What Type of Racks Needed to Carry a Rooftop Car Tent? – By far the most common question about a rooftop tent is “Can my car carry one?” While it’s possible to get a tent on most vehicles, there are a few things to know before moving on. Dynamic Weight: This is the amount of weight your roof rack can carry while the vehicle is moving.

1. Rooftop tents typically weigh between 100-200lbs.
2. If your car came with a roof rack factory installed you’re going to want to check the manual and verify what weight your rack is rated for.
3. Most factory roof racks are not capable of carrying this much weight.3rd party roof racks, such as Thule and Yakima, almost always support higher weight capacities than a factory rack.

That being said; both companies agree that clip-style racks (the ones that fit into your door jams) are not suitable for carrying tents. Static Weight: All roof racks can carry significantly more static weight than they can dynamic. If your rack can hold a tent while your vehicle is moving, then your rack should be just fine to hold the tent, with people in it, while stationary.

How much does a hard shell roof top tent weight?

What is the advantage of buying a rooftop tent?

Check out our !

Rooftop tents elevate your camping experience. They are tents that mount onto your vehicle’s rack system and are an alternative to a ground tent, RV, or camper. They allow you to easily convert any vehicle – car, SUV, crossover, wagon, pickup truck, van, trailer – into a mobile basecamp that is always ready for adventure.

1. Aside from the incredible views and comfy mattress, there are many benefits to using a rooftop tent while camping – either alone or with friends and family.
2. Get off the ground: Keep high and dry in any weather as Thule Tepui canvases are waterproof.
3. Also, rooftop tents keep you safe from animals, track less dirt in, and allow you to enjoy the enhanced view that camping above-ground gives you.

Quick and easy setup: With a rooftop tent, setting up camp is as easy as finding an epic location, putting it in park, and deploying your tent. With and options available, you’ll be set up and ready to enjoy the view in minutes. Stay comfortable: With built-in memory-foam mattresses, a guaranteed flat surface to sleep on, plenty of ventilation, and places to stash your gear, rooftop tents mean a comfortable night’s sleep no matter where your adventure takes you. You travel to your favorite camping spot and open the rooftop tent, lower the ladder, and climb in! Thule Rooftop Tents are designed to fit most vehicle rack systems, and they are easy to install with secure mounting hardware. They can stay on your vehicle between adventures, or you can easily remove it in the offseason.

1. If you do not have a roof or truck rack system, finding the right solution is easy.
2. Go to to find the right system.
3. Or, contact our customer service team,
4. There are many benefits to both hard and soft shell tents.
5. Determining which one is best for you is up to many factors such as how many people you need to sleep, how much gear you are bringing, and your style of camping.

Soft shell tents are the most common type of rooftop tent. They fold in half and expand the tent’s canopy as they open, making setting up a breeze. One half of the tent mounts to your vehicle’s roof rack; the other half is supported by a telescoping ladder that extends down from the tent to the ground.

Tearing down is just as easy – fold the tent over, collapse the ladder, and replace the weather-resistant travel cover. Soft shell tents are popular because they not only come in many different varieties for different weather conditions, but they also come in 2, 3, and 4 person sizes. Some soft shell tents, such as the Thule Tepui Autana, also offer an annex that provides an additional private room below the tent, perfect for getting ready for the day’s adventure.

Seen below A hard shell tent allows the user to quickly pop-up their tent with the release of a few latches. The quick setup and tear down make them ideal for the stop-and-go camping that is common with overlanding and off-roading. This style of tent does not overhang the vehicle like a softshell tent, only extending upward, making them great for lifted/ taller vehicles and tight campsites. Thule Tepui rooftop tents can weigh between 100 and 220 lbs / 45 and 100 kg. The model tent you decide on will depend on how much weight your vehicle’s roof rack system can carry. Most aftermarket rack systems, like Thule, have a higher dynamic weight capacity than most factory roof racks.

Pickup truck bed rack systems are also a popular way to transport rooftop tents. Please consult your rack system and vehicle manufacturer for specifications. Rooftop tent weight capacity averages 200 lbs / 90 kg per occupant. In the case of the two-person tent, such as the Thule Tepui Low-Pro 2, the total weight capacity would be 400 lbs / 180 kg.

