The results of a full 24+ months testing of the Columbus Days on the ‘99 Cherokee.

This tent has been used more in the months we have had the Columbus Days then most people will in ten years. As a professional guide who camps out for a living the Columbus Days has been put to the professional test.

The locations we tested the Columbus Days have included all of our Western Adventures, including Baja California, Copper Canyon, Mexico, Moab, Utah, California, and New Mexico. We had a total of over 300  days of camping use and additional day trips and Driving School Training Classes. This tent has not been removed in the 24 months since we first put it on and we accomplished trails rated up to 4 on a 1(easy) to 4+ (extreme) scale.

The climate test was run is from sea level to 8,000 feet above sea level. The temperature ranged from 25 degrees to 105 degrees. Winds varied from 0 to 66  MPH in the open camping position. The closed traveling position test was on the highway was conducted at up to 90 MPH to check handling at highway speeds. Additional cross winds of up to 30 MPH while doing 65 MPH highway speeds.  The Columbus Days Car Top Tent passed all tests with flying colors.

Appearance; Sleek and Aerodynamic closed. Opened is a little different then you are accustom to seeing opened, side view is like a Tee Pee, the front to back like a RV and back to front a standard tent..

Comfort; Excellent foam pad and pillows standard equipment. Well insulated top and good breath ability with the fabric sides. The screening kept the bugs out and let the air flow freely. The doors zipped up kept the water out. The insulated top did a good job of making the tent comfortable.

Set up; "Fantastic" Open one latch and a gentile push and it is open. Grab the ladder and extend it out and you can be laying down in under 30 seconds.

Closings; "Smooth and Easy" The ladder first inside and grab the closing handle and close half way, tucking in the fabric sides, then 90% closed check the fabric again and stick inside the closing handle and rope, hook the latch and your done in 45 seconds.

Weather Resistance; "Super comfort" - We have used this Car Top Tent in light to moderate rains and winds up to 66 MPH and it has surpassed any ground tents we have used and tested. The design was excellent for shedding water and condensation.  We are looking forward to testing it under more severe rain conditions, but have simply been too "lucky" thus far.

My impression with the Columbus Days at first was the weight on the top of the vehicle. That was quickly resolved after the first couple of trips with the the Columbus Days on the top (only 122 pounds). The trails this has been on have been from the easy trails all of the way to the hard core trails (to a 4 on a 1 to 4+ rating). It is great for the person who wants to access the back country and still have civilized sleeping quarters for the night up away from the bugs and critters. The Columbus Days far exceeded my expectations.

Value; Value is where this Columbus Days is outstanding. The whole unit will last a lifetime, simple, high quality, and style. The cost is more than off-set by the fact that it will simply out last ground tents, (which get holes in the bottom or their fabric must be dried before you can put them away). I would highly recommend the Columbus Days Car Top Tent to anyone who wants to camp in style and go with class.

 This has been one of the best investments I have made. The 3 way (12 volt DC, 110 volt AC and propane) unit has preformed far better then expected. The compact size has allowed the use on all of my adventures. The temperature can be set for a freezer or a refrigerator depending on your needs.

With the 110 volt AC you can plug it in before you leave and have the "Dometic Power Fridge" cooled down to the temperature you want when you are ready to load it and go. Once you have it in your vehicle just plug it in to your 12 volt outlet and it maintains the set temperature you have selected. When you set up for the night at camp switch to propane to maintain temperature. No draining of your battery while on propane. The small 16 oz. propane bottles will last up to 3 days depending on your temperature setting.

The "Dometic Power Fridge" size outside measures 23.5" X 16" X 18" and the inside is measurements 18" X 8" X 13". This is wonderful size since NO ice is needed which takes up the most room in any cooler.

The inside cooling unit is a flat smooth surface full length on the large back wall. This distributes the cold throughout the whole unit. The "Dometic Power Fridge" has worked to freeze water and "Blue Ice" for additional coolers. The cooling times from our experience from 80 degrees to freezing (32 degrees) 110 volt 4 hours, 12 volt, 5.5 hours, propane 3 hours. We achieved a low temperature of 20 degrees on 110 volt, 28 degrees on 12 volt and 18 degrees on propane gas.

Our main use has been on extended trips where we used the "Dometic Power Fridge" as a freezer. We put in foods to be frozen and blue ice packs to transfer to the additional cooler

for foods we did not want frozen. Where I am gone for weeks at a time this "Dometic Power Fridge" has been a life saver as no more food going to waste. We all have experienced the opening of a cooler and melted ice has got into everything and wasted the food. Then where do you get more ice in the middle of no where? Not a problem with the "Dometic Power Fridge".

From the professional guides point of view this "Dometic Power Fridge" has been a saver and I would recommend it to everyone. We are so impressed with it that we can set you up with a new one. You can order one at Lofty Shelters of from us.

The best part of this unit is the cost, very reasonable.