For outdoor enthusiasts, particularly those who enjoy camping, a car roof tent is essential. Traditionally, you have to deal with uneven surfaces, bugs, and muddy conditions caused by the weather. Although it’s totally not unbearable, it can still be uncomfortable for many people. A car roof tent is an ideal solution for this.
Learn everything you need to know about this type of tent in this article. From their benefits and types to their installation and maintenance, find out how using one can elevate your camping experience. Use this as your personal guide and a deciding factor on whether it’s time to get yourself a car top tent.
Benefits of Car Roof Tents
Car roof tents are camping tents designed for vehicle roofs. Instead of the ground, you install and use them while on top of the car. Because of this huge setup difference from your common camping tent, they come with numerous benefits. These include:
Raised Sleeping Space
Rain and bugs make ground camping uncomfortable. Since these tents are on your car roof, you’re protected from sand, wet surfaces, and mosquitoes. This will help keep you, your things, and the tent clean and dry, which can contribute to better nighttime sleep.
Quick Set Up
They can be opened and packed away in minutes. There’s no need to work with poles and secure them in the ground. Just fold and unfold the car top tent, and it’s done. This lets you skip the long setup and gives you extra time to discover new places and just relax.
Protection Against Elements
Rooftop tents are made of weatherproof, long-lasting fabrics that can withstand wind, rain, snow, and other extreme weather conditions. In any weather, you can stay dry and comfortable thanks to some models' remarkable insulation.
Comfort
Many car roof tents have built-in mattresses and bedding. This makes staying inside the tent more comfortable, especially when it’s time to sleep. No need to bring a sleeping bag or a portable mattress, giving more space in your pack for more important things.
Elevated View
Being up in your car lets you enjoy a fantastic view of the beautiful surroundings. Whether it's rain, sun, or snow, the landscape is always worthwhile. Some models even have built-in sky panels so you can stargaze right before you fall asleep.
Flexible Use
Camping is possible practically anywhere with a car roof tent. A wide range of vehicles, including SUVs, cars, vans, and trailers, are compatible with them. As a result, you will be able to start going on longer road trips, trekking, and camping in the bush.
Main Types of Roof-Top Tents
There are two types of car roof tents: hard-shell and soft-shell. Each one has its unique benefits and features that you can enjoy.
Hard-Shell Tents
These are robust and weatherproof car roof tents that often have stiff builds and shapes. This simplifies their setup and packing—even their opening and closing. They are typically constructed using durable materials such as fiberglass, composite, or aluminum.
This enables them to withstand harsh weather conditions such as snow, wind, and rain. Their low profile also aids in cutting through the air, resulting in reduced wind noise. Numerous tents provide exceptional insulation for heat retention and noise reduction. Using a hard-shell tent allows you to unwind and rest peacefully.
Soft-Shell Tents
These have softer materials with extra sleeping areas. These tents are easy to fold up and store when not in use because they are made of durable fabric. Compared to hard-shell tents, this construction makes them incredibly portable and lightweight. Additionally, they are typically less expensive than their equivalents.
Common Features and Qualities of a Car Roof Tent
If you need more reasons to get one for you and your family, here are the common features you can enjoy with a roof tent:
Style Versatility
Aside from the main types, these tents come in different styles that vary depending on how you set them up. These include:
Fold-Out
This is most common with soft-shell car roof tents—they often extend on one side of the vehicle. You just pull off the travel cover and fold them out from a hinge in the middle of the floor. Their ladders also have two purposes: for climbing onto the tent and as support for the extended side of the floor.
Pop-Up
This is more common with hard-shell tents that have flat or wedge roofs. This is because they’re often built with latches and struts that keep the whole tent closed. You just need to unlatch their latches, and they’ll pop up into place, making setting up convenient.
Durability
There are certain robust models of roof-top tents that can withstand harsher camping conditions, even if most of them are very sturdy. Typically, these tents are constructed from premium materials like mesh, fiberglass, aluminum, and sturdy textiles. They can withstand extensive and frequent usage. With the right care and use, these tents can last for many years.
Manual and Automatic Openings
These tents are all easy to use, but they can either have manual or automatic openings. Hard-shell tents open with a little nudge, while soft-shell tents have to be manually flipped open. Note that tents with automatic openings tend to cost more than those with manual openings. Make sure to consider this when deciding which type to buy.
Flexible Sleeping Capacity and Sizes
Car roof tents have different capacities, from one or two people up to a whole family of five. This flexibility in capacity gives them a competitive advantage over ground tents. But since most models can only fit up to two individuals, you have to make sure to check the size and capacity of the tent you’re interested in buying. Choose larger models if you need one for three or more. But expect them to extend over your car’s roof, and will need support.
