If you are thinking of camping, the initial image that pops up in your head is probably one of a camping tent erected under the sky. Although camping tents are the most common shelters for campers, there are newer and more sophisticated tents you can take advantage of during your next camping trip. One of them is the rooftop tent.
A roof tent is a tent erected on the roof of your SUV or truck. It’s a game-changing piece of overland camping gear which is rapidly becoming popular among campers and overlandersand for good reason too! Below, we’ve provided the main reasons why a rooftop tent should become your go-to tent option.
What Is A Rooftop Tent?
A rooftop tent is a tent that’s erected to the ceiling of your camping or overlanding vehicle. Similar to traditional tents, it comes in various sizes, shapes as well as colors and designs.
Rooftop tents are designed to be a convenient camping solution. Unlike a conventional tent that needs poles and knots before they can be erected in the dirt, roof tents can be easily set up onto the rooftop of your vehicle for a more elevated sleeping area for you and your friend.
Rooftop tents are excellent travel companions because they are connected directly to the roof of your vehicle. This is perhaps the most important benefit of all.
What is the material that rooftop tents are made of?
Rooftop tents are just like other tents, are made with different materials to accommodate different camping needs. The materials that your tent is constructed of determine a variety of features such as the weight of your tent to its season suitability.
The fabrics that roof tents are constructed from. They include:
Cotton: Rooftop tents constructed out of 100 percent cotton are typically breathable, abrasion-resistant, and tough. They allow air to flow in, which is why campers need more insulation during windy and cold days. The more cotton used, the greater the weight of the tent as well as less breathable. While cotton tents are durable but they aren’t always easy to dry once they become wet. They easily absorb moisture, making them difficult to use during rain. In general, cotton roof tents are ideal for camping in the summer months.
Polyester: Polyester rooftop tents are lightweight, stretchy, and naturally waterproof. They’re tear-resistant, and dry quickly and are a good choice for all seasons. While they’re fantastic, polyester tents are not breathable and suffer from abrasion easily.
Poly-cotton: Poly-cotton rooftop tents are made from a blend of cotton and polyester fibers. This enables them to share the common characteristics of both types of fibers, making them the most suitable roof tent that a camper could invest in. Poly-cotton is breathable to some degree, and are abrasion-resistant. They are also tear-resistant to some extent and less heavy than cotton tents and water-resistant.
Nylon: Nylon rooftop tents are a cheaper alternative to cotton and polyester rooftop tents. They are more durable external elements and resistant to abrasion and fire retardant. Rooftop tents made of nylon are lightweight and pliable, making them easy to move and erect. They are water-resistant, dry quickly after rainfall and can be treated chemically to become UV-resistant.
In addition to the tent material that forms the tent’s canvas and provides protection, roof tents also have other elements like the frames, which give it structure and help support the tent as it expands.
How Do Rooftop Tents Mounted?
Rooftop tents are type of camping tents which sit on the roof of your camping car or truck. However, contrary the misconceptions that many amateur campers who aren’t familiar with tents for rooftops might think rooftop tents don’t stand directly on top of your vehicle, as this could be dangerous. Instead the rooftop tents sit on the roof racks of your vehicle.
Rooftop tents can be attached to the existing roof rack. However, in the absence of a rack the rooftop tent can be mounted on crossbars separately purchased. However, prior to going into the process of buying and putting up your roof tent, it is necessary to comply with specific guidelines to ensure your safety and that of your vehicle.
When buying a rooftop tent You must purchase a tent that your vehicle’s crossbars or racks can support. This means you need to know the weight of your vehicle, crossbar size and weight limit as well as the weight of the tent.
There are two kinds of tent weights: dynamic and static weights. It is the dynamic one that is supported by your vehicle when your vehicle is moving, and the tent is not in use. The dynamic weight will determine and affects your vehicle mileage dag and also how quickly you use gas.
Static weight however is the weight that is supported by your vehicle while your tent is in place and you are in it. The static weight is generally higher and more distributed than the dynamic weight.
Once you have determined the weight limits that are required be sure to have the right roof rack or crossbar. There are different types of roof racks, and if you’re looking to purchase one on your own since you don’t have a car rack or the one that is on the top of your car is not the right size it is important to ensure that the rack you buy is of the correct size.
