Although rooftop tents are rapidly becoming mainstream camping gear, to some people, there still are many mysteries concerning how this essential gear works. Some popular questions people are concerned about are how to choose a rooftop tent or even what type of tent to choose.
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In this article, we will address popular rooftop tent questions to help you make the most of rooftop tents.
Rooftop Tent Frequently Asked Questions and Answers
Rooftop tents have grown to be an integral part of camping as more and more people make the switch from regular traditional tents to these more modern options. In fact, ever since rooftop tents entered the market a few years ago, their demand has continued to increase, and the market has gone nowhere but up.
And for great reasons too!
Investing in a rooftop tent is an excellent option when you are constantly in pursuit of one outdoor activity or the other. It is a great way to make your camping or overlanding trips more convenient while enjoying the luxury many other ground texts do not offer.
Rooftop tents are rapidly gaining popularity, but many people still have many questions that fuel their skepticism about switching from traditional tents to rooftop tents. If you are among the many people who have questions about rooftop tents, we are here to help!
Below, we have compiled a list of possible questions you might have and detailed answers to these questions.
Your rooftop tent is your home away from home and should be made as comfortable as possible. Some easy ways you can do this include:
Invest in a high-quality waterproof mattress
Buying absorbent sheets and connection mats to keep wetness out
Buy comfortable pillows
Buy a rooftop tent in the correct size
Bring a ground mat with you on camping trips to keep the mud out of your tent
Light up your tent with power-saving LED lights
Keep your tent cool with a cooling fan
Use mosquito nets for protection.
2. How much does a rooftop tent weigh?
A rooftop tent&#;s weight depends on the materials it is made out of and its size. Generally, rooftop tents weigh between 100-200lbs.
A rooftop tent&#;s weight capacity varies with the type of tent. On average, rooftop tents can hold 200 lbs per occupant.
For example, the Tuff Stuff Alpha II Hard Top two-person tent has a weight capacity of 800 lbs, while the Tuff Stuff Ranger three-person tent also holds 800 lbs.
There are many advantages of rooftop tents, and one essential one is the ease of camping anywhere.
You can camp anywhere your vehicle goes! It doesn't matter if you find yourself in the desert or on a grassy plain, as long as you find a safe and legal place to park your vehicle, you can use your rooftop tent.
An uneven rooftop tent can be very uncomfortable and frustrating. To make the most out of your text and enjoy a comfortable night's rest, you need to level your RTT. To do this:
Choose a flat place to park your vehicle. If camping uphill, find an area with only a slight incline to pitch your tent.
Level your vehicle, not just your tent
Use leveling blocks if necessary. Use rocks if you don't have blocks
Position your rooftop tent ladder toward a hill
6. How do I keep a rooftop tent warm?
A chilly tent is uncomfortable. However, sometimes it can not be avoided, especially when camping in the winter.
To keep your rooftop tent warm:
Use insulation
Invest in electric blankets
Use a portable heater
Buy an insulating mattress
Use diesel-powered heat exchangers (
you can also create your diesel heater
!)
Rooftop tents are camping gear fitted to, you guessed right- the roof of a camping vehicle. However, some rooftop tents are also fitted to the bed of a motor vehicle.
Rooftop tents were designed to offer shelter like regular camping tents but in a more convenient, comfortable, and safer structure. With standard tents, your tent is on the ground, but with rooftop tents, your shelter is atop your vehicle.
There are many reasons people choose to switch their traditional camping tents to rooftop tents. Although rooftop tents are generally more expensive than conventional tents, they offer more game-changing benefits that many campers find essential to their outdoorsy lifestyle.
Some of these benefits are:
Easy set-up and pull-down
Ease of mobility as you can camp wherever you go with your vehicle
You can make the most of your vehicle space with your rooftop tent installed on top of your car.
Many rooftop tents are made of more durable materials (like
aluminum
) than some traditional tents.
Better sleep off the ground, you do not have to deal with rocks poking into your back as you sleep, water pooling in your tent as it rains, or mud splashing all over your tent.
