As many people know, roof top tent camping is not always cheap. The tents themselves can run a few thousand dollars in cost and that is before you are adding in accessories. So believe me when I say if there is an opportunity to save a few bucks, like anyone else, I am all for it.
The best roof top tents you can buy under $1,500 includes the Smittybilt Overlander, the Tepui Explorer, Kukenam, and the Overland Vehicle Systems Nomadic 2.
As far as buying brand-new tents go, acquiring one under $1,500 dollars will leave you with a small list. First, I will break down a list of roof top tents that are under this price point brand new and review their respective features! There are also some more creative ways to get a roof top tent at a lower cost, like buying used on platforms such as Facebook Marketplace, which I will touch on at the end of the article.
New Roof Top Tents For Under $1,500:
1. Smittybilt Overlander
The Smittybuilt Overlander is such a good tent for the price it is listed at. It is a highly regarded option for campers looking to jump into the roof top tent scene, but also those looking to not break the bank in the process.
This tent has two separate sizes, one regular and one XL. The regular-sized tent is going to be the one that will be under the thousand dollar price point and will comfortably sleep 2-3 people.
I myself bought the Smittybilt Overlander on Amazon and I love it! Shopping around at different dealers is key because oftentimes if you pay for shipping, that’s another $150-200 you have to account for.
This tent comes with a sliding ladder, lightweight waterproof cover, and aluminum tent poles that will give solid support to the tent structure. These features are very similar to what you would see on a tent that is at a much higher price point. Smittybilt is also a trusted brand name in the offroading industry which gives buyers added peace of mind.
As a true 3 season tent, it may not support trips where freezing climates are on the horizon. But for the average camper who is going to warm/cool, relaxing areas, this tent is the perfect fit. Especially for many vehicle types as it only weighs approximately 117 pounds empty without the mattress, ladder and cover.
As if it couldn’t get any better, this tent is equipped with an LED light strip and also has the ability to have add-ons such as an annex or awning for when the time comes for that upgrade past your entry-level purchase.
2. Tepui Explorer Kukenam
Tepui is a very reputable and well-known brand in the roof top tent industry. This rugged tent can be used year-round. Another nice feature it comes with is a telescoping ladder. This type of ladder is preferred because to sliding ladders because they are more compact and easier to use.
The fabric is constructed of a 260-gram poly cotton blend which will allow you to go camping in any season and all elements. The inside also features a 2.5-inch high-density foam mattress for added comfort.
The Tepui Kukenam sleeps three comfortably and comes with added storage pockets inside the tent to keep your belongings organized. Another perk to buying a Tepui is they have many accessories you can add to your tent that will fit your setup perfectly!
3. Overland Vehicle Systems Nomadic 2
Overland Vehicle Systems isn’t as popular of a brand in the roof top tent space in comparison to both Smittybilt and Tepui. That said, they offer a heavy-duty tent with great features at a low price point.
The base of the tent is made of a double-insulated diamond plate base that’s built to last and keep you warm in colder temperatures. On top of that sits a three-inch high-density foam mattress. The fabric of the tent is equipped with a thick and durable material that can last years and withstand any element you put it in.
The great thing about this roof top tent is that you can use it any time of the year since it’s four-season equipped. This tent only sleeps two people, but if you’re in need of more space they also offer a 4-person option which is just over $1,500! Both of which feature a removable telescoping ladder.
For the price, this tent has some very attractive features. If you’re looking for a comfortable, rugged, all-season tent, I think the Overland Vehicle Systems Nomadic series is a great option!
Buying Used Roof Top Tents
Though there are only a few tents out there, give or take, that will fall under a thousand dollar price point brand new, another great option when working with a budget is buying used. Used tents may not be fresh out of the box, but you would be surprised at the quality you will get for a lightly used model out there.
Like anything, there are several things I like to look for before committing to a used tent I have found. First, I like to take a peek at the owner’s vehicle that I am possibly purchasing from. This will give you a pretty good idea of how they treat their stuff and how they ultimately kept up their tent.
From there, I would move on to looking at the exterior of the tent. If it is a hard shell, make sure to check for scratches and cracks. Even the smallest cracks can make a huge problem down the road regarding leaks and unwanted airflow. Also keep in mind, though surface-level wear and tear is okay, for softshells, just be sure to spot any rips, tears, or patchwork.
I would then start looking at the buckles, struts, and poles. These are going to be the main supports for the tent system so it is vital to make sure these all are not broken or on the verge of snapping. They are also important in the function they provide so be sure to check if they work properly with the tent still.
Keep in mind things like struts will eventually wear down and can easily be replaced. This step will also include zippers, double-check that they go all the way through their designated line with no problems.
Lastly, I would thoroughly check on the mattress and any mildew build-up. You want to make sure the mattress is comfortable for you and your camping partners. The mattress is going to be where half of the camping trip is spent so it is high on the list to make sure it is suitable.
Don’t be shy in unzipping it either to look for stains, mold, or mildew. Nothing is worse than having an unfixable mildew problem within the tent walls or even worse on the mattress itself. Mattresses tend to be very pricey, so this step is very important and should weigh your decision quite heavily.
Sites To Buy Used Roof Top Tents From
With the advancement in technology and the endless resources on the internet, there are so many platforms to buy used items such as roof top tents. My favorite is the Facebook Market because it is linked to a social platform. I’ve also had personal success selling my roof top tent on Facebook Marketplace. Within each listing, you can go into that person’s profile and see their information and location so the buying process is a little more interpersonal.
There are familiar sites such as Craigslist or eBay, but in my opinion, I tend to stray away from those unless I have no other choice just because of the numerous scam stories associated with those sites.
Other good options for those who are tech-savvy include apps such as Offer-Up, where everything can be handled via your phone. Though I am not sure I see too many large camping products on there as I do on Facebook Market.
Conclusion
Overall, we hit on a ton of great options for those who are working with a budget. Diving into the roof top tent camping scene can be daunting, especially with the large list of options out there. Hopefully, this article helps you find one that fits your needs.
If it is not new, the things I look for in a used tent will definitely set you up to find the perfect tent for your next adventure! I hope this information is exactly what you need to make the jump into the roof top tent camping community.