What is the Point of a Roof Top Tent?
Roof top tents (RTTs) are growing increasingly popular in the United States with each passing season, and in this article, we’ll examine why this is happening. The chances are that you’ve seen trucks driving about with what appears to be an odd-shaped storage bag on top, but they are actually tents that can be folded out to create lovely off-the-ground oasis when needed. If this list doesn’t persuade you that you need one in your life, nothing else will either. What is the purpose of a roof top tent, exactly?
1. Sleeping off ground level
Given the fact that you will be on top of your car, most rooftop tents have an access ladder that extends from the roof. You will not be sleeping in a puddle or a mud pit in the event that it rains on your wedding day! When you are elevated above the ground, it is easier to catch a breeze, which means your tent will be more aired and will keep cooler throughout the hot months. It also provides a greater perspective because you’ll be higher up in the air — it’s almost like being on top of a treehouse!
So, if you are camping in sand or dust, you may climb the ladder and brush off your shoes before entering the tent without tracking anything in with your shoes and socks.
2. It’s more secure
This is an additional benefit of being above ground, but it ought to be mentioned on its own. Animals are less likely to get access to your tent if it is elevated above the ground, and this is especially true if you remove the ladder while you aren’t in the tent, preventing squirrels and other small animals from climbing up. It will also be much more difficult for creepy crawlies such as spiders, scorpions, and snakes to gain entry inside your tent as a result of this. RTTs have long been popular in Australia and Africa, where there are a variety of dangerous animals on the ground, but they have only just gained popularity in the United States, where they are becoming more common.
A tent set up on the ground may be dismantled and transported in a couple of minutes.
Some ardent offroaders sleep in their truck beds with a truck topper over them, but this means that all of their gear must be kept somewhere else while they are sleeping.
3. Comfortable sleeping platform/pad
Even if you have the most luxurious ground tent and air mattress ever created, this may not be the case for you; but, in general, rooftop tents are equipped with high-density memory foam mattresses, which are far more comfortable than air mattresses. Especially if your spouse or significant other is accompanying you on your camping trip, the prospect of being nearly thrown off your air mattress every time the other person moves at all becomes tedious quickly. Rooftop tents also have a hard bottom (often made of fiberglass, steel, aluminum, or something similar) that is absolutely smooth, in contrast to the roughness of the ground below them.
If you ask me, the fable of the Princess and the Pea wasn’t really all that overblown in the first place. When it comes to general comfort, sleeping in a rooftop tent is much more similar to resting in your own bed at home.
4. Durability
In the event that you’ve ever spent the night in a ground tent during a wind/rain/hail/snowstorm, you’re probably aware that you’ll be kept awake all night by the flapping of the tent material, that you’ll most likely wake up in a pool of cold water the next morning, and that your tent may even be damaged beyond repair. Particularly horrifying is if you manage to fall asleep only to be startled by the damaged side of your tent being blown so flat to the ground that it is suffocating you from the inside of the tent.
- A rooftop tent, on the other hand, does not have any of these difficulties to worry about.
- When it comes to canvas sides, most RTTs have them, but they are far more robust than they were in the past, and many of them have mechanisms that allow you to tighten the canvas even more if it is really windy.
- Because your vehicle will be bearing all of the weight, most ground tents are designed to be lightweight and movable, but RTTS are designed to be sturdy and long-lasting.
- A RTT with a fold-out type bed more than doubles your sleeping area.
5. Convenient and quick to set up
To put up most RTTs, you just park your car in a sufficiently level location, unlock the locks or latches, and your tent will either spring up on its own or may be swiftly folded open. Because there are no poles to connect or stakes to drive into the ground, RTTs are often faster and easier to set up than ground tents. However, some RTTs feature annexes that need a few additional minutes of setup time. As an added bonus, you can leave your bedding in place even while the tent is packed down, ensuring that everything is ready to go the moment you open the tent.
6. Super mobile
Most RTTs are really simple to put up: you simply park your car in a sufficiently level location, unlock the locks or latches, and your tent will either spring up on its own or you may rapidly fold it up to accommodate your needs. The addition of annexes can add a few minutes to the set-up time, but in general, RTTs are faster and easier to erect than traditional ground tents since there are no poles to assemble or stakes to drive into ground. As an added bonus, you can leave your bedding in place even while the tent is packed down, ensuring that everything is ready to go the moment the tent door is opened.
It is not possible to do so in a ground tent; instead, you would need to first inflate an air mattress or sleeping pad before putting out your sleeping bag.