Our three-person tents, such as the Thule Tepui Ayer 3, have a capacity of 600 lbs / 270 kg. Our largest four-person tents, such as the Thule Tepui Kukenam 4, max out at 650 lbs / 290 kg, making them ideal for a family. Every Thule Tepui rooftop tent is purpose-built, made with high quality materials and designed to be used in variety of environments.

Versatile design that converts from cargo carrier to rooftop tent. Interior is lined with reinforced insulation to help control the temperature inside the tent

Capacity: Up to two people/ 400 lbs/180 kg Thule Tepui Explorer Series: Four seasons of freedom. With 2, 3, and 4 person options, these soft shell tents allow you to enjoy the outdoors anytime, anywhere, with anyone.

Thick, coated ripstop canopies made to endure all conditions and seasons Four large internal pockets for storing gear and camping accessories

Capacity: Up to four people/ 650lbs/290 kg So to sum it all up, there are many benefits to rooftop tents and multiple options to fit your needs. Once you have found the right one for you, the hardest decision you will have is where to go first! : What is the advantage of buying a rooftop tent?

What is the lightest weight roof top tent?

Our Verdict – The Front Runner Roof Top Tent is the lightest rooftop tent that we’ve tested. At a mere 93 pounds, it’s one of the easiest tents to move around and install. However, where the designers shaved weight, they also shaved functionality and durability. Ultimately, we think there are better options on the market to consider unless weight is a more important factor than anything else.

What vehicles can support a roof top tent?

Weight capacity –

The  dynamic weight capacity  is the weight your car can handle when driving. This is the maximum weight capacity specified by your vehicle manufacturer. It’s basically the weight capacity needed to hold your rooftop tent.

Use our fit guide to simplify the process! We do all the calculations so that you don’t have to. Just select your car brand, car model and manufacture year into our guide and we’ll suggest some of our rooftop tents that fit your car. Do you need a roof rack for a roof top tent? Yes! Rooftop tents are installed on the rack system of your vehicle, truck, SUV or van.

• Can you put a rooftop tent on top of a jeep or truck? Yes! Most roof top tents fit on most vehicles, whether it be jeep, truck, or SUV.
• Truck and van racks that fit pick-ups or truck beds are great for mounting your roof top tent.
• Can I put a rooftop tent and a kayak on my rack? What about canoes or bicycles? Yes! Some roof top tents give you enough space to also carry a kayak, canoe or bicycle on the side.

A roof top tent and a cargo box is also possible. Just make sure the weight capacity of your roof rack and car is up to it.

How do you lift a rooftop tent by yourself?

Hoist – The safest and easiest method to mount a roof top tent by yourself is through the use of a hoist. A hoist is a pulley system that is installed onto a roof, typically in your garage. Because of its ingenious design, it allows you to lift and load weight securely whilst the roof (or other structure) bears the weight.

1. Position the tent under the hoist and securely wrap heavy-duty straps
2. Lift the tent up with enough clearance for the vehicle
3. Position the vehicle under the tent
4. Lower the tent and secure the mounting components

If you intend to add and remove the roof top tent often, it really is the easiest option and is well worth the added installation. Check out the full article here The roof top tent must secured on the ground with straps that load the weight evenly. If the weight is uneven, the tent may slip or start to rock side to side in the air because of the weight distribution.

How do I know if my car can handle a roof top tent?

Will My Racks Work With The Roof Top Tents? – Yes, they will. There are a few recommended brands for roof racks: Yakima, Thule and Rhino Rack, but others will work just fine. Roof Top Tents can be installed on flat racks, cross bars or a canopy. Just make sure that your racks have a Dynamic Weight Capacity (DWC) of at least the weight of the tent.

For example, if the tent weighs 130 lbs, the racks MUST have at least that same DWC. You can simply call your manufacturer; look at the specs of your racks to know. The DWC is the weight that the rack can physically carry while the vehicle is in motion, When the tent is in use, the weight of the tent plus the weight of it’s occupants is effectively dispersed over the entire frame of the vehicle, so it doesn’t matter that you’re adding some extra pounds as long as the vehicle is NOT in motion.

This is also known as the Static Weight Capacity (SWC). This is a much much greater capacity, as the frame of the vehicle will be strong enough to hold the weight of the occupants. With all that said, you do not want to just put your RTT on top of any rack. Rhino-Rack RLT600 Trackmounts One of our preferred rack systems is the Rhino-Rack Backbone system, because it’s one of the safest and strongest. They are specifically designed for an increased Static Weight Capacity, ideal for RTTs. Another good thing to know is that stock-mounting hardware will on average fit rack bars with a cross-section of 3.25″ width x 2″ height.