It is recommended to put your roofing racks at a minimum of 32 inches away from each other except stated otherwise in your rooftop tent manual. To install your rooftop tent, ensure you are equipped with the appropriate tools and equipment. Check your roof manual for instructions and get the necessary tools to begin the mounting process.
To install your rooftop tent:
Make sure that the tent’s parts are complete. From bolts to knots and ladder brackets, ensure you have all the components listed in the manual present.
Attach the mounting tracks to the top of your vehicle
Install the ladder and secure it.
Attach the cover
Make sure you secure your tent to the roof as the instruction manual directs
And, voila! It’s a great tent for the next camping adventure. The time that you will need to put your tent can vary. As long as you have the appropriate tools and support to set up and set up your rooftop tent in just a few hours.
Types of Rooftop Tents
There are two major kinds of rooftop tents, and these are the soft shell and the hard-shell rooftop tents. The soft and the hard shell types are fantastic rooftop tent options that have varying advantages and disadvantages. The attributes you require in your tent such as durability, space, price, and easy set-up will help you determine what type of rooftop tent is suitable for your needs.
Soft Shell Roof Top Tents
Soft shell roof tents are lightweight and easy to transport. Although they are light however, they are extremely tricky to set up and then deflate since you have to ensure every edge of the tent is secure in the cover.
Soft shell rooftop tents are an excellent alternative if you’re looking for a tent on the roof that provides more space to accommodate guests. They offer more space and larger floor space that can be folded out, and they also offer an option to attach to separately-bought roof tent annexes to give you more space.
Soft shell rooftop tents however, are not the most efficient aerodynamics options. They cause drag, which can slow your vehicle when driving and cause you to use more fuel.
Shell Rooftop Tents with Hard Shell Rooftop Tents
Hard shell roof top tents are made of a strong ceiling and floor that creates the appearance of boxes. They are a standard option among campers as they are more durable in comparison to tents with soft shells, and are more convenient to use. But, they are more costly than soft shell rooftop tents.
Hard shell rooftop tents tend to be designed with an aerodynamic look. They cause less drag resistance and do not impact your vehicle’s mileage more than soft shell tents.
Its rigid design of this type of tent is a limitation on the space that it can be used, but makes it simpler to put up in under a minute. They’re also easy to pull down without hassle which makes it easy to fold them up and take them with you.
There are a variety of styles for rooftop tents with hard shells that decide features like how your tent opens up as well as the structure of your tent, and your tent’s the height.
Benefits of Rooftop Tents
Rooftop tents are gaining acceptance as more people start to realize the advantages of this vital camping gear. A more convenient option than conservation tents, the ease and ease that rooftop tents bring are unparalleled and can be as good as none. A few reasons why you should choose rooftop tents on your next camping trip include:
1. Easy To Set Up
When you’re using traditional camping tents, first you have to locate a tent site where you can set up camp. Afterward, you need to find a flat surface and clean the area of stones and sticks before finally beginning the stressful process of using poles as well as knots to set up your tent.
With tents that are roof-top are not required to worry about these grueling procedures. Because the rooftop tents can be set up to the top of your car the only thing you need to do is locate a parking spot and remove the tent cover and the straps off, set up the ladder and fold your tent. You can put up your tent, and then be in the bed in a matter of minutes.
As opposed to a traditional tent that requires you to make multiple trips to the car and to return, some rooftop tents can accommodate your mattress or blankets even when they are collapsed. Even if you need to attach your annex to complete the set-up, it is easier and faster as compared to setting up a conventional tent. The process of setting up a roof tent is an effortless procedure that is worth it after a full day of playing in the wilderness.
2. Ease of Transport
If you’re an inland camping enthusiast or someone who is constantly on the move and needs to move frequently, you’ll enjoy the ease of transport with rooftop tents. With this option for tents, you can no longer be constrained by geographical terrain or even place of residence.
Rooftop tents can be a good option for those who want to camp out for the night and continue your journey early in the day. It is easy to set up and dismantling time that allows quick movements to different locations every day. Making a tent for the ground with knots and poles before filling it with sleeping gear only to take it down in just a couple of hours is an experience that you don’t need to suffer when you are using tents on rooftops.
Unconstrained camping trips are a great way to explore places that aren’t suitable for ground tents. In the woods or on rocky terrains, as long as you can find a safe spot to store your gear, you’ll have shelter to your head.