7. Cheaper than RVs
Most RTTs are really simple to set up: you simply park your car in a sufficiently level location, unlock the locks or latches, and your tent will either spring up on its own or you can swiftly fold it up. Because there are no poles to connect or stakes to drive into the ground, RTTs are often faster and easier to set up than ground tents. However, some RTTs feature annexes that need a few additional minutes to set up. As an added bonus, you can leave your bedding in place even while the tent is packed down, ensuring that everything is ready to go the moment the tent is opened.
8. Save space inside your vehicle
Due to the fact that you will not be using the truck bed area for sleeping, as I said in the security section, you can keep all of your pricey stuff locked away in your car even while you are sleeping. You won’t have to reorganize your entire car every time you want to sleep this way, though. Aside from that, you won’t have to worry about having to stow a tent, sleeping bags, and air mattresses in your car because everything you need to sleep on is already prepared and ready to go up top in your RTT.
9. Additional storage on top
Due to the fact that you will not be using the truck bed area for sleeping, as I said in the security section, you can keep all of your valuable equipment locked away in your vehicle even while you are sleeping. You won’t have to reorganize your entire car every time you want to sleep this way either. Additionally, you won’t have to worry about keeping a tent, sleeping bags, and air mattresses in your car because everything you need to sleep on is fully prepared and ready to be transported to the top of your RTT vehicle.
10. Easy year-round use
Due to the fact that you will not be using the truck bed area for sleeping, as I said in the security section, you can keep all of your valuable equipment locked away in your car even while you are sleeping. You won’t have to reorganize your entire car every time you want to sleep this way! Additionally, you won’t have to worry about keeping a tent, sleeping bags, and air mattresses in your car because everything you need to sleep on is fully prepared and ready to be transported to the top of your RTT.
Roof top Tent FAQs
Do you require a roof rack in order to use a rooftop tent? It is true that you will require a roof rack or crossbars that have a dynamic weight capacity (DWC) that is at least equal to or more than the weight of the tent. Because the DWC specifies the maximum amount of weight that the rack can support while the vehicle is in motion, you only need to consider the weight of the tent itself, not the weight of you and anybody else who will be sleeping in the tent, because the vehicle will not be in motion at that time.
- Most roof racks will work with an RTT.
- What is the maximum amount of weight that can be placed on the top of a car?
- This implies that, while your vehicle is in motion, you should never go beyond the speed limit set for it.
- Make careful to verify the weight capacity of your RTT before hauling all of your pals up into the tent, or you might wind up causing serious damage to the top of your car.
- If you’re towing a large object, such as a kayak or a stand-up paddleboard, make sure you attach cam straps and guy lines to the front and rear tow hooks on your vehicle to secure your cargo and avoid turning your car into a convertible.
I’m wondering how much it would cost to convert a Sprinter van. Purchasing Our School Bus for Skoolie Conversion ($5K Budget Is Enough for This?) Under $7,500 was spent on an overland vehicle on a tight budget.
What Is The Point Of A Rooftop Tent?
Rooftop tents put on the back of a standard automobile are something you’ve definitely seen before. It’s growing more and more popular, and it’s changing the way people go camping. In actuality, though, what is the purpose of a rooftop tent? The benefit of using a rooftop tent is that it makes going camping much more convenient. It’s simple to get started. You are able to make additional room in your vehicle. Because you don’t have to sleep on the ground, sleeping is more safe and pleasant, and many rooftop tents come with a luxurious mattress as standard.
- Camping on a rooftop with a rooftop tent allows you to be more mobile.
- Of course, every now and then we come across someone who are traveling in an RV and we say to ourselves, “Wow, they have a lot of space!” But when we return to our rooftop tent, we’re always thrilled since it opens up so many more possibilities and allows us to move more freely.
- In this essay, I’ll go into much greater detail on the benefits of traveling with a rooftop tent on your back.
- Are you interested in learning more?
- Thank you for your assistance.
- If you make a purchase after clicking on one of these links, we may receive a small compensation at no additional cost to you.
Why Choosing For A Rooftop Tent?
Are you still on the fence about whether or not you should purchase a rooftop tent? I believe that this essay, as well as our other publications, will assist you in making your selection. One of the benefits of traveling with a rooftop tent is that it is quick and simple to put up and takes up little room within your vehicle. You boost your mobility, making it much easier to go to and from anywhere you choose. Rooftop tents are not very inexpensive, but they are always far less expensive than an RV.
It’s not only warmer, but it’s also much safer because creatures such as snakes and insects can’t get into your tent as easily as they do with a regular tent.
