Complete Guide on How to Choose a Roof Top Tent

Roof top tents are an essential piece of equipment in any camper's arsenal. They keep you dry and off of the ground from the elements such as snow, sand, mud, and water and stop unwanted creepy crawlies from sneaking their way into your tent during the night while you are sound asleep.

But what makes a good rooftop tent, what factors should you consider and what are the exact benefits that rooftops provide? Well, keep reading our buying guide to learn everything you need to know to make an informed decision.

Quick Links

• Is A Roof Top Tent Setup Worth It?
• What To Know Before Buying A Rooftop Tent?
• What Is The Best Material For A Rooftop Tent?
• Hard-Shell vs Soft-Shell Rooftop Tents
• How To Mount A Rooftop Tent:
• Rooftop Tent Accessories
• What's The Best Rooftop Tent For You?

Is A Rooftop Tent Setup Worth It?

Rooftop tents are an adventurer's dream, providing a mix of convenience and comfort to your outdoor and 4WD escapades. There are many benefits to having a rooftop tent. Here are the main benefits you can experience:

Roof Top Tents Mobility and Convenience

The first benefit is an obvious one and the main attraction to rooftop tents: is the convenience of mobility. With a rooftop tent on top of your car or 4WD vehicle, you can camp anywhere without needing to first find a campsite and hope that it is nearby. The sheer freedom of being able to pull over, pop out of the tent and enjoy a comfortable night's sleep anywhere is priceless.

Enjoy Safety and Sturdiness With a Roof Top Tent

Another obvious yet equally important benefit of a rooftop tent is that it keeps you off of the ground. This provides more security from bugs, insects and animals that might try to find their way into your tent at night while you are trying to sleep. There is also less of a risk of water getting in your tent due to flooding from heavy rain during the night.

Easy To Set Up Roof Top Tents

When you compare a rooftop tent to a regular camping tent, they are incredibly quick and easy to set up. Rather than set up the poles and everything else, you can instead simply take the cover off and pop the tent into place. And when it's time to hit the road like Russell Coight, they can easily fold back down so you can get going in a flash.

Frees Up Storage Space

Having a tent fixed onto the roof of your car means that you don't have to sacrifice storage space for a tent and all the equipment that comes along with it, which is a major benefit for those who like to camp light.

What Are The Cons Of A Roof Top Tent?

While there are plenty of benefits to using a rooftop tent, they do come with some drawbacks:

• Weight: Rooftop tents add extra weight to your car and can be an issue if your vehicle isn't designed to carry such a weight.
• Height: A rooftop tent will add extra height to your vehicle which can make the setup process difficult for some, especially if it's attached to a larger vehicle.
• Flexibility: Your vehicle is connected to your tent, so once you've set up your rooftop tent, you won't be able to move it without packing it down which can be inconvenient.
• Cost: A rooftop tent is an investment and is more costly compared to a regular tent. However the investment is well worth it considering the large benefits.

What To Know Before Buying A Rooftop Tent?

Don't be left in the dark before you purchase a rooftop tent. There are a few key considerations you must make before you go shopping. These include:

Can You Put A Roof Top Tent On Any Car or 4WD?

Rooftop tents will fit most types of cars and vehicles, but it's important to consider a few factors first. For example, it is handy to know the dynamic weight capacity of your car, which is the total weight that the roof of your car can handle when driving. You will also need a roof rack installed for the rooftop tent to be fitted onto, and rooftop tents work with pretty much every type of roof rack.

Another thing to note is the combined total weight mounted on your vehicle roof, including roof top tents, Roof racks, and other accessories, should not exceed the dynamic weight capacity.

What Size Roof Top Tent Do I Need?

Choosing the right size rooftop tent depends on a few factors:

• How many people will be sleeping in the tent
• The size of your vehicle's roof
• The load capacity of your vehicle's roof
• Which roof rack system is on your car
• The storage capacity of your vehicle

How Much Does A Rooftop Tent Weigh?

Depending on the specific type of rooftop tent you purchase, they can weigh on average anywhere from 45 kg to 100 kg. This is why it is important to first check the weight that both your car roof and roof racks can comfortably hold before buying a rooftop tent for your next outdoor camping adventure.

What Is The Best Material For A Rooftop Tent?

