Roof Top Tents have been steadily gaining popularity over the past few years. They offer a unique experience and are very practical for camping. However, this comes with a big price tag.
Buying a roof top tent (RTT) can be difficult if you don’t know someone with experience using them. There are many factors you wouldn’t think matter until you get out and use one. This article will help illustrate various factors that could make or break a roof top tent fitting into your lifestyle.
Price
I teased it at the beginning of the article. If you’ve done a quick google search you know RTTs are not cheap. Camping is a relaxing hobby that provides a way to get away from things for a bit. All you need is some food, supplies, and a tent. Typically, camping is a very low cost hobby and vacation option. With any hobby you can spend more money on top of the line equipment to enhance the overall experience. Tents are no exception.
RTTs are the most luxurious tents on the market one can buy. The cost of entry is around $1,000 USD just for the tent and can exceed well past a few thousand bucks. You will also need to buy a roof rack or truck bed rack to mount the RTT to as well. The rack alone will cost you anywhere from a few hundred to a thousand dollars.
The cost of RTTs are associated with the quality materials used to build and design them. With good reason, they provide added comfort and convenience which grounds tents simply can’t.
If you’re on a tight budget like most of us, RTTs may not be for you.
Styles
You can find ground tents that vary in styles but for the most part they are all similar in the materials used. Something unique to RTTs are the various designs each manufacturer offers. You have hardtop and soft shell tents, which can either pop-up or be foldable.
Each style offers features that may better suit one’s lifestyle. Whether you prefer to go solo, as a couple, or a family there is an option for you. Different designs accommodate the amount of people you can comfortably fit in the tent. Foldable tents will have larger dimensions than most pop-ups because of its ability to double in size when unfolded.
If camping in all seasons appeals to you there are styles that favor those requirements too. Tent manufacturers offer 4-season tents that vary from soft to hard shell styles.
Comfort
If someone said there is a way you can avoid sleeping on the ground, you’d do it! Camping on a rocky, bumpy, and hard surface is not forgiving on the body.
RTTs provide a much more comfortable sleeping situation with a built-in mattress. Rather than sleeping on the ground or blowing up an air mattress, you have a mattress pad in your tent ready to go at all times.
Usage
The durability, design, and materials used to build these tents are top of the line. After a months worth of camping you will hardly see any signs of wear and tear assuming you take proper care of it. Not having to set the RTT on the ground keeps it cleaner than a ground tent and avoids sharp objects. Soft shell tents come with a cover that is attached by velcro or a zipper. Hardtop tents have the advantage here because the shell provides a better seal and protection from the elements.
RTTs require small amounts of maintenance. If they get muddy or dusty give them a wipe down every so often. Also, if you pack your tent up when wet, be sure to air it out once you get home to avoid mildew. These simple steps can improve the longevity or your tent.
Going solo?
Carrying the RTT and lifting it on top of your vehicle is at minimum a two person job. If you live alone or prefer adventuring solo, you will have to ask a buddy to help you with this task. Once it is mounted you can keep it attached to your vehicle. However, this runs the risk of theft, loss of fuel economy, and damage to your vehicle’s drive train over time.
I wrote an article on how to store your RTT that details a way to move the tent on and off by yourself! Read more at this link:
Children
People in all stages of life appreciate the simple joys of camping. If you have a young child this might be a difference maker. You have to consider the fact that any time they need to get in or out of the tent you will have to carry them up and down the ladder. For some people you may be able to do this, while others may not.
Elderly
With older age naturally comes limitations. Many seniors find camping a fun way to spend time with family, go fishing, or simply be in nature. Climbing up and down the ladder multiple times is easier said than done. You run the risk of slipping and falling off. A ground tent is just a more convenient and safer option if you feel this may be difficult for you or a family member.
Weight
The standard RTT is rated about 200 pounds per person. So if you have a two person tent, then your tent can hold 400 pounds total. Also, the static weight of your roof rack should support more than the RTT and the weight of the people occupying it combined. Static weight is the amount of weight the rack can support while standing still.
The ladders to get into the tents also have weight ratings that vary upon manufacturers and should be in the manuals. If you or a family member are a heavy set individual, sticking with a ground tent may simply provide more convenience.
Pets
We all love camping with our furry friends. Many of us enjoy sleeping with the pups and having them in the tent. Unless they are trained to climb up a ladder, then you will have to lug them up there with you.
If you have a 100 pound Bernese Mountain Dog you’re out of luck on this one. I’ve seen some people build ramps for their dogs which is a big commitment that the average person wouldn’t make. If your dog is independent you can have them sleep in the car so long as it’s not too hot. A common add-on for RTTs is an annex. You can have plenty of space for the pup to sleep and also keep an eye on them during the night.
Budget
Due to the high entry cost of this fun toy, you want to be sure you will get adequate use out of it. If you only plan on camping a couple times a year, sticking with a ground tent may be the better option. Saving a few grand on the tent and rack could be used towards other equipment or trips! If money isn’t an issue then by all means go for it, you won’t regret this purchase.
Vehicle
The car you drive will decide if you can own a RTT or not. Unfortunately, if you own a sedan then your vehicle’s roof is most likely not rated to hold a tent and its occupants. You should do your own research in order to confirm or deny this for your specific model. If your sedan can hold a RTT, your options will be narrowed down to the lightest tents available.
If you own an SUV or truck, in almost all scenarios you can put a rack and a RTT on it. Sport utility vehicles and trucks are made to carry heavier loads and equipment. If you are unsure, look up your owners manual and online forums for details on weight limits and best practices.
Gas mileage
Vehicles that have better fuel economy will likely see a bigger drop in efficiency when adding a RTT. This is due to the car being made of lighter materials. Trucks will still see a drop in fuel efficiency but less so than a small SUV would. RTTs will drain your gas tank by 1-2 MPG, or even more in some cases. If you commute far for work you will quickly notice the difference in how often you refuel. Having a plan on how to get it down and store it is a key consideration before buying.
Conclusion
Roof top tents are a great product that can enhance your camping experience. Depending upon your lifestyle, budget, and free time can greatly factor if this product is the right fit for you. Even with the limitations of a RTT, there are an overwhelming amount of people that love it. With any product it’s hard to know until you use it yourself. If you end up buying one you can always sell it online and continue with your ground tent.
For a prospective buyer, I would recommend watching a YouTube video or two so you can better visualize some of the topics I brought up. You may also find more information to help with your search.