EVERYTHING YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT ROOFTOP TENTS

Everything you should know about rooftop tents are in this article

What are the advantages of a rooftop tent?

Rooftop tents are mobile in the sense that they are less time-consuming to erect and dismantle. That makes them ideal for touring where a camper only stays over for a night. It frees up storage space inside the vehicle.

How many people can sleep in a rooftop tent?

Between 2 and 6 people can sleep in a rooftop tent depending on the size of the tent you buy.

Rooftop tents, which include trailer tents, vary in size from 1,2m x 2,4m to 2,0m x 2,4m and weigh between 60 and 90kg depending on the construction and materials used.

Rooftop tents are designed to allow between 600 and 700mm in width per person and up to 2,4m in length to provide for even the tallest campers.

To buy the right rooftop tent for you, the width should be divided by the number of people that will sleep side-by-side in the tent. A tent of 1200mm (1,2m) should be adequate for two people to sleep fairly comfortable.

Most rooftop tents are at least 2,4m which is adequate for most campers, with only hard shell rooftop tents that are shorter at 2,1m.

Are rooftop tents safe?

Rooftop tents are safe for the purpose for which they were designed.

This means that the construction is strong enough to carry the number of people that it is designed to accommodate. The frames of most rooftop tents are made from aluminium piping similar to tent poles but strong enough not to bend or snap in strong winds.

Rooftop tents are made from strong canvas or ripstop canvas which makes the walls and roof as strong as any other camping tent.

The base of most rooftop tents is constructed from plywood or aluminium, which makes it sturdy enough to easily carry a mattress and the number of people that fit in.

The safety of rooftop tents also depends on who uses them. If you have trouble climbing a ladder or crawling on all fours into a low tent, a rooftop tent is probably not the right tent for you. In this case, you may want to look at more conventional camping accommodation.

The risk of a rooftop tent has more to do with the ladder and the height of the vehicle on which the tent is fitted. The ladder length is dictated by the height of the roof of your vehicle and climbing a long ladder may be risky for some campers.

This is the reason why many older campers rather opt for conventional tents, caravans or RVs than run the risk of injury or the discomfort of climbing a ladder with stiff limbs.

Can you put a rooftop tent on a factory roof rack?

Yes, you can if the roof and roof rack of your vehicle is strong enough, although modern vehicles are often factory fitted with roof rails that are too weak to carry a rooftop tent.

Factory-fitted roof racks are generally able to carry up to 75kg which means that you will need a rooftop rack fitted that can carry the weight of the rooftop tent, the people that will sleep in it as well as other small items.

Offroad vehicle and bakkie roofs are strong enough to bear a rooftop tent on a properly fitted roof rack. Some vehicles may require that the roof rack be anchored in different places than the factory roof rack to ensure that the rooftop tent’s weight rests on the strong frame of the vehicle rather than on the roof itself.

Any rooftop tent manufacturer or agent will have the knowledge to advise you on what is needed for your vehicle to safely and comfortably bear a rooftop tent.

As a general example, a Toyota Landcruiser has a roof carrying capacity of 150kg.

Do rooftop tents use more fuel?

Rooftop tents lead to an increase in fuel consumption but it depends on the type of vehicle, the weight and the wind resistance of the rooftop tent.

Wind resistance is a function of design and most rooftop tents are designed to fold in a way that ensures the least wind resistance.

A rooftop tent influences fuel consumption in these ways:

• the weight of the rooftop tent that must be moved from stationary to moving,
• the wind resistance at the speed you travel,
• the size of the vehicle’s engine,
• wind conditions.

Manufacturers of vehicles go to great lengths to make their vehicles as aerodynamic as possible. Even small cavities around lights and mirrors are scientifically designed and tested to provide the least wind resistance.

Even off-road vehicles are not designed with loads on the roof in mind. This means that any small load that alters the shape of the vehicle becomes a drag on the vehicle, and increases wind resistance and fuel consumption.

Research showed a drag increase of as much as 47% increasing fuel usage by about 3,5l/100km without modifications.

There will be a difference in fuel consumption when you use a hard-top rooftop tent because the shell is aerodynamically designed. A rooftop tent without a shell has more loose material which increases wind resistance.

