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How to Choose a Roof Top Tent - Camper Guide

Author: Melody Liu

Jun. 05, 2025

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How to Choose a Roof Top Tent - Camper Guide

Choosing a rooftop tent can be confusing, given the range of options available. It requires thoughtful consideration of various factors essential in ensuring the comfort, convenience, and enjoyment of your adventures. You need to consider the cost, the number of occupants, the frequency of camping trips, vehicle compatibility, and desired destinations; every aspect plays a crucial role in finding the best rooftop tent that will suit your needs and preferences. If you’re considering buying a rooftop tent, here’s what you need to know.

With competitive price and timely delivery, Sunday Campers sincerely hope to be your supplier and partner.

Rooftop tents range in price from under $ (at the time of writing this article) to over $ for a premium hardshell model. The more expensive models undoubtedly have better features, but will you always need them? If you’re planning on a lot of use, then the investment in a premium rooftop tent will be worth it in the longer term.

Before buying a tent, check that your vehicle’s roof can support the tent’s weight and any extra gear. Check your vehicle’s manual or contact the manufacturer to find out your vehicle’s maximum load capacity. You also need to look into the capacity of the roof racks you install.

Keep in mind that if you’re bouncing down rough tracks, the extra weight will also be on top of your vehicle, potentially leading to tipping.

Most rooftop tents weigh 50 to 100kg, so they are not easily lifted off. If you need to remove them regularly, you’ll need to purchase a lightweight version.

If your vehicle is also your daily drive and you need to get into your car parking space or head to the supermarket, height could be an issue. If there are millimetres to get into your underground parking space, you can let some air out of your tires, but this is annoying to do regularly.

Is the tent for one person or two? Is it for one person, hoping it will become two? Are the people sleeping in the tent large or small? Consider the number of occupants and their sleeping preferences. Ensure enough space for everyone and consider adding extra features like annex rooms for storage or changing areas. 

Choose tents made from durable materials like poly-cotton canvas and aluminium. These materials are known for their durability and ability to withstand harsh weather conditions. Pay attention to quality construction details such as zippers, stitching, and seams for longevity and weather resistance. You can invest in a rooftop tent that delivers years of dependable performance in any outdoor setting by prioritizing construction and materials that prioritize durability and weather resistance.

Australia can get warm and humid. If you’ve spent a hot day around camp or getting out and about, you need a well-ventilated space to get a good night’s sleep. Look for tents with ample ventilation options to prevent stuffiness and condensation build up. Insulation features help regulate temperature for comfort in varying weather conditions. Enough ventilation enhances comfort and helps regulate the temperature inside the tent, keeping occupants cool and refreshed.

After a long day on the road, you want an easy setup at camp. Consider setup complexity and stability. Look for tents with features like hydraulic or gas strut-assisted opening mechanisms for a quick and easy setup. Also, the tent’s stability should be assessed once set up, ensuring it remains secure and level on various terrain types. Look for tents with sturdy construction and robust anchoring systems to withstand windy conditions and provide reliable shelter.

Also, consider if there’s enough room to sit up or get changed easily.

Some rooftop tents have enough interior space inside to let you leave your sleeping gear inside with the tent closed. Some are even large enough to leave pillows inside.

How easy is the rooftop tent to get into? Are there ladders on both sides or do you need to crawl over your partner? Is the entrance at the side or the rear? Do you need to climb over your trailer draw bar to get in?

Want more information on Fibreglass Roof Top Tents? Feel free to contact us.

A Comprehensive Guide to Choosing Your Rooftop Tent

A Comprehensive Guide to Choosing Your Rooftop Tent

The Ultimate Rooftop Tent Buyer's Guide

A Comprehensive Guide to Choosing Your Rooftop Tent

Roof Top Tents (RTTs) have become increasingly popular among campers and outdoor enthusiasts in recent years. They offer a convenient and comfortable way to sleep while camping, without the need for traditional tents or RV's. If you're looking to buy a roof top tent, there are several important factors to consider before making your purchase. This guide will help you navigate the world of roof top tents and find the right one for you.

