Rooftop Tent Frequently Asked Questions (Answered)

Rooftop Tent Frequently Asked Questions (Answered)

Although rooftop tents are rapidly becoming mainstream camping gear, to some people, there still are many mysteries concerning how this essential gear works. Some popular questions people are concerned about are how to choose a rooftop tent or even what type of tent to choose.

In this article, we will address popular rooftop tent questions to help you make the most of rooftop tents.

 

Rooftop Tent Frequently Asked Questions and Answers

Rooftop tents have grown to be an integral part of camping as more and more people make the switch from regular traditional tents to these more modern options. In fact, ever since rooftop tents entered the market a few years ago, their demand has continued to increase, and the market has gone nowhere but up.

And for great reasons too!

Investing in a rooftop tent is an excellent option when you are constantly in pursuit of one outdoor activity or the other. It is a great way to make your camping or overlanding trips more convenient while enjoying the luxury many other ground texts do not offer.

Rooftop tents are rapidly gaining popularity, but many people still have many questions that fuel their skepticism about switching from traditional tents to rooftop tents. If you are among the many people who have questions about rooftop tents, we are here to help!

Below, we have compiled a list of possible questions you might have and detailed answers to these questions.

 

1. How do I make a rooftop tent more comfortable?

Your rooftop tent is your home away from home and should be made as comfortable as possible. Some easy ways you can do this include:

Invest in a high-quality waterproof mattress 

Buying absorbent sheets and connection mats to keep wetness out

Buy comfortable pillows

Buy a rooftop tent in the correct size

Bring a ground mat with you on camping trips to keep the mud out of your tent

Light up your tent with power-saving LED lights

Keep your tent cool with a cooling fan

Use mosquito nets for protection.

 

2. How much does a rooftop tent weigh?

A rooftop tent’s weight depends on the materials it is made out of and its size. Generally, rooftop tents weigh between 100-200lbs.

A rooftop tent’s weight capacity varies with the type of tent. On average, rooftop tents can hold 200 lbs per occupant. 

For example, the Tuff Stuff Alpha II Hard Top two-person tent has a weight capacity of 800 lbs, while the Tuff Stuff Ranger three-person tent also holds 800 lbs.

4. Where can I camp with my rooftop tent?

There are many advantages of rooftop tents, and one essential one is the ease of camping anywhere.

You can camp anywhere your vehicle goes! It doesn't matter if you find yourself in the desert or on a grassy plain, as long as you find a safe and legal place to park your vehicle, you can use your rooftop tent.

5. How can I level a rooftop tent?

An uneven rooftop tent can be very uncomfortable and frustrating. To make the most out of your text and enjoy a comfortable night's rest, you need to level your RTT. To do this:

Choose a flat place to park your vehicle. If camping uphill, find an area with only a slight incline to pitch your tent.

Level your vehicle, not just your tent

Use leveling blocks if necessary. Use rocks if you don't have blocks 

Position your rooftop tent ladder toward a hill

 

6. How do I keep a rooftop tent warm?

A chilly tent is uncomfortable. However, sometimes it can not be avoided, especially when camping in the winter.

To keep your rooftop tent warm:

Use insulation

Invest in electric blankets

Use a portable heater

Buy an insulating mattress

Use diesel-powered heat exchangers (

you can also create your diesel heater

!)

7. How do rooftop tents work?

Rooftop tents are camping gear fitted to, you guessed right- the roof of a camping vehicle. However, some rooftop tents are also fitted to the bed of a motor vehicle.

Rooftop tents were designed to offer shelter like regular camping tents but in a more convenient, comfortable, and safer structure. With standard tents, your tent is on the ground, but with rooftop tents, your shelter is atop your vehicle.

8. Why are rooftop tents highly sought after?

There are many reasons people choose to switch their traditional camping tents to rooftop tents. Although rooftop tents are generally more expensive than conventional tents, they offer more game-changing benefits that many campers find essential to their outdoorsy lifestyle.

