Rooftop tents are far more expensive than your average ground tent, and for good reason. In most cases, the higher the price, the better experience that rooftop tent will provide. But what is it that makes roof top tents so expensive?
Rooftop tents are priced a lot higher than your average ground tent because of the high-quality materials used as well as their complex design.
To an everyday person, a tent is a tent no matter how you cut it. But in the world of rooftop tents, the specific pieces used to create a finished product allow for higher price points. Those pieces include things like built in beds, ladders and weather proofed walls to withstand unprecedented climates.
When you start to really understand how much each component costs along with the design aspects that each brand has spent years perfecting, these prices are well justified.
The Reason(s) For High Prices on Roof Top Tents
There are several concrete reasons for rooftop tents being more expensive than the tent you would use out at your local beach or family-friendly campground. Each component brings its own special addition to the overall experience that’s provided. Thus, the more quality each of those components are, the pricier your tent will be.
1. Built-In Beds
The biggest difference that sets apart rooftop tents and ground tents are the built in beds. Each brand has its own spin on the bed they put in their tent models and that alone will rack up the price point. This is because most campers are all chasing one thing, comfort.
While some brands have better mattresses than others, it is important to view this topic as if you were the one buying the mattress separately from the tent.
Usually an air mattress that is suitable for multiple people is going to run you a couple hundred bucks starting at around $100 on the low end. Mattress pads are going to be the same range and progressively increasing the nicer the pad is. As far as real travel mattresses, you will see those range near the $400 price point and above. This is especially true if that mattress is flexible with folding capabilities specifically for camping.
So based on that aspect alone, a built-in bed will already put the price of your rooftop tent well above any standard ground tent. Here is a link to an article I did that takes a deeper look into rooftop bedding options and prices for reference.
2. Materials Used
Another aspect is the material used to make walls of the tent. Most ground tents are comprised of a lightweight nylon material that must be supported by numerous poles. The set up for these tents takes a lot more time than a rooftop tent and is more vulnerable being on the ground. Most ground tents will range around ten pounds and are good for three seasons. But if you are looking for a four season ground tent, that will automatically add that extra weight that is a sample size of what you see in a rooftop tent.
Rooftop tents are made entirely out of heavy canvas which is a lot thicker to fight against bad weather and larger weight capacities. With a built in bed, heavy poles and large bases, the canvas must be able to hold all of that together while also creating structure on top of a roof rack. The thick material helps fight against heavy sunlight, temperature changes and crawling critters as well.
3. Baseboard
The last major aspect that contributes to high price points for rooftop tents is the large baseboard that connects to the roof rack of your vehicle.
The baseboard is what provides the platform for your rooftop tent to sit on. The majority of the weight from a rooftop tent lies within the base. This is because it is set up to support multiple people while connecting to a centralized area. Normal tents don’t need this because their base is the ground itself.
You Get What You Pay For
In the world of rooftop tents, you get what you pay for. Each tent is priced differently for what each tent offers. If you want something that provides more toward a specific category like comfort or durability, you have to make sure you are willing to match the price for that plus.
$1,000 – $2,000 range
Tents in this range typically include the basics such as standard durability, sleeping room for two/three people and a ladder. The tent package will also include all the necessary parts to set up the tent properly and connect to the roof rack featured on your vehicle. A great example of brands that seem to price their tents in this range are Tepui and Smittybilt. Both are highly rated and proven products with an array of models.
$2,000 and above
Most tents you see being used by the majority of people fall in the above price range. The large consumer brands tend to gear their products toward those prices because they are common in the small rooftop tent camping niche. But, that doesn’t mean more expensive products don’t exist.
One example of a higher priced tent would be the Tepui Hybox. Unlike most rooftop tents, this model is shaped like a square and carries a look of extreme structure. It is a versatile cargo box and tent that is created by a hard shell structure. With this tent, you can remove the bed and create a large storage space great for skis, snowboards or tools. Priced at just under $3000, the versatility of the box is what sets it apart from its competitors.
Another model that follows suit with the hard shell concept is the iKamper Skycamp 2.0. This tent pops up and flips open for easy setup without losing any durability in the process. The expansion into a massive platform while providing quality comfort with its above average mattress gives it a justified price point at just under $4000.
Cheaper Tent Options
Having hit on some above average price ranges you will commonly see in the rooftop tent market, here are several options of tents that may fit the budget of the entry level camper.
Front Runner Roof Top Tent
The key feature with this tent is how light it is. At just 93 pounds even the solo camper can set it up with ease. Fuel economy won’t play a large factor in this product as much as others would and comes standard with a mesh roof perfect for starry nights. Priced at approximately $1,100, this is a light option with a good price point for a camper who is just entering into the world of rooftop tents.
Smittybuilt Overlander
A perfect option if you are a Jeep owner, this tent provides a budget price with luxurious features. It is a lightweight option for cars that may be hindered by weight capacity and comfortable sleeps two to three people. Priced at under $1,000, I don’t think many would not be intrigued by possibly being a Smittybilt owner. If you happen to be a larger family, don’t worry, at just above $1,000 there is an XL option that can sleep four people.
Conclusion
After breaking down the aspects of rooftop tents, it is easy to see why the price range is set where it is. The built in features and thoughtful accessories help create a tent that can hold multiple people while being prepared for all four seasons. In my opinion, a ground tent may give you the ability to carry it via backpack but what a rooftop tent has far more to offer.
Within this article, we just scratched the surface of pricing and possibilities. For the more advanced camper, annexes and room add-ons will contribute to overall price. Check to see if your rooftop tent model has attachment options and maybe a new addition is within your budget!