Are roof top tents too heavy?

Cons – • Not that wind-proof. While rooftop tents make better weather protection gears, they can be buffeted as much in windy locations. • It’s heavier. The extra size and weight of rooftop tents contribute to fuel waste and car weight pressure. What’s more, families tend to place their extra gear and equipment on the tent to add more space inside the car.

1. Must be folded always,
2. If your family goes off exploring the wilderness, you need to fold the rooftop tent always to secure your belongings.
3. It’s a lot of hassle compared to a ground tent where you can just leave it while you’re gone off hiking or swimming.
4. Rooftop tents have its pros and cons, and features that aren’t for everyone.

It’s all about knowing what you need for a backcountry camping trip.

Do rooftop tents use more fuel?

Fuel economy losses – There’s no denying that making the aerodynamics worse on your 4WD is going to cost you in fuel, Even roof racks will make your car use more fuel, and roof top tents aren’t exactly the smallest things. You can get some pretty slim line ones, but the majority of the taller (around 30 – 40cm) units are going to cost you a lot of money in fuel. You will use more fuel with a roof top tent

How fast can you drive with a roof top tent?

There’s no harm in trying to maintain your top speed. However, it is best to maintain a speed not over 65 mph for safety purposes. The reason behind this is that, additional weight or load are present on top of your car.

Do roof tents damage your car?

Nov 24, 2020 | Travel Tips The short answer is yes. Rooftop tents are very safe, and make perfect travel companions when you’re making a road trip. With a rooftop tent you can travel wherever you like with the tent on your roof, travelling at speeds of up to 70mph on the motorway! Despite all of the amazing benefits, many people worry that rooftop tents could harm their car, their luggage and themselves however the reality is that rooftop tents are often much safer than ordinary ground tents.

How much extra fuel does a roof top tent use?

4. Size and type of tent – Of course, the size and type of tent you purchase determine your vehicle’s performance while driving. Before you purchase a rooftop tent, keep in mind that there are two types of tents which are soft-shell and hard-shell tents.

1. While both tents are great, they exert different influences on the vehicle they are installed on.
2. Soft-shell tents look like your regular ground tents.
3. They are often made from thick and durable materials with a rigid platform made of fiberglass or aluminum.
4. They are bulky with a soft outer shell that makes that easy to fold out to make a bigger living space.

Hard-shell tents (like the TuffStuff Alpha II ), however, are a more durable tent option made with better framing. They are constructed to be compact in a boxy structure that makes it easier to erect and close them down. Besides their impressive material and structure, one more feature hard-shell rooftop tents have in common is that they are built in an aerodynamic design.

• When using a rooftop tent, one major concern is the increase in drag resistance.
• The drag resistance makes it more difficult to control your car, especially when you are moving against the direction of the wind.
• This is one leading cause of increased gas mileage when campers install rooftop tents on the roof of their car.

While this increase in drag resistance is unavoidable, hard-shell tents are built in a sleek design to reduce drag to a tolerable minimum. This aerodynamic design is aesthetically pleasing and will save you hundreds of dollars of gas yearly. With soft-shell tents, the story is different.

• While they offer lots of room and are a cheaper alternative than hard-shell tents, soft-shell tents cause drag when strapped to the roof of your car.
• They are not built in aerodynamic design and will ultimately reduce your gas mileage.
• Other than this, the weight of your tent also affects how much gas you use.

The bigger your tent, the more it weighs. The average rooftop tent weighs between 100-200 LBS. This might not look like much, but when you consider your car’s weight restrictions, the weight of your tent determines how much your gas mileage will be affected.

Can you sleep in a rooftop tent anywhere?

Use Caution When Overnighting in Parking Lots and Rest Areas – Even though many rooftop tent campers have successfully overnighted in parking lots and rest areas, they do so with caution

Never leave your rooftop tent open and unattended while overnighting in parking lots or rest areas. It’s the same as leaving the door open on your RV, and walking away.Use a cable and lock to secure the ladder to your vehicle’s door handle. Yes, people have been known to steal ladders.

Can you 4WD with a roof top tent?

A rooftop tent is the ultimate piece of gear for 4WD enthusiasts. They let you catch the cool breeze on a hot night and keep you warm and dry when it’s wet. Sleeping off the ground means you’re out of reach of animals and critters too, so you won’t get any unwanted visitors.