Picking for a rooftop tent is the finest decision you can make!
Pro’s and Con’s of A Rooftop Tent
There are several advantages and disadvantages to traveling with a rooftop tent. Overall, it’s a convenient mode of transportation for getting around. To be quite honest, I can’t think of many drawbacks or downsides to traveling with a rooftop tent. But, then again, I’m a big fan of rooftop tents and camping. As a result, my viewpoint is unlikely to be the most objective. The fact that we did not have an interior living place during our last year of travel was the most significant drawback. We toured all throughout Europe, and there were days when it rained a lot, which added to the experience.
It is the one significant benefit that RVs have over Rooftop Tents: they provide significantly greater living space.
However, this will take up extra room in your car, so be sure you have adequate space in your vehicle.
Camping with a rooftop tent is therefore not recommended when the weather is poor.
Most rooftop tents, on the other hand, are rigorously tested in high-wind and high-rain circumstances. So, if you do decide to purchase a rooftop tent, be sure you choose a high-quality rooftop tent. The knowledge that your rooftop tent will remain waterproof is reassuring.
Advantages Of A Rooftop Tent
You’re probably not shocked to learn that our list of rooftop tent advantages is far greater than our list of rooftop tent disadvantages. It is much simpler for us to think about the good aspects of this perfect mode of transportation since we are optimistic people. Henceforth, here are the benefits of traveling with a rooftop tent:
Mobility
For some reason, many people still believe that rooftop tents can only be installed on big vehicles such as four-wheel-drive or SUVs. That, however, is not the case! Many rooftop tents are small enough to fit on the roof of a typical automobile. As a result, if you’re traveling with a rooftop tent and your own automobile, you can assume that you’ll have a lot more freedom. Traveling by car is easier, it is less expensive (gas prices are lower), and you can park practically everywhere! Furthermore, in many places, it is not permitted to drive a huge RV through the middle of the city.
When you go by automobile, you don’t have to worry about this, which makes it much more convenient to get around in general.
Easy Set-up
Hard shell rooftop tents and soft top rooftop tents are the two most common types of rooftop tents. Both are excellent for traveling, and the hard shell and soft top rooftop tents are just marginally different in terms of design and functionality. The most significant change is in the process of putting up the tent. Hardshell rooftop tents are the most straightforward to erect on average. Many hardshell rooftop tents are equipped with gas springs, which allow you to just open the shell and the tent will automatically open and close.
It is possible to purchase hard shell rooftop tents that open in the manner of a canopy (sideways), albeit they need a little more effort to set up.
The most significant advantage of these rooftop tents is that they are frequently significantly larger, allowing you to accommodate more people (three or four) inside.
Comfort Sleeping
When we made the decision to purchase a rooftop tent, this was by far the most significant advantage for me. The majority of rooftop tents are equipped with a standard mattress. Okay, so it’s not quite as luxurious as being at home, but it’s still far superior to sleeping on an inflatable mattress! If there’s one thing that matters, it’s getting a decent night’s sleep. It’s time to toss out that inflatable mattress and invest in a rooftop tent instead. You’re back to sleeping like a baby! Even if you don’t sleep like a baby (otherwise, you’ll wake up every 2 to 3 hours), you understand what I mean by this statement.
6 – 8 hours of restful sleep is recommended.
Camping with a rooftop tent becomes increasingly appealing!) In addition, you can bring your own bedding and forego the use of camping sleeping bags altogether. Many rooftop tents offer enough room to allow you to leave your bedding inside the tent while it is closed, which is perfect for traveling!
More Luggage Space Inside The Car
If you are traveling, a rooftop tent may double as a baggage storage in addition to a tent while you are not in your vehicle. Particularly with hard shell rooftop tents, there is frequently a significant amount of additional room available for storing your belongings. The items we’ll be packing for our rooftop tent while traveling are as follows:
- Bedding (we have a duvet and two pillows)
- A ladder (every rooftop tent is equipped with a ladder, which is used to enter the tent)
- Camping table and chairs that fold up
- Tent with an awning
Even within our tent, there is still room for more people. I should point you that this is not an option available in every rooftop tent. A common problem with many softshell rooftop tents and rooftop tents that open horizontally, such as a canopy, is that there isn’t much extra room when the tent is folded up. It’s something you should take into consideration if this is a significant component in your decision-making. Also available are many types of hardshell rooftop tents with roof bars and storage space for extra bags on the top.
