What is a Roof Top Tent? Why it becomes the first choice of travelers?
Roof Top Tent (RTT) is a kind of portable camping equipment installed on the roof of a car, providing outdoor enthusiasts with a comfortable and safe accommodation experience. Unlike traditional ground tents, Roof top tent makes full use of the space on top of the vehicle, allowing campers to stay away from wet ground, snake and insect infestation, while providing a broader view. In recent years, with the rise of self-driving tours and camping culture, Roof Top Tent has become popular among owners of SUVs, crossovers, station wagons and even some sedans.
Roof top tents are available in a wide range of prices, from ¥2,000 for economical models to ¥10,000 for high-end fully automatic models, meeting the needs of users with different budgets. Whether it is a short weekend camping or long-distance travel through the trip, Roof Top Tent can provide convenient accommodation solutions, so that travelers can really realize the “go with the stop, free camping” lifestyle.
Roof Top Tent three types: which one is the most suitable for you?
1.Manual Roof Top Tent (Economical and Practical)
Manual unfolding Roof top tent is the most common type in the market, which is suitable for users with limited budget but pursuing practicality. These tents are usually made of high-strength canvas or polyester fabrics with aluminum alloy or steel brackets to provide stable support.
Advantages:
- Affordable price, suitable for users who are trying car roof camping for the first time.
- The interior is spacious and can easily accommodate 2-3 people, and some models come with an extended awning to provide additional space for activities.
- Flexible, users can build an enclosure next to the car for changing clothes, washing up or outdoor cooking.
Suitable for: Camping enthusiasts who are looking for cost-effective, like DIY construction and don’t mind manual operation.
2. Electric Roof Top Tent (High-end Convenience)
Electric Roof top tent adopts motor drive and can be unfolded or stowed in 10 seconds with just one button operation, saying goodbye to the cumbersome process of setting up a traditional Roof Top Tent.
Advantages:
- Extremely fast opening and closing, saving time and physical strength, especially suitable for long-distance travelers who frequently change campsites.
- Stronger waterproof and windproof performance, with high-density fabric and reinforced frame, it can cope with bad weather.
- Streamlined design reduces wind resistance and reduces the impact of fuel consumption when traveling at high speed.
Suitable for: Users who pursue efficiency and convenience, have sufficient budget, and often go off-road or long-distance self-driving.
3. Helicopter Roof Top Tent (Lightweight Extreme)
Roof top tent is the upgraded version of electric tent, adopting fiberglass or lightweight aluminum alloy shell, which is smaller in size and faster in opening after storage.
Advantages:
- Ultra-fast unfolding, can be set up in 5-8 seconds, suitable for temporary parking and rest.
- Stylish appearance, almost integrated with the roof after stowed, does not affect the overall beauty of the vehicle.
- Lighter weight, lower load-bearing requirements on the roof, suitable for small SUVs or cars.
Disadvantages: relatively small internal space, suitable for 1-2 people, and the price is high.
Suitable for: focus on appearance, the pursuit of extreme building, single or double travelers.
Which models are suitable for installing Roof Top Tent?
Roof top tent can be installed only if the vehicle is equipped with a roof rack with sufficient load-bearing capacity. The suitability of different vehicle models is as follows:
1. Off-road vehicles & SUVs (best choice)
- Recommended models: Toyota Prado, Jeep Wrangler, Land Rover Defender, Haval H9 and so on.
- Advantage: Roof top tent has a strong structure, and the original luggage rack has a strong load-bearing capacity (usually more than 75kg), which can easily support the weight of Roof Top Tent and users.
2. Station wagon & MPV (need to install reinforced luggage rack)
- Recommended models: Volkswagen Azera, Volvo V90, Buick GL8, etc.
- Note: Installation of special crossbar or longitudinal bar is required to ensure that the load-bearing capacity meets the standard (it is recommended to choose a luggage rack with a dynamic load of ≥75kg).
3. Sedan (need to choose carefully)
- Applicable models: Some sedans with strong roof structure, such as Subaru Outback, Audi A4 Allroad, etc.
- Limitations: Extra reinforcement of the Roof Top Tent is required and a lightweight Roof Top Tent (e.g. Helicopter Auto model) is selected.
Roof Top Tent Weight Bearing Tip:
- Roof Top Tent weighs about 50-70kg, plus the user’s weight (usually 150-240kg), the total roof load should be within the vehicle’s allowable range.
- It is recommended to choose separated vertical or horizontal poles to ensure stability and keep about 4cm spacing between Roof top tent and bottom of Roof top tent to optimize aerodynamics.
5 Core Advantages of Roof Top Tent
1. Camping anywhere, anytime, free from hotel restrictions
- No need to book accommodation in advance, you can spend the night in scenic spots, lakeside, mountain tops and any other places.
- Especially suitable for traveling in remote areas, such as Tibet, Xinjiang, Inner Mongolia and other hotels are scarce.
2. Safe and comfortable, away from ground moisture and pests
- High off the ground design to avoid snake, insect, rat and ant infestation, built-in moisture-proof pad to enhance sleeping comfort.
- High-strength fabrics can withstand grade 8 wind, heavy rain and even snow pressure, suitable for a variety of climatic conditions.
3. Free up space in the car to enhance travel convenience
- No need to sleep in the car, more luggage or equipment can be stored, suitable for long-distance family trips.
- Some models come with a storage bag, which can store sleeping bags, pillows and other items.
4. Excellent viewing experience, enjoy the natural scenery to the fullest
- You can open the tent in the morning to enjoy the sunrise, seascape or snowy mountains, and lie down to watch the starry sky at night.
- Some models are equipped with panoramic skylights or side windows to enhance ventilation and lighting.
5. Long-term use is more economical and saves accommodation expenses.
- Once invested, long-term use, especially suitable for frequent camping users, more cost-effective than hotels.
How to choose the best Roof Top Tent for you?
1. Choose the suitable model according to the car model
- Crossover/SUV → Manual or electric models are available.
- Sedan/MPV → Lightweight helicopter-type automatic model is preferred.
2. Pay attention to the key performance parameters
- Waterproof level: at least 3000mm water pressure to ensure no leakage in heavy rain.
- Wind resistance: support more than 8 levels of wind, preferably aviation aluminum frame material.
- Breathability: with screen doors and windows to prevent mosquitoes from entering and maintain air circulation.
- Thermal insulation: double-layer design or thickened fabric, suitable for use in high-cold areas.
3. Installation and Convenience
- Ladder position: left/right side installation is the most common, rear installation may affect the trunk opening.
- Height after storage: Try to choose low wind resistance design to avoid increasing fuel consumption.
4. Brand and after-sales service
- Recommended Brands: Thule, Yakima, Heching, Roam Adventure Co.
- Prioritize products that offer more than 3 years warranty to ensure long-term durability.
Start your new era of car roof camping
Roof top tent is not only a camping equipment, but also represents a free and adventurous lifestyle. Whether it’s a short weekend getaway or a months-long trip around the world, it can provide you with a safe and comfortable mobile shelter. By choosing a tent that suits your car and your needs, installing it properly and mastering the skills of using it, you can truly realize the dream of “traveling the world with your car and making it your home anywhere”.
Ready to upgrade your traveling experience? Start exploring the best Roof Top Tent for you now!