Do you need a platform for a rooftop tent?

Simply put, you don’t need a platform rack for your rooftop tent. Some folks, specifically overlanders, outfit their vehicles with platform racks to which they mount a rooftop tent. As Roofnest founder Tim Nickles has put it, ‘That’s mounting a platform to a platform.’ Essentially, it’s overkill.

Are rooftop tents easy to take off?

“Seriously though, these things are kind of ridiculous, right? Is it really that much better than sleeping on the ground?” This was me. I honestly said this to a Yakima rep at Outdoor Retailer a few years ago, standing in front of a rooftop tent (RTT) mounted to a pickup, festooned with overlanding accessories, parked next to a delightful pretend camp setup.

1. To tell you the truth, I don’t even remember his response, other than a bemused chuckle.
2. Something about “don’t knock it ’til you try it.” I was convinced RTTs were too fussy, difficult to put on and take off a roof, and way, way too expensive to possibly be worth having.
3. I was wrong.
4. At least about the first two points, we’ll get to the last one in a bit.

Not terribly long after that awkward moment with the Yakima rep, I was camping with a friend in Big Sur, and my mind started to shift. I had set up my ground tent, and was sitting in it, contemplating the trees, when I saw a woman pull up to a nearby spot with a RTT on her wagon.

She got out of her car and dropped a leveling block on the ground, drove up onto it, then got out of the car again, nodded with satisfaction.30 seconds or so later, she’d unzipped the RTT cover and rolled it to one side. She deftly stepped onto the car’s floor, reached up for the RTT’s ladder, stepped down, walked back ten or so feet, and the tent unfolded triumphantly, ready to go.

She locked the rungs into place, and was done. Within 5 minutes, she was sitting feet dangling, six feet off the ground, cold beer in her hand. That looked easy, I thought. The next morning, as I shook out my groundcloth, turned my tent upside down to shake the dirt little sticks out of it, I watched her pack the tent up just as easy and drive off. The author’s favorite RTT, the Thule Tepui Low Pro 3. In the years since, I’ve tried two now, one from Yakima and one from Thule (Thule bought Tepui tents a couple years ago, and their RTT division is now Thule Tepui, confusingly). The Yakima Skyrise HD, which is an insulated tent meant for use in very cold conditions as well as balmy weather, and the Thule Tepui Low-Pro, a much lighter tent, with a thinner profile when folded for less wind resistance while driving.

Both have been wonderful tents, and I’ve been converted to a RTT camper. I don’t think you can go wrong with either, but I do have a preference, which I’ll get to in a moment. Functionally, they’re nearly identical. In fact, if I was blindfolded and setting them up, I wouldn’t be able to tell a difference at all from the inside.

Both tents use the ladder as the unfolding mechanism and once the ladder is positioned, the tents are effectively erected. Both have ample windows that can be closed via a hook and loop system, awnings that use a similar method of setup, and a rain fly that attaches from the inside, quite easily in just a few minutes. The Yakima Skyrise HD 3. Both tents have foam pads that are always in the tent, they fold up with the tent when the system is closed, so no need to fuss with the pad each time you set the tent up. The Yakima’s is slightly thicker, at 2.5 inches compared with the Thule’s 2-inch pad.

• Both feel impossibly luxurious, as compared with a standard sleeping pad for ground camping.
• And that’s really what you’re getting with a RTT. Luxury.
• You just can’t beat the comfort factor of one of these RTTs when compared with ground camping.
• The foam pad feels like your mattress at home and doesn’t move around, covering the entire floor of the tent.

Provided you leave your shoes off, you don’t track dirt into the tent, which feels terrific after a few days of camping. Not having to stoop and bend to get and out of the tent, as you do on the ground, does wonders for your back and knees. These poles are what support the roof. They erect themselves when tent is unfolded. I leave my sleeping bag or blankets in the RTT if I’m gonna travel around a little bit and they fold right up with the tent when it’s closed. (If it’s warm, I’m in the Zenbivy Bed 23 ; cooler to cold, or with my wife, I’m in the Sierra Designs Frontcountry Duo, With a RTT, if you can park, you have a campsite. There’s just something too about sitting way up off the ground, your legs swinging free, with a RTT. Can’t beat it. Now then, there are downsides. In my experience, they follow this order.1. They’re heavy and require two people to put on and take off.