Low Cost
It goes without saying that a rooftop tent is far less expensive than an RV, but it is significantly more expensive than a conventional tent. Ikamper manufactures one of the most expensive rooftop tents on the market, which sells for around 4000 US Dollars. Due to the fact that this brand is recognized for manufacturing high-quality products, it is more expensive, but it is an investment that you will be able to enjoy for many years. Even yet, it is far less expensive than a typical recreational vehicle, which may easily cost upwards of 10.000 US Dollars or more.
- Ikamper and Tepui are the manufacturers of the rooftop tents that we are aware of that have the greatest client feedback.
- If you merely purchase a rooftop tent and don’t need many more items, traveling with a rooftop tent can be a highly cost-effective option.
- When traveling for an extended period of time, it is worthwhile to invest in an annex.
- If you want to learn more about the benefits of traveling with a rooftop tent, I propose that you read our post titled “Top 10 Advantages of a Rooftop Tent.”
Recommended Rooftop Tents
In terms of rooftop tents, there are several brands and types available on the market. As a result, selecting the one rooftop tent that best suits your needs might be daunting. We’ve compiled a list of different rooftop tents to make it easier for you to choose the ideal one for your needs.
Yakima SkyRise
This Soft Top Rooftop Tent is lightweight, weighing only 115 pounds (51 kilograms), and can accommodate up to three people!
Smittybilt Rooftop Tent
An all-weather tent, which is frequently used for offroading camper adventures.
It’s not very light at 143 pounds (65 kilos), so it won’t fit on the roof of every vehicle. When you’re driving an SUV or a larger vehicle, this is the tent for you.
Tepui LoPro Rooftop Tent
In terms of lightweight, breathable rooftop tents with a soft top, the Tepui Rooftop Tents are among of the best options available on the market. The tent is lightweight, weighing only 120 pounds (55 kilograms), making it perfect for transporting on the roof of practically any automobile.
Rooftop Tent Accessories
In terms of lightweight, breathable rooftop tents with soft tops, the Tepui Rooftop Tents are among the most effective options available on the market today. Due to its light weight of approximately 120 pounds (55 kilograms), the tent may be easily transported on the roof of nearly any vehicle.
Tent Lamps
In terms of lightweight, soft top rooftop tents, Tepui Rooftop Tents are among the best options available on the market. The tent weighs only 120 pounds (55 kilograms), making it perfect for transporting on the roof of practically any automobile.
Travel Hammock
This La Siesta travel hammock is the greatest hammock you can bring with you on your trips because of its lightweight design. It’s really compact, constructed of parachute fabric, and simple to put together. The ideal leisure item that every traveler should have! If you want to make your rooftop tent more comfortable while traveling, there are a number of things you can do. More information may be found in our post, “How Can I Make My Rooftop Tent More Comfortable?”
Does It Fit On A Regular Car?
Why would I need a Rooftop Tent if I’m driving a conventional automobile, you might wonder. It is a common query that we receive, but I have good news for you: the majority of rooftop tents are designed to fit on standard automobiles. This is a question we get asked a lot, and it always comes up before people see our automobile. Because if they see us driving about, they’ll know that the question has already been answered for them. We’re riding in a Toyota Yaris, which isn’t a really large vehicle.
- It is simple to determine whether or not a rooftop tent will fit on top of your vehicle.
- This information is frequently found in the owner’s handbook of your automobile.
- You can easily determine whether or not a rooftop tent will fit on the roof of your automobile by using a simple calculation.
- The combined weight of your rooftop tent (including any extra luggage such as bedding and folding chairs) plus the weight of your roof rack/crossbars must be less than or equal to the maximum dynamic weight limit specified on the manufacturer’s label.
- Finding a rooftop tent that is lighter in weight is usually a good idea since it gives you more leeway when it comes to adding extra weight to your automobile.
- It basically indicates that there is a difference between driving and being in park mode (camping).
- Furthermore, you do not have to contend with other variables such as weather conditions and driving speed.
Frequently, the static weight restriction is three to four times more than the dynamic weight limit. Our step-by-step guide on How To Put A Rooftop Tent On A Regular Car goes into much greater detail on the weight limit and other specifics. Click here to read it.
Things To Consider Before Buying A Rooftop Tent
You’re definitely just as crazy about rooftop tents as we are, aren’t you? However, before you make the decision to purchase a brand new rooftop tent, consider the following purchasing guidelines.
How are you going to use it?