Various Vehicle Compatibility
Car roof tents are compatible with many kinds and models of vehicles with roof racks. Keep in mind that your car needs a roof rack for this, as the tents are mounted on these racks. To make sure the tent is ideal for your vehicle, check its specifications and descriptions—manufacturers usually indicate them.
Extended Coverage or Annexes
Many models are designed to provide spaces beneath the tent, beside the vehicle—the annexes. A good example is the TentBox Lite XL Living Pod Long. This car roof tent offers a spacious, weather-resistant room under it. You can even raise its sides for an extra covered area, which is perfect during the daytime. Plus, it has an anti-bug mesh front door to keep the bugs out during the night.
Windows
Car roof tents have well-placed windows that make them more comfortable. They also let you take in the view of any place you’ll visit and camp at. The number and size of windows vary, but larger ones should have more windows. Of course, if you want an airy feel inside, look for a tent with more windows.
Furthermore, many models come with skylight windows. These will allow you to look at the stars at night—a very relaxing way and a view to fall asleep to. No need to get out of the tent just to watch the stars with your loved ones.
Accessories
Many car roof tents come with different accessories. You can use this to take your camping experience to the next level. These often include storage webbings, shoe holders, lighting, insulators, and sometimes, even electric ventilation fans. Annexes are also considered accessories in some models. Just keep in mind that the more accessories, the higher the price tag of a tent might be.
How to Install a Roof Tent on Your Car
Before installation, make sure that the tent is compatible with your car. Once you’re sure, follow these steps to install it on your car so you can start your adventures:
1. Get Roof Bars or Racks
Again, you need racks to use car roof tents. If yours doesn’t have a rack system yet, make sure to get one. Keep in mind that the rack you use will also influence what kind of tent you can use with your car. Just make sure to get racks that are designed to handle roof-top tents—many roof racks can’t handle the weight of the tent and its users.
You can check your vehicle manufacturer’s guidelines for this. You can also check the rack’s manufacturer notes. These racks and bars can be installed DIY style, or you can have a professional do it for you. Once it’s installed, you can install your tent.
2. Lift the Tent Up the Roof
To install it, you need to place the tent on your roof rack—you need to lift it up. For an easier and safer process, ask one or two more people to help you do this. One on the roof and the others on the ground to carefully place the tent on the rack. Be mindful not to drop it, as this can damage the tent and your vehicle.
3. Fix It In Place
After placing your tent on the roof rack, ensure it is secured properly. Grab the mounting hardware that came with it and bolt it down. Since each tent has its own installation requirements, don’t forget to look at the manufacturer’s guide to get it set up correctly.
4. Test the Tent
Once you’ve set up the tent, it’s smart to give it a test run before heading out on your camping trip. This way, you can make sure everything’s set up right and functioning well. Plus, you’ll catch any tweaks you need to make ahead of time.
Maintenance Tips for Car Top Tents
The last thing you need to know about these tents is how to properly maintain them. Here are some tips to follow:
Clean It Regularly
Clean it inside and out after every use. A simple solution of mild soapy water or a dedicated tent cleaner works great for this. Avoid using strong chemicals like bleach, as they can harm the tent's coatings and materials.
After you've finished cleaning it, be sure to dry it thoroughly before storing or using it again. Plus, thorough drying will prevent mold growth and material damage. Place it in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight to do this.
Pay Close Attention to Its Waterproof Performance
As these tents are waterproof, it's essential to maintain that quality. Inspect your tent for leaks or see if it has lost some of its waterproof qualities. If you notice any issues, grab a waterproofing spray made just for tents to help out.
Store It Properly
The tent must be properly stored to preserve its quality and functionality when not in use. Refrain from storing it in a damp or high-temperature setting for long periods. This can lead to mold and material deterioration. Instead, keep it dry and cool within a breathable bag or box.
Repair and Replace Immediately
Should the zipper break or something else get damaged, don’t wait too long to fix it. Letting it slide will only make the situation worse. If you’re not up for the repair yourself, get a professional to take care of it.
Conclusion
Car roof tents offer several features and benefits. It can significantly improve your outdoor adventure, whether you choose a hard-shell, soft-shell, pop-up, or fold-out variety. Just be sure to pick one that fits well with your vehicle and rack setup. Also, make sure to follow the required installation and maintenance protocols.
Interested in getting one? Visit our massive car roof tent collection. We offer many options that fit different vehicles and needs—choose one that matches yours!