• The Yakima Skyrise HD weighs about 115 pounds, and the Thule is 120 pounds.
• If you live alone and don’t have the capacity to install some kind of pulley system in a garage to lift it off from above, be prepared to have the RTT mounted almost all the time.2.
• You need somewhere to store the tent when not in use.

I don’t keep mine mounted unless I’m camping, which means a big area in my storage shed is devoted to my RTT most of the time.3. They can wreak havoc on your gas mileage. In my 2016 Subaru Outback, I notice at least a 4mpg hit when a RTT is mounted, depending on wind, elevation, etc.4.

They’re expensive. Figure between $1,500 and $2,500 for most good RTTs out there, depending on style. Plus, if you don’t already have heavy duty roof racks, that can run you another $300-500.5. If you like to set up a tent, then drive off somewhere leaving your tent at a campsite, a RTT isn’t quite conducive to that.

I can set mine up in less than 10 minutes, and collapse it in about five minutes, but it’s something to think about. To me, however, that expense is worth it for the ease, comfort, and sheer enjoyment of a RTT. I have space to store one when not in use, and a partner who can help me take it on and off. So who are these for? Well, judging by the looks of mountain towns across the west, they’re for anyone with a Tacoma or a 4Runner, as part of the “off-road look” accessory package. But you increasingly see RTTs on wagons, small SUVs, even Priuses, occasionally.

That, I think makes sense. I imagine these tents were originally meant for hardcore overland use, where people are driving way, way out into the desert and couldn’t predict ground surface conditions. They work great for that. If you spend lots of time driving deep into BLM land, well, you probably already have one.

But that they can turn even suburban commuter wagons into little adventure rigs is pretty cool. Oh, right, my favorite. I run the Thule Tepui Low-Pro 3. It has a whopping 95 x 58 inches of floorspace, more than enough for me and my wife, (both of us are over six feet tall), and our two-year-old daughter.

The ceiling height is 3.5 feet, which is excellent. When packed closed the max height is 10 inches, tapering down to about 7 inches on the non-hinged side. (The Yakima is a 16.5 inches tall, further reducing mpg performance). The tent can support 600 pounds of weight, which, when paired with a heavy duty crossbar system, is safe and stable.

Even in a heavy wind, you feel solid as a rock up there. You get unmatched visibility with a RTT. The Thule does require using nuts and bolts to attach it to crossbars, which is a little more of a pain than the Yakima system, which clamps on with no tools required, but that’s the only place where the Yakima stands out over the Thule in terms of ease.

1. There are of course, hard-sided RTTs out there too, but they lack the roominess of the fabric RTTs I’ve tried, and they’re not for me.
2. Other than using a fancy cot and a massive 4-person standup tent, I can’t imagine ground camping ever feeling even remotely as comfortable as RTT camping does.
3. I never imagined I’d fall in love with RTTs, and now I can’t imagine going back.

BUY • Thule Tepui Low-Pro 3 • Yakima Skyrise HD 3

Whats warmer a tent or a car?

Re: tent vs. car warmth – Post by seano » Thu Jan 04, 2018 2:57 pm Car, hands down. The R-value of the stuff below you is higher than that of any camping pad, and even with the windows cracked and heat-loss through the glass, it remains noticeably warmer than outside. I have spent well over 1000 nights sleeping in various cars, and have always slept better than I have in a tent or bivy. mikefromcraig Posts: 413 Joined: 11/10/2010 14ers: 53 24 13ers: 51 Trip Reports (14)

How many people can sleep in a roof top tent?

How many people can sleep in a roof top tent? – Depending on the model, you can comfortably sleep anywhere from 1-4 people in a roof top tent.

Is it warmer in a car or tent?

If you are planning on going on a camping trip with cold winter weather, you may find yourself wondering if you should cozy up in a tent or just sleep in the back of your car. Surprisingly, there is one that is colder than the other. A tent is much colder to sleep in at night than a car.

Are roof top tents safer than ground tents?

7. Rooftop tents may be safer – Many campers claim that rooftop tents keep you safer than ground tents. Overlanders traveling across Africa commonly use rooftop tents to put them out of reach of predators like lions and hyenas. Those who camp in bear or mountain lion country may also prefer the extra security of rooftop tents.