The best material for a rooftop tent depends on where you plan to travel, but durability and weather-resistance is key. When you are considering which rooftop tent to buy, look for tents made with a ripstop polyoxford construction as they are tough but breathable.

Don't forget to think about how your tent has been stitched together. Look for tents with reinforced stitching and quality zippers otherwise, water may still get into your tent regardless of what material you choose.

Hard-Shell vs Soft-Shell Rooftop Tents

The type of rooftop tent you will need will depend on what you need for your adventure. The main differences between hard-shell vs softshell rooftop tents include:

• Hard-shell tent: Hard-shell tents are a more durable option and can be super convenient to set up. They are a better choice for wet and windy conditions as they are sturdier. However, hard-shell tents weigh more and are more costly than soft-shell tents.
• Soft-shell tent: Soft-shell tents can be more affordable, roomier and lighter. They're a bit more versatile and can be packed down to take up less space than a hard-shell tent, leaving space for more equipment. However, the softer exterior will make it less sturdy and waterproof in wild weather conditions.

How to Set Up a Roof Top Tent

Always follow the directions on the package on setting up your roof top tent and see our video below on how to set up your Dune Roof Top Tent:

Roof Top Tent Accessories To Elevate Your Set Up

Investing in some rooftop tent accessories can take your camping setup to the next level by providing extra comfort and convenience. Discover 5 Essentials to Make Your Roof Top Tent More Comfortable more accessories you should consider include:

Roof Top Tent Ladders

A sturdy ladder is crucial for enhancing the comfort of your rooftop tent experience as it's designed for stability and safety, allowing you to effortlessly enter and exit your rooftop tent. A ladder prevents awkward climbs and reduces the risk of injury ensuring your trip goes smoothly.

Quality Mattresses For Your Roof Top Tent

A high-quality mattress will make your rooftop tent far more comfortable to sleep in. This is why our range of rooftop tents are equipped with high-density foam mattresses designed with superior cushioning and support, ensuring you wake up refreshed and ready for another adventure.

High-density foam mattresses provide excellent insulation and contour to your body to provide a good night's rest. Read more about What Mattress To Use In A Roof Top Tent in our handy article.

Storage Pockets

Large storage pockets keep your essentials neatly organised and easily accessible. This eliminates clutter and makes your tent feel more spacious and comfortable.

What's The Best Rooftop Tent For You?

As with many other products, finding the 'best one' will depend on your personal needs. For example, do you mainly camp during hot weather or cold weather? If it is cold weather, then you will want to look for a rooftop tent with a thicker type of canvas that provides better insulation throughout the night.

Another factor is the style. Do you want a tent that stands out and shows off your personality or blends in the surrounding area? Making sure that you first understand your requirements, needs and required space before making a purchase will ensure that you will always pick the right rooftop tent for you.

Top Recommended Roof Top Tents:

With several options to choose from, we have broken down the best roof top tents for your needs below:

Best Light Roof Top Tent or Roof Top Tent For Smaller Cars:

Dune 4WD Nomad 130cm Compact Lite Roof Top Tent is the perfect compact option without compromising on comfort and features. Weighing just 42kg, this roof top tent is light and effortless to set up!

Best Roof Top Tents for Long Trips:

The Dune 4WD Nomad 140cm Deluxe Hardtop Roof Top Tent is the ultimate rugged solution for 4WD enthusiasts looking for a luxurious, spacious and tough solution!

Best All-Rounder Comfortable and Value Roof Top Tent:

Choose the Dune 4WD Nomad 140cm Lite Roof Top Tent to experience amazing value and comfort no matter your adventure.

Shop Amazing Value, Durable and Easy to Set Up Roof Top Tents at Anaconda

At Anaconda, you can find roof top tents that will revolutionise your camping and 4WD experience. Hit the road and explore amazing destinations with the right roof top tent.

For more advice and tips on making the most of your roof top tent, check out our helpful articles:

• Best Light Roof Top Tent For Small Cars
• What Mattress To Use In A Roof Top Tent
• Dune 4WD Rooftop Tent Review & Features
• Rooftop Tents Vs Ground Tents: Which One To Choose
• 5 Essentials To Make Your Rooftop Tent More Comfortable
• Hard Top Vs Soft Top Rooftop Tent
• How To Prevent Condensation In A Roof Top Tent

Discover the range online and place your order and pick it up at your nearest Anaconda store!

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