3. Above-ground Shelter
Using a roof tent means you can sleep comfortably from a higher than ground level. This guarantees a comfortable evening’s rest free of bugs, mud, or wildlife.
Sleeping in ground tents leaves you to suffer at the hands- or bitesof bud and crawling insects. It also leaves you easily accessible to animals like snakes and lizards, which can compromise your security. Sleeping off-ground level takes care of this little problem. Some rooftop tents come with mesh panels on the windows for campers to have a comfortable bug-free night’s rest.
The fact that you can sleep above ground lets dirt from your sleeping area to a great extent particularly in the event of rain. A tent that is on the ground will be coated with mud and water which causes campers to follow dirt into and out of their tent. If you have a tent on the roof it is safe, comfortable, and mud-free during and after rain.
A tent that is roof-top is a more secure tent that lets a camper to sleep above their vehicle while keeping the truck locked.
4. The most comfortable and relaxing sleeping space
If you’ve ever slept on a mat in the camping tent, you will agree that the sensation of rock and pebbles dangling from the back of your head isn’t a feeling you’d like to feel on a camping trip. Although you can spend the money on an air mattress for camping however, its comfort cannot be comparable to the experience of lying on memory foam in a rooftop tent.
Many rooftop tents feature memory foam mattresses with high density to keep campers comfortable and warm. They also have a sturdy flat floor that is generally comprised of steel, fiberglass, or any durable and strong material. This means that you don’t need to endure discomfort from sticks or rocks.
5. Durability
Rooftop tents may be lightweight but they’re usually constructed from durable and sturdy materials that shield the tent from damage. They are also typically equipped with strong fiberglass panels or aluminum frames which give the tent a structure and keep it in its place.
Rooftop tents, particularly ones made of extremely sturdy materials, you will not have to worry about abrasions or tears. Contrary to ground tents, which typically have their canvas flapping with the rain or wind, and sometimes blown off the campers, the rooftop tents will not be torn off from their structures and a variety of designs provide very little flapping in the wind.
Rooftop tents are large enough to withstand the strain of your issue. Canvas is more durable and offers the security and safety many ground tents don’t offer.
6. More Space
When using rooftop tents, you can save space in your car by storing the sleeping gear in your tent, even when it’s closed. Since space is a major concern for camping and trips overland, you will have more room in your car to pack essential camping gear.
Like ground tents and rooftop tents don’t have to be dismantled or kept in your car every morning. Since they can stay mounted on your roof, and then set up in its cover it will take up additional space in your vehicle without any issues.
Some tents, specifically the hardshell tent, provide areas to store gear on their surfaces. It is possible to solve a variety of storage issues simply by investing in roof tents.
7. Customizable To Provide More Space
Rooftop tents can be made to maximize space by providing means of fixing awnings bought separately, curtains, and annexes.
Annexes are also durable camping gear that offers additional shelter for a convenient private space, changing room or kitchen set-up. Annexes come in various designs and colors and can attach to your rooftop tent.
Awnings can also offer additional shelter by casting a shade to help campers build their own outdoor patio. They can be outfitted with curtains for an area to sleep beneath the roof tent.
8. Luxury
Who says you have to purchase an RV to experience a luxurious camping trip? You can have a luxurious time in the wilderness without spending thousands of dollars on an RV simply by purchasing the right type of roof tent. Rooftop tents are less expensive options with the same great luxury and comfort.
While, of course, you won’t have access to running water or the custom bathroom that RVs offer however, you can still enjoy electricity via solar panel fittings and also the luxury and ease of movement which RV owners appreciate. Additionally, you will save a lot of money!
9. Year-Round Use
The majority of rooftop tents are constructed with durable materials, but some are made with heavy-duty materials that can stand up to any weather. Being able to withstand different conditions of weather without issue can make them suitable for any season and all-year-round.
These rooftop tents are fitted with a padded fabric, insulation mats, anti-condensation mats and other amenities that will keep campers comfortable all year. In this way, you will remain dry and warm during the winter and cool during summer.
Enjoying The Unbeatable Advantages of Rooftop Tents
Rooftop tents are ten years ahead of standard ground tents. They’re sturdy, economical and are designed to provide security and comfort in the wilderness.
To get the most out of your roof tent and maximize its capabilities it is crucial to ensure that it is appropriate for your needs or your motor. Do your research to choose the ideal rooftop tent and take a lavish camping excursion.