Some of these benefits are:

Easy set-up and pull-down

Ease of mobility as you can camp wherever you go with your vehicle

You can make the most of your vehicle space with your rooftop tent installed on top of your car. 

Many rooftop tents are made of more durable materials (like

aluminum

) than some traditional tents.

Better sleep off the ground, you do not have to deal with rocks poking into your back as you sleep, water pooling in your tent as it rains, or mud splashing all over your tent. 

They offer a vantage point of the ground which keeps you out of reach of animals like snakes creeping into the camping area.

9. Will installing a rooftop tent damage my vehicle?

When appropriately installed, rooftop tents do not pose a risk to a vehicle’s roof.

Rooftop tents are installed using roof racks or rooftop bars. The tent is not placed directly on the roof of the vehicle. 

Of course, rooftop tents are heavy, so your concerns are valid. However, if you stick to your vehicle’s and roof rack’s weight limit, you should have no problem using a rooftop tent.

10. How do I know my vehicle’s weight limit?

Although a vehicle’s weight limit is an overlooked feature, it is one of the many important factors to consider when installing a rooftop tent. Your vehicle’s weight limit determines how safe it will be to install a rooftop with a certain weight.

Your vehicle’s weight limit is categorized into static and dynamic weight. Static weight is your vehicle’s weight capacity when it is immobile. It is how much weight your vehicle can support when it is not moving. 

The static weight capacity is often at least three times the dynamic weight capacity. To know if your rooftop tent is suitable for your vehicle, ensure that the tent’s weight and your weight is less than the static capacity figure.

For example, many SUVs have a static weight capacity of more than 1000 pounds. If your rooftop tent weighs 250 pounds, you must ensure that the combined weight of you and your camping company- and your camping gear- is less than 600 pounds.

On the other hand, dynamic weight capacity is how much weight your vehicle can support when in motion. Your rooftop tent’s weight should not exceed this weight limit.

You can find your vehicle’s weight limit by talking to your dealer or checking your manual. Either way, you must factor these numbers into your rooftop tent needs.

11. Will any roof racks do for my rooftop tent?

No! You should never purchase a roof rack for your rooftop tent without ensuring it has the correct specifications.

Some vehicles come factory-equipped with roof racks pre-installed. You might think you do not need to purchase another roof rack, but this isn’t the case. Pre-installed roof racks are not strong enough to support rooftop tents.

So, what roof racks should you buy?

There are different types of roof racks with other specifications. The roof rack you should buy depends on your vehicle type and rooftop tent requirement.

Many rooftop tent manufacturers often detail the best rack fit for their different rooftop tents, so this should not be a problem. They usually offer a guide so you know the correct roof rack weight limit, material type, length, and breadth is perfect for you.

 

12. Can my pet sleep in a rooftop tent?

Yes, your pet can sleep in a rooftop tent! Many rooftop tents are animal friendly and are comfortable for human and pet campers.

All you need to do is find a rooftop tent that will hold you and your pet(s) comfortably and probably invest in a rooftop tent ramp to help your pet get up and down the tent quickly.

13. How do I store my rooftop tent when I'm not camping?

Many people wonder what to do with their tents when taking a break from outdoor activities. While some people prefer to leave their rooftop tent installed on their camping vehicle, we do not recommend doing this. Like regular camping tents, rooftop tents need to be stored properly to ensure it retains their durability and is in an excellent state for your subsequent camping trips.

One common misconception that people have about storing rooftop tents is they can leave them lying on the floor. However, this is not a practical option, as even if the floor is dry, small amounts of moisture can still find their way into your rooftop tent. This poses a high risk of degradation and can damage your tent.

So what are the best ways?

Flat on the garage floor: Instead of placing the tent directly on the floor, create a wooden platform and set the tent on it. Remember to store the tent and accessories in an airtight bag or thick blankets.

