Simply unfold: Assembly made easy

Setting up a roof tent is usually straightforward. Most roof tents can be easily folded out or extended, making tedious tent setup on the ground a thing of the past. Setup often begins with you setting up the rooftop tent either over the ground or the side walls. This involves carefully unfolding the tent canvas. It is important to be careful here to avoid damage to the roof tent.

A straight floor is not as important for the roof tent as it is for a conventional tent, since this one on the car roof gives you a straight floor to sleep on anyway. However, if the vehicle is on too sloping ground, it can be difficult to set up the tent correctly. The ground may then prevent you from setting up the ladder in a straight line. This would be unfavorable, because in many cases the ladder serves not only as access to the tent, but also as a support to keep the tent stable. So make sure that the ground is reasonably level.

Equipped for wind and weather: additional steps

In the next step, many roof tents have additional assembly steps to make the tent even more stable. In some cases, additional poles may be required, for example, on the windows of the roof tent. These poles help stabilize the tent and ensure that it keeps its shape, even in windy conditions. For really stormy nights, most roof tents also come with lines for guy ropes, so-called storm guy ropes.

With this step-by-step guide, you’ll have your roof tent up and running in no time:

1. Set up over floor or side walls
2. Carefully unfold the tent canvas
3. Set up ladder (level floor)
4. Attach additional bars
5. If necessary: storm bracing

Structure in video: Learn fast & uncomplicated

Here you can see how easy and fast it is to set up a roof tent.

Roof rack & roof load: What you need!

First, you’ll need a roof rack or roof rail. This is your sturdy base to attach the roof tent to your vehicle. Make sure that the roof rack or roof rail has the required load capacity. For mounting, you would need proper fasteners, bolts and brackets to securely mount the roof tent on the roof of your vehicle. However, most roof tent stores offer on-site installation, which can make your job much easier.

• These are the things you should pay attention to before assembling and setting up your roof tent:
• Robust base: roof rack / roof rails for roof tent attachment
• Check load capacity: Roof rack / roof rails must be sufficiently strong
• Mounting requirements: fasteners, screws, brackets for secure mounting
• Professional help: roof tent stores often offer on-site assembly for convenience

Then you should also consider the roof load. But what is the roof load anyway?

How much roof load is needed for a roof tent?

The roof load of a vehicle refers to the maximum weight that can be safely transported on the roof. An approved roof load should compromise the stability and safety of the vehicle. You should be careful not to exceed this permitted roof load to minimize potential risks and accidents.

In the case of the roof tent, this only applies to the weight of the tent itself and the crossbars mounted on the roof rack or roof rails. If the specified roof load of your vehicle is 85 kg, for example, and your roof tent already weighs 80 kg including the mounting system, there is no reason to worry. This means you still have some weight left over for luggage.

• Roof load: Maximum weight allowed on the roof of a vehicle
• Concerns only the tent & crossbar on the roof rack
• Example: Roof load = 85 kg ⇒ Roof tent + roof rack = 80 kg (+5 kg luggage)

More about roof tent: size, manufacturer & comparison

Now you just need to find the perfect roof tent for you! These recommendations will help you:

Camping for two or with the family

To decide on the right size, you should first consider how many people you will be traveling with. If you still need extra space, then you should choose a larger roof tent.

Here you will find many tips for different roof tent sizes:

• Roof tent 2 people
• Roof tent 3 people
• Roof tent 4 people
• Roof tent 5 people

Roof tent manufacturer: Our recommendation

In addition to the different sizes, there are also different companies that manufacture roof tents. So that you don’t lose track of them, you can take a look at our favorites here.

• Roof tent manufacturer

Roof tent comparison: Your suitable roof tent

Looking for the right roof tent or strong accessories and equipment for the camping site? Here you will find our shopping recommendations:

• Roof tent comparison

Safely to the right roof tent: checklist

Choosing the right roof tent can be an exciting but challenging task. With a variety of options on the market, the question becomes: which roof tent should I buy? To answer this question, there are some important aspects to consider to ensure you find the perfect roof tent for your needs.

With this checklist you won’t forget anything:

1. Material & Quality
2. Size & Capacity
3. Accessories & Extras
4. Vehicle compatibility
5. Assembly & disassembly
6. Comfort & Ventilation
7. Testimonials & Consulting

Invest in quality: high quality materials & workmanship

Find a balance between quality and budget. Therefore, you should not save at the expense of quality materials and good workmanship. Follow-up or repair costs because something breaks are not nice either. So a higher price can pay off in the long run if you buy a durable roof tent.

Optimal size for comfort: suitable additional equipment

First, you should pay attention to the size of the roof tent. Depending on the number of passengers, choose between single or double tents, as well as larger models for families. A comfortable interior is very important for a restful sleep. You can also think about a tent extension, such as an awning or an awning, to have more space for you and your family. Think about what extras you need to enjoy your camping experience. You can find tips on how to do this here: Camping Accessories.

Mounting on the roof rack: roof load & safety

First, make sure the roof tent fits your vehicle. Check if it is compatible with the roof racks of your car. The roof load of your car is also important. The roof load of a car refers to the maximum weight load that the roof of the vehicle can safely support. It includes the weight of the roof tent as well as roof racks or luggage. The roof load is important to ensure that the vehicle remains stable and that no damage occurs to the roof.

Offers of the seller: assembly & installation

Assembly and disassembly should be as simple as possible. With most manufacturers, you can have this done directly on site. You should also be able to assemble and disassemble the roof tent yourself. For example, if the roof tent is too heavy to fold, you will have little joy with it. Therefore, it is best to let a roof tent seller show you directly and try it out.

Beautiful living: cozy interior & ventilation

Then, of course, you should also like the interior. If you don’t feel comfortable there, then buying it in the first place is not a good idea. Mattress thickness and the general comfort of the interior contribute to a pleasant overnight stay. Then you should also definitely pay attention to ventilation. Good ventilation prevents condensation inside the tent. Check if the tent is equipped with mosquito nets and sufficient ventilation.

First-hand experience: testimonials & showrooms

Before you make a final decision, you should read testimonials from other buyers and get recommendations from experienced campers. These insights can help you better understand the pros and cons of different models. Of course, you can also get professional advice at a store that sells roof tents. Some roof tent stores even have showrooms where you can see the roof tents and other products up close and try them out.

Roof tent manufacturer: Which supplier?

You want to get an overview of which manufacturers there are? Then take a look here:

• Roof tent manufacturer

Roof tent store: Good prices, fast delivery

If you’re wondering where you can even buy a rooftop tent, take a quick look here.

• Roof tent stores

Roof tent comparison: Our recommendations

Looking for the right roof tent or strong accessories and equipment for the camping site? Here you will find our recommendations for shopping:

• Roof tent comparison