Rooftop tent camping is an exciting and adventurous way to explore the great outdoors. It combines the convenience of car camping with the thrill of backpacking, making it a popular option for outdoor enthusiasts. Rooftop tent camping has become increasingly popular in recent years, with many adventurers opting for this type of setup over traditional tents or recreational vehicles.
With a rooftop tent, you can easily set up camp anywhere your vehicle can take you, from remote wilderness areas to popular campgrounds. These tents are mounted on the roof of your vehicle, providing a comfortable and elevated sleeping area. Better yet, you can mount a tent on a trailer, have a base camp for your adventures, and free your vehicle up for daytime explorations!
In this article, we’ll explore the pros and cons of rooftop tent camping, as well as tips for selecting the right tent for your needs. Whether you’re a seasoned camper or a first-time adventurer, rooftop tent camping is an exciting way to experience the beauty of nature.
Table of Contents
- Types of Rooftop Tents
- Pros of Rooftop Tent Camping
- Cons of Rooftop Tent Camping
- A Great Option for Rooftop Tent Camping
Types of Rooftop Tents
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Not all rooftop tents are created equal, as there are two main types: softshell and hardshell. Understanding the differences between these two types of tents can help you make an informed decision when choosing the best rooftop tent for your rooftop tent camping needs.
Softshell tents are made of canvas or nylon and are known for their flexibility and lightweight design. They are also more affordable than hardshell tents and are easier to pack and set up. These tents are perfect for campers who want a light and affordable option for camping in fair weather conditions.
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Hardshell tents are usually made of fiberglass or plastic and are known for their durability and weather resistance. They are also more expensive and heavier than softshell tents but offer more protection from the elements. These tents are perfect for campers who want to camp in remote and off-road locations or in harsher weather conditions.
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Pros of Rooftop Tent Camping
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Elevated Sleeping Position
One of the biggest advantages of rooftop tent camping is the elevated sleeping position it provides. This can be especially beneficial in areas with a lot of wildlife or bugs, as it keeps you off the ground and away from potential pests.
Easy to Set Up
Rooftop tents are generally very easy to set up, as they typically only require a few minutes of effort to unfold and secure. This can be especially convenient when compared to traditional tents, which can be more time-consuming to pitch.
Off-Road Capability
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Many rooftop tents are specifically built for off-road use and can handle rough terrain and difficult conditions. This can be a great advantage for those who enjoy exploring more remote areas.
Weather Protection
Hardshell rooftop tents, in particular, are known for their excellent weather protection. These tents are typically more durable and weather-resistant than their softshell counterparts, making them a good choice for those who plan to camp in inclement weather.
Comfort
Rooftop tents are generally more comfortable than traditional tents, as they offer a more spacious and open sleeping area. This can be especially beneficial for those who prefer more room to move around or need to sleep with additional people or pets.
Cons of Rooftop Tent Camping
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Cost
One of the biggest drawbacks of rooftop tent camping is the cost. These tents can be quite expensive, especially when compared to traditional tents.
Limited Vehicle Compatibility
Rooftop tents are designed to be mounted on the roof of a vehicle, and they may not be compatible with all types of vehicles. This can be a major limitation for those who do not have a suitable vehicle or are unable to modify their existing vehicle to accommodate a rooftop tent.
Weight and Storage
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Rooftop tents can be quite heavy, especially hardshell models, which can be a significant consideration for those who are concerned about fuel efficiency or the weight capacity of their vehicle. In addition, these tents can be large and may require significant storage space when not in use.
Difficulty of Installation
While rooftop tents are generally easy to set up, they can be more difficult to mount on the roof of a vehicle. This can be especially challenging for those who are not mechanically inclined or who do not have the proper tools and equipment.
Limited Visibility
One of the drawbacks of rooftop tent camping is the limited visibility it provides. These tents are typically mounted on the roof of a vehicle, which can make it difficult to see out of the windows when you are inside the tent. This can be a major inconvenience for those who enjoy being able to see the surroundings from the comfort of their tent.
A Great Option for Rooftop Tent Camping
As noted above, one of the difficulties of rooftop tent camping is that in the off-season, taking the tent off your vehicle and putting it in storage can be a pain. Not only that, but you have to reinstall the tent when spring rolls around the following year.
But, what if you invested in a trailer that can accommodate a rooftop tent? Better still, what if that trailer offers tons of storage for your adventures and has the off-road capabilities to follow your tow vehicle just about anywhere?
The Rustic Mountain Overland Anzac GFC Moto Hauler does just that!
This is an Ideal Rooftop Tent Camping Trailer
This trailer comes complete with a GFC rooftop tent that gives you a cozy place to sleep while also protecting you from the elements. Better still, since this tent is on a trailer, you can unhook from your tow vehicle and use the trailer as your base camp, rather than having to pack and unpack your rooftop tent every time you want to go somewhere in your vehicle.
This setup has another ace up its sleeve – it offers internal access to the sleeping platform. So, on those mornings when the weather isn’t that great, you can move from the tent to the trailer’s storage tub without getting in the elements. Nice!
Speaking of the storage tub, it’s 48″ wide an 99″ long, so you can fit all kinds of gear in it. In fact, it’s a perfect size to bring your motorcycle or a couple of mountain bikes along on the journey.
With four upswing doors, the storage tub also has easy access from the outside. As an added benefit, the doors offer shelter from inclement weather, giving you some protected entertaining space outside the trailer’s gear tub.
This Trailer Has Even More Amenities
As I discuss in my Anzac GFC Moto Hauler review, this trailer has lots of other goodies to make your rooftop tent camping experience all the better, too:
- Dometic CFX3-45 powered cooler
- Dometic PLB-40 battery
- Tembo Tusk tongue box slide
- Upper and lower tongue box chambers
- L-track tie-down system for the cargo area
So, no matter where your rooftop tent camping adventures take you, you’ll have a trailer that can handle rough trails while giving you all sorts of amenities to make it a more comfortable and functional trip. What’s not to like?!
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Learn More:
- Truck Bed Tent, Rooftop Tent, or a Trailer With a Tent: Which is Best?
- This Compact Camping Trailer is a Great Base Camp for Outdoor Adventures
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