I don’t think it has ever taken me more than 10 minutes to unfold it or pack it up, and usually less (a lot less than my old ground tent). Most I typically camp is a few days so needing to pack it up to go on a “supply run” hasn’t been needed. My wife and 9 year old cant take more than a few days. But if I did have to leave unexpectedly, it packs up pretty quick. Additionally, when I get home, the pulley system in my garage has it off in about 10 minutes.
When the ground is wet, I really appreciate the elevation. It never gets soiled. It is also a lot easier to air out when it gets wet. I just open it up in the garage. My pick up isn’t a daily driver. So, leaving it mounted for a fews days to dry is not an issue.
Before I bought mine, it was those positives I considered based on a friend’s experiences compared to what I didn’t like about my ground tent.
Never really thought about how it looked. Never considered it to be cool looking or ugly. Before I saw one camping I didn’t realize what they were when I saw them running around. I assumed they were some sort of roof cargo carriers. I just didn’t give it much of any thought, barely caught my eye at all.
I currently use it over the bed of my pick up, on a hard tonneau / rack system. I keep all the other camping stuff in the bed of the truck. Set up and pack up is really quick and easy.
It is heavy, that is the main downside to me. I agree on the top heavy negative as well. Obviously, I haven’t used it on a D1 but I would be concerned on a rough off road run that there would be problems in a few different ways. However, if I were going to be doing rough off-roading I wouldn’t be with my wife. I’d use my old ground tent and probably camp longer than a few days. That would be a totally different camping approach for me.
Considering it for the D1 just to give another option.
Like everything, everything isn't for everyone.
Please do keep the thoughts on roof racks coming. It is much appreciated.