When camping with a rooftop tent, it is vital to understand how it affects driving. Gathering this information will not only make your rooftop tent journey(s) more enjoyable, but will also give an understanding of how to possibly create a safer trip. Many beginners need to know if their car can carry a rooftop tent.
Any car can carry a rooftop tent as long as you have a roof rack to mount the tent to. You can successfully and safely drive around in just about all vehicle types.
Though this is true, driving with a rooftop tent comes with a lot of variables including the type of vehicle you are using and how much that vehicle can hypothetically hold. Other factors include the type of roof rack used as well as how much the actual tent weighs.
Using any car with a roof top tent?
With all the tips and tricks out there for rooftop tents, just about anyone using any type of car can join in on the fun. As long as the car being utilized has a roof rack, you can strap up and be on your way.
So if you and your camping mate want to head out in a Honda Civic by all means do it. With that being said, there is definitely an advantage to understanding the factors that will ultimately affect a trip in that type of car.
On the topic of physics, when a significant amount of weight is placed so high on top of a car, it throws off the stabilization of that vehicle. Some of the lightest tents are still over 100 pounds and with the added weight of a roof rack, you will undoubtedly notice a change in handling, power and acceleration. So the more weight put on a smaller car, the more drastic those changes will be in those categories.
When picking out a roof rack, be sure to pay attention to the dynamic weight capacity. The rack being bought should at least have a DWC of the tent being used. So if the tent weighs 150 pounds then the DWC of the rack must be at least 150. This measures the capacity while in motion and can be looked up through the specifications of the rack.
The measure that is taken while not in motion is static weight capacity which is much higher because it takes into account the frame of the vehicle. This will take into consideration the weight requirements of the car, rack, and tent so a number of people can safely sleep in the tent.
Most modern cars are built to support the weight of the vehicle in case of a rollover, which is a bonus to rooftop tenters who may not have that large SUV or truck.
Rooftop tents are pretty much compatible with all types of roof racks such as flat rack, cross bar and canopy. Brands I like to lean towards are Yakima, Rhino Rack and Thule for their consistent product throughout the years. Most of their stuff is made from coated steel and is very aerodynamic which is exactly what you’re looking for when hauling gear trip after trip.
How Do Roof top Tents Affects Gas Mileage?
Adding a roof top tent adds both weight and drag to your vehicle which will decrease your fuel consumption by a mile per gallon or two depending on your vehicle.
Here is a link to a post I’ve previously done on the topic.
To give a summary, no matter how you cut it there is going to be a hit to the gas mileage of your vehicle while carrying a rooftop tent. But there are several ways to help yourself out with this particular issue.
You can choose a hard shell over a soft shell giving your ride a more sleek design and creating less drag. Also positioning the tent between the two axles of the vehicle at the center most part of the car will help distribute weight properly with more efficiency. Be sure to take your tent off the rack in the off season so your gas mileage isn’t taking a hit year round.
Lastly, having a vehicle with high fuel efficiency will take a bigger hit with a rooftop tent since it is probably a smaller car. SUVs and Trucks will not see as much of a change in fuel economy since their mileage is already on the low end and they are bigger vehicles.
How Fast Can You Drive While Using a Roof Top Tent?
When traveling to a destination, most people want to get there quicker so they can cut anticipation and have more time for fun. Like anyone else, I am also guilty of wanting to make my driving trips a little quicker if I can. But while traveling with a rooftop tent, the faster you go the more risk you run.
The recommended speed of travel while carrying a rooftop tent is 50-65 mph give or take. This suggestion is only viable if the tent and roof rack are obviously correctly secured. Your max speed limit should depend on the type of vehicle you’re driving, big or small.
The max speed that one could go while carrying a rooftop tent would be around 80 mph. With all safety precautions taken, along with all items secured properly, anything over this speed will be at risk of straining the roof racks connection points on the vehicle.
Lightest Roof Top Tent Options
Most rooftop tents run above 100 pounds give or take. While it is uncommon to find one under that benchmark, there are a few that are available. The Frontrunner Rooftop Tent is a very lightweight option that sits at 93 lbs with no gear or people. Though it is lightweight it comes up extremely short in the durability department.
Another tent that is making some noise recently is Gentletent’s Inflatable Rooftop Tent. This thing only weighs 55 pounds, can float on water, and is only six inches high when packed down. That seems like an awesome compromise to the weight issue many campers find, but at around $2500 you may be able to buy a tent, ladder, and gear for that price point.
I would say the best bet is to go with something that is lightweight but doesn’t forgo durability. Something built by Tepui or Yakima is a great option taking into consideration. They are proven brands and range from 115-130 pounds in weight.
A specific model that is highly rated coming into 2020 was the Tepui Atana 3 which has an included annex and weather protection material.
Best Car Options for Roof Top Tents
Before buying a rooftop tent it might be smart to set yourself up with the best type of vehicle to support those upcoming trips.
Noted in the beginning of this post, an SUV or truck is not going to experience such a big change in fuel economy with the extra weight of the tent. They will also support more weight/campers comfortably while simultaneously creating more durability on the road.
Some new SUVs that have recently come out in 2020 that may be solid options would be the new Toyota Rav4 Hybrid or Toyota Highlander Hybrid. Both offer 38 or more MPG and still allow for off-road consistency.
Conclusion
Overall if you are willing to spend the money to purchase a rooftop tent, you can start your camping lifestyle no matter what type of car you own. Though it is important to understand the factors that create changes in stability, power, and acceleration. It is also smart to understand how much realistic weight you are adding with people and gear to a vehicle on top of the already heavy tent.
Planning ahead in all of these areas will give you the best opportunity to have a stress free travel and the enjoyment of reliable camping experiences.