Lean it against a wall: this option is best if you do not have enough garage floor space. Create a stable platform along the bottom of the tent. Place the tent’s base on the wall and lean the top part against the wall. For added security, use ties to support the rooftop tent to the wall.

On the ceiling: Using a pulley system, you can store your rooftop tent overhead. This method saves space but will require more effort and financial investment than previous options.

Use a cart: Do you have a cart-like structure that your roof-top tent will fit in? Try storing your tent in it!  

14. What size tent should I buy?

Rooftop tents are long-term investments which is why you should buy a rooftop tent that will serve you for years. This means you should take in several factors, like the tent size.

There are one-person, two-person, and even five-person rooftop tents with varying weight capacities. When choosing the size to buy, you should consider if you will be camping alone or will have companions with you. If you are not sure, you can “size up”! After all, it's better to be stuck with a bigger rooftop tent than a small one.

15. How do I clean my tent?

Maintaining a rooftop tent is easy. Ensure you never store it wet, and remember to clean out all dirt on or in it. 

To clean your rooftop tent, remove all your sleeping gear. Clean the tent’s floor or base and air out the tent. Depending on how often you use the tent, deep clean your RTT to eliminate build-up. Remember to let it dry properly before putting it in storage.

16. Will installing a rooftop tent affect my vehicle’s mileage?

Any car owner’s primary concern about installing a rooftop tent is how it affects mileage. After all, an object that is bulky on the roof of a vehicle is bound to create a drag effect.

A study shows that even roof racks impact fuel consumption. So, will rooftop tents do the same?

The short answer to this question is yes. Yes, installing a rooftop tent will affect your vehicle’s mileage. However, there is no specific formula you can use to calculate how much change in mileage occurs. To make it easier, we have provided all you need to know about how much rooftop tents affect gas mileage in this detailed article.

17. Will installing a rooftop tent affect my speed?

No, it doesn't. Installing a rooftop tent does not affect the overall performance of your vehicle when it comes to speed. However, it would help if you kept in mind that this depends on your vehicle’s capacity. It is also important to remember that going too fast while a rooftop tent is attached to the roof of your car will decrease your mileage.

18. What kind of vehicle can I install my rooftop tent on? 

There are so many vehicles out there, so it can get confusing trying to figure out if a rooftop tent can fit on your car. As an unspoken rule of thumb, RTTs are more commonly seen on SUVs and trucks. However, theoretically, any vehicle with a dynamic weight capacity of over 165 pounds and can fit the necessary roof racks can hold a rooftop tent. Regardless, rooftop tents are more commonly seen on off-road capable vehicles.

19. Should I buy a soft-shell tent or a hard-shell rooftop tent?

Both types of rooftop tents are great options. However, it would help if you considered your needs before choosing one.

Hard-shell rooftop tents are more compact and have smaller weight capacities. However, they are also more aerodynamic, durable, and easy to set up.

On the other hand, soft-shell rooftop tents are usually bigger but less aerodynamic and more challenging to set up.

Weigh your options and see which rooftop tent type best suits your lifestyle!

20. How long do rooftop tents last?

Rooftop tents are more durable than regular ground tents. When well maintained, you should be able to enjoy using your RTT for at least five and as much as ten years.

21. Should I leave my rooftop tent on my vehicle in the winter?

Unless you are camping in the winter, it is not advisable to leave your rooftop tent installed on the roof of your vehicle. Leaving your rooftop tent installed on your cars throughout the cold months can cause moisture to seep in. This moisture can be challenging to expel during the winter and damage your RTT.

Additionally, unless you plan to abandon your vehicle with the RTT installed, there is no point driving around with the tent installed. This will decrease your mileage.

22. Can I drive my vehicle through an automated car wash with my tent installed?

No, you should not. This can damage your rooftop tent.

 

Rooftop Tents are the New Way

Although rooftop tents are growing increasingly popular, they are still relatively new to the camping scene. As a camper used to ground tents, it is normal to be skeptical about making the switch to rooftop tents.

