PAOLO MARIN
When I founded the Photo Challenge "The journey within everyone's reach”, I wanted to transfer my thoughts in a creative and engaging way. I think I succeeded, in light of the success of the proposal. I always thought travel is about having fun first. Surely, there are many components that lead to the adventure journey, but at the base lies the creation of a new dimension with yourself. Photography and documentary are the narrative expressions of this condition. It is no coincidence that my great passion is the deserts and in particular that of Libya, which is constantly in my heart. I work as a tour leader and teach off-road driving. However, I really like to go back to my Padua when I am not around. In my activities, I have used everything from the best 4x4 in long-distance travel, to motorcycles, quads, trucks... I talk about it in my journalistic reports that are published in various trade magazines. Always in these articles, I often remember that I am a great admirer of Autohome roof tents. With Autohome, hundreds of thousands of tourists solved in the best way the problem of how and where to spend the night. A safe, comfortable and always in the front row, in close contact with nature. I am convinced that the bed curtain is a winner compared to the classic ground curtain. Because the roof tent contains the mattress, pillows, blankets and everything you need for the night, leaving plenty of space in the car. Then you sleep on a real bed, without the slopes of the ground or the edges under the back, lifted from the ground away from the night dangers, insects and humidity. Wherever and whenever you stop, the roof tent is always ready to provide a comfortable rest: without fatigue and bending down on the ground, to stretch sheets and plant poles. Some indications and some of my advice on the main Autohome models show how the basic advantages of the roof tent are enhanced in these models.
MAGGIOLINA®
Maggiolina, first of all, which is Autohome's bestseller. What is this worldwide fame coming from? I believe that the first reason is the great convenience of opening and especially closing. However, the credit goes to all the quality of the tent and the elements that make it up. The line consists of various models to meet all travel needs and requests. The brand Airtop always belongs to the Maggiolina family. All materials are Maggiolina, so are the fittings. The only difference is the opening system, which is made by means of 4 gas springs, an operation similar to what happens with car doors. The opening mechanism is arranged on the sides, thus avoiding encumbrances in length. The model with total vision is then Airtop 360°, with mosquito nets I see and do not see integrated into the fabrics, to have privacy even when doors and windows are open.Airlander
Airlander is a streamlined, sober and clean tent that looks good on small cars, 4x4s and large vehicles. In terms of functionality and comfort, it has everything you need: 2 doors, 2 windows and each opening has a mosquito net. As I experienced personally several times, the mattress is really perfect and the fabric, as in the whole Maggiolina series, it is highly breathable ensuring a cool, dry and healthy environment. Very appreciated is also the waterproofing, there are no problems even when it rains very hard. Airlander's plus model is essentially characterized by the door finishes, which, being equipped with additional arched hinges, allow for customized partial openings. This way, while lying down, you get a great view on all sides of the tent, while maintaining the necessary privacy.Grand Tour
Gran Tour, on the other hand, is characterized by its consistent size: the shell is in fact a little taller and larger than Airlander, with a higher internal volume. I recommend this model for medium cars, such as Suvs, Vans and 4x4s. Its identity is based first of all on the original style, then on an aesthetic factor. The finish and every other detail are the same as Airlander Plus, while the front door is slightly larger. The fabric is also the same, therefore always highly breathable and, of course, perfectly waterproof. Gran Tour 360°, launched in 2019, is a model fitted with mosquito nets I see and do not see integrated into the fabrics. They guarantee privacy even when doors and windows are fully open.Extreme
With the Extreme tent you enter directly into the conceptual territory of the "long journey", when all the available cargo space has to be used to the fullest; but also simply in the sport holiday, where the loads and overall dimensions of the equipment have to be well managed. Technical-functional features, equipment and everything else are the same as Airlander Plus and Grand Tour: the difference lies in being able to further load materials over the roof.Airlander Plus 360° X-Large
X-Large, also launched in 2019, is the largest shell model on the market: 180 x 230 cm, made with the crank opening system. Even on vans and large vans it does not pass the mirrors, so it fits in the shape of the car. This means you can camp anywhere, even in public areas of normal vehicle parking. Nothing of the tent protrudes and therefore there is no need to go camping.
COLUMBUS®
Finally Colombus, a model that is really appreciated, because it focuses on simplicity: 2 springs only, so little space for lifting mechanisms inside the tent. Two gas springs and everything is ready: the curtain opens and closes without any further need. You like the immediacy of operation, the shape when open, but above all the internal height that reaches 160 cm; this means that you can even "change clothes" while staying comfortably in the tent. Also worth highlighting, the doors on the sides that turn into comfortable and large windows. The Variant model exhibits a very open back, equipped with an arched zip that allows considerable customization of opening. The equipment is similar to the standard model. It is the elastic mesh in the attic that makes the difference, as well as the interior light and the posts that transform the tailgate into a comfortable awning.
AIR-CAMPING®, OVERLAND® e OVERZONE®
Autohome also offers a specific line of fabric curtains: Air-Camping, Overland, Overzone and Overcamp. Once the PVC canopy is removed, these curtains all open like a book with a single, simple gesture, using the ladder. They all have a very effective and reliable fabric: consistent and robust, it has excellent stability. This means no noise and no flapping of fabrics in the wind, even when there is a breeze at night. The fabrics do not swell: the walls and roof are in fact well attached to each other, firmly sewn together. Even the windows are windproof and silhouetted on the walls, so as to avoid the sail effect of the wind. In addition, the windows open and close while remaining comfortably in the tent: this is thanks to special tie rods, prepared for an operation similar to the shutters of the house. To remember: being a series of cantilevered tents, they come out of the silhouettes of the car so the European rules impose the use of the tent only in camping areas. Camping is not allowed in public areas or parking lots.