The speed at which you travel has a big effect on fuel consumption as does wind strength if the wind is blowing where you travel. The faster you travel, the higher the fuel consumption will be.

The height of the rooftop tent from the vehicle roof may sound like a small thing but it can have a big effect on fuel consumption because the higher the structure that catches wind, the harder the vehicle must work to move forward.

How long do rooftop tents last?

Rooftop tents last between 5 and 15 years with normal use and proper care and depending on the climate.

There are some factors that may reduce or prolong the life of your rooftop tent with the two main enemies being damp and the sun. You can add lazy or ignorant owners who do not maintain their tents properly.

Climate can have an effect on how long your rooftop tent lasts. In colder, less sunny climates, a rooftop tent can last much longer than in areas with a harsh climate and intense sunshine.

In South Africa, a rooftop tent can last for less than 5 years if it is stored outside in rain, wind and sun. It can last 15 years if you store your rooftop tent in a garage or under a roof and keep it properly protected in its cover when not in use.

How long your rooftop tent lasts depends on a few factors:

• How it is handled and maintained.
• How often it is used.
• In what conditions do you use your tent?
• The quality of the tent.
• How is your tent covered? A strong canvas or ripstop cover or shell, all have an influence on the beating your tent takes.

What are the disadvantages of rooftop tents?

Reasons not to buy a rooftop tent

• Rooftop tents are expensive.
• It limits you to your campsite.
• Rooftop tents can be noisy in rough weather because they are high above the ground and have more loose material than conventional tents.
• To sleep level, you need to park level so you may need to manoeuvre a bit or use revellers.
• The tent is cumbersome to dismantle when you return from a camp. For this reason, people keep their rooftop tents on their vehicles which can increase fuel consumption.
• It feels safer than tents on the ground, but in fact, rooftop tents are no more safe than other tents. This is because whatever can reach you in a tent on the ground, can reach you in your rooftop tent.
• You can’t stand upright in a rooftop tent.
• It is harder to get in and out of a rooftop tent than a normal tent.
• You have to climb a ladder.
• There is inadequate space to store camping gear.
• You may need additional coverage such as a gazebo or awning for a workspace. A rooftop tent is just a bedroom.

How do you sleep in a rooftop tent?

A rooftop tent can be a much more comfortable place to sleep than many other camping shelters.

The most comfortable sleep in a rooftop tent depends on the space you need to sleep. If you need more than 600mm wide and more than 2,1m long, you may find it difficult to sleep in a rooftop tent, but most people sleep quite comfortably. It also depends on the quality of the mattress.

Do you need a roof rack for a rooftop tent?

Yes, because rooftop tents are made to be installed on a base.

The base can be any sturdy structure that is fixed to the roof of a vehicle or trailer. As long as the base, which can be a roof rack or cross bars, is strong enough to bear the weight of the rooftop tent and people sleeping in it.

How do you know if your car can handle a rooftop tent?

Firstly you have to make sure that the size of the rooftop tent fits the dimensions of your car’s roof. Then you need to check the Dynamic Weight Capacity (DWC) which is the weight your car can accommodate when it is in motion and the Static Weight Capacity (SWC) which is the weight limit when the car is stationary.

DWC provides for the stress on your vehicle’s structure when the load it carries moves when the vehicle accelerates or stops.

SWC is the weight your car’s roof can bear when it is not moving and it does not provide for movement and load shifting.

The roof rack and the roof must both be able to support the weight of the rooftop tent. The weight of the tent must be added to the weight of the base structure on which it will be mounted to get the total weight and compare it to the Dynamic Weight Capacity.

Permissible Roof Weight is the weight limit prescribed by the manufacturer and can be found in the vehicle owner’s manual.

How do you choose a rooftop tent?

Choosing a rooftop tent depends on your needs and what you can afford.

Once you know the weight and the size of the rooftop tent your car can carry, you can start looking at tents.

Talk to other campers and find out what they consider advantages or drawbacks. Just be discriminatory in whose advice you follow, as people often give advice based on what they think or heard.

What are your needs?

