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Car Roof Top Tents For Camping


a jeep with a roof top tent for camping

Are you considering investing in a roof top tent to embark on a big journey or go on the occasional camping trip? In this article I will share some of the best roof top tents and answer some frequently asked questions, along with sharing some accessories to make your roof top tent like a cozy little home.


Best roof top tents from Amazon


After analyzing many roof top tent listing and reading the reviews, I have found these to be the best roof top tents from Amazon.


I've shared the price, delivery fee and rating of these 3 roof top tents, for your convenience.


*This article includes affiliate links. That just means I get a small commission at no extra cost to you if you purchase from them. This helps support my website.



     

Price: $859.00

Delivery fee: $299

Rating: 5 stars


WildFinder Rooftop Tent Hard Shell

Price: $859.00

Delivery fee: $299

Rating: 5 stars

    



















Price: $1,099.99

Delivery fee: $199

Rating: 4.4 stars

BAMACAR Naturnest Rooftop Tent Hard Shell

Price: $1,099.99

Delivery fee: $199

Rating: 4.4 stars























Cost: $1,599.99

Delivery fee: free

Rating: 4.3 stars

Sanhima Rooftop Tent Hard Shell

Cost: $1,599.99

Delivery fee: free

Rating: 4.3 stars




















Roof top tent FAQs


Here are some important questions to ask when weighing options for a roof top tent.


Are roof top tents safe?


They are generally safe depending on where you go camping, if you set it up properly, and if you take safety precautions.


A roof tent is safer than a normal tent due to it's elevation. This adds extra protection against animals and can make it more difficult for intruders to break in.


Rest assured, if there's ever a zombie apocalypse and you find yourself on the go, it's definitely safer than a tent on the ground. Hee hee.


Some things to look out for are heavy winds, bears, and improper installment. Make sure to know if you are in bear territory, and if so do not keep food in your car or tent. You'll also want to get yourself some bear spray.


If it's other people that worry you, just be sure to have some kind of self defense item, a camping buddy, and a charged phone in case you need to call for help.


One issue with a RTT is that you can't just drive away without packing it up. If there is an emergency situation you have to close it up before being able to take off. This could pose a problem if you ever have issues with a dangerous person or wild animal.



Can a roof top tent go on any car?


If you can fit roof bars on your car, then yes, you can install a roof top tent. Be sure to check the weight limit of your car and of the roof bars you buy.



How much is a roof top tent?


Roof top tents don't come cheap, but if travel is your life, it may be worth it.


They range from about $900 to $5000.



What are the benefits of roof top tent?


As mentioned earlier, they are safer than a ground tent. Not just from animals and intruders, but also against the elements. You don't have to worry about flooding during heavy rain. If you're in a tent on the ground, you could wake up in a pool of water, but up on the roof, the water will fall off the tent and not pool around it.


With a roof top tent you don't have to worry about sleeping on rough, muddy terrain. You'll always have a flat surface to sleep on, and often times they come with a bed build in.


You won't have to deal with critters such as snakes, ants, and rodents.


They can also be easier to set to up than a traditional tent. Usually it takes five minutes or less to set one up, depending on the type of roof top tent. I've heard people say they can set theirs up in just a minute! How convenient.



What are the cons of roof top tent?


Some roof top tents may be a little more complicated to set up, especially at first before you get the hang of it. But typically they are pretty easy to set up.


With a roof top tent your car will be less aerodynamic. RTTs add weight and wind resistance, which can reduce gas mileage, especially with tall or bulky hard-shell models.


Another downside is that they are less stealthy. You really can't go stealth camping with one. You would have to rely on campgrounds and BLM land.


RTT's are pretty expensive, so you have to consider if you're really going to get a lot of use out of one.


With a roof top tent, a problem is that you can't easily take your car to go anywhere once it is set up. With a regular tent, you can set up your campsite and still be able to drive around for more activities, but with a RTT you can't just take off without having to break it down. This can pose a safety issue if you need to flee suddenly.


The last issue I will mention is that they aren't disability friendly. Not everyone will be capable of climbing the ladder. This goes for dogs as well. You have to get a ramp in order for dogs to get in, which isn't ideal for older dogs.



Roof top tent or camper trailer?


Roof top tents will definitely be more convenient than camper trailers. Trailers are nice because they have more space inside, but the downside is the space they take up, making it more difficult for parking and driving with.


Just about any car can handle a roof top tent, but smaller cars cannot pull a heavy camper trailer.



Are roof top tents easy to install?


This depends on the type of roof top tent you get. Typically it takes about half an hour or so to install. Once it is installed, it is pretty simple to set it up. It can take a few minutes or less to open it up.


Always read reviews before buying one. Some people will say they found it difficult to set up. Be sure to read the instructions from the company.


What is the life expectancy of a rooftop tent?


According to my research, a roof top tent will last approximately 3 to 5 years with heavy use.



Roof top tent dog ladder


If you love camping with your furry best friend, you'll need a special ladder for them to climb into the tent.


Unfortunately, these do not come cheap. Here is one from the brand Unplug Outdoor Co for $159.99 – $179.99.


One drawback of this is that you may have to train your dog to use this ramp.


roof top tent dog ladder





















Roof top tent accessories


To get the best experience and create a cozy little home on wheels in your roof top tent, here are some products to elevate your trips.


tent magnetic hooks

With magnetic hooks, you can hang fairy lights, a fan, a lantern, your keys and more.













camping fan/camping light

You'll definitely want some light while camping in a RTT. This is a great product so you can read and hang out without having to hold a flash light, or have a lantern that might fall over.


It is also a fan, which you'll want if you go camping during hot weather.







happy camper throw blanket

This soft throw blanket will bring all the cozy camping vibes!


With an adorable design it makes for a picturesque camp set up that is perfect for your Instagram page.











jackery portable pwoer station for camping

It's important to have a way to keep your devices charged. This includes your fan, lights, and phone.


A Jackery is trusted brand for power stations.


It is powerful and not too large, so it fits well in a RTT.







fairy lights for tent camping

While they aren't necessary, fairy lights bring a wonderful ambiance! They make your campsite feel homey and also provide some extra light. It's a win-win!













That brings us to the end of this article. I hope you found it useful. Happy camping!

 
 
 

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