Roof tents: my recommendations of choice
Which tent to put on the roof of your vehicle? This is always a “good question” which it is not easy to answer to. The roof tent is in fact a product with peculiar characteristics: first of all, you have to consider the preferred destinations and the type of holiday that you choose. As well as the type of vehicle you own. I think I might be able to give you some advice, though. My name is Alessandro Leoni, and I am Product Manager at Autohome. When there are highly debated issues or decision points to unravel, they all come knocking on my department. But it is right that this should be the case. Fortunately, at Autohome we are all very collaborative and with dialogue we solve even the most complex issues.
My role? I organize production, I work in research, development, and I deal with quality. Very often I support the purchasing department, not least I also find the spaces and time to organize fairs and events around the world. I have been dealing with roof tents for over 15 years, several of our tents I developed personally, coordinating the staff of my department. Many technical measures, original solutions and innovative projects were tested and endorsed by me.
Beyond my role in the company, I truly believe that Autohome tents are fantastic and have something more in the industry, from every point of view. And I am certain thanks to the many compliments we continue to receive, even from very demanding users, who are always hard to please.
I believe that our tents have a “soul”, a creative spirit. In the forms and management of technical solutions. Also, because they are still made mainly by hand, with the utmost care, almost an art. Typical of Italy and, I would say, as belonging to the “Renaissance”. In fact, I often think about how the great Michelangelo worked… I know that it is an exaggerated parallel, but it allows me to understand the passion we dedicate to each of our creations. It is no coincidence that there are those who say that we are the “Artists” of roof tents.
It goes without saying that being Italian, that products manufactured in Italy contributes positively to our image. Quality and design, clean and elegant shapes lead to an image that the world always longed for. “You can see that in these tents there is an Italian taste that makes the difference”: this phrase was said at the Sema Show in Las Vegas by an important American importer.
Returning to my advice: I said to start by considering the type of holiday. If of course I have to face a holiday with different stops around Europe is preferable the hard-shell tent: I feel freer, less bound in the overnight stays. This tent, falling within the shape of the car, allows me to stop to sleep anywhere, even in the self-service areas, I am not obliged to go camping.
If, on the other hand, the holiday is more residential, or I intend to stay in the same location, the folding tent is obviously recommended, which also offers space for a large family. It is also very comfortable and spacious in camping, with its feet resting on the ground. You can also combine the veranda, so as to give more outdoor space, to children’s games for example. This choice becomes mandatory if I need more space on the roof of the off-road vehicle to transport tires or gas tanks.
A further suggestion: if possible, make a “Safari” assembly at Nino Cirani-style, you will be more independent and you will not have ladders that come out of the shape of the car. I do not wish to condition you. Each Autohome is a roof tent that can give great satisfaction. There is something for everyone.
Clearly there are and there will always be those who prefer the large hotel or the organized village and then there are people like me who prefer to travel by car in complete freedom.
However, in my opinion, a balance can also be struck on this point. How? Easy: combine your holiday by car with a tent on the roof, free where you want, by the sea or on the lake, for example, some nights in the hotel depending on the location you are in. And the game is done!
