[casionerd]

Just thought I'd share my camping setup for the Versa.

First I got the Rhino Rack 2500 Series Heavy Duty roof rack. Then I got a Kamp Rite tent cot. I removed the legs from the cot and made a custom stand out of PVC. To reinforce the setup laterally, I used some ratcheting straps. It works out pretty nice and can easily be duplicated. I used hand tightening knobs to mount the cot so that it can be installed without any tools. That way you can drive to and from the campground with the tent cot in the car. It's all pretty straight forward. The roof rack manufacturer's weight limit is 165lbs total but that should be cut in half for driving weight. I couldn't find any information on the Versa's roof weight limitations and I figured the roof rack manufacturer underestimated the max load, so I just risked it. When parked, the car and roof rack hold 200 lbs or so (Me 170 lbs and 30 lbs of tent and gear) just fine. The roof rack cuts gas mileage by about 1.2 mpg on average according to the display. It's also noisy and vibrates at certain speeds. I think I'm going to make a custom wind fairing next.

I just realized I forgot to take pics of the setup when the tent cot isn't up there, nor did I take any pics of the tent cot folded and strapped down.

 

[robj80]

This is freaking awesome! I love camping and have camped with my own Versa before several times. Usually I setup a tent on the side of the V. Never thought to toss one on the top. The old V front seats would lay perfectly flat making a really large nice sleeping area. I used that once camping in a monsoon. The tents were getting too wet.

 

[SLAPSH0T]

Very cool and innovative! Do you get many comments/questions at the campsites?

 

[sergmx]

Awesome! I always wanted to attach a tent to the back part of the Versa like they do on SUVs..never thought of it on the roof. Good job! I love custom made pieces

 

[GabrielAPharmer]

That's definitely cool, but I weigh too much for the roof.
going to have to stick to tents for now.

 

[ADOversa]

That looks cool for if you camp in places you need to be off the ground due to snakes and such! Where I camp you can't get there by car, its hike in or canoe/kayak in only. Heck even my cabin you can't get to without 4x4 and some walking lol.

 

[rstolz]

I'm not entirely sure I get the point? I mean props on the solid looking and clever setup, but... what's wrong with pitching on the ground?

Is it to maximize cargo space? but then you have to bring a ladder.

Don't take this the wrong way, I'm honestly curious what the motivation was.

I'm a backpacker, and enjoy all forms of camping (even motor homes, though I'd say that's more like bringing your own rental cabin everywhere you go)

 

[casionerd]

I'm not entirely sure I get the point? I mean props on the solid looking and clever setup, but... what's wrong with pitching on the ground?

Is it to maximize cargo space? but then you have to bring a ladder.

Don't take this the wrong way, I'm honestly curious what the motivation was.

I'm a backpacker, and enjoy all forms of camping (even motor homes, though I'd say that's more like bringing your own rental cabin everywhere you go)

It's mainly for convenience. You don't have to worry about getting mud/sand/dirt on the bottom of a tent. Having air blowing underneath keeps things cooler. You can set it up and take it down quickly. You're away from snakes, bugs, etc. The ladder weighs only 9lbs and could be strapped to the roof rack.

 

[Cat15]

Check this one out. I think I'll check into this one for me and my Versa. I like that it can convert to a regular then on the ground.

https://us.napieroutdoors.com/store/catalogue/details/1/4/product_id:6/