They offer a vantage point of the ground which keeps you out of reach of animals like snakes creeping into the camping area.
When appropriately installed, rooftop tents do not pose a risk to a vehicle&#;s roof.
Rooftop tents are installed using roof racks or rooftop bars. The tent is not placed directly on the roof of the vehicle.
Of course, rooftop tents are heavy, so your concerns are valid. However, if you stick to your vehicle&#;s and roof rack&#;s weight limit, you should have no problem using a rooftop tent.
Although a vehicle&#;s weight limit is an overlooked feature, it is one of the many important factors to consider when installing a rooftop tent. Your vehicle&#;s weight limit determines how safe it will be to install a rooftop with a certain weight.
Your vehicle&#;s weight limit is categorized into static and dynamic weight. Static weight is your vehicle&#;s weight capacity when it is immobile. It is how much weight your vehicle can support when it is not moving.
The static weight capacity is often at least three times the dynamic weight capacity. To know if your rooftop tent is suitable for your vehicle, ensure that the tent&#;s weight and your weight is less than the static capacity figure.
For example, many SUVs have a static weight capacity of more than pounds. If your rooftop tent weighs 250 pounds, you must ensure that the combined weight of you and your camping company- and your camping gear- is less than 600 pounds.
On the other hand, dynamic weight capacity is how much weight your vehicle can support when in motion. Your rooftop tent&#;s weight should not exceed this weight limit.
You can find your vehicle&#;s weight limit by talking to your dealer or checking your manual. Either way, you must factor these numbers into your rooftop tent needs.
No! You should never purchase a roof rack for your rooftop tent without ensuring it has the correct specifications.
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Some vehicles come factory-equipped with roof racks pre-installed. You might think you do not need to purchase another roof rack, but this isn&#;t the case. Pre-installed roof racks are not strong enough to support rooftop tents.
So, what roof racks should you buy?
There are different types of roof racks with other specifications. The roof rack you should buy depends on your vehicle type and rooftop tent requirement.
Many rooftop tent manufacturers often detail the best rack fit for their different rooftop tents, so this should not be a problem. They usually offer a guide so you know the correct roof rack weight limit, material type, length, and breadth is perfect for you.
Yes, your pet can sleep in a rooftop tent! Many rooftop tents are animal friendly and are comfortable for human and pet campers.
All you need to do is find a rooftop tent that will hold you and your pet(s) comfortably and probably invest in a rooftop tent ramp to help your pet get up and down the tent quickly.
Many people wonder what to do with their tents when taking a break from outdoor activities. While some people prefer to leave their rooftop tent installed on their camping vehicle, we do not recommend doing this. Like regular camping tents, rooftop tents need to be stored properly to ensure it retains their durability and is in an excellent state for your subsequent camping trips.
One common misconception that people have about storing rooftop tents is they can leave them lying on the floor. However, this is not a practical option, as even if the floor is dry, small amounts of moisture can still find their way into your rooftop tent. This poses a high risk of degradation and can damage your tent.
So what are the best ways?
Flat on the garage floor: Instead of placing the tent directly on the floor, create a wooden platform and set the tent on it. Remember to store the tent and accessories in an airtight bag or thick blankets.
Lean it against a wall: this option is best if you do not have enough garage floor space. Create a stable platform along the bottom of the tent. Place the tent&#;s base on the wall and lean the top part against the wall. For added security, use ties to support the rooftop tent to the wall.
On the ceiling: Using a pulley system, you can store your rooftop tent overhead. This method saves space but will require more effort and financial investment than previous options.
Use a cart: Do you have a cart-like structure that your roof-top tent will fit in? Try storing your tent in it!
Rooftop tents are long-term investments which is why you should buy a rooftop tent that will serve you for years. This means you should take in several factors, like the tent size.
There are one-person, two-person, and even five-person rooftop tents with varying weight capacities. When choosing the size to buy, you should consider if you will be camping alone or will have companions with you. If you are not sure, you can &#;size up&#;! After all, it's better to be stuck with a bigger rooftop tent than a small one.
Maintaining a rooftop tent is easy. Ensure you never store it wet, and remember to clean out all dirt on or in it.
