Ok, so you are looking to buy a roof tent and you want to know, what makes a good car roof tent? We have put together some of our experiences and knowledge about rooftop tents for you to use while shopping for your very own rooftop tent. This will hopefully help you pick the best car roof tent in the UK (for you).
If you are looking for more details, kindly visit Sunday Campers.
So where to start? The first thing you need to decide is which type of roof tent is best for you?
If you are looking for a soft-shell roof tent, material quality is very important when making your purchase. Hard shell/top roof tents have a solid (normally fibreglass) waterproof top but the sidewalls of hard shells are material and need to be waterproof but breathable. The various types and acronyms of materials can be confusing, especially when they are just versions of the same fabric.
For simplicity, we highlight the important specifications to look for or ask about when you are buying your roof tent.
What to look for when checking the waterproofing of your rooftop tent? Well, the best thing to look for is the Hydrostatic Head rating or HH rating. This is measured in millimetres and measures the height of a column of water that a material can withstand before it leaks. For example, a HH rating of 200mm would mean a material can support a water column about the height of a pint glass before it starts to leak. The higher the HH rating the better waterproofing, make sure to check this rating when selecting your rooftop tent.
Virtually every time you use your rooftop tent you will be exposing it to the sun. Thus, it’s important that the material isn’t going to be affected by the sun’s rays. UV rays that are thrown out by the sun will fade or even degrade the material on your roof tent. By making sure the material used in your roof tent is UV resistant then you will prolong the life of your tent. Which fabrics do this the best? Materials such as Polyester, Nylon and Ripstop are all great UV resistant fabrics. For more information on the best fabrics for the outdoors, see this helpful article.
As a resident of the UK, we all know that camping here will no doubt at some point involve rain. But this is not the only way your tent will get wet, morning drew or even condensation with make your roof tent wet or damp. Consequently, you will need to dry your tent out before packing away and this isn’t always possible. So being able to pack your tent away while still damp is an important factor.
Mould resistant material will stop your roof tent from going mouldy, (but not forever!). You still need to air your rooftop tent out, if you put it away wet or very damp. The keyword here is ‘resistant’, make sure not to leave your tent wet across the winter. If you have packed it away wet, wait for the next dry day and give it a little airing to stop it from being mouldy when you open it the following summer.
Some roof tents have multiple windows and even skylights to enable light and air to flow through your tent. The key things to look for are the quality of the zips and their use of bug nets to keep out unwanted guests. Skylights in roof tents are great for extra sun and light during the day but perfect for stargazing at night.
When you’re bedding down for the night in your new tent, the worse thing to find out is that your mattress is uncomfortable or maybe it’s damp and mouldy. The industry standard is to have a high-density foam mattress at least 50mm or 2 inches thick. However, we would suggest that 60mm or 70mm thick options will give you a better night’s sleep. Also, make sure that the mattress cover is removable for washing.
A great extra feature that isn’t industry standard, is an anti-condensation mat that fits underneath your mattress. This is an important bit of kit to stop your mattress from going damp and mouldy. Some roof tent manufacturers will sell these separately but we would suggest finding a roof tent with this included.
Roof tent annex rooms are great for extra accommodation space for kids or pets. Not only are they good for sleeping but good for storage, cooking or eating if the weather is bad. Some roof tents will come with an annex room included but other manufacturers will charge extra for this feature.
There is one thing you will need to check when considering the use of an annex room with your vehicle and that is mounting height. For an annex room to peg out correctly, the mounting height of your tent will need to be from 1.75m to 2.1m. A little tip if your vehicle is a little short of this height, buy some camper van leveling ramps to rise your car’s height.
Beyond the listed features above, there are lots of other extra bits and bobs that can make camping in a roof tent that extra bit more special. LED lights that plug into your 12v, storage nets for clothes, shoe bags because where do you put your muddy shoes in a roof tent? We suggest having a good look at what’s included and not included with your rooftop tent.
A terrific way to unwind, see, and connect with nature has always been camping. In traditional camping, the ground-based tent can be uncomfortable depending on the terrain, weather, or bugs. Car roof top tents are ideal for this. Whoever wants camping freedom with comfort and protection should use them.
This book covers everything you need to know about car roof tent camping, the numerous styles, and why Jeep and automobile owners are using them to enhance their camping experience.
