Roof Top Tent – Elevate Your Camping Experience

A roof top tent is a great way to elevate your camping experience. They’re easy to set up and can be packed away quickly, leaving more time to explore your surroundings.

They’re also safer than ground tents since you’re at a higher elevation and removed from dangerous pests like snakes and spiders.

Size

If you’re considering a roof top tent, one of the most important considerations is size. You need to find a model that fits the size of your vehicle and that doesn’t overly clutter up your driving space or impact gas mileage.

Fortunately, this is easier to do than you might think. Most roof top tents have a relatively small footprint, which allows them to fit into most vehicles’ standard mounting racks without taking up much room. iKamper and Thule both offer models that can accommodate cargo while remaining relatively compact, like the iKamper Blue Dot Voyager Duo above.

You can also go with larger tents for more sleeping space, but this isn’t always a practical option. The iKamper BDV is one example, with a 50-by-84-inch mattress and peak heights that range from 36 to 55 inches.

Another consideration is the height of your roof. This varies, but you’ll want to make sure that your vehicle’s roof is tall enough for the ladder and annex of any roof top tent you’re considering.

Some roof top tents, especially hardshell designs, are bulky and difficult to lift onto your roof rack, so be prepared to have at least two people to help you get the tent on. This is especially true if you’re driving a truck or SUV with a high-profile hood.

For those who prefer a less imposing rooftop tent, the Smittybilt Front Runner is a great option. It’s only a few pounds heavier than the Roofnest Meadowlark, with a sturdy base and frame and a reliable awning that will keep you dry. It’s roof top tent also very easy to set up and take down, making it an ideal choice for a quick getaway or solo traveler.

Weight

Roof top tents vary in weight, depending on their materials and construction. While heavier tents may be better suited for larger groups, lighter models are a great choice for solo travelers or those who want to take their tent off the vehicle between trips.

The average rooftop tent weighs about 135 pounds, but that number can vary significantly by design. Tents with a solid or formed base typically weigh more than pop-up options, and tents with thick fabrics and robust zippers tend to be heavier as well.

When buying a rooftop tent, you should consider its maximum load limit, which can be found in the product’s specifications or online. Most cars and SUVs can only handle up to 160 lbs.

While this might seem like a small amount, a top-heavy load can dramatically affect your car’s handling and hauling capabilities. It can also negatively impact gas mileage, and over time, it can wear down your suspension.

A roof rack can help a rooftop tent’s weight distribution, but it won’t prevent the tent from adding extra weight to your car. Rather, it can help protect your vehicle from damage by keeping the weight off the roof and reducing stress on the rack.

Fortunately, most roof top tents fall within the permitted load limit specified by their manufacturers. The best way to find out is to speak with your car’s manufacturer or dealer, or check out the roof rack’s weight limit in your owner’s manual.

If you’re unsure about the load limit of your vehicle, you can always ask for a free inspection before making a purchase. In addition, you should inspect your rack system and connections regularly to avoid damage or problems.

Storage

Roof top tents are becoming increasingly popular, especially as they’re easy to pack up and store away once the camping season is over. These tents are great for road trips, camping at the local park, or even for a weekend at home with the family.

However, when it’s time to pack the tent up for storage, it’s important to ensure that it’s stored properly. This can help protect the tent from damage caused by the elements or water exposure and keep it in good working order for years to come.

A common way to store a rooftop tent is by hanging it up on the ceiling of your garage. Whether you use a ceiling hoist or a sling, this method keeps the tent off of the floor and out of the way, but it can be a little difficult to do alone, so be sure to have someone else help with it.

Another option is to place the tent on a cart or platform in the garage. This can be a useful solution when you don’t have enough floor space in your garage and want to maximize the roof area for other storage.

Alternatively, you can leave the tent on the roof of your vehicle all year round. This is a good idea for hard shell tents with weather resistant ABS fiberglass shells and is also a good solution if you have a roof rack that can easily support the weight of your tent (and other gear).

When choosing the best location for your roof top tent, consider vehicle compatibility, mounting options, and weight limitations. It’s also a good idea to take note of the tent’s features that will be helpful in winter storage, like extra insulation and waterproof zippers.

Weatherproofing

Weatherproofing a roof top tent is an important part of camping. Not only is it essential to protect your belongings from the elements, but it also helps ensure that you have a comfortable and enjoyable night’s sleep.

Hard shell roof top tents are often more durable than soft shell models. They feature a rigid outer shell made from fiberglass, aluminum, or hard plastic. This is then sandwiched by waterproof fabric walls that are shaped to fit into the shell when closed.

Some hard shell models open with the assistance of gas struts or mechanical or electric crank systems. They provide a spacious interior with standing height and can be set up in minutes by one person.

Another benefit of a hard shell roof top tent is that they usually come with roof top tent a thicker mattress than soft-shell models. Some even feature gel tops and high-density foam to enhance comfort.

The shape of the roof can also have an impact on a tent’s ability to be waterproof. If the roof is shaped to allow water to roll off easily, you’re in much better shape than if it’s square or has a large pool of rainwater on top.

It’s not impossible to find a roof top tent that is waterproof, but you should be aware of how it is constructed and the type of material used in its construction. It’s a good idea to check for waterproof classification and to look for a tent that has an HH (Hydrostatic Head) rating of at least 1000mm.

The last thing you want to do is to wake up in a drenched sleeping bag and pack. It’s always best to have a few waterproofing solutions on hand, like re-waterproofing spray or a tent patch kit.

Installation

A roof top tent is a great way to add additional space and comfort to your camping experience. These tents are easy to set up and pack away when you are done with them. They are also a great option for families who travel with children or who have multiple members in the same household.

The installation of a roof top tent is typically straightforward, and it should not take more than an hour or two if you have the proper tools and assistance. It is important to double check your vehicle’s compatibility before you begin, as some vehicles require special framework in order to hold a rooftop tent.

Depending on the model you choose, you can either install the tent with a hoist or by using a sliding track. For hardshell models like the Roofnest Sparrow EYE or Roofnest Falcon 2, you can simply remove the tent from its box and place it onto your rack with minimal assembly.

Softshell tents, on the other hand, are more difficult to set up and remove. You’ll need a pair of strong and capable people to help you lift them on and off your vehicle.

Finally, if you want to add an annex or separate awning, it’ll add to the setup time. Most annexes and awnings attach to the platform of the tent and provide an enclosed area underneath that can be used for a shower or toilet, camp kitchen, or as additional living space.

The installation of a roof top tent should only take about 20 minutes if you follow the instructions provided in the manual. It is also a good idea to take the time to inspect the tent for damages and missing parts before you start the process.