Roof Tent Buying Guide – How to Choose the Right Roof Tent
Important Safety Notice
This guide is provided for general information purposes only. Always check your vehicle manufacturer’s roof load ratings, ensure your roof bars or rack system are correctly rated, and follow all installation instructions before fitting a roof tent. The vehicle owner is responsible for ensuring their setup is suitable and safely installed.
Why Choose a Roof Tent?
Roof tents have become one of the most popular ways to camp while travelling by vehicle. By mounting a tent to the roof of your car, pickup or 4x4, you can quickly create a comfortable sleeping area wherever your adventure takes you.
Roof tents provide several advantages compared to traditional ground tents:
• Fast setup and pack-down
• Elevated sleeping position away from wet or uneven ground
• Improved ventilation and airflow
• Comfortable integrated mattress
• Better views and security when camping
Modern roof tents are designed for overlanding, touring and weekend adventures, offering reliable shelter in a wide range of conditions.
Types of Roof Tent
Roof tents generally fall into two main categories: soft-top fold-out tents and hard-shell roof tents. Each style has advantages depending on your travel style and vehicle setup.
Soft-Top Fold-Out Roof Tents
Soft-top roof tents are the most traditional and widely used design. When opened, the tent folds out to create a larger sleeping platform than the footprint of the tent on the roof.
This design offers excellent interior space and is often preferred by couples or families.
Typical advantages include:
• Larger sleeping area for the footprint
• Excellent ventilation through multiple windows
• Compatibility with large annex rooms
• Often lighter and more affordable than hard-shell tents
• Comfortable interior space for longer stays
Soft-top tents usually take slightly longer to pack away than hard-shell designs but offer outstanding space and versatility.
Hard-Shell Roof Tents
Hard-shell roof tents use a rigid outer shell and gas struts or hinge mechanisms to deploy rapidly.
They are popular with travellers who move locations frequently and want a quick setup at the end of the day.
Benefits include:
• Extremely fast setup and pack-down
• Durable outer shell for weather protection
• Lower profile when closed
• More aerodynamic when driving
• Excellent resistance to wind and rain
Hard-shell tents generally provide slightly less internal space but offer excellent convenience and durability. They are generally the heaviest type of roof tents and the more expensive to purchase.
Choosing the Right Roof Tent
Selecting the right roof tent depends on your vehicle, equipment setup, and how you plan to travel.
The most important factors to consider include vehicle compatibility, weight, mounting systems, and travel style.
Vehicle Roof Load Capacity
Before purchasing any roof tent, it is essential to check your vehicle manufacturer’s specified roof load rating.
Vehicles normally specify a dynamic roof load, which is the maximum weight the roof can safely carry while driving.
When the vehicle is parked, the roof structure typically supports a much greater static load, allowing occupants to sleep safely in the tent.
However, vehicle manufacturers’ specifications must always be followed, and it is the responsibility of the vehicle owner to ensure the vehicle is suitable for carrying a roof tent.
Roof Bars and Roof Rack Systems
Roof tents must always be mounted to properly rated roof bars or a suitable roof rack system.
A safe mounting system should:
• Be securely fitted to the vehicle
• Be rated for the weight of the tent and equipment
• Provide sufficient bar spacing for stable mounting
• Be installed according to the manufacturer’s instructions
Poor-quality roof bars or incorrectly installed racks may lead to instability, damage to the vehicle, or equipment failure.
If you are unsure whether your setup is suitable, professional advice or installation is recommended.
Roof Tent Weight
Roof tents vary significantly in weight depending on their design and construction.
When selecting a roof tent, consider:
• The weight of the tent itself
• The load rating of your roof bars or rack
• Any additional roof-mounted equipment
• The vehicle’s dynamic roof load limit
Lightweight roof tents are often a better choice for modern vehicles with lower roof load limits.
Number of Occupants
Roof tents are available in a range of sizes designed for different sleeping arrangements.
Typical configurations include:
• Two-person tents
• Larger tents suitable for couples with a child
• Extra-wide tents designed for families
When choosing a size, consider both the number of occupants and the available roof space on your vehicle.
Installation and Safe Use
Roof tents must always be installed according to the manufacturer's instructions using suitable mounting hardware and compatible roof bars or racks.
The user is responsible for ensuring that:
• The tent is correctly installed
• Mounting brackets are properly tightened
• The roof rack or bar system is suitable for the load
• All fixings are checked regularly
Mounting hardware should be inspected periodically and particularly after:
• Long journeys
• Off-road driving
• Rough terrain use
If you are unsure about installation or compatibility, professional fitting is recommended.
Driving With a Roof Tent Installed
Installing a roof tent changes the handling characteristics of a vehicle.
Drivers should be aware that a roof tent can:
• Raise the vehicle’s centre of gravity
• Increase wind resistance
• Affect braking performance
• Increase sensitivity to crosswinds
Driving style should always be adjusted accordingly, particularly when travelling at motorway speeds or in strong winds.
Extra care should also be taken when driving off-road.
Maintenance and Equipment Checks
Regular inspection helps ensure your roof tent system remains safe and secure.
Users should periodically check:
• Mounting brackets and fasteners
• Roof bars or rack system
• Ladder condition and locking mechanisms
• Tent fabric and structural components
Any damaged or worn components should be replaced before further use.
Additional Vehicle & Rack Responsibility Clause
Vehicle and Rack System Responsibility
Roof tents are designed to be installed on suitable vehicles using appropriately rated roof bars or roof rack systems. Vehicle roof structures, mounting points, and roof load limits vary significantly between manufacturers and models.
It is the responsibility of the vehicle owner to ensure that:
• Their vehicle is suitable for carrying a roof tent
• The roof bars or rack system used are correctly rated for the intended load
• All equipment is installed and maintained in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions
TUFF-TREK® cannot be responsible for damage to vehicles, roof structures, roof bars, or rack systems resulting from incorrect installation, unsuitable equipment, exceeding manufacturer load limits, or improper use.
If there is any uncertainty regarding compatibility or installation, customers should seek professional advice before use.
Disclaimer
All information within this guide is intended as general guidance only and does not constitute professional installation advice.
Vehicle owners are responsible for ensuring their vehicle, roof bars, and rack systems are suitable for carrying a roof tent and must always follow the vehicle manufacturer’s specifications and equipment manufacturer instructions.
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If you need help choosing the right roof tent, contact our team for tailored advice.