Many owners of Lada Niva SUVs seek to expand the functionality of their car, turning it into a full-fledged camping vehicle. One of the most popular solutions in this segment is the Safari 31 tent, designed specifically for installation on the roof. This equipment allows you to quickly organize a sleeping area for two adults and one child, without taking up useful space inside the cabin.
Unlike permanent tents, which take a long time to set up, car tent ready to use in minutes. However, in order for the design to work properly and not create problems along the way, it is necessary to take into account the nuances of installation and operation. It is important to understand that the Niva has its own mounting features, which differ from frame SUVs.
Correct installation of the awning requires a careful approach to the selection of attachment points and tension of the slings. If you plan to use Safari 31 In harsh off-road conditions or changeable weather, knowing the technical specifications will be a key factor in your comfort. In this article we will analyze all aspects from the choice of fasteners to the nuances of waterproofing.
Technical characteristics and compatibility with Lada Niva models
The "Safari 31" tent is a rigid structure with an awning covering, which is attached directly to the standard or reinforced roof rails of the car. The main advantage of this model is its compactness when folded and speed of deployment. The size of the berth allows two adults to comfortably accommodate, and the presence of a vestibule protects against dirt getting into the sleeping area.
For family cars Lada Niva (classic version, 4x4 Urban, as well as new Chevrolet Niva models) standard mounting kits are suitable. However, it is worth remembering that the classic Niva often does not have standard roof rails, so the installation of longitudinal arches will be required. The awning is 190 cm wide and 220 cm long, which is optimal for a compact SUV.
Materials used in production include waterproof treated fabric and reinforced plastic for the frame. This provides protection from rain, wind and even small hail. It's important to note that hydrophobic coating requires periodic updating to maintain its properties. The weight of the structure is about 35 kg, which does not overload the suspension, but requires caution when maneuvering at high speed.
- π Dimensions when unfolded: 220Γ190Γ125 cm
- π Bed dimensions: 200Γ170 cm
- βοΈ Total weight of the structure: 35 kg
- π§οΈ Fabric water resistance: 3000 mm water column
β οΈ Attention: Do not install the awning on roof rails that have visible cracks or corrosion, as this may lead to the collapse of the structure in strong winds.
When choosing a model, you should pay attention to the equipment. The basic set usually includes fastenings, tightening straps and a carrying case. Some manufacturers offer additional options in the form of mosquito nets or shelves. For owners Lada Niva It is critical to check the compatibility of the mounts with the specific year of the vehicle, as the roof geometry may have changed slightly.
- Standard roof rails
- Longitudinal arcs
- Point mounts
- Not installed yet
Preparing the car roof for installation
Before proceeding with the installation of the awning, it is necessary to carefully prepare the surface of the car roof. This is a step that many owners tend to skip, which later leads to paint damage or metal corrosion. Cleaning the surface from dust, dirt and road chemical residues is a prerequisite for long service life.
If on the roof of a car Lada Niva There are no roof rails, you will need to install longitudinal bars. For this purpose, standard mounting points hidden under door seals are often used. It is necessary to carefully bend the seal, find the technological holes and screw the bases of the arches. It is important to use rubber gaskets between the metal of the roll bar and the roof to avoid metal-to-metal contact.
After installing the arches, check their rigidity and reliability of fastening. They should not wobble or bend under load. It is on these elements that the entire structure of the awning will rest. Use a torque wrench to tighten the bolts to the torque recommended by the vehicle manufacturer, usually between 10 and 15 Nm.
βοΈ Preparation for installation
Pay special attention to the condition of the door seals. When installing fasteners, they often require bending, which can lead to their deformation or tearing over time. If the seals are old and hard, it is better to replace them before installation. This will prevent moisture from entering the interior and eliminate extraneous noise when driving.
- 𧽠Use a soft sponge and car shampoo to wash the roof
- π§ Check the tightness of all bolts on the installed arches
- π‘οΈ Apply an anti-corrosion compound to the contact areas of the fasteners
- π Measure the distance between the poles for precise centering of the tent
β οΈ Attention: Do not tighten the bolts of the arches βtightlyβ until the awning is installed, as they may need to be adjusted to the width of the roof.
Installation process of the tent "Safari 31"
Installing the awning on a prepared platform requires two people, since the structure has significant weight and dimensions. Raise the tent carefully, trying not to scratch the roof of the car or the tent itself on the edges of the body. It is recommended to use protective mats or pads if you are raising the awning from the ground to the roof.
The base of the awning is attached to the longitudinal arches using special clamps or belts. It is important to center the tent relative to the longitudinal axis of the car to avoid skewing and uneven load distribution. Once the base is secured, tighten all tie-down straps to ensure the structure fits snugly to the roof.
Then you need to unfold the awning, lifting the frame onto the upper hinges. The opening mechanism usually resembles a folding umbrella or lever system. Be gentle and do not use excessive force. After full deployment, check the condition of all locks and latches that hold the awning in position.
What to do if the awning does not close well?
Check that the frame is not warped during installation. Often the problem is solved by loosening one of the side straps and re-tightening. Also make sure there is no dirt or sand on the guides.