1. Rooftop tents are safer because wild animals may be less likely to climb up on the vehicle to try to get into the tent.
2. Additionally, because you’re sleeping above any animals that wander through your camp, they’ll be less likely to stick their nose in your tent to sniff around.
3. After all, you’re out of their line of sight.

You won’t wake up with a bear rooting around inches away from your head. If a dangerous wild animal does enter camp, you can keep an eye on them from above. You may have more time to prepare your bear spray or horn as well. As an added bonus, rooftop tents keep you out of reach of some venomous critters like scorpions, snakes, and spiders.

These critters are unlikely to climb up into the tent when you’re so far off the ground. Of course, rooftop tents are not perfectly safe because they have soft walls. A large predator like a grizzly bear can easily climb on your vehicle and tear its way through the tent fabric if it’s hungry and smells food inside.

You’ll still need to practice proper food storage when camping in bear country in a rooftop tent. You should also keep bear spray handy while camping in bear country. One of my biggest fears while camping in a ground tent in some campgrounds is getting run over in the night.

Why are rooftop tents better?

Roof tents have a more durable canvas than tents, and hard-shell designs have a stronger structure, which means it’s both leakproof and quieter inside the roof tent when it’s windy and pouring, resulting in a better night’s sleep for you!

Are roof top tents safe in thunderstorms?

There has been an interesting discussion on the overland forum about being in a roof top tent during a thunderstorm and the consensus is that you could be struck and thus fried, particularly when in the open.

How heavy is a ARB roof top tent?

Size & Weight – As far as ARB rooftop tent dimensions go, the 240 cm by 140 cm footprint isn’t that bad for a solo traveler, an adventure-loving couple, or even a family with a small child. At 130 cm at its highest, the ARB Simpson III rooftop tent offers plenty of headroom for sitting comfortably.

And when you’re ready to hit the off-road again, the setup folds neatly into a compact 140 cm by 120 cm form. The only downside to the design is the significant (40 cm) height of the packed-up tent that messes up aerodynamics and ratchets up fuel consumption, even if it allows you to store bedding inside the canopy.

And if you think you can get this RTT set up on your own, think again. The thing weighs 81 kg, and even if you take off the ladder, it’s still too much for one person to handle safely. It’s no wonder that many a mentions what a hassle the initial setup becomes.

Size (close/open), cm		140W x 120L x 30H 140W x 240L x 130H
Capacity, people		2
Weight, kg		81 kg
Cover Convenience		7/10
Durability		7/10
Ease of Installation		6/10
Delivery set		Annex, two elevated shoe pockets, mattress, ladder

How heavy is an ARB rooftop tent?

Features – The Flinders tent has 300gsm rip-stop canvas with four windows including a large skylight window so you can stargaze throughout the night. The tent also has an all-weather ventilation port and a large doorway which can be left open for additional airflow.

1. Each window has 420D insect screens and gutters on the zips to protect against the rain.
2. Features include a 50mm high-density foam mattress designed with comfort in mind, an in-built 12V light with USB connection for charging devices and a spacious PVC cover with enough room to allow bedding to stay in the tent when packed up.

The telescopic ladder connects to the top of the PVC cover and can be removed to transport inside the vehicle if preferred, allowing the overall tent to have a lower profile. Measuring 2200mm x 1400mm and weighing 56kg, the Flinders tent sleeps two adults and is suitable for all weather conditions.

How much do Kings roof top tents weigh?

Adventure Kings Grand Tourer Roof Top Tent Review You can’t ignore Adventure Kings when you go looking for a, A brand run by Aussie outbackers for Aussie outbackers is sure to know how to elevate your next camping adventure. The company manufactures everything from lights and roof racks to swags and RTTs, and the Adventure Kings Grand Tourer MKII Aluminium Rooftop Tent is the star of the show.

The huge premium-quality tent is designed for solo travelers and adrenaline-seeking couples who value year-round comfort and usability. If you hate setting up camp and want to explore instead of pitching tents or fussing with awnings, this model will be right up your alley. If there’s one thing no Kings Tourer roof top tent review complains about, it’s the setup.

Unlike most softshell RTTs, this model goes from travel to camping mode in under two minutes. There’s nothing complicated about unlatching the two clamps and pushing the lid up while pulling the bungee cord down. After that, your tent is ready for the night, though you can spend a few more minutes fussing with window flaps and side awnings.