• Price – what can you afford?
• How many people will sleep in the tent?
• What annexes and awnings will you need?
• What brand of rooftop tent do you prefer?
• How much does the tent weigh and is it within the limits of the specifications of your vehicle?
• Is the tent compatible with your vehicle’s roof rack system?

How fast can you drive with a rooftop tent?

There isn’t a prescribed speed limit for vehicles with rooftop tents. Legally you can drive at the speed limit but the faster you drive the more fuel you will use.

The speed you can drive is dictated by how much fuel you are prepared to use. A rooftop tent creates additional wind resistance and increases fuel consumption.

Some owners of larger off-road vehicles report no or little increase in fuel consumption when driving with a rooftop tent, while owners of smaller vehicles mostly report a small to a substantial increase in consumption depending on the engine capacity of the vehicle.

Do rooftop tents get stolen?

Rooftop tents are not more vulnerable to being stolen than other tents.

They need some action to remove from their bases, which makes it difficult to steal.

Anything can be stolen but rooftop tents are not more vulnerable than other tents.

Do rooftop tents leak?

A rooftop tent that leaks have something wrong.

They are just as leak-proof as conventional tents and not more prone to leaking than other tents.

Wind may force water into parts of the tent but leaking in normal weather conditions is not something that rooftop tents are known for.

How long does it take to pack up a rooftop tent?

A rooftop tent can be dismantled quickly and packed and closed up within 7 minutes.

In general, a rooftop tent can be packed away in double the time it takes to erect, which makes them ideal for touring campers who sleep only a night or two on one campsite.

How do I stop condensation on my rooftop tent?

Condensation forms on surfaces where the temperature on the two sides of the material differs.

Condensation in rooftop tents occurs due to the heat produced by people sleeping and breathing inside the tent and cold air on the outside.

It is known as exhaled-breath condensate and is the result of moisture created by exhaling warm air and the loss of heat through sweating.

In a confined space such as a rooftop tent, the inside of the tent canvas easily becomes warmer than the outside. The difference in temperature creates water droplets or condensation on the inside of the tent.

Condensation is not mould, but it leads to mould if left untreated.

How to stop condensation in a rooftop tent:

• Ventilate the tent. This can be done by keeping windows open.
• Use a flysheet. A flysheet is a cover sheet that protects the tent roof from rain and sun. It also allows airflow or ventilation over the tent roof.
• Remove moisture sources such as wet clothes from the tent.
• Camp under trees because it is warmer than open air during the night.
• Camp further away from streams and rivers where moisture is higher.
• Dry any condensation with a towel if you are going to store the rooftop tent for a long period.
• Use a dehumidifier or dehumidifier pack or bags. These are usually bags of silicone granules or gel which is super absorbent.
• A small fan or anti-absorbent mats can help in keeping moisture under control.

Do rooftop tents get mouldy?

Rooftop tents like any other material can get mouldy if condensation and dampness are left untreated.

Mould forms where there is dampness that is not dried or ventilated properly. If you store your rooftop tent while there is moisture inside, it will turn into mould. A rooftop tent is covered tightly with a cover and ropes to keep it isolated from dust and rain, so it is logical that any moisture inside will breed mould.

If mould starts forming on your rooftop tent, you can treat it with a mildew treatment product.

Preventing mould from forming is part of proper rooftop tent care.

How can I make my rooftop tent more comfortable?

A rooftop tent is primarily a sleeping space and you make it comfortable by making your bed comfortable.

Things you can do to make your rooftop tent more comfortable

• Level your vehicle so the rooftop tent floor will be level.
• Use duvets or blankets rather than sleeping bags.
• Get a high-density foam mattress if your tent does not come with one.
• Add a mattress topper if you have the space to store it.
• Take your favourite pillow with you.
• Replicate as much of your bedroom at home in your rooftop tent to make it as familiar and comfortable as possible.

Conclusion

Rooftop tents are sleeping tents that do not offer living space. They cannot be compared to “ground” tents that are larger and offer space for chairs and tables where campers can relax.

Rooftop tents are special in the sense that they cater to the tastes of a select group of campers. Single campers, couples without families, touring campers and bush or off-road campers are people that will camp with rooftop tents.

They do offer advantages for specific types of camping such as touring.