How to Choose a Roof-Top Tent?

If you're thinking about buying a roof-top tent, here's what you'll need to know.

Pros and cons of roof-top tents: 

Quick setup vs. steeper cost are key considerations.

- How to know which tent works with your vehicle? Check tent, vehicle and rack specs carefully before you buy.

- How they attach to your vehicle? The floor bolts to your roof rack, so make sure you have an adequate setup.

Additional considerations: Annexes, tent durability and shipping considerations are among the details you’ll want to think about before you buy.

Pros of a Roof-Top Tent

- Pitching ease: It’s engineered for quick setup. Once in camp, you undo a few straps, pop it open and deploy the poles and ladder.

- Beefy construction: Generally, the floor, tent fabric and pole materials are extra robust and able to withstand stormy weather.

- Comfort: Most come with a super-plush foam mattress.

- Camp anywhere: Set up in a campground, parking lot, remote dirt track, wherever.

- Camp above the ground: Keeps your tent floor clear of rainwater runoff, crawling creatures and rocks and sticks.

- Camp on the level: Strategically placed blocks or rocks under tires can help you keep things on an even keel.

Cons of a Roof-Top Tent (yes, there are a few)

- Aerodynamic drag: The faster you drive, the greater the drag (and the impact on your gas mileage or battery usage).

- Initial rooftop attachment is a chore: You also need to decide if you want to go to the trouble of removing it between camping trips.

- Complicates day trips: You can’t leave it set up while you drive your car away from your long-term camp. 

Additional Shopping Considerations

The one big factor is determining which tent models will work with the load capacity of your vehicle rack. After that, you have a handful of things to consider:

- Annexes and awnings: Some models include extended living spaces or covered areas; some tents give you the option of adding one later.

- Durability levels: Though all roof-top tents are extra sturdy, some brands offer super rugged models designed for extended trips in extreme climates. Some brands also offer all-mesh canopies as an option.

- Hardtops: Fabric models are much more affordable; hardtops keep things more fully protected as you drive.