Rooftop Tent Camping Tips and Tricks

For people who love to take their adventuring to the next level, it’s hard to go past a rooftop tent. This unique form of camping takes all the best things about traditional camping and elevates them to new heights (literally). They are comfortable, make setting up and packing easy, and enable you to camp anywhere your 4-wheel drive will take you. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting, we’ve got some tips and tricks to help make your next rooftop tent camping trip a success. Read on to learn more!

First, let’s take a quick look at the two types of rooftop tents as they differ a bit in their design.

 

Soft-shell

These tents typically have a waterproof and breathable canopy with a PVC or PU coating, and the walls are made of lighter-weight materials such as ripstop nylon. The tent is attached to a hinged platform and held by a series of poles.

 

Hard-shell

As the name suggests, these tents have a hard shell made of materials such as fiberglass or aluminum and walls made from waterproof canvas or similar. The shell is usually insulated to help keep things cool in the summer and warm in the winter. The tent is attached to a frame that sits on top of your vehicle and typically has a ladder for easy access. They generally have gas struts to help make setup easier.

Now that you know the basics let’s get into some tips and tricks for successful rooftop tent camping!

 

Store your bedding 

No matter what type of rooftop tent you have, one thing it will most likely not come with is bedding. This means you’ll need to bring your sleeping bag, pillows, and anything else to be comfortable while sleeping. A rooftop tent generally has enough room to keep your bedding set up. So, you can leave your beddings set up and ready to go, saving you precious time when setting up camp.

 

Park level 

The last thing you want is to be rolling out of bed at night. If you’re planning on camping in an area with uneven ground, it’s essential to ensure your car is level. This can be done by using leveling blocks or boards underneath each tire. You can also use a water level to check if everything is lined up correctly.

 

Upgrade your mattress 

If you want a good night’s sleep while camping, it’s important to have a comfortable mattress. The standard mattress that comes with most tents will not cut it if you want a comfortable night’s sleep. You can upgrade your mattress by getting a thicker one or one with more padding. A variety of aftermarket mattresses available will make a world of difference. Just measure your tent before buying anything, so you know what size will fit. You can also put a sleeping bag on your mattress for extra warmth and comfort.

Allow ventilation 

One of the most important things to remember when using a rooftop tent is to allow for proper ventilation. You want to ensure enough airflow so that condensation does not build up inside the tent. This can be a problem if you are camping in humid conditions. One way to combat this is to open the windows and doors of the tent when you are not using it. This will allow the air to circulate and prevent condensation from occurring. Another tip is to use a fan inside the tent to help keep the air moving. This will also help to cool you down in hot weather.

 

Dealing with damp 

Another issue that you may face when using a rooftop tent is dampness. This can be caused by condensation or rain seeping in through the tent’s fabric. And while your rooftop tent may be designed to deal with rain and dew, packing it up while it is wet should be avoided wherever possible. If you get your tent wet, make sure to open it up to dry as soon as possible before packing it up. You can also use a dehumidifier inside the tent to help remove any moisture from the air.

Also, leaving your tent wet can cause mold, which not only looks pretty bad but will degrade the fabric and reduce the life of your tent.

 

Final Thoughts

Rooftop tents are getting increasingly popular — they’re one of the most comfortable, versatile camping options. So, whether you’re a first-time camper or an experienced outdoorsman looking for some new ideas, we hope this list of rooftop tent camping tips and tricks has been helpful.

If you want to try out this unique tent camping experience for yourself, be sure to contact us at Rooftop Tents. We can set you up with the perfect rooftop tent, auto awnings, and accessories for your vehicle. So that you can enjoy all the benefits of camping without giving up any of the comforts of home.

Our rooftop tents offer both soft-shell and hard-shell options, featuring affordable and high-quality models. Once you get your rooftop tent set up, all you have to do is choose your destination, and hit the road. Happy adventuring!