To clean your rooftop tent, remove all your sleeping gear. Clean the tent&#;s floor or base and air out the tent. Depending on how often you use the tent, deep clean your RTT to eliminate build-up. Remember to let it dry properly before putting it in storage.
Any car owner&#;s primary concern about installing a rooftop tent is how it affects mileage. After all, an object that is bulky on the roof of a vehicle is bound to create a drag effect.
A study shows that even roof racks impact fuel consumption. So, will rooftop tents do the same?
The short answer to this question is yes. Yes, installing a rooftop tent will affect your vehicle&#;s mileage. However, there is no specific formula you can use to calculate how much change in mileage occurs. To make it easier, we have provided all you need to know about how much rooftop tents affect gas mileage in this detailed article.
No, it doesn't. Installing a rooftop tent does not affect the overall performance of your vehicle when it comes to speed. However, it would help if you kept in mind that this depends on your vehicle&#;s capacity. It is also important to remember that going too fast while a rooftop tent is attached to the roof of your car will decrease your mileage.
There are so many vehicles out there, so it can get confusing trying to figure out if a rooftop tent can fit on your car. As an unspoken rule of thumb, RTTs are more commonly seen on SUVs and trucks. However, theoretically, any vehicle with a dynamic weight capacity of over 165 pounds and can fit the necessary roof racks can hold a rooftop tent. Regardless, rooftop tents are more commonly seen on off-road capable vehicles.
Both types of rooftop tents are great options. However, it would help if you considered your needs before choosing one.
Hard-shell rooftop tents are more compact and have smaller weight capacities. However, they are also more aerodynamic, durable, and easy to set up.
On the other hand, soft-shell rooftop tents are usually bigger but less aerodynamic and more challenging to set up.
Weigh your options and see which rooftop tent type best suits your lifestyle!
Rooftop tents are more durable than regular ground tents. When well maintained, you should be able to enjoy using your RTT for at least five and as much as ten years.
Unless you are camping in the winter, it is not advisable to leave your rooftop tent installed on the roof of your vehicle. Leaving your rooftop tent installed on your cars throughout the cold months can cause moisture to seep in. This moisture can be challenging to expel during the winter and damage your RTT.
Additionally, unless you plan to abandon your vehicle with the RTT installed, there is no point driving around with the tent installed. This will decrease your mileage.
No, you should not. This can damage your rooftop tent.
Rooftop Tents are the New Way
Although rooftop tents are growing increasingly popular, they are still relatively new to the camping scene. As a camper used to ground tents, it is normal to be skeptical about making the switch to rooftop tents.
However, ever since it became a mainstream camping gear, rooftop tents have offered nothing but benefits. Rooftop tents have consistently proven to be better options than regular rents.
To help you make the easier choice, we have provided an answer to all the questions you possibly have. With this article, we hope you are finally confident in the knowledge you have of rooftop tents.
After trading in my Toyota RAV4 and waiting months for 4Runner availability, last fall my new, SR5 Premium finally arrived. Although this beefy SUV proves less rugged than Toyota&#;s upfitted TRD models, it does the trick for my needs and leaves room for improvement over time. I knew the first piece of gear I wanted to add to my new rig (named ToyHota Kotb) was a rooftop tent. Knowing little about this camping style outside of the many liked images on my Instagram feed&#;extensive research, online forum browsing, and seemingly endless questions were undoubtedly in my future.
In the end, I opted for the Roofnest Condor XL tent to accommodate my wife, me, and our soon-to-be family of three. And with a nearly king-sized sleeping space, this model also provides plenty of room to bring our favorite furry camping companion with us too. While choosing a tent that fit my family and vehicle seemed pretty simple, I quickly found out there was still plenty to be done (and learn) before we were ready to hit the road on our first adventure.
From roof racks to tent installation, setup, and storage, here are a few things I learned while getting started in the adventurous world of rooftop tent camping.
