Are Rooftop Tents Worth It?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Ultimately,

a rooftop tent is worth the money if you know you can get some good use out of it

. There are plenty of regular tents that can be purchased for a much lower price, but the added safety and convenience of a rooftop tent can be worth the extra cost.

Do roof top tents get stolen?


Rooftop tents do get stolen if left unsecured

. The good news is there are several steps for preventing them from getting stolen, like using security nuts or rooftop tent security mounts.

How often do roof top tents get stolen?


It is quite rare

that a rooftop tent gets stolen, but that doesn’t mean that it doesn’t happen. Just like it is rare for a bear to enter your campsite, campers will still take precautions to prevent the worst from happening. It only takes one theft to ruin rooftop tent camping for a user forever.

Can you put a roof top tent on any car?

Yes!

Most roof top tents fit on most vehicles

, whether it be jeep, truck, or SUV.

Are rooftop tents good for families?


A hard-shell rooftop tent protects you and your family from the elements like rainstorms, wind, and hail

. It also protects you from discomforts like sleeping on particularly cold or bumpy ground. And don’t forget the incredible panoramic views your Rooftop provides.

How do you lift a roof top tent?

How do you secure a roof top tent to rack?

How much weight can you put on roof racks?

Roof weight rating

Most SUVs, dual cab utes and vans can legally carry

up to 100kg

on their roofs, but some have higher ratings. Whatever this figure, the key thing to remember is that it’s a ‘dynamic’ rating, or how much load the roof is designed to carry when the vehicle is being driven.

What is the weight limit for a roof top tent?

Do roof top tents have a weight limit

The general rule of thumb for all RTTs is to allow about

200 pounds per camper

. So if you have a 3 person RTT, you can have a maximum of 600 pounds inside the tent. This is standard across almost all RTT manufacturers.

Do rooftop tents ruin your car?

NYT points out that

the worst detriment caused by rooftop tents is suspension damage

, which is highly expensive to repair. The added weight on top of your vehicle can unsettle the ride quality, sink your vehicle’s frame, and cause steering drift. The weight of a rooftop tent can also alter your car’s center of gravity.

Which roof nest is best?


Roofnest Sparrow

Pro’s: This is Roofnest’s most popular size. It’s perfect for small to medium cars, much like our Crosstrek. It has 4 latches total and the top pops straight up on gas struts. The Roofnest Sparrow has 4 large windows and has plenty of room for 2 adults to sit up, relax, and take in the views.

What do you need to go camping with a baby?

  1. A safe, easy-to-pack place for sleep. …
  2. An outdoor playpen. …
  3. A camp chair made just for baby. …
  4. A baby bib that wipes clean. …
  5. A wagon for moments when two hands are not enough. …
  6. A swim diaper that doesn’t leak. …
  7. A rash guard for sun protection.

Where should a roof top tent be placed?

Positioning your roof top tent

Where you position your RTT actually plays a vital role in the wear and tear of your vehicle. When mounting your RTT on the roof of your vehicle, you want to try and center the tent

directly in the middle of the vehicle

. This helps keep the weight distribution in its natural state.

Are roof top tents easy to remove?


Roof top tents are heavy and awkward to lift

. An extra pair of hands will make the job so much quicker.

Can you store a roof top tent on its side?


Your tent won’t damage itself by being stored on its side

, however, if you keep it on the ground floor or near other heavy objects, moisture or falling damage can ruin your tent. It’s best to always place it slightly above the ground when leaning the tent against a surface when you store it.

How heavy is a Kings roof top tent?

Size & Weight

Adventure Kings Tourer roof top tent is far from lightweight at

93.5 kilos

, though the number includes the telescopic ladder and the high-density foam mattress. So before you go shopping for an RTT, make sure your 4WD can handle the roof load.

Can a car roof hold a person?

In Insurance Institute for Highway Safety crash testing, a “Good” roof strength test means that the vehicle can support up to four times its own weight before collapsing. This means that

a single person, or even a couple can probably sit on the roof of car without braking it

.

What happens when you overload a roof rack?

So, the more weight on the roof, the greater the pressure and if you’ve overloaded the roof, well, something’s gotta give. And that’ll either be

your roof rack shearing its bolts and falling off, or your rolling your rig because you’ve raised the centre of gravity so much

.

How much weight can a Prado roof hold?

Like most 4WD the Toyota Prado has a maximum roof load of

about 100kg

.

David Martineau
Author
David Martineau
David is an interior designer and home improvement expert. With a degree in architecture, David has worked on various renovation projects and has written for several home and garden publications. David's expertise in decorating, renovation, and repair will help you create your dream home.