Given that camping has been in existence since Homo erectus walked down in the forest, it would appear that there are many developments left to make when it comes to sleeping in the night. That said, roof-top tents which are erected on top of their lofty perches, are receiving lots of double-takes from camping enthusiasts who live in the ground.
If you’re thinking about buying a tent with a roof Here’s the information you’ll have to be aware of.
Cons and pros of roof-top tents quick setup vs. more expensive prices are major factors.
How to know which tent matches your vehicle: Check your tent, vehicle and rack specifications carefully prior to purchasing.
How they attach to your vehicle The floor bolts on to your roof rack, so make sure that you have the proper installation.
An additional consideration: annexes tent durability and shipping considerations are among the details you’ll need to consider prior to purchasing.
The appeal of a roof-top Tent
Though roof-top tents have become popular within the U.S. in recent years they’ve existed for years, growing in recognition in other countries, such as Australia where camping in the world of creepy crawlies is immediately recognized as a brilliant idea.
A large number of tent owners who have roofs today speak about how a top vantage point resonates with them in a deep and fundamental way. Perhaps it’s a nod to childhood and a fondness for trees and treehouses, or perhaps deeper within our minds where we would sleep in trees and could survey our surroundings from a secured viewpoint before drifting off into dreamland.
The advantages of a roof tent
Pitching ease: It’s engineered for quick setup. When you’re in camp, untie a few straps, break it open, and then set up the ladder and poles.
The construction of a beefy structure is generally the fabric for tents, floors and pole materials are sturdy and can withstand stormy weather.
The comfort: Many come with a super-plush foam mattress.
Camp wherever: Set up in a park, parking lot, distant dirt track or wherever.
The tent should be elevated above the ground. Make sure the floor of your tent is clear of runoff rainwater creeping creatures, sticks and rocks.
Camp on the level: strategically placed rocks or blocks under the tires can help keep things on an even pace.
Con’s of a Roof Top Tent (yes, there are some)
Cost: Significantly more expensive than a tent for camping (cheaper than an RV, though)
Aerodynamic drag: The more you speed the more drag (and the impact on your battery’s capacity or gas mileage use).
Initial roof-to-roof attachments are an exercise in itself. You have to decide if want to go to the hassle of removing it between camping trips.
Day trips can be complicated: You can’t leave it set up while you drive your car away from your long-term camp.
The installation of a roof-top tent to your vehicle
Most roof-top tents weigh more than a hundred pounds, which is why you must make sure that your rack is able to handle the job. If you do not have a roof rack in place, you’ll have be aware of the weight of your tent as you shop for a rack to serve as the foundation. The specifications you require aren’t always easy to find and you may have call your vehicle manufacturer as well as the manufacturer of the rack for the details you require.
If you want to determine if a roof top tent is compatible with your vehicle, search this information:
Total weight of the tent should be in the specifications for the tent’s manufacture.
The dynamic capacity of weight: This measure the capacity to support the tent weight while you’re driving. It’s important to check this spec both for your vehicle and your roof rack. Therefore, if you’re installing the tent on an independently bought roof rack, it is necessary to check your vehicle owner’s manual to determine the roof’s dynamic weight capacity as well as the manual of the owner of the rack for that same spec. Racks made by brands such as Yakima, Thule and others generally have higher capacities for load than the factory racks.
Rack compatibility: Check the owner’s manual to be certain that your rack will work with a tent that is roof-top. (Some racks and components are marked with the designation “not compatible.”)
Static capacity for weight: The capacity that the rack (and the vehicle roof) to support its designated number of sleepers and their gear isn’t an issue. The majority of car roofs are built to withstand the weight of a load due to a rollover. Couple that with the load distribution offered by the sturdy platform for your tent and extra support provided by the ladder and you’ve got an extremely robust structure. However, you must confirm that the weight capacity in your vehicle and your rack will support the weight of your tent plus everyone in it and their sleeping gear.
Attaching the Tent to Your Roof Rack
Though setup is a breeze when you pull your car into camp, the initial process of attaching your structure to the rooftop rack will require some time. Be sure to read and follow the instructions for installation carefully. Also, you’ll require at minimum one person who is strong nearby because you’ll need help in lifting the tent onto the roof rack.
Additional Shopping Considerations
The most important thing to consider is determining which tents can work with the capacity of your vehicle rack. Following that, you need to consider a handful of factors to consider:
Annexes, awnings or annexes Certain models include extended living spaces or covered areas. A few tents let you choose of adding one later.
Levels of durability: While the majority of roof-top tents are sturdy, some brands offer highly durable models made to withstand extended travel in severe climates. Some brands also offer all-mesh canopies in the event of rain.
Hardtops Fabric designs are cheaper; they also keep things safer when you drive.
Shipping costs: Buying at a retail store is the simple solution however some models may only be sold online. Due to the weight of the item, and expensive to ship to your house Find alternatives such as REI’s choice to ship to a store for no cost.
Do your research before purchasing Find a rental company which rents roof-top tents require some effort however, it could pay dividends since your main goal is deciding if this elevated version of van life is for you.
Other Tents Attached to Your Vehicle
The latest innovations in tents that attach to top of your vehicle have led to companies creating alternatives that attach to other parts of a vehicle, such as the tailgate of an SUV or the bed of a pickup truck. The benefit of some these arrangements is that they allow you to set up your tent and then drive the vehicle off for excursions on a day.