My energetic pup quickly chose his spot inside the tent. | Photo: Samantha Lechlitner-LewisMuch to my surprise, rooftop tents can fit a wide variety of vehicles, even sedans and other smaller cars. But just because a tent will fit on your car, doesn&#;t mean it&#;s ideal for every vehicle. Having a tent on top of your roof can create significant wind resistance, subsequently affecting steering capabilities and lowering your fuel economy. You also have to ensure that your roof is equipped to support the added weight of both your tent and those camping inside of it.
Check your vehicle&#;s owner manual for the roof rack&#;s load capacity information, and when in doubt, reach out to tent manufacturers to inquire about compatibility. Companies like Roofnest, Thule, Front Runner Outfitters, and iKamper (to name a few) are extremely knowledgeable and always willing to offer advice. I relied heavily on product experts at both Thule and Roofnest to ensure my vehicle was equipped and capable of handling my camping gear before making my purchase.
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On top of your vehicle needing to be compatible with your tent kit, your roof rack system needs to check out too. Owning a Toyota 4Runner with OEM raised rails, I just assumed I could throw this tent on top of my roof, lock it down, and call it a day. I soon learned that not only was I wrong about this assumption&#;this impending purchasing decision would prove to be more stressful than buying the tent itself. As it turns out, most OEM roof rack kits aren&#;t designed to handle the weight of a rooftop tent. This is especially true for heavier tents, like my 160-pound Condor XL.
Most likely, you&#;ll need to upgrade your roof racks to safely accommodate the added weight on your vehicle. While I opted for Thule&#;s Raised Rail Evo kit and SquareBar Evo crossbars, there are numerous systems out there that will meet your vehicle and tent needs, outside of a simple crossbar upgrade. Many of the online forums I referenced for advice urged me to purchase a more sophisticated rack, like the Front Runner Slimline II. However, this type of system is significantly pricier than a crossbar kit, and unfortunately not in my budget. But for campers who plan to keep their tents mounted and in use throughout the year, a low-profile, steel roofing system can be worth the investment&#;especially if your travels tend to be off-road, as these racks are designed to withstand the wear and tear of adventure.
My Thule Evo raised rail roof rack kit and SquareBar Evo crossbars. | Photo: Samantha Lechlitner-LewisAt the end of the day, you&#;ll at least need crossbars that can take on the weight of your tent. If you&#;re like me, that means purchasing additional load carrier feet for your crossbars, to attach to your vehicle&#;s original raised rails. Whether you&#;re mounting your tent on your vehicle, truck bed, or travel trailer, having the right rack system designed for the right amount of support is crucial to protecting your vehicle, tent, and other surfaces from damage.
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What started out as a task I was confident my dad and I could handle, turned into a four-person endeavor that called for additional assistance from my father-in-law and brother-in-law. Between the height of my 4Runner and the weight of the Roofnest tent, my dad and I quickly realized we were going to need more muscle when it came to lifting the tent onto my roof racks. Fortunately, Roofnest provides detailed installation instructions on its website, making this project fairly easy, after everything was said and done.
My family lent a helping hand during the installation process. | Photo: Samantha Lechlitner-LewisKeep in mind that most rooftop tent installs will require two or more people if you&#;re planning on lifting your tent manually. With a quick online search, you&#;ll find that rooftop tent owners have concocted all types of ways to help streamline the installation process. The most common being the use of a pulley or hoist system, like those you&#;d use to lift off a Jeep top or roof cargo carrier. If you want to go this route, just make sure you buy (or build) a system that can sufficiently hold the weight of your tent. While these systems alleviate the need to lift, you can easily damage your tent or vehicle if your hoist isn&#;t designed properly for your load capacity.
During installation, you&#;ll also want to consider what type of security system (if any) you want for your tent. Since my vehicle will be parked in my driveway during camping season, I bought Thule locking straps to keep my tent securely locked to my roof. There are also various types of locking bolts, mounts, and keyed systems that might need to be integrated during the initial installation process. Many of these security accessories will depend on the type of tent you have, so check for compatibility before you purchase. I chose straps so I can lock up other pieces of camping gear while I&#;m at my campsite and my tent is being used.
