Are you thinking about buying the purchase of a tent to cover your car? This article we’re going to look at the benefits and drawbacks of purchasing the roof tent you need for your vehicle. Always do the necessary research prior to buying and we hope that this post will help you determine whether a tent with a roof is the right choice for your camping trips either in the UK or elsewhere.
What are the benefits of a tent on the roof?
1. Camp anyplace you like.
There’s no need for grass to camp, no matter if you’re on a mountain path or sand dune, or even the Tesco car park the roof tent lets you to set up camp virtually anyplace.
2. You can go wherever you want to go.
There’s no reason to be confined by an open-air tent. You can go to places you only imagine with camping trailers and trailer tents motorhomes, caravans, and campervans particularly if you own the 4×4.
3. Rapid set-up and tear-down
The installation of a roof tent is a breeze and fits the majority of vehicles that meet a couple of specifications. The set-up process is quick and can be completed in less than a minute. You’ll look like the envy your typical camping buddies once you’re all set and sipping the cool beverage of wine or beer.
4. Tough
Roof tents are made of a tough canvas designed to withstand nature’s elements. The material is waterproof and mold and UV resistant. A sturdy aluminium support structure is an extremely durable and long-lasting tent.
5. Comfort
A quality rooftop tent should feature mesh windows and doors to provide airflow, which is great for the hottest summer day or at night. A comfortable high-density foam mattress should be included as standard and some tents will even come with an open sky view window to allow stars at night and additional light during the daytime.
6. Bugs and creatures
A vehicle’s roof means that you’re away from insects such as scorpions and spiders. There is nothing worse than finding creatures crawling about in their sleeping bag or tent! The wildlife in the UK is not danger, however if travel to a place that has bears, snakes, tigers and wolves. you’ll be far from their reach from a rooftop tent.
7. View
Your private viewing platform that offers stunning views you cannot get from tents on the ground. Awaking to the panorama of the ocean, lake mountains, or a river is always better higher up. It’s impossible to camp in the same spot again.
8. Value
Comparatively to a motorhome, campervan or trailer tent the roof tent is more affordable to purchase and maintain.
Are there any drawbacks of a tent with a roof?
1. Wind
The fact that you are higher implies that in a windy location or weather conditions, a roof tent is susceptible to being tossed around. However, they’re made to withstand strong winds, and rocking can cause you to feel uncomfortable or cause you to go to sleep.
2. Economy of fuel
The load and the wind drag that comes with the roof tent on your vehicle will cause gas consumption, and consequently the fuel efficiency will decrease. This could mean that you have to remove the roof tent at times that you do not intend to use it.
3. Day trip
If you’re planning to go off to explore for the day then you need to fold down your roof tent. It’s a pain when as compared to a conventional ground tent, where you can just take it off while out exploring. Another suggestion is to bring bikes with you to allow you to explore the area without relying on your car. If you have to drive, you could put the rooftop tent in a fold and put your bed inside for convenience.
4. Toilet trips
We’ve all experienced it, getting tired and unable to go for the restroom in the late at night. The process of climbing to the bathroom via a ladder before returning up can be a bit more difficult than standing in a tent, but not too difficult. Another alternative could be keeping a water bottle in your backpack, as a rooftop buddy advised me!
5. It’s impossible to stand.
So, unless you’re below 4 feet tall, you’re not able to sit up on a roof tent. Some roof tents have an annex, which means there is space to sit up or cook, eat and much more.
What’s the conclusion?
Ok, so we could be a bit biased, however we’ve tried to be as fair as we can about the advantages and disadvantages of the roof tent. The benefits far outweigh the disadvantages when compared to ground tents, or the price of a motorhome/campervan. Also, don’t overlook it’s possible to use a tent on the roof. could be affixed to the van in case additional space is required or you’ll need trailers if you’re planning to use your vehicle to go on day trips.
