Do you have rooftop tent envy? Wishing that you could sleep up in the air, away from bugs and other pests? Well, there are many rooftop tents on the market these days. Choosing just one can be a challenge. To help you with your decision-making process, here are some buying tips to consider before purchasing a roof tent for your vehicle.
What is a Roof Top Tent
A rooftop tent is a roof-mounted tent. The roof acts as the floor, and you sleep above your vehicle. They are also called rooftop tents or car/truck tents, depending on where they attach to, either at the back of a truck bed (like an aftermarket tonneau cover) or on top of any type of roof rack system attached to your car's roof (including some factory racks).
A popular accessory for camping enthusiasts who like more comfort than sleeping in their front seats can offer. According to the team behind roofbunk.com, these types of tents generally come with adjustable aluminum poles that let them pop up within minutes without having to deal with complicated assembly instructions. Think portable shelter rather than an intricate piece of furniture! Manufacturers recommend setting them up before dark, so you won't have to fumble with the roof tent in the dark.
Some rooftop tents attach directly to a vehicle's roof rack without having any part touching the roof of your car or truck. Others will come complete with legs that rest on crossbars attached to your vehicle's roof rack, making them slightly more steady when you're inside and preventing body contact from being an issue between your rooftop tent and your car's roof.
How to Choose the Best One for You
There are many rooftop tents on the market. So, how do you know which one is right for you? There are several factors to consider before making your purchase:
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Price - roof tent prices range from $400 to over $1000 depending on the style, materials, and size of the rooftop tent that best suits your needs. Be sure to shop around and get quotes from a couple of different companies, so you can find something within your budget. If money's no object, then go with an expensive roof tent because it will likely be made out of stronger/thicker material than cheaper ones, but there are still some pretty pricey options available if funds aren't readily available.
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Size - most standard rooftop tents fit two adults comfortably, but some roof tents are a bit smaller and can hold only one adult. Others will sleep three adults, although this may depend on the size of each person sleeping inside. It is best to know how many people you plan on putting in your rooftop tent before making a purchase, or at least have an idea if two full-grown adults could fit comfortably with enough bedding for everyone.
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Material - rooftop tent materials vary from canvas (cheaper) to high-quality ripstop nylon that resists tearing better than other fabrics. If the roof tent is going to be used often, then it might be worth spending more money on a higher quality rooftop tent made out of stronger/thicker material, so there's less chance of ripping through it during use over time.
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Weight - roof tent weights range anywhere from 30 lbs all the way up to over 80 lbs, depending on its size and materials used for construction. If you're going to be moving your rooftop tent often, like if it's one of the primary camping tents that you take with you everywhere or using it frequently during hiking trips, then there are lighter-weight options out there. But they will likely cost more too due to their higher quality material selection (e.g., ripstop nylon).
Why Buy a Roof Top Tent from an Online Store
Online stores like eBay and Amazon offer a variety of roof-mounted tents at competitive prices. However, you should always take the time to read customer reviews before making any purchase in order to get an idea if there are any common issues with the tent that might arise (e.g., zipper problems or holes after one season) so you can find out about them ahead of time and decide whether it's still something you want to buy anyway because repairing most rooftop tents is usually possible on your own without having to send them back for warranty work unless they're too complicated/expensive.
If roof tent shopping online, be sure to check shipping costs as well since some companies will offer free delivery while others charge $50+ just for this service!
Buying Tips and Tricks for Finding the Right One
When it comes to rooftop tents, there are several things you should consider before making a purchase. Price is always an issue for most people because roof-mounted tents range in price from $400 up into the thousands depending on what size and material they're made out of if that matters to you.
Other factors include how many adults will fit inside at once (most only sleep two), whether or not it attaches directly onto your vehicle's roof rack without needing legs attached first, its dimensions, weight capacity if any since some can hold well over 1000 lbs while others don't specify this important detail until after purchase when customer reviews mention it as being something buyers wish their rooftop tent had included initially instead of discovered weeks later during use, etc.
Other Things to Consider When Shopping For A Roof Top Tent
Where you plan on using your roof tent will make a big difference in what type of rooftop tent is best for you. If it's going to be used frequently, then durability and weight are important factors too because sustainable traveling with something that weighs 80 lbs or more might not be practical depending on how much gear needs to be carried inside the tent itself during each trip.
If you're looking for a rooftop tent, it's important to know all the different factors that can affect your purchase. You have to think about what kind of vehicle you'll be using and how often you'll use it. It might also make sense to buy one with an electric opening mechanism instead of a manual so no matter who is driving they don't need assistance from anyone else. Keep in mind that this isn't just something that needs to work once or twice - these tents are designed for people who want them as their main form of shelter when exploring the wilds!