Or, maybe more accurately, what kinds of journeys do you intend to do with your rooftop tent? Even if you’re simply using it for weekend vacations or short excursions, you definitely don’t need a really nice rooftop tent for this purpose. However, while doing longer excursions, this is not the case. If you’re going to be traveling for weeks or months, as we were, you’ll probably want a little more comfort while you’re on the road. Knowing this is vital before making a decision on the type of rooftop tent to purchase, as well as any optional extras such as an annex or an awning.
How much space do you need?
What is the maximum number of people you wish to sleep in the tent? And do you have enough room in your car to accommodate all of your luggage, or do you wish to store certain belongings in your rooftop tent while you are away? I would always recommend purchasing a rooftop tent that can easily accommodate three people at the very least. We also have one that sleeps two people, which is equally ideal. However, because we are expecting a kid, we will need to purchase a larger rooftop tent if we intend to continue traveling in this manner.
What’s the weight limit of your car?
Well, I’ve already described it in this essay, but it’s important to be aware of it anyway. Buying a rooftop tent that is too hefty to transport on the roof of your car is not what you want to do.
What’s your budget?
When it comes to your rooftop tent, how much money do you want to spend? Before purchasing major items such as a rooftop tent, it is usually a good idea to set a spending limit. Additionally, it helps to avoid overspending on your new rooftop tent while also making the selection process simpler. It was not possible to save your subscription. Please try your search again. Subscription to the newsletter was successful.
5 Reasons to Ditch Your Tent and Get a Rooftop One Instead
Consider the following scenario: You choose your camping location, erect your tent, and prepare yourself for a good night’s sleep. You crawl into the house and nestle into your sleeping bag, only to discover that the ground is bumpy and uneven everywhere. You’ve already entered the building and it’s too late to leave, so you decide to deal with the situation. In the middle of the night, you are awoken by a pool of water in your tent, which causes you to fall asleep again. Your rainfly was in place, but you chose a shady site to camp, and now you’re wet to the bone.
- Rooftop tents are portable structures that can be attached to the roof of your car or to a trailer, and they have completely transformed the concept of “car camping.” Here are five compelling arguments for why you should give one a go.
- This is possibly the most crucial and instantly obvious component of camping in a rooftop tent.
- Whether or not you have an unreasonable fear of animals attacking you in your tent on the ground, camping in a rooftop tent provides a sense of security that you would not otherwise experience.
- The majority of rooftop tents are equipped with built-in beds.
- The design allows you to move about and roll around without fear of slipping off your mattress or becoming injured.
- There is no need to battle with the poles and the tent body when putting it all together.
- Set the height of the ladder and then forget about it.
- According to what was stated in the opening, selecting the appropriate campground may make all the difference.
- 5Whether you’re traveling alone or with a partner, you’ll likely have more space than you would in a two-person tent.
Because weight isn’t a concern, you can afford to transport a four-person tent on the top of your car — even if it’s just you and your belongings. It’s sort of like the backwoods equivalent of a California monarch in appearance.
Our Favorite Rooftop Tents
Purchasing Guidelines to Get You Started Is Kukenam XL Ruggedized for Use? Skyby Tepui Tents are $2,250, while White Lightning Hard Shellby Tepui Tents are $2,250. More information may be found here. This material was generated and maintained by a third party and imported onto this website in order to assist users in providing their email addresses for further consideration. You may be able to discover further information on this and other related items at the website piano.io.
Are Rooftop Tents Worth It?
Perhaps this is the first time you’ve heard of a rooftop tent if you’re from the United States. This is comprehensible given the fact that they initially gained popularity in the country of Australia. When it comes to creepy crawlies, Australia is famous for them, and a rooftop tent will keep you off the ground and far away from any four-legged visitors to your campsite. The use of these products has risen in popularity in other nations with high insect populations over the past couple of decades, and they’re finally making an appearance in the United States as well.
We’re going to speak about the advantages of owning a rooftop tent in a moment.
Where Are You Camping?
A rooftop tent gives you more flexibility in terms of placement than a standard tent. You may use it in places where a standard set would be problematic or simply prohibited due to the fact that it is mounted on your automobile. For example, a Walmart parking lot, an RV parking lot, or a highway rest stop are all examples of parking lots. After all, why pay to stay at a campground when you can sleep anywhere you want, whenever you want? Rooftop tents, on the other hand, are quite heavy. All but the smallest alternatives weigh roughly 100 pounds, which is almost 90 pounds more than even the heaviest camping tents on the market.
What Kind of Camping Are You Doing?
