Owning a rooftop tent gives you the ability to travel and camp anywhere. Since the tent is attached to your vehicle, you won’t have to worry about booking a hotel room or cabin near the wilderness. You can camp anywhere your truck or SUV can take you, and immerse yourself in nature as soon as you wake up.
Like most camping upgrades, installing a rooftop tent on your vehicle is a big move you should research thoroughly. Aside from the cost, there are some factors you should consider before choosing a rooftop tent.
Things To Consider When Choosing a Rooftop Tent
Some factors to keep in mind when choosing a rooftop tent include vehicle compatibility, roof rack upgrades, capacity, seasonality, material, comfort features, and price.
Vehicle Compatibility
Rooftop tents may be installed on vehicles of all sizes. However, it is mostly installed on 4WD vehicles with high ground clearance and high-performance engines. Because some tents are exclusively made for certain vehicle types, you must check for fitment before finalizing your purchase.
While shopping, check the tent manufacturer’s advice for compatibility and compare it against the roof rack load rating set by your vehicle’s automaker.
Also consider wind resistance, steering capabilities, and fuel economy since you’re adding weight to the roof.
Roof Rack Upgrades
Your vehicle’s roof rack system has to be compatible with the tent kit. Most OEM roof rack kits can’t handle the weight of rooftop rents, so upgrading the roof rack is a must for most vehicles. You’ll need crossbars that can take on the tent’s weight with people inside.
Having the appropriate rack system protects your vehicle and tent from damage.
Size and Capacity
Tents come in different sizes, so you’ll have to consider the size your group needs. Some tents can only handle one person, while others can house up to six people. Think of long-term use and how many people will likely use the tent on camping trips.
Seasonality
Choose a tent suitable for the seasons you plan to camp in. Some models are better for warm weather, while others offer insulation for colder climates.
If you’re willing to splurge a little, some tents come with coated ripstop canopies designed to endure different seasons and weather conditions.
Durability and Material
Look for rooftop tents made from durable materials like ripstop polyester, nylon, or canvas. Make sure that the fabric used is waterproof and UV resistant.
Comfort Features
Since you’ll be sleeping inside the tent, choosing one that offers some comfort features like foam mattresses and insulation is a good idea.
Price
Lastly, you should set a budget and compare options within that range. While tent prices vary, they cost more than regular camping tents on average.
Advantages of Installing a Rooftop Tent on Your Vehicle
Besides letting you camp anywhere, some advantages of having a rooftop tent include ease of setup, durability, and the ability to camp off the ground.
Easy to Set Up
Rooftop tents are relatively quick and easy to set up. You’ll only need to undo a few straps and deploy the poles and ladder. This lets you use the tent whenever and wherever you need to, giving you the ease of camping without the hassle of setting up the tent every time you move locations.
Can Withstand Harsh Weather Conditions
Some rooftop tents can withstand harsh weather conditions because of the materials they’re made from. Manufacturers often incorporate waterproof fabric to ensure rain doesn’t penetrate the tent. Similarly, the pole materials are robust enough to withstand strong winds.
Camping Above the Ground
Camping is fun, especially with the right company. However, it’s easy to see why some people are turned off by the idea of spending a night with nature. Crawling bugs, moist earth, and lying on top of sticks and stones may not be for everyone.
Luckily, rooftop tent camping saves you from all these. Since you’re above ground, you won’t have to worry about any of the inconveniences you’ll otherwise face when camping traditionally.
Disadvantages of Installing a Rooftop Tent
The main disadvantages of rooftop tents are the price and the increased gas mileage.
Price
Rooftop tents are expensive because they’re engineered to reliably and safely stay on top of a car moving at 70 miles per hour or more. On average, a well-known tent could sell for as much as $2,500 or more. You’ll also likely have to spend more on upgrading your roof rack system.
Decreased Gas Mileage
Your vehicle will likely consume more fuel to accommodate the added weight of your rooftop tent. The type of vehicle you use, how you drive, the type of roof rack you have, and the size of your rooftop tent may affect how well your vehicle performs.
On one hand, a low-quality roof rack may disrupt your vehicle’s aerodynamics and increase fuel consumption by 25%. On the other hand, a high-quality roof rack system will only lower your vehicle mileage by 2-11%.
How to Install a Rooftop Tent
Before purchasing a rooftop tent, have your mechanic check your suspension system to ensure that your vehicle can safely support a rooftop tent.
This is also a good time to ask for advice on whether a roof rack upgrade is necessary.
After your vehicle is cleared for this upgrade, the next step is prepping it for installation. It helps to have a buddy with you to make lifting and assembling the tent on your roof rack easier.
Step 1: Wash your vehicle to clear any debris or dirt that may get in the way of mounting the roof rack.
Step 2: Unpack the tent and read the included instructions. Check the kit for any damaged or missing parts.
Step 3: Most kits will give you plenty of setup options, so choose the one that will work best for your vehicle. Assemble the mounting hardware while you’re at ground level.
Step 4: Lift the tent onto the roof rack with the help of a friend. Place it as close as you can to where you’ll mount it. Ensure the doors, windows, and handles aren’t blocked.
Step 4: Slide the mounting brackets under the roof rack bars before aligning them with the tent’s mounting points. Attach the mounting hardware and tighten them by hand until the tent is securely in place.
Step 5: Align and secure the ladder to the tent’s mounting points.
Step 6: Double-check that all mounting hardware is secure and that the tent’s weight is evenly distributed across the roof. You may use a wrench or ratchet to tighten the fasteners.
Where to Get a Rooftop Tent for Your Ride
For a rooftop tent that ticks all the boxes, look no further than CarParts.com. We have rooftop tents and other accessories to help you with your outdoor adventures.
Our selection includes accurate and detailed fitment information, so you’re sure to find the perfect tent for your ride. If you have questions, give us a call using our toll-free hotline, and our round-the-clock customer service team will be ready to assist you.
On top of that, you’ll find only the best prices when you shop from us. All our products come with a low-price and lifetime replacement guarantee, helping you get the best value for your money. Place your order today, and we’ll have your new tent delivered to your doorstep in as fast as two business days.
Get yourself a new rooftop tent to make your next outdoor excursion more fun and convenient. Order some gear that’s built to last now from CarParts.com today!
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Any information provided on this Website is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace consultation with a professional mechanic. The accuracy and timeliness of the information may change from the time of publication.
