Roof tents have been very common in foreign countries in recent years, but in fact, they have existed for decades.
When it was first born in Australia, it was loved by the locals. The idea at that time was just to prevent those creepy reptiles from entering your tent when camping.
Of course, sleeping high in the roof tent is also favored by many ground campers.
1. The advantages of car roof tents:
1. Simple opening and closing:
It is designed for quick setup. After entering the camp, you untie a few straps, open them and unfold the poles and ladders.
2. Strong structure:
Usually the tent floor, tent fabric and pole materials are very strong and can withstand normal stormy weather.
3. Good comfort:
Most roof tents are equipped with plush or foam mattresses.
4. Camping anywhere:
Camping is possible in campsites, parking lots, remote dirt roads, and anywhere as long as you can park safely.
5. Keep away from the ground:
Keep your tent away from the ground and effectively avoid the intrusion of crawling creatures.
6. Relatively flat:
The car is parked on a flat ground. As long as the wheels are stable, the roof tent is flat.
2. Disadvantages of roof tents:
1. High price:
Roof tents are much more expensive than camping tents.
2. The resistance of the car increases when driving:
With the roof tent installed, the faster the car drives, the greater the resistance and the higher fuel consumption.
3. It is more laborious to install on the car roof:
The roof tent itself is heavy, and it is difficult for one person to install it properly. You also need to consider whether it matches with your roof frame and how to install it firmly.
4. Trouble with disassembly:
For the same reason as installation, it is a chore to remove the roof tent when you finish camping.
3. Is your vehicle suitable for installing a roof tent?
1. The weight of most roof tents exceeds 50kg. This has not added the weight of the human body and some equipment when camping at night, so you need to make sure that the roof bracket is strong enough.
If you don’t have a roof rack, then you need to buy a roof rack according to your tent and load weight.
Confirm that the static load-bearing capacity of the roof can support the weight of the tent, plus everyone in the tent and their sleeping equipment.
2. Compatibility of roof rack:
Check the user manual to ensure that your roof bracket is perfectly compatible with the roof tent. (Some roof brackets cannot be installed with roof tents)
3. If your vehicle is small, or you don't know the size of your roof at all, then the tent specifications you need are not always easy to find.
You need to directly contact your vehicle manufacturer and roof tent manufacturer to obtain accurate information to determine whether the roof tent is suitable for your vehicle.
Four, six precautions for buying a roof tent:
1. Load capacity of roof rack:
One of the most important factors is to determine which tent model is suitable for your roof rack load capacity. If you don't have a solid roof rack, don't mind choosing to install a roof tent.
2. Accessories and awnings:
Some roof tents also include an extended living space coverage area. Some accessory tents or enclosures can be added later. It should be decided according to your actual needs and environmental requirements. Don't buy it hastily.
3. Durability:
Generally, the roof tents of regular manufacturers are very sturdy, and some brands offer super sturdy models designed for long-distance travel in extreme climates, while some counterfeit products from small factories are not flattering.
4. Soft top and hard top:
A soft-top car-top tent will be more affordable, while a hard-top can provide more comprehensive protection when you drive and use it.
5. Freight:
Buying in-store is the easiest, but some models may only be available for purchase online.
Don't forget that this is a very heavy item, and it will cost a lot to ship it to your home.
6. Try before you buy:
It's best to drive your car and go to the store to check it out. There are too many car models, not every one can be installed and suitable for installation. Whether the tent is suitable for your model is very important.
Once the roof tent is installed, it is easy to operate after entering the camp, but the process of fixing the tent on the roof rack is not simple.
Read carefully and follow the installation instructions provided, and you need a strong assistant to help, because at least he needs to help you lift the tent onto the roof rack.