A rooftop tent may be either a marvelous convenience or a dreadful pain in the neck, depending on what you’re doing with it. The reason for this is the way they are put together. In order to support a rooftop tent, a roof rack is required. As soon as the roof rack is placed, the tent is secured to the top of it and will remain there for the duration of the trip to your destination. You fold the tent while traveling, and then you unzip it when you get at your location to set up your gear. Imagine having a tent that takes a large amount of work to place on your car but that can be opened in less than a minute when you need to use it.
If, on the other hand, you’re planning on staying at the same campsite for a number of nights, you might want to consider driving.
Such means you’ll have to take down the tent in that scenario. You’ll also need to leave something – or someone – behind to ensure that no one else takes over your campground.
What Kind of Vehicle Do You Own?
It all depends on what you’re doing, and if a rooftop tent is a marvelous convenience or a dreadful pain in the back. Due to the way they are put together, this is the case. The support for a rooftop tent is provided by a roof rack. It is necessary to attach a roof rack before mounting the tent, which will remain in place while you are driving to your destination. You collapse the tent while traveling, and then you unzip it when you get at your location to set up your camp. Imagine having a tent that takes a substantial amount of work to put on your car but that can be opened in less than a minute.
For example, if you’re staying at the same campsite for a number of nights, you might want to take a drive around the neighborhood.
To ensure that no one steals your campground, you’ll also need to leave something – or someone – behind.
What’s Your Budget?
Tents made of traditional materials are reasonably priced. And yes, we are aware that some versions can be found for as much as $700, $800, or even more on the secondary market. There are a plethora of alternatives available, each with a slew of bells and whistles. The reality is that you can get inside a usable tent for less than $300. Rooftop tents require sturdy bottoms that provide a lot of support. They also feature ladders, which must be foldable and safe to drive with in the vehicle. As a result, they are a little on the expensive side.
With that much, you could purchase some of the most opulent hiking tents on the globe.
Conclusion
So, are rooftop tents a good investment? It all depends on what you’re searching for in the first place. There are better choices available if you want to camp in the woods or keep your tent set up while you travel about in your car to other destinations. They’re also not a good fit for automobiles that aren’t capable of supporting a roof rack. The contrary is true in that rooftop tents are less difficult to set up than regular tents. They keep you off the ground and away from pests, and they let you to camp in unusual places without being bothered by them.
We included one in our gift recommendations a few years ago, and we have to tell, the response was overwhelmingly positive.
More information may be found by clicking on the image.
What’s the Deal With Rooftop Tents?
What do you think? Are rooftop tents a good investment? The answer is entirely dependent on your requirements. There are better choices available if you want to camp in the woods or leave your tent set up while you drive about in your car to go on adventures. As a side note, they’re not a good fit for vehicles that can’t accommodate a roof rack. When compared to ordinary tents, rooftop tents are less difficult to set up. In addition to keeping you off the ground and out of the path of the pests, they also allow you to camp in unusual places.
People seemed to enjoy it when we included it in our gift suggestion a couple of years back. As one of the first rooftop tent manufacturers to enter the market, Tepui has established itself as a popular brand. More information may be found by clicking on the image below. comments
Other RTTs and accessories
So, are rooftop tents a worthwhile investment? It all depends on what you’re trying to accomplish. There are better choices available if you want to camp in the woods or keep your tent set up while you travel about in your car to other destinations. They’re also not a good fit for automobiles that cannot accommodate a roof rack. Rooftop tents, on the other hand, are less difficult to set up than ordinary tents. They keep you off the ground and away from mosquitoes, and they let you to camp in unusual places without being bothered by the authorities.
We included one in our gift recommendations a few of years ago, and we have to tell, the response was overwhelmingly positive.
For further information, please see the picture.
Roof top tent pros and cons
There are no comments / What are the benefits of using a roof top tent over a traditional tent? Is there anything that isn’t ideal? Here’s a brief rundown of the advantages and disadvantages to help you decide if they’re appropriate for you. Followed by answers to a slew of frequently asked questions for anyone considering purchasing one of our Orson Roof Top Tents. So, what exactly are the benefits of a roof top tent?
