the ocean front in North Queensland & have recorded 25 degrees during the day under the awning & also inside the camper thanks to the lovely southeast sea breeze that passes right through the camper with no heat build up.

http://www.robcaz.net/morettpics16.JPG

http://www.robcaz.net/morettpics15.jpg

[hutchinsonr]

Thanks for the great advice, much appreciated

[Dexdoggy]

AAre there ay issues with just using a good plastic (silver) tarp over the top like we do?
We use this partly for rain "insurance" but also to reduce UV exposure on the canvas. We find this is helpful too when it is pack-up time (minimises leaves /bird poop).

[robcaz]

Hi Rick & Cherrie,

You can easily allow an air gap between the silver tarp & the roof with a spreader bar support added to the tent poles http://www.campertrailers.org/spreader_bar_support.htm

[Rowley]

My Skamper Ranger has a Tropical roof built in. I zipped tied the fibreglass poles ends into their pockets on the roof to stop them popping out etc. The only issue I have had with it is on a very windy camp in the middle of the night it caused the main tent area to billow and pull upwards. I disconnected the guy ropes to let it lay down.

[Ern_Reeders]

For our Pioneer we bargained at purchase time and they threw in their version of a tropical roof. It stays on top when folding up so is convenient. The material is some kind of laminate with a white top and silver underneath. It makes quite a difference on hot days.

The only wrinkle is the wrinkles. It's losing some of the coating at a few folds. Perhaps it should be removed before dismantling the tent but that's too much bother.

[greggdelaine]

Thanks everyone I am unsure as to how I can retrofit one. I like the idea of a permanent one but am unsure of how they are attached. I will have to have a look at one next time I see one.