After installing the awning, be sure to check the tension of the side straps. They should be tensioned enough so that the awning does not hit the body when moving, but not too tight so as not to deform the frame. Properly tensioned fabric creates an aerodynamic profile, reducing noise and air resistance.
- π Raise the awning with the help of a partner, maintaining the center of gravity
- π Secure the base to the arches using standard locks
- π Center the tent on the center of the roof
- π¨ Check the tension of all lines before riding
Before your first trip with the awning installed, take a test route on a flat road at a speed of up to 60 km/h to make sure there are no vibrations or extraneous sounds.
Operation and care of the awning
Operating the Safari 31 tent in Russian off-road conditions requires compliance with a number of rules. Firstly, it is not recommended to use a tent in strong winds (more than 15 m/s) without additional guy ropes. Secondly, when stopping in the forest, avoid places under dilapidated trees; falling branches can damage the fabric or frame.
Caring for the awning includes regular cleaning and drying. After each use in rainy weather or after driving through mud, wipe the fabric with a dry cloth and allow it to dry completely before packing. A damp cloth folded into a cover will quickly become moldy, which will lead to loss of waterproofness and the appearance of an unpleasant odor.
To restore the water-repellent properties of fabric, it is recommended to use special impregnation sprays. Apply them to a clean and dry surface, following the manufacturer's instructions. Also periodically check the condition of the seams and, if necessary, treat them with seam sealant to avoid leaks.
β οΈ Attention: Never dry the awning in the open sun while unfolded for a long time, as ultraviolet radiation destroys the impregnation of the fabric and reduces its strength.
In winter, use the awning with caution. Snow accumulated on the roof of the tent creates additional load on the frame. Remove snow carefully, using a soft broom, and do not leave ice build-up on the fabric. In severe frosts, the plastic of the frame becomes brittle, so avoid sudden movements when opening or closing.
- π§οΈ Dry the awning only when unfolded in the shade
- π§Ό Clean dirt with a soft brush and water
- π‘οΈ Renew impregnation once a season
- βοΈ Throw snow off the roof of the tent during long stays
Regular drying and timely treatment with impregnation extend the service life of the awning by 2-3 times compared to operation without maintenance.
Advantages and disadvantages of the model
The Safari 31 awning has a number of undeniable advantages that make it a popular choice among SUV owners. The main one is the ability to organize a sleeping place without taking up the interior space of the car. This is especially true for family trips when you need to accommodate luggage or passengers in the cabin.
The design of the awning provides excellent thermal insulation and protection from external factors. Fabric with a dense weave of threads retains heat inside, and a double layer of the bottom protects against cold and dampness coming from the roof of the car. In addition, the presence of windows with mosquito nets provides excellent ventilation and visibility.
However, there are also disadvantages that you should be aware of. The main disadvantage is the increase in aerodynamic drag, which leads to an increase in fuel consumption at speeds above 90 km/h. Also, in strong winds, the awning can create significant noise, which is transmitted into the cabin. Another factor is the need to carefully pack the awning before the trip, since when folded it takes up space on the roof.
| Parameter | Advantage | Disadvantage |
|---|---|---|
| Comfort | Separate sleeping place | Low thermal insulation in winter |
| Installation | Quick installation (5-10 min) | Requires two people |
| Savings | Saving space in the cabin | Increased fuel consumption |
| Strength | Reinforced frame | Risk of damage from branches |
When choosing an awning, you should consider the type of travel you are doing. If you prefer long highway trips with frequent overnight stays in hotels, a tent may be overkill. But for lovers of camping, fishing and hunting far from civilization, Safari 31 will become an indispensable assistant.
Can the tent be used as the main housing?
Yes, but with restrictions. In hot weather, without air conditioning, it can be stuffy inside, and in heavy rain, moisture can condense on the walls.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions
Do I need to remove the awning to wash my car?
It is advisable to remove the awning before washing, as high water temperatures and chemicals can damage the fabric's impregnation. If it is impossible to remove the awning, wash the car by hand, avoiding spraying under pressure on the joints and fastenings of the awning.
Is it possible to sleep in a tent in winter?
It is possible to sleep in a tent in winter, but you will need an additional heat source, such as a thermal blanket or a heater that is safe for use in confined spaces. Standard tent insulation is designed for temperatures not lower than -5Β°C without additional measures.
What is the maximum distance you can travel with the awning installed?
The design is designed for constant use, but it is recommended to maintain a speed limit of no higher than 110-120 km/h. On long trips (more than 500 km), it is advisable to stop and check the reliability of the fastening of the slings and frame.
Is the awning suitable for Chevrolet Niva?
Yes, the Safari 31 awning is compatible with the Chevrolet Niva, provided that the appropriate longitudinal bars are installed or standard roof rails are used, if they are included in the package. The roof geometry of the models is similar.
What to do if the fabric starts to leak?
If the fabric begins to leak water, it is necessary to dry it and treat it with a special water-repellent spray. If the seams are damaged, use tent seam sealant. If the tissue damage is severe, a patch from the repair kit will be required.