- Mobility – This is ideal for road trips. For those who are constantly on the go, this is the ultimate road trip adventure! Set up shop anywhere your car is capable of going. People who frequently go on weekend vacations, surfers who move from one beach to another, 4×4 aficionados, and anybody searching for a little adventure and excitement should consider this option. Setup is quick and simple — simply park your vehicle and your tent will be ready in minutes. An additional ten minutes to set up the annex, if necessary. Enjoy the comfort of a sumptuous double mattress that is elevated off the ground for a restful night’s sleep. Additionally, as you pack up, leave your bedding in the tent. Robust – constructed with harder, more durable, and longer-lasting weatherproof materials (such as canvas, steel, and aluminium tread plate) when compared to ground tents, which are often designed to be lightweight and portable in nature. Off the ground — like your own tree home – there will be no muck or floods, and the structure will capture breezes for ventilation. The tent on the roof frees up storage space in the truck, allowing you to carry more stuff. Security — keeping objects higher above the ground makes them less accessible to animals and people alike. Less expensive than an RV – enjoy some of the luxuries and mobility of an RV on a tighter budget than an RV
Is there anything to be concerned about on the negative side?
- If you have a tent set up, you will be unable to drive to the nearest store. If you’re intending on staying in one place for an extended period of time, this is not an ideal situation. Bring with your bicycle
- When it comes to getting the tent on and off the roof, two strong persons will be required to hoist the tent up and off the rafters. I keep mine in the truck for the whole of the camping season
- Nevertheless, Road handling has an impact on the center of gravity of your car as well as fuel efficiency, although it is not very visible
- Height – due to the height of the tent, some areas may be difficult to access – I have a small folding chair on hand for this purpose. Costlier than a ground tent – much more costly.
So, what’s the final word? The advantages exceed the disadvantages by a wide margin. That is my view based on having one on my roof. We’ve gone on a number of scheduled outings as well as spontaneous overnight excursions when the sun has shone brightly. It is possible to have many new adventures by sleeping on the roof of your car. The overwhelming majority of our consumers have stated that they ‘really adore it!’ Let’s get this party started. If you’re still not sure about a roof top tent, please contact us at Intents Outdoors and we’ll do our best to provide you with any information or guidance you might be looking for.
7 Advantages of Owning a Roof Top Tent
When considering whether to purchase a roof top tent or simply researching them for the first time, you may question what the key advantages of roof top tents are compared to ground tents or automobile camping. The advantages of a roof top tent include its capacity to remain clean and dry, as well as its ability to give luxury and comfort while remaining above the ground in a handy and easy manner. These are just a few of the many advantages that roof top tents (RTTs) provide to campers who use them.
So let’s speak about the advantages I’ve found when camping with an RTT a little bit more in depth!
Roof top tent advantages:
Those who have tented in a ground tent are well aware of how fast the tent can become filthy. From the moment you set it down, it becomes caked with dirt, and when you move about inside the tent a couple of times, you track dirt in with your shoes. When it rains, the ground gets muddy, which is an even more dangerous situation. Because an RTT does not rest on the ground, you will not have to worry about any of these difficulties. When you first enter the tent, you may drop your shoes in a waterproof shoe bag that is conveniently located right outside the entrance of your RTT.
Camping on the beach seems like a great idea in principle, but the amount of sand that gets into your tent and belongings is the most unpleasant aspect.
Additionally, unlike a ground tent, you will not have to rinse or clean the RTT after a dirty camping excursion, as you would with a ground tent. However, cleaning your RTT on a regular basis is still recommended, and you can learn how to do it effectively here with my Step By Step Cleaning Guide.
Comfort
The level of comfort provided by an RTT is unparalleled. For me, the most significant improvement is just having a level surface to sleep on at night. When sleeping in a ground tent, even with a decent mattress pad, the lumpy and uneven surface makes it difficult to sleep properly. For those who embark on lengthy camping trips lasting several days at a time, this is particularly true. RTTs are often equipped with a built-in mattress that is around 2-3.5 inches thick and manufactured of high-density polyurethane.
- Owners will even add another mattress topper in order to have the most comfortable sleeping arrangement possible.
- Let us talk about bedding while we are on the subject of comfort.
- When the tent is closed, the majority of RTTs, particularly hardshells, allow you to retain your bedding inside the tent.
- Aside from the fact that this will save you a significant amount of time, I like knowing that I will not forget anything as I hurry out of the house for my next camping trip.
Effortless setup
This may be a contentious issue for some, but I believe that RTTs are less difficult to set up. For starters, because the tent never touches the ground, I maintain a much cleaner environment. But, more importantly, I don’t have to rely on those obnoxious poles, tie-downs, and pegs to keep the tent in place. Setting up a ground tent can take anything from a few minutes to many hours, but if you include the time it takes to make the bed, the whole time is probably 15-20 minutes. Some RTTs are more quickly implemented than others.
Setting up the model will take around five minutes, depending on its complexity.
