How Do Rooftop Tents Work? – The Ultimate Guide
Wondering how to choose the right rooftop tent and ensure it fits your vehicle? We’ve got the answers to these questions and more!
Rooftop tents are designed for campers who crave adventure and convenience. With their quick and easy setup, you can pitch camp almost anywhere, and their sturdy construction makes them ideal for rugged outdoor environments.
Ready to leave the cold, muddy ground behind and sleep above it all? Before you make the switch, there are a few important things to consider. Our comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know to make an informed decision.
Thule Approach L 3-4 Person Roof Tent Fennel Tan - 901016
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View full detailsThule Approach M 2-3 Person Roof Tent Dark Slate - 901014
ThuleElevate your camping experience with the Thule Approach Rooftop Tent in Dark Slate. Designed for adventurers seeking more space, comfort, and conve...
View full detailsThule Approach M 2-3 Person Roof Tent Pelican Grey - 901012
ThuleExperience the pinnacle of rooftop tents with the Thule Approach. Offering unparalleled space, comfort, and adventure, this rooftop tent takes your...
View full detailsThule Approach S 2 Person Roof Tent Fennel Tan - 901011
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View full detailsThule Foothill two-person Low Profile roof top tent agave green
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ThuleFeatures & Specifications Brand: Thule Manufacturer's Part Number: 901500 Part Type: Truck and Ground Tents ...
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View full detailsWhy Buy a Rooftop Tent?
There are many great reasons to invest in a rooftop tent:
- The Adventure: Rooftop tents offer a unique and exciting way to experience the great outdoors, no matter the weather. Built to withstand tough conditions, they provide better protection than ground tents and can be used in challenging terrains where RVs can't go.
- The View: Being elevated off the ground gives you an unbeatable view of the surrounding landscape. Some rooftop tents even come with built-in sky panels, allowing you to fall asleep while stargazing.
A rooftop tent not only enhances your camping experience but also offers durability, comfort, and the opportunity to enjoy nature from a whole new perspective.
- Quick Setup: Rooftop tents are incredibly easy to set up and pack away in just minutes. Unlike traditional ground tents that require assembling poles and securing them to the ground, all you need to do is unfold your rooftop tent, and you're ready to go. This means more time for exploring and less time spent setting up camp.
- Comfort: Most rooftop tents come with built-in mattresses that are much more comfortable than inflatable ones (especially when they deflate!). Plus, the bedding stays inside the tent, so when you open it, you can jump right in. The flat floor ensures you won't wake up with stones poking your back at night.
- Clean and Dry: Being elevated keeps you away from mud, snow, sand, and any critters that might wander by, helping you stay clean and dry throughout your adventure.
- Weather-Resistant: Rooftop tents are made from materials designed to withstand tough weather conditions. They're often more durable and better suited to handle harsh weather compared to traditional ground tents.
Choosing a rooftop tent means faster setup, greater comfort, and enhanced protection against the elements.
What’s the Best Rooftop Tent for You?
Looking for the perfect rooftop tent to suit your lifestyle? Here are a few of our top suggestions:
- Rooftop Tents for Families: For families, the largest rooftop tents generally offer a weight capacity of up to 650 lbs (290 kg), making them ideal for a group of four. These spacious tents provide plenty of room for everyone. Additionally, some models come with an annex, offering extra space for getting the little ones ready in the morning or even providing a separate area for them to sleep.
Whether you're camping with family or exploring solo, there’s a rooftop tent to match your needs and help you make the most of your outdoor adventures.
Recommended family tents
Some of our recommended rooftop tents for families include: Thule Approach L, Thule Approach M, Thule Tepui Autana
Car Top Tents for Weekends and Short Trips
For explorers who love quick weekend getaways or short camping trips, a compact and lightweight car roof tent is the perfect choice. Tents like the Thule Foothill are designed to free up space on your car roof, making them ideal for smaller vehicles such as crossovers and wagons. With the extra roof space, you can easily bring along additional gear like a bike or kayak for more adventure-packed trips.
These lightweight rooftop tents are easy to set up, making them the perfect companion for short, spontaneous trips.
Recommended weekender car tents
Some of our recommended rooftop tents for families include: Thule Foothill
Car Top Tents for Rugged Adventurers
For those planning long trips into remote areas, a rooftop tent built for off-road adventures is a must. Tents with thicker materials and diamond-plated flooring are designed to handle extreme weather and tough terrain, making them perfect for 4x4 trailers and off-road vehicles.
