Rooftop tents

Buyer's Guide: Rooftop Tent for Travel

A roof tent is a versatile and convenient solution for traveling and staying overnight almost anywhere. Whether you're hiking in the woods or mountains, spending time at a festival, on a city break or on a summer vacation with your family, a roof tent always offers a comfortable place to sleep, regardless of the weather or location.

Our roof tents come with all the necessary accessories for installation on your car's roof rails, and they fit almost all car models. Here are a few important things to consider when purchasing a roof tent:

1. Roof rails and fastening

  • Roof railings are mandatory. You will need roof rails for your car, such as Thule Evo or Thule SquareBar, or alternatively a car roof rack that also serves as a mounting platform.
  • Mounting mode: There must be at least 85 cm of clear space between the ends of the roof rails in the rail so that the roof tent brackets can be securely installed. The distance between the aluminum mounting rails at the bottom of the roof tent is 85 cm.
  • Avoid door-mounted handrails: Roof rails that attach to the car door jamb are not recommended as they do not provide enough stability and safety.

2. Load-bearing capacity of roof railings

  • Minimum 70 kg dynamic load capacity: Roof railings must withstand at least 70 kg dynamic weight when the car is moving. This ensures that the roof rails can withstand the load even during sudden braking or collisions.
  • Dynamic vs. static weight: Dynamic weight refers to the load when the car is moving, while static weight refers to the load when the car is stationary. Static weight can be up to 3–5 times greater than dynamic weight, so for example, when stationary, a roof tent and sleepers can weigh up to 200–350 kg in total.

3. Rooftop tent size and comfort

  • Figuring out the size: The size of a roof tent can be difficult to estimate. For example, a 140 cm wide tent has more sleeping space than a bed of the same size, because you can use the entire space for sleeping. This means that a 140 cm wide tent can sleep up to three people.
  • Advantages of a smaller tent: A smaller tent warms up faster in cold weather, making it more practical if you are traveling in cool conditions.

Summary

When considering a roof tent, make sure you have the right roof rails and that their load-bearing capacity meets your needs. Choose a tent that is the right size and comfort for your travel habits, and enjoy the freedom to sleep anywhere!