Many hardshell RTTs, on the other hand, simply require a handful of clips to be undone before the tent’s gas struts will pop open for you on their own.
Even though I realize that there are certain pop-up ground tents that can be set up in minutes, I believe that, barring the outliers, RTTs have the edge in this situation!
Packing less gear
In the process of packing your vehicle for a camping trip and seeing how little space there is for everything, you quickly realize how important it is to plan ahead of time. Because it is mounted on top of your car, the RTT performs exceptionally well in this situation. You also won’t have to be concerned about the amount of room that an air mattress would ordinarily take up in your home. As I indicated earlier when discussing comfort, the majority if not all of the bedding may be stowed within the RTT while it is closed as well.
In addition, it is useful for forgetful persons, such as me, who usually appears to forget something or two for my vacation! You will have peace of mind knowing that your tent is ready to go at all times, and you will have one less thing to worry about.
Luxury
There is unquestionably a sense of luxury that comes with owning an RTT vehicle. Essentially, it’s a happy medium or step up from a ground tent, but it’s less luxury than a teardrop trailer in terms of amenities. RTTs are expensive, but not when compared to any other type of trailer! It is possible that RTTs will cost more than $4,000 dollars and will be constructed of aluminum and steel. Among the many additional amenities are built-in fans, solar panels, LED lighting, automated opening and shutting, an annex with an attached awning, and several other features.
Some RTTs even have USB and 12V plugs built into the tent that are ready to be connected to a power source when they are unpacked.
In the ground tent category, there is nothing like to it, which is why I believe RTTs to be significantly more luxury for campers.
All-season use
If you have a well-equipped tent and the appropriate equipment, you may prolong your camping season until later in the year or all year long. In addition to being outfitted with extraordinarily thick fabric and anti-condensation mats, as well as insulated flooring and several other extras, there are many all-season RTTs on the market. Because they are high in the air, they provide a natural benefit in that they will help you to keep dry while also preventing you from sleeping on the extremely cold ground.
If it rains or snows, I’d prefer be in a hardtop RTT that will keep me dry and be able to withstand the weight of collected rain or snow.
Fun factor
This is something of an intangible, but in my opinion, it is a significant benefit! Owning an RTT is simply enjoyable! I absolutely enjoy being able to rest in my tent while being 8 feet above the ground and enjoying the nicest view available. Once your friends and family members grasp how it works, they will exclaim with delight at how cool it is! For a long time, people were baffled as to how it operated. The response to my camping trip photos has been overwhelmingly positive, and I’ve had an influx of queries from readers.
Despite all of the wonderful benefits that come with an RTT, it is not all sunshine and rainbows all of the time.
RTT Disadvantages
Before we go into the negative aspects of using an RTT, I’d like to direct your attention to this article: Roof Top Tents VS Ground Tents. It outlines some of the advantages and disadvantages of using each tent. It is a fast read and goes into further detail about the significant changes that I have discovered while utilizing each arrangement! Even if you bring your dog camping with you, as many of us do, getting them inside the tent might prove to be a very challenging chore. I wouldn’t be concerned about it at all with smaller dogs.
- This is something you should consider if you’re getting older or if you just can’t lift your dog because they’re so hefty.
- If you search for “dog” in the search box located in the upper right corner of my website, you will be sent to an article in which I provide several examples of how to correct this problem.
- Another downside is the need to keep track of the RTT.
- This is OK, but it will result in more wear and tear on your vehicle, as well as decreased fuel economy.
These are just a few of the drawbacks that have truly stuck out to me as a business owner and have been important to me. I would strongly advise you to read the post in which I compare them to ground tents since I provide several other cases in which an RTT is clearly at a disadvantage.
Wrapping Up
Before we go into the negative aspects of using an RTT, I’d want you to read this article, Roof Top Tents VS Ground Tents, which I’ve hand-picked for your convenience: Each tent’s advantages and disadvantages are discussed in detail. It is a fast read and goes into further detail about the significant changes that I have discovered while utilizing each arrangement! Even if you bring your dog camping with you, as many of us do, getting them inside the tent might prove to be a challenging chore.
It is, however, a lengthy procedure to bring my 60-pound dog into the house.
The good news is that there are workarounds for this.
I include several examples in the article.
Storage of the RTT is another issue.
Despite the fact that this is perfectly acceptable, it will increase wear and tear on your vehicle and lower its fuel economy.
The post in which I compare them to ground tents is strongly recommended since it contains several instances of situations in which an RTT is clearly at a disadvantage.
