This month, we’ve looked at just about every aspect of rooftop tents. So here’s a list of the key topics and links to each full article.
STATIC AND DYNAMIC ROOF LOADS Before you even consider which rooftop tent appeals the most, check the roof loads of your vehicle and see how much weight you can legally transport.
ROOF RACKS Once you have established how much you can carry, look at how it can be carried. Is your vehicle equipped with a railing for crossbars, or do you need a roof rack? Is there enough room to get your hand, arm, tools, and the fixtures for the tent beneath the structure so that everything can be securely mounted?
ROOFTOP TENT STYLES Hard-shell tents occupy more space on the roof of the vehicle. Hybrid and soft-shell tents take up less real estate but offer more interior space.
INTERIOR SPACE Consider how many people you intend to accommodate and remember that not everyday will serve you glorious sunshine and warm temperatures. Think of those days when you may need to take refuge from Mother Nature’s wrath.
LADDERS Basically, you have the choice between telescopic and the more traditional rigid variants. Look for rungs wide enough to walk on barefoot, a sturdy design to carry your weight, and feet big enough not to sink into soft ground.
WEATHERPROOFING Even if you only intend to use your rooftop tent during your annual vacation, just remember that the weather is mostly unscripted and can throw all four seasons at you in one day. Yes, it will probably rain and heavy winds can whip up unexpectedly.
INSTALLATION Will your tent be on the vehicle all year round, or only for sporadic weekends and maybe a longer stint in the summer? Do you need a quick release system or will the standard nuts and bolts suffice?
ROOFTOP TENT COVERS Soft-shell covers resemble truck canopies—but is the one on your tent really as tough and capable of coping with all four seasons and low-hanging branches? Hybrid and hard shell are generally more durable, but check if the material is strong enough and able to withstand UV rays.
TENT MATERIALS Hi-tech super-lightweight, heavy canvas or anything in between. Think about breathability, overall weight, and keeping the rain out. At the same time, think of privacy.
THE ZIP(PER) We use them on jeans, jackets, rucksacks, and everywhere else. On a rooftop tent they keep the elements out; they need to be strong and withstand a fair degree of abuse. Learn what to look out for and how to look after them.
WINTER CAMPING Rooftop tents are great all year round. Prepare and layer up for an amazing adventure.
MAKING AN ENTRANCE / EXIT Rooftop tents can offer different access points to suit the style of vehicle and your own needs. When more than two persons are in the tent, a second entrance is welcome. If you only have one side entrance, then the person most likely to want to get up in the middle of the night should sleep closest to the door.
THE BEST POSITION ON THE CAR Whereas soft-shell tents are the most versatile, hard shells can usually only be mounted in one position. There are several reasons why a tent should open in a particular direction.
SET-UP AND TAKE-DOWN TIMES When the weather is foul or you’re just plain exhausted after a long day, different styles of tent can keep you busy longer before you crawl into bed at night or hit the road in the morning.
COMMUNITY As you embark on your journey to purchase a rooftop tent, remember that the internet is a treasure trove of expertise waiting to be explored. By tapping into online communities, you can equip yourself with detailed knowledge of brands and models, thus ensuring you make an informed decision that suits your camping needs.
VALUE FOR MONEY Understanding your individual needs, assessing the features that matter the most, and calculating your return on investment will ensure that you make a purchase that enhances your outdoor experience while remaining within your budget.
LEISURE AND THE LAW Inform yourself about local legislation before you set off, and understand where you can and cannot camp.
CONCLUSION
You need to pay attention to a lot of details when buying a new or used rooftop tent. All the above topics and tips are based upon decades of sleeping on top of a Land Rover, in all seasons and in some of the most dramatic climatic conditions.
If you have any questions about any of the above, or perhaps would like to highlight something we omitted, please feel free to reach out and ask by using the contact
form.
By:Mike Brailey
Born in the UK, Mike went to school in England and France before hiking across most of Europe in his early twenties. With a background as a photographer and engineer in the automotive industry, he has worked in Europe, the Middle East, South Africa, Southeast Asia and the Americas. His heart beats for classic cars and motorcycles, favouring an expedition equipped 1963 Land Rover Series IIA for overlanding. He is an outdoor enthusiast and, in 2016, followed his vocation to become an adventure journalist.