Car rooftop tents are novel camping solutions put on vehicle roofs. Campers sleep raised in these tents. It's ideal for campers who wish to avoid sleeping on the floor and set up camp more easily.
Car rooftop tents protect campers from rainy, uneven, or rocky terrain. Roof top tents for camping provide unmatched comfort and convenience on trails, in national parks, and in remote places.
Convenient Setup: Easy setup is a major benefit of car top tents for camping. Traditional camping tents require staking, sleeping bag arrangement, and tarp placement. Rooftop tents are easy to set up. A fast deployment system on most tents lets you set up camp in minutes once installed on your vehicle.
Elemental Protection: Protection from the elements is another benefit of a rooftop tent jeep or other rooftop tent. These tents can withstand wind, rain, and other extreme weather. Hard-shell models in particular provide superb insulation and keep you dry in all weather.
Higher Sleeping Space: Rain and mosquitoes make ground camping miserable. Car rooftop tents protect you from mosquitoes and wet surfaces, making for a quiet and comfortable night's sleep.
Flexible and mobile: Car roof tents allow camping practically anyplace. You can effortlessly mount a rooftop tent for car on your sedan, SUV, van or trailer. You can take your tent on extended road excursions, hikes, and off-road activities to camp in remote areas.
Car Roof Top Tent Types: Hard-shell and soft-shell car roof tents are the major types. Both are beneficial, so which you choose depends on your needs, likes, and budget.
Are you interested in learning more about Car Top Tent Manufacturers? Contact us today to secure an expert consultation!
Hardshell Car Roof Tents: Hard-shell rooftop tents are robust, aerodynamic, and weatherproof outside. These more robust tents resist snow, wind, and rain. You can sleep more peacefully because they have better sound insulation.
• Stronger and weatherproof
• Better aerodynamics minimise wind noise and boost fuel efficiency.
• The stiff shape makes it easier to put up and pack.
• Excellent soundproofing and insulation
Soft-shell tents offer extra sleeping areas and are composed of durable fabric. Foldable designs make them easier to store when not in use. For casual campers and families, they are cheaper and lighter than hard-shell tents, although they are less aerodynamic.
• Lightweight and portable
• The foldable design increases sleeping space.
• Many times cheaper than hard-shell choices
The next step is choosing a jeep, SUV, or other vehicle rooftop tent. Consider these factors while choosing a car roof tent camping solution:
Before buying a rooftop tent, check its vehicle compatibility. Most rooftop tents for cars fit any car with a roof rack, but check the weight capacity to guarantee safe installation. Check your vehicle's handbook or manufacturer's compatibility instructions.
Most rooftop tents sleep two individuals. Families and organizations needing more space might choose larger models. Choose the tent size based on the number of persons utilizing it.
Some automobile rooftop tents are lightweight and portable, while others are heavier. You may need to remove the tent when not in use, depending on your vehicle's weight capacity. Most tents fit on the roof rack, but heavy ones may need more storage.
Select a rooftop tent you can easily install and remove. Most tents have an automatic setup system for easy deployment. A telescoping ladder, which adjusts to vehicle heights, makes it easier to enter the tent from your car.
Selecting a car rooftop tent requires durability. Durable hard-shell variants provide improved weatherproofing. Also, consider tent material. Breathable fabrics keep the interior comfortable in warm weather, while heavy-duty fabrics protect against rain.
Jeep and SUV rooftop tents are great for camping. These vehicles are designed for off-roading and long road journeys, so a rooftop tent is ideal. The reason is:
Jeepers and off-roaders know that standard camping setups are difficult in tough terrain. A roof top tent jeep lets you camp practically anyplace without worrying about flat ground or difficult terrain. This tent is great for your adventure car because it can endure off-roading.
A car top tent frees up cargo room in your Jeep or SUV for gear, camping gear, or personal stuff. The rooftop tent provides sleeping space while many people maintain their vehicles clean to make room for other essentials.
After a day of hiking or off-roading, sleeping on the ground is not ideal. A rooftop tent for jeep gives a warm, dry resting place above the ground. These durable, weatherproof tents provide a restful rest so you can continue your expedition.
For outdoor enthusiasts, a car rooftop tent is revolutionary. Car top tents are comfy, handy, and weatherproof, letting you enjoy nature while keeping protected.
Choice between hard-shell and soft-shell relies on camping style, vehicle suitability, and affordability. With the correct roof top tent jeep or automobile roof top tent, camping will be easier and more comfortable.
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