Once your tent is fully installed and secured to your roof, practice setting it up before taking off on your maiden voyage. This way, you can see what adjustments will need to be made or what additional gear you&#;ll need before arriving at the campground. Plus, this will help you familiarize yourself with your new equipment for smooth operation. Even though Roofnest&#;s setup instructions were clear and easy to follow, I found that I would either need to grow a few inches or purchase a step of sorts to open and close my tent. I bought a car door step that installs inside my door frame. This allows me to reach the top of my tent without hauling around a step ladder or other bulky gear.
This door step attachment makes it easy to reach the top of my vehicle&#;s roof. | Photo: Samantha Lechlitner-LewisIt&#;s adjustments like this that you&#;ll want to try and square away early on, so you know you and your camping companions can easily unfold and store your tent while in the great outdoors. While most rooftop tents have straightforward setups, requiring little to no strenuous effort, you don&#;t want to be caught off guard on your first trip.
If your tent isn&#;t going to be a permanent staple on your vehicle, you&#;ll need to have a plan for uninstalling and storing your gear during the off-season or in between trips (if you feel like removing it that frequently). Some hoist systems will allow you to store your tent suspended inside your garage or other storage facility. But again, make sure your hoist is designed for holding that type of load, especially for extended periods of time. While most people opt to store their tents inside garages, sheds, or basements, there are a few things to keep in mind before simply setting it on the floor and leaving it.
While uninstalling and storing your tent can be a hassle, proper storage will help increase the longevity of your gear. Since these camping kits aren&#;t cheap, it&#;s worth the extra time to give it a break from the elements.
Diving head first into rooftop tent camping, I learned a few valuable lessons first-hand. Here are some additional tips to keep in mind when it comes to rooftop tent camping.
Measure your garage entrance. The inside of my garage has exceptionally high ceilings, so I&#;d assumed I&#;d be able to drive my 4Runner inside with my tent installed. However, before we started the install process, we realized that the actual frame of my garage door wasn&#;t going to provide enough clearance. Thankfully we noticed this before installing the tent inside the garage. If you&#;re wanting to keep your vehicle stored inside, make sure you account for your tent height and the additional roof rack height before assuming everything will fit. I bought a Roofnest cover to help protect my tent since it will be spending more time than expected out in the elements.
Upfront investment. While I knew buying a rooftop tent wasn&#;t going to be cheap, I wasn&#;t planning to spend quite as much on other gear needed to get me going. Make sure to budget for things like roof racks, steps (if needed), security accessories, protective covers, and more. While the roof racks were the most essential items purchased for my tent, the other gear will undoubtedly give me peace of mind and make my camping experience smoother.
Cargo storage. Roofnest and other manufacturers design tents with cargo racks on top of the tent&#;s shell. And while this was an option for me, I chose the Condor XL due to its larger sleeping capacity. My tradeoff for this tent was sacrificing cargo space&#;meaning I can&#;t haul my kayaks and other gear up top. If you plan on bringing along any type of equipment usually stored on your roof, be sure to shop for tents that come with roof racks or have that option.
While it&#;s easy to get our dog inside the tent, the exit process is a struggle. | Photo: Samantha Lechlitner-LewisPet solutions. If you&#;re like me and plan on bringing your four-legged friend with you, consider coming up with a plan to get them up and down your tent ladder. My 50-pound pup isn&#;t the easiest to pick up and simply set inside the tent. With a little guidance, I can help him get up the steps, but going down is an adventure on its own. I&#;ve seen plenty of DIY ramps online that rooftop tent owners have built to help their dogs. There are even products that fit over your ladder to give them a stable space for going up and down. While some of these products are a little pricey and will take up storage space, if you have a bigger pup, the investment might be worth it in the end.
I was confident rooftop tent camping was my next outdoor adventure, and I stand by that decision. It&#;s less of an investment and commitment than RV ownership, and it&#;s easier to set up camp than a traditional tent&#;once the initial installation has been completed. If you&#;re on the fence about investing in a rooftop tent kit, consider renting one to test before you buy.
Here are a few ways you can rent rooftop camping equipment:
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