Hard-shell rooftop tents are also a great option for jeeps and truck beds, offering extra durability against rain and wind. Their hard exterior provides added protection from the elements, ensuring a comfortable and secure shelter wherever your journey takes you. These tents are built to withstand the demands of the wild, making them ideal for rugged adventurers.
Recommended rugged rooftop tents
Some of our recommended rooftop tents for families include: Thule Basin, Thule Basin Wedge
What Are the Differences Between Our Thule Rooftop Tents?
Are you browsing through our selection of Thule rooftop tents and unsure which one is right for you? To help narrow down your options, start by visiting our rooftop tent page. Simply click “Select your vehicle” to see which tents are compatible with your car.
If all tents fit your vehicle, here are the key differences between our most popular models:
- Thule Approach: The Thule Approach is our most advanced rooftop tent, designed with outward-angled walls for a spacious interior feel. It’s the only tent where every size can be paired with an extended canopy (sold separately) for extra living space. Plus, it comes with Thule Mounting Brackets included, making attachment to your roof racks quick and easy.
- Thule Foothill: Compact and low-profile, the Thule Foothill takes up minimal space on your roof racks, allowing you to load other sports gear like bikes or kayaks. This is the perfect tent for action-packed adventures where you need to bring along extra equipment.
- Thule Autana: Built for rugged trips, the Thule Autana offers spacious options for up to four people and includes an extended canopy for additional living space, making it ideal for families or groups seeking a larger shelter on the road.
- Thule Basin & Thule Basin Wedge: Both of these models are hard-shell rooftop tents, built for extreme weather conditions and quick setup. They also double as cargo boxes, providing versatility for your gear. The Thule Basin Wedge is more aerodynamic when driving and offers excellent wind resistance when pitched. The Thule Basin, on the other hand, has a more spacious interior, offering extra room for comfort.
Each tent is designed to suit different needs, from compact adventures to family camping trips and off-road expeditions. Choose the one that best fits your lifestyle!
Making sure the rooftop tent fits your vehicle and roof racks
We know how important it is to make sure that your rooftop tent is secure and safe. That’s why it is important that your tent fits your vehicle properly.
Luckily, Thule have tested there car top tents with many vehicles and all Thule roof racks to provide a guaranteed fit.
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Confirm Your Vehicle
Make: FORD
Model: FOCUS ZETEC TDCI 109
Body Style: 5 DOOR HATCHBACK
Colour: Silver
Year of Manufacture: 2010
Fuel Type: DIESEL
Select your vehicle
Quick & Easy Roof Bar Lookup
How to Install a Rooftop Tent?
Before heading off on your camping adventure, you’ll need to mount the rooftop tent to your vehicle. While specific models may differ in installation methods, the general process for most tents is as follows:
- Place the tent on the roof rack of your car and slide it into the correct position.
- Secure the tent by bolting down the provided mounting hardware.
Always refer to the manual of your specific tent for more detailed instructions. The newest Thule rooftop tent models come with premium mounting brackets that make installation incredibly easy, allowing you to mount the tent on your roof racks in just four minutes—half the time of most traditional rooftop tents. The new mounting hardware also includes locks to secure the tent to your roof racks for added security.
How to Use a Rooftop Tent?
Once you arrive at your destination, setting up your rooftop tent is quick and easy. There are two common setup methods:
- Fold-out: Most soft-shell rooftop tents use this method. Simply remove the travel cover, pull out the ladder, and unfold the tent. Adjust the ladder so it reaches the ground, and you’re ready to camp!
- Pop-up: Typically used with hard-shell rooftop tents, this method is even easier. Unlatch the tent, and it will pop up into place automatically.
How Long Does It Take to Open a Rooftop Tent?
Most rooftop tents can be fully opened and ready for use in just 3-4 minutes. Setting up additional features like windows or rainfly rods may take a bit longer, around 4-6 minutes. Hard-shell rooftop tents are usually faster since they don’t require extra setup steps like rainfly rods.
Where Can You Camp with a Rooftop Tent?
You can camp anywhere camping is permitted, including campsites, certain national parks, and designated parking areas. Be sure to check local guidelines to confirm if camping with a car is allowed. Helpful apps like iOverlander or Allstays can assist in finding nearby places where camping with a rooftop tent is allowed.
With a rooftop tent, your camping experience becomes easier, faster, and more adventurous!