Hi guys.

I'm deliberating on whether to get a Frontrunner Featherlite RTT for my RAV4...

Ever since our doomed Bots road trip last year (some of you may have read the article I posted) where we threw away our shitty Campmaster tent on the first night (of 12) because it started leaking due to heavy rains in Khama Rhino Sanctuary, we haven't gone camping due to lack of a decent tent. The bad start to that trip wasn't a memorable experience for SWAMBO so I'm trying to figure out what would be the best option to get us back into camping.

I'm deliberating between the Frontrunner Featherlite tent as it's advertised as being the lightest on the market (around 43kg), which I'm hoping won't be problematic for my RAV4's roof. I do have a 156cm x 165cm Frontrunner Slimline II roof rack on it, so the tent should physically fit (although I'd have to remove the double jerry can holder and gas bottle holder to make space), but I'm not 100% that the roof will take the weight of the tent plus 2 adults sleeping on top. Any ideas from the community on this?

The tent material description states: "Manufactured with a special Oxford tent fabric (400D) -- a strong, breathable, mould resistant, waterproof, PVC coated, heavy duty poly-cotton." I know this isn't as thick as the proper canvas used for other tents, but is it good enough to keep the rain out?

A RTT will add a sense of security to SWAMBO not only from the rain but also from animals if we decide to go to Khutse for example. On that note, what is the community's verdict on tackling Khutse in a RAV4? It has all-wheel drive, Goodyear Wrangler a/t tyres, I have a set of Grip N Go Sand Tracks (https://www.frontrunneroutfitters.co...sand-trax.html) and carry a shovel with as well.

The other option is to go for the classic, canvas ground tent. Sturdy, reliable, rain-proof, can be left in camp when going on game drive, much cheaper than RTT and weight won't be an issue. Downside, I guess would be the "safety factor" for SWAMBO if we go to Khutse (not many other place with predators around that we can tackle with a RAV, I suppose).

Any info on any or all of the above points would be appreciated.

Thanks guys,
Jovan.