The pack-up is as easy as installation, though you need to be careful when gathering the canvas walls inside the cover. Otherwise, the clamps won’t latch, and your bedding can get wet and dirty in transit. The mounting kit comes with the RTT, and you’d better follow the Kings Tourer roof top tent instructions manual to find the most comfortable and secure way to mount the tent on your 4×4.

And don’t forget to call a couple of mates to help you with the weight. Here’s a quick video overview of the setup and pack-up instructions. For a clamshell RTT, Kings Tourer roof top tent dimensions are impressive, with a footprint of 147.6 cm by 235.5 cm and a roomy height of 170 cm for sitting comfortably.

1. The dimensions stay the same in travel mode, though the height is only 29.5 cm, perfect for minimizing drag and fuel consumption.
2. Besides, once the tent is closed, the shell has 13 cm of free space inside, enough for storing your bedding and some camping gear.
3. Adventure Kings Tourer roof top tent is far from lightweight at 93.5 kilos, though the number includes the telescopic ladder and the high-density foam mattress.

So before you go shopping for an RTT, make sure your 4WD can handle the roof load.

Size (close/open), cm		29.5 x 147.6 x 235.5 170 x 147.6 x 235.5
Capacity, people		2
Weight, kg		93.5 kg
Cover Convenience		9/10
Durability		8/10
Ease of Installation		7/10
Delivery set		Mattress, telescopic ladder

Considering the affordable price tag, you’d never guess that Kings Grand Tourer is mostly made of sturdy materials, like aircraft-grade aluminium alloy and stainless steel. However, the heavy-duty parts could use extra work. For one, early-version gas struts tended to lose their power after a few months of regular use.

Luckily, the latest model comes with an additional support pole that helps alleviate the load. The side and back walls are made of sturdy 320 GSM ripstop canvas that keeps the elements out. And the internal netting is made of fine enough mesh to keep the critters out without messing with the airflow. The Kings Tourer roof top tent is a true all-season solution.

The flooring and roof cover are both insulated and finished with a plush carpet. This setup keeps the temperature comfortable throughout the scorching summer days and frigid winter nights. Still, keep an eye out for the roof liner, as it may go down at the worst possible moment.

• The second iteration of the tent seems to use another glue with a better hold, so hopefully, you won’t run into this issue.
• The latest version of the tent is also equipped with a rubber seal along the front section that connects the cover to the bottom of the RTT.
• It’s designed to prevent water and dust from getting into the tent in transit mode.

It seems to work fine, though we recommend you check the seal once in a while to make sure it doesn’t come undone. One of the best things about the Adventure Kings Tourer roof top tent is the brand’s devotion to outbackers’ needs. The basic setup includes so many cool features, you won’t even consider buying extra accessories.

Huge windows on all three sides. The air circulation is unbeatable for a hardshell RTT, and if you keep the flaps cracked, you can forget about condensation. Large wrap-around awning. It may be a bit loud in the wind, but it protects the windows from sun and rain so that you can keep the view and ventilation. You can also roll up the awning and strap it in place when it’s unnecessary. Extra-thick foam mattress. The high-density 75 mm mattress is perfect for back and side sleepers, though you can add a topper to make it softer. Smart storage solutions. There are internal pockets to store your knick-knacks on both sides of the tent, and the cover can double as a solar panel rack. You can even run a 12V line through the zippered pocket.

If these are not enough for you, Adventure Kings have dozens of offers to spruce up the RTT. The most useful accessories we’ve found are the ladder extension and the annex. The 2.4-meter ladder fits most 4x4s, but if you can’t latch it on, consider an extension.

And with an annex, you can double the sleeping area for family camping trips. The Kings Grand Tourer roof top tent is not perfect, with a fair share of weatherproofing and durability problems. Still, you won’t find a better offer for under $2,500. The tent is huge, easy to set up, and comfortable with ample ventilation and storage space.

Besides, Adventure Kings are well-known for their dedication to customer satisfaction. Even if you run into any issues with this RTT, reach out to them, and the company will provide a replacement part or offer a newer version of the tent. You can’t beat that sort of a deal! : Adventure Kings Grand Tourer Roof Top Tent Review

Can you put a roof top tent on a utility trailer?

Sure, it’s easy to add a roof top tent rack to your utility trailer for around $150. Sean’s Lowes / Carry-on 3.5’x5′ utility trailer camper is a nice example of doing it with our DIY No Weld Racks.