  1. Vehicle: Roof top tents come in various sizes and weights,most of them can be used on a wider range of vehicles. Certain type of RTTs are specifically designed to fit specific vehicle models, just be aware of. 

  2. Size: RTTs come in different sizes, ranging from two-person tents to 5 Person RTT tents. Consider the number of people who will be using the tent and the amount of gear you'll need to store inside/outside. The more people you have, the larger the tent you'll need. Also, keep in mind that larger tents will take up more space on your roof and may affect the fuel efficiency of your vehicle.                        

  3. Style:On the current market, there are two main types of roof top tents (RTTs) - soft top and hard shell.                                                               The soft top RTT can be 180 degree fold out with or without an attached annex. Hard shell RTTs come in three styles - fold out, clam shell, and pop up. Regardless of the price, the main differences between the styles are capacity and setup/take down time. The most popular style of hard shell RTT is the fold out style, which is compact in size but can accommodate more people. Among the fold out RTTs, aluminum models are more versatile as they can carry more gear like bikes, kayaks, and snowboards, and have a longer lifespan compared to ABS models.                                The Clam Shell RTT offers the quickest setup and take down time, but with limited space and a sleeping capacity of only 2 to 3 people. On the other hand, the Popup RTT provides 360 degree views and similar space as the Clam Shell RTT, but with improved height from end to end.
  4. Weight: While the weight is an important factor, it's not the primary concern. Tents with a bit more weight tend to offer greater stability and durability. If the tent's weight is within the capacity of your vehicle, it will have minimal impact on fuel consumption. However, tents that are extremely light might be easy to transport but lack stability and insufficient insulation and protection, especially in inclement weather conditions like wind, rain, or cold. In these situations, adequate protection should be the top priority when making your selection. 

  5. Material:

    When selecting a tent, the material of the tent shell is an important aspect to consider. ABS plastic, fiberglass, and aluminum are the commonly used options for tent shells. However, ABS plastic and fiberglass tend to have a shorter lifespan due to aging and can deteriorate over time. On the other hand, aluminum is known for its strength and durability but can be more expensive.

    Regarding tent material, the two most prevalent choices are canvas and synthetic materials. Canvas tents are renowned for their toughness, insulation properties, and air flow, but they can be weighty and more costly, and they demand upkeep after camping in damp or humid environments since they consist of over 25% cotton. On the other hand, synthetic materials are lighter and more affordable, but is not provide adequate protection from the elements.

  6. Frequence of setting up and taking down :  It's important to take into account the type of camping you will be doing and the frequency of setting up and taking down the tent. For road trips that involve quick stops, a tent that is easy to set up and dismantle would be a better choice. In this case, a hardtop roof tent is the most suitable option. However, if you plan to camp at a site for more than three days, you have a wider range of options to choose from.

  7. Service accessibility :  When making a purchase, it is crucial to take into account the brand's reputation for customer service, particularly for mechanical products like roof tents. It is reassuring to know that the company in question has readily accessible customer service and that RTTs accessories can easily be purchased. Additionally, it is wise to consider the cost and timely availability of replacement parts in case of any damage or wear and tear over time.

  8. Price: The cost of soft-top roof tents can vary from $800 to $2,300, while the price of hard-top roof tents ranges from $2,000 to $4,000. Many clients question the significant difference in price, despite the similar appearance of roof top tents. However, I explain that opting for a low-priced option from overseas suppliers like Alibaba may result in an unreliable product with little to no support. The cost of raw materials for roof tents is comparable, but the key factor in determining which brand you want to buy from is the quality of service and timely delivery they offered. Some brands that take responsibility for their products and offer fair pricing are usually a better option, compared to those that charge high prices and place blame on the customer in case of any issues.

In conclusion:

Vehicle support weight How many people you'll be using How often you set up and take down
Service/Part accessibility
Fair Price 

With a little research and careful consideration, you can find the perfect roof top tent for your next camping adventure.

The company is the world’s best canvas roof top tent supplier. We are your one-stop shop for all needs. Our staff are highly-specialized and will help you find the product you need.

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