Are you thinking about buying the purchase of a tent to cover your car? This article we’re going to look at the benefits and drawbacks of purchasing an roof tent for your vehicle. It is always advisable to conduct your own research prior to making a purchase and we hope that this post will help you determine whether a tent with a roof is suitable for your camping trips either in the UK or in other countries.
What are the benefits of a tent with a roof?
1. Camp wherever you want
There’s no need for grass regardless of whether you’re camping on a mountain trail or sand dune, or even the Tesco car park the roof tent lets you to camp almost anyplace.
2. You can go anyplace
It’s much easier to travel with the roof tent. You can go to places you only imagine with the trailer trailers motorhomes, campervans, and caravans particularly if you own the 4×4.
3. Rapid set-up and tear-down
The installation of a roof tent is simple and can be fitted to all vehicles that meet certain number of specifications. The set-up process is quick and can be completed in less than a minute. You’ll look like the envy your typical campers when you’re all set and sipping an ice cold glass of wine or a cold drink.
4. Tough
Roof tents are built from an extremely durable canvas that is designed to withstand nature’s elements. The canvas is waterproof and mold and UV resistant. A sturdy aluminium support structure is an extremely durable and long-lasting tent.
5. Comfort
A quality rooftop tent should include mesh windows and doors to provide cooling, perfect for the hottest summer day or at night. A soft, high-density mattress is recommended and some tents will even come with an open sky view window to allow stargazing at night, and additional light during the daytime.
6. Beasts and bugs
The fact that you are on the roof is a sign that you are free of insects such as scorpions, ants and spiders. There is nothing worse than finding things crawling inside your sleeping bag or tent! The wildlife in the UK isn’t an issue, but if you travel to a place in which there are bears, tigers, snakes and wolves. You will be well out of their reach when you are in a roof tent.
7. View
Your private viewing platform that offers stunning views you cannot get from tents on the ground. Awaking to the views of the lake, ocean, mountains, or a river is always more appealing from higher up. It’s impossible to camp on the ground ever again.
8. Value
Comparatively to a motorhome, campervan or trailer tent, a roof tent can be much less expensive to purchase and maintain.
Are there any drawbacks for a tent that is pitched?
1. Wind
The very nature of being higher, means that in areas with windy weather conditions, a roof tent could be tossed around. However, they’re made to withstand strong winds, and the rumbling will make you uncomfortable or cause you to go to sleep.
2. Economy of the fuel
The additional burden and drag from the roof tent on your vehicle will cause gas consumption, and consequently the fuel efficiency will decrease. This could mean that you have to remove the roof tent during times in which you don’t plan to use it.
3. Day trip
If you are planning to go off to explore for the day then you need to fold down to the tent’s roof. This can be a headache contrasted with a standard ground tent that you could just take it off while out exploring. One option is to take bikes along with you to allow you to explore the area without relying on your car. If you have to drive, you could put up the roof tent and place your bed inside to gain the speed.
4. Toilet trips
We’ve all been there: an exhausted trip for the restroom in the late at night. Going to the bathroom via a ladder before returning up is slightly more difficult than standing in a tent, but not too difficult. Another alternative can be to have a water bottle close by, as one of my rooftop friends advised me!
5. Aren’t able to stand
If you’re less than 4 feet tall, you’re not able to be seated in a roof tent. But, some roof tents include an annex, which means there is space to sit up or cook, eat and much more.
What’s the verdict?
Ok, so we could be biased in our opinions, however we’ve tried to be as fair as we can about the advantages and disadvantages of the roof tent. The benefits far outweigh the disadvantages when compared to ground tents, or the price of a motorhome/campervan. Don’t overlook it’s possible to use a tent on the roof. could be affixed to the van in case additional space is required or you’ll need trailers if you’re planning to use your vehicle to go on day trips.
