If you’re a keen camper, then you’ve probably seen roof-top tents.
Roof-top tents are an excellent alternative for those who don’t want the luxury of an RV, camper or even an RV, but are looking for a change from the standard camping tent.
Camping is a necessity for numerous items, and camping with a tent that has a roof isn’t any different!
Here is our roof tent accessories checklist:
Roof Rack
Rooftop Tent Hardware
Ladder
Tent Cover
Rooftop Tent Expansions
Covers and Tents Alternative
Bedding
Storage Accessories
Camp Furniture
Lighting
Food/Water
First Aid Kits
Other Items
1. Roof Rack:
The first thing you want to ensure you have when purchasing the roof-top tent is an appropriate roof rack.
The roof rack is designed to keep your tent safe and stable when you drive and use your tent.
When you are looking to purchase an roof rack you should be aware of your vehicle’s capacity for weight, the rack’s weight, as well as the capacity that the tent. It is also important to determine which type of roof rack is suitable for your particular vehicle.
2. Roof-Top Tent Hardware:
It may seem obvious however, if you are planning to build a roof-top tent, you’ll need to ensure that all equipment is in place for the tent to function properly.
The tent you choose to purchase should have the required hardware, however you should make sure prior to beginning the tent setup.
The hardware for the roof-top tent includes bolts, brackets, nuts and everything else needed to set up the tent.
The entire list of everything you will need to do to set up your tent should be contained in the directions that came with your tent’s roof.
If you’re in need of additional features, think about purchasing mounting locks and other security options to stop the theft of your tent’s roof!
3. Ladder:
The ladder is crucial for your tent’s roof.
It’s a challenge to get into and out of your tent without it.
Most rooftop tents are equipped with an e-loop!
It is essential to use a ladder specifically designed to be used in your tent. This ladder is the most secure and stable.
4. Tent Cover:
The tent cover is essential to ensure your tent’s lifespan.
You don’t want any damage to your tent during your drive or camping, so the tent cover could be a significant aid in protecting it.
Be sure that the tent cover is securely secured and has all the required straps.
5. Tent Roof Top Tent Expansions:
Certain roof-top tents may be equipped with accessories, such as the awning and the extended cover.
This is a great option when you need to store items outside of your vehicle or tent areas, like coolers, and other things.
A few great roof-top tent accessories like annexes and awnings, are either included with the tent or can be purchased separately.
6. Covers and Alternative Tents:
Since you can’t do more than lie down and rest on your tent’s roof You should think about bringing different cover kinds to enhance your camping experience.
Alternate tents could be covered with canopies or screens which will cover the dining area.
This is extremely beneficial when you’re experiencing inclement conditions and you want to engage in things like playing or eating out, or something else that isn’t at ease in your tent’s roof.
7. Bedding:
Bedding is an essential element when camping on top of your roof tent.
Although your tent with a roof will make sure that you are lying on a flat surface but this won’t be comfortable if you don’t have bedding.
One of the advantages of the roof-top tent is that it is not necessary to remove bedding every time to remove the tent as you would for the traditional tent.
The majority of root-top tents fold flat without problem with the bedding contained inside.
The majority of roof tents have bedding, however if yours does not, you can get a mattress that is small specifically for your roof-top tent to ensure it fits in the event of its construction and small!
Be sure to have sleeping bags or blankets to keep warm and pillows.
8. Storage Accessories:
Another thing worth considering are storage items.
Since you’re limited to the space in your tent It’s not a bad idea to think outside the box as far as storage is involved.
Things like hanging storage units or shelves that are temporary can be an excellent way to take items from your vehicle to make it easier to access them. They are easy to set up or take down.
It is also advisable to keep food and clothing in your car that is locked when it is not in use to protect yourself from thieves and wild animals.
Coolers can be used for food storage, vacuum bags for clothing, and bags for kitchen appliances and other kitchen equipment.
The advantage of an open-top tent with a roof is that it’s easy to put up and taken down and you should ensure that you are able to build your entire site quickly and easily.
9. Camp Furniture:
Another important consideration is to bring camping furniture.
Tents with roofs are only suitable for sleeping therefore you’ll need to bring something else the times you don’t intend to rest.
The best solution is to take a camping chair to relax during the day or eat and relax by the fire.
You can also bring small tables and hammocks.
Additionally, loveseats and camp chairs are ideal to bring with you to create space for large families, or to allow couples to relax at a fire in a cozy setting.
10. Lighting:
Lighting is crucial.
There’s nothing more unpleasant than being lost in darkness, particularly when you are in the middle of nowhere, or in a place with a lot of wild animals.
The best things to carry are flashlights, lanterns, recharged cellphones, headlamps and pen lights that can fit inside the glove compartment.
11. Food/Water:
Water and food are vital regardless of the type of camping activity you’re planning to do.
Alongside the water and food it is important to ensure that you have an extra cooler as well as cooking supplies.
It could be as easy as a campfire stick for hotdogs or as complex as an propane cooking station or a small grill.
12. The First Aid Kit
Oft overlooked, the need for a first aid kit is vital.
Nobody knows the exact time an accident could occur so you need to be ready in case of an accident.
This is especially important when you’re camping in a location which is not in the way.
A first aid kit could aid you in taking care of an issue while you travel towards the closest hospital, particularly when the hospital is located far from home.
13. Other Items:
This list is not comprehensive.
If you’ve been camping before you’ll have an idea of the other things you may require.
The additional items could include everything from games to books clothes, toiletries, and any other items you think you may require.
Include:
Firestarters
Trash bags and paper towels
Ziploc bags, or containers for food items
Tongs, grilling tools, can openers, and potato peelers
Aluminum foil, bowls, plates, silverware
Etc.
In the end, you must ensure that you’re prepared to ensure that your camping experience is as enjoyable as it could be!