However, ever since it became a mainstream camping gear, rooftop tents have offered nothing but benefits. Rooftop tents have consistently proven to be better options than regular rents. 

To help you make the easier choice, we have provided an answer to all the questions you possibly have. With this article, we hope you are finally confident in the knowledge you have of rooftop tents.

Car Tents Information: A Guide to Roof-Top Camping

What Type of Racks Needed to Carry a Rooftop Car Tent?

By far the most common question about a rooftop tent is “Can my car carry one?” While it’s possible to get a tent on most vehicles, there are a few things to know before moving on.

Dynamic Weight: This is the amount of weight your roof rack can carry while the vehicle is moving. Rooftop tents typically weigh between 100-200lbs. If your car came with a roof rack factory installed you’re going to want to check the manual and verify what weight your rack is rated for. Most factory roof racks are not capable of carrying this much weight.

3rd party roof racks, such as Thule and Yakima, almost always support higher weight capacities than a factory rack. That being said; both companies agree that clip-style racks (the ones that fit into your door jams) are not suitable for carrying tents.

Static Weight: All roof racks can carry significantly more static weight than they can dynamic. If your rack can hold a tent while your vehicle is moving, then your rack should be just fine to hold the tent, with people in it, while stationary. Just be sure not to over-fill your tent and pack a 2 person with 6 adults and you should be just fine.

When tents list people they are considering 1 person to be 200lbs.

 

Vehicle Info

 

 

 

Year*

 

 

Make*

 

 

Model*

 

 

Body*

 

What if Your Car Doesn’t Have a Suitable Rack Listed?

If your vehicle only has options for a clip style rack, you’re not out of luck quite yet. Rack Attack has a variety of custom roof rack options for nearly any vehicle. By installing mounting points (similar to what manufactures will do at the factory) we can give your roof the ability to carry a roof rack able to carry a tent, and best of all the rack will look more factory and is guaranteed for as long as you own your vehicle.

What Rooftop Tent is the Best?

This question is about as easy to answer as “How long is a piece of string?”

It comes down to what size you need, and how you plan on using your tent.

Do you plan on removing and installing the tent frequently? If so the Yakima SkyRise tents come with tool-free hardware for very easy installation and removal. But this hardware raises the base of the tent a few inches over the tepui, so if you plan on leaving it in place more often than not, a tighter and lower fit can be a benefit.

Are you a city person who occasionally camps, or a back-country fanatic who knows how to creep through cross-ditches? Tepui sells “Ruggedized” versions of their most popular tents, and if you plan on spending a lot of time in the hills, it is absolutely worth the extra cost.

These ruggedized tents use thicker fabric, diamond plate under-base, stringer hinges… heck, everything about the tent is made beefy and strong. For the serious adventurer this is the only choice. For the rest of us, the extra cost probably won’t give you much benefit and both tents come with a 2-year manufacturer warranty.

Can I get a Car Tent Installed by Rack Attack?

Heck yes you can! Our expert rack installers will get your roof rack and roof tent installed in no time. Just be sure to call ahead to make sure we have the parts you want in stock. If not we can always get them in and have you on the road in often just a day or two!

Can I order Car Tent Online?

Yes! But with one big caveat: Rooftop car tents ship on a full pallet skid, meaning we can have it delivered right to your door, but the shipping companies will only deliver to a commercial address. As long as you can find a commercial address to have the tent dropped off at, we can have your order processed and started today.

Are Car Tents Really that Awesome?

Yes.

How do rooftop tents work A complete guide

How do you choose a rooftop tent? And how do you make sure it fits your car? We answer these questions and more!

Roof top tents are made for campers who love adventure. Their quick set-up time means you can camp easily anywhere, and their durable construction makes them the perfect for the wilderness.

So is it time to ditch your tent on the cold, muddy ground and climb up among the treetops? Well, before you do, there are a lot of things to keep in mind. Our complete guide will help you answer any pressing questions.