Some of us have been trying to get away from society regularly, even before it was fashionable. Overland travel and off-grid camping, two methods that provide this, have become increasingly popular in the previous decade. Going off the grid doesn’t have to mean giving up all the conveniences of home. A good roof-top tent provides a pleasant, portable sleeping environment that’s as good as your bedroom at home. If you’re thinking about setting up a tent on the roof, consider the following information first.
How To Choose Your Roof Tent?
Why a Tent on Your Roof Is Awesome
Camping above the world of creepy crawlies was immediately acknowledged as a clever idea, and while roof-top tents have become a fad in recent years in the United States, they have been there for decades.
They say there’s something very resonant and appealing to them about being up high, which is why so many people today pitch their tents on rooftops. It could be a subconscious throwback to the days when we slept in trees to get a bird’s-eye view of our surroundings before drifting off to dreamland or our fondness for treehouses as kids.
Advantages of Roof-Top Tent
- One advantage of a rooftop tent is how simple it is to pitch. You must pop it open once you get to camp and pull out the poles and the ladder.
- Floor, tent fabric, and pole materials are typically exceptionally sturdy to endure inclement weather.
- Coziness — a thick foam mattress is standard equipment in most.
- You can pitch your tent at a parking lot, gravel road, or a designated camping area.
- Raising your tent off the ground can prevent water from seeping during a downpour and protect your gear from creepy-crawly critters and debris.
- Camp on even ground by using pebbles or blocks under tires.
Downsides of a Rooftop Tent (yes, there are a few)
- The price is much higher than that of a standard tent for outdoor use.
- When traveling at high speeds, aerodynamic drag increases.
- It’s a pain to attach it to the roof the first time, and you’ll have to think about whether or not it’s worth it to take it off the roof in between camping excursions.
- It makes day outings more difficult because you can’t leave your tent pitched while you take your car on a short excursion from your permanent camp.
Settling a Tent On Your Car’s Roof
You should check the weight capacity of your rack before purchasing a roof-top tent, as most of them weigh over a hundred pounds. Keep its weight in mind when searching for a roof rack to support your tent. The required specifications may be limited; therefore, you may need to personally contact the vehicle manufacturers and the rack manufacturers.
Look up the following data to see if a roof-top tent is a viable option for your car:
The product description for a tent should include the following information:
- Total tent weight- A tent’s weight is a dynamic load, so it’s essential to know your car and rack’s dynamic weight capacity.
- You must double-check this specification for both the car and the rack. If you plan on mounting the tent on a roof rack that wasn’t included with your vehicle, you should double-check the rack’s owner’s manual to ensure it can support the tent’s weight and the vehicle’s manual to ensure the roof can support the tent’s weight. Typically, after-market racks, such as those made by Yakima, Thule, and others, can support more weight than their stock counterparts.
- By consulting the owner’s manual, ensure your rack can support a roof-top tent. (There are some racks and parts that are marked as “not compatible.”)
- The rack’s (and the vehicle’s) ability to support the weight of the allotted sleepers and their gear is acceptable. As it is, the roofs of most modern automobiles are designed to withstand the forces applied in the event of a rollover. You have one incredibly durable construction when you combine the additional support offered by the ladder with the even weight distribution supplied by the tent’s floor platform. However, you should still check that your vehicle and rack can withstand the static weight of your tent and the weight of anyone sleeping in it.
The Tent’s Roof Rack Mounting Instructions
Setting up camp is simple once you’ve driven your car into camp, but attaching the tent to the roof rack can take some effort. All of the included installation instructions should be read and followed precisely. In addition, you’ll need the assistance of at least one strong companion to hoist the tent onto your roof rack.
Check: How To Set Up A Tent?
Tips for Buying More Wisely
The most important consideration is finding a tent whose weight is within the limits of your car’s roof rack. A few more things await your consideration after that:
- Some tents come with an annex or awning for extra space, while others can purchase one separately.
- Roof-top tents are robust, although some manufacturers have more stout variants for longer excursions in harsher climates. All-mesh canopies are available from some manufacturers.
- Fabric-bodied convertibles are far less expensive than their hardtop counterparts, although the latter offers superior protection for the contents while driving.
- Due to shipping expenses, buying locally is the most convenient option, but some models may be sold only online. Look for alternatives, such as REI’s option to ship to a store for free, if you want to avoid paying the high shipping costs associated with this oversized item.
Below is a complete video review of Roof Tent, Don’t miss it.
Conclusion
The method you use to secure the tent to the roof rack depends on the specific model you purchase. You’ll need to refer to the user guide for information on setting up your tent correctly, as each model has unique latches, bolts, and other hardware. Many tents have base attachments designed to fit onto standard roof racks. A simple assembly kit is included, and all the parts need to be put together.
