Rooftop tent purchasing guide

Who's a rooftop tent for?

The first to adopt the rooftop tent were enthusiasts of road escapades, expeditions, and self-directed caravanning, better known as road trips, overlanding, and boondocking. As well as allowing them to set up in a few minutes - and leave just as quickly - this type of shelter protects them from both damp ground and nocturnal visits from local wildlife.

If you're a sports enthusiast, such as a paddleboarder, mountain biker, or hiker, you'll appreciate the extra space that a car rooftop tent offers. In addition to the integrated mattress, you can leave your sleeping bags and pillows in it, freeing up space in the trunk of the car.

Rooftop tents are ideal for singles and couples, but some models are also suitable for families.

Which model to choose?

The two main categories of rooftop tents are the soft shell and hard shell varieties. They’re sold in a wide range of models, with a variety of features.

Soft-shell rooftop tents

These tents resemble traditional tents, but are mounted on a platform. The platform unfolds in two sections: one on the rooftop of your vehicle and the other on its side, supported by a ladder anchored to the ground. The floor is made of fiberglass, aluminum, or plastic, while the rest is canvas.

Soft-shell tents can be fitted with several mosquito windows, including one on the rooftop (skyview).

For transport, the whole unit folds in on itself - including the ladder - and is then enveloped with a cover, which is removed when the tent is set up. The thickness of the assembly varies according to the size of the tent, which can be much larger than a hard-shell model. The space can even be larger than a king-size bed.

Various Québec companies, including Go Xplore and Imago Structures, market this type of tent. Thule (or Thule Tepui), Treeline, Outdoors, and Darche offer them as well.

Hard-shell rooftop tents

When closed, these tents resemble large rooftop boxes. When opened, the canvas unfolds, creating a living space that fits entirely on the rooftop of the vehicle. The side walls can be fitted with mosquito windows.

There are two types of opening: popup and wedge. The latter gives the tent a shark-fin look. It provides a lot of height at one end, but very little at the other, unlike the vertical opening, which creates a uniform height.

If you like to stop off in the middle of nowhere, you'll probably prefer a hard-shell tent. These models don't protrude beyond the rooftop of your vehicle and are quicker to erect and dismantle than soft-shell models.

Several Québec companies offer this type of tent, including Tente Top and Go Xplore. VYou'll also find models from international brands such as Alu-Cab, iKamper, Thule (or Thule Tepui) and Go Overland.

How do I attach the tent to the car?

A rooftop tent can be fitted to most vehicles, even very compact ones. However, you'll need to purchase suitable rooftop side bars and crossbars.

Raised side bars are essential, since tents are attached from below. As for the crossbars, they must also be raised and, above all, they must be able to support a sufficient load. Find out about dynamic load, to determine the maximum load when the vehicle is in motion, and static load, to determine this load when the vehicle is stationary. The structure must be able to support the weight of the tent plus the weight of the people sleeping inside.

Depending on the number of places and the materials used, a rooftop tent weighs between 40 and 95 kg.

Load data is supplied by manufacturers of side and cross bars, such as Thule, Yakima, and Rhino Rack, and by vehicle manufacturers.
In any case, to make the right choice, you should ask the retailer about the tent you're interested in and its technical specifications. If you have a hatchback, for example, you'll need to take into account the trunk door mechanism.

For vans, universal rear box supports are available for most models. The tent can also be installed on the cab rooftop with side and cross bars, but this will have a greater impact on fuel consumption.

Which accessories are simply indispensable?

Ladder

A telescopic ladder is supplied with almost all rooftop tents, folding away inside the tent when you close it. Climbing can be made easier by adding an accessory called High Clearance (HC) Steps, a fabric strip that covers the rungs and allows one’s feet to move further forward, legroom that’s much appreciated by children, the elderly, pregnant women, and even dogs!

Mattress

Most rooftop tents come with a mattress, usually made of foam, whose thickness and quality vary from brand to brand. In some tents, such as the iKamper brand, the mattresses are made of memory foam and are similar to those of a bed. In other models, however, the mattresses are thin. For more comfort, you can add a self-inflating mattress and put a moisture barrier pad between the mattress and the tent structure to cut out the cold.

Awning

The awning, which provides protection from the sun and wind, is usually purchased separately. Awnings come in a variety of shapes, but the most popular is the 270-degree model. The awning is usually erected with retractable poles, like a traditional tent.

Annex

The annex extends from the side of the tent to the ground. Larger models create extra sleeping space, often for cots. Those with a floor are preferable, as they keep the tent watertight and prevent animals from visiting! This accessory is usually purchased separately.

For both the awning and the annex, choose accessories from the same brand as your tent, for ease of assembly and maximum compatibility.

Other interesting accessories

There are a host of other accessories available to enhance your comfort: outdoor shower, portable toilet, heating system, fridge, chest, outdoor kitchen, and so on. It's up to you to decide what suits you best!

A few good ideas

Camping with a rooftop tent has its drawbacks. To avoid disappointment, it's best to be prepared.

Rooftop installation

Unless you have access to an elevator system, it's best to have more than one person securing the tent to the rooftop of your vehicle. At least two people are needed for a two-place tent, and at least four for a four-place model. The same goes for lowering the tent.

Fuel consumption

The extra weight and loss of aerodynamics increase fuel consumption by 10-25%, depending on the vehicle model, unless you install your tent in the bed of a pickup truck, in which case it won't interfere with the vehicle's aerodynamics.

Height

Using the ladder can be complicated for people with physical limitations or vertigo. Moreover, the extra height on the rooftop of the car may limit your access to certain multi-storey or underground parking lots.

Warehousing

The size and weight of rooftop tents can be a challenge if you live in an apartment or a condo. During winter, you’ll need to store your tent in a dry, temperature-stable area to avoid condensation.

How much does a rooftop tent cost?

Buying new

Rooftop-tent prices vary according to capacity, materials used, and accessories included. Soft-shell models are generally less expensive (from $1,300 to $4,000) than hard-shell models (from $3,000 to $6,000).

Opting for a used model

If you decide to buy a second-hand tent, take the time to examine it carefully. Ask the seller to open it all the way to the ground and ensure that the fabric is in good condition, and that the ladder, opening mechanism, and zippers open and close easily. The shell should not be scratched or punctured.

Ask for the original warranty and instruction documents.

Renting before you buy

Are you attracted by the concept, but not sure you'll enjoy the experience? A number of Québec companies offer rooftop-tent rentals.
This is the case, for example, with tentealouer.com, in Boucherville. Rental of a two-seater hard-shell model starts at $60 per day (for a minimum of four nights), including set-up, dismantling, and clean-up. However, you'll need to supply the side and cross bars. If you own a pickup truck, the company offers a universal truck bed rack.

In Sherbrooke, Rooftop Camp also rents various models of soft-shell and hard-shell tents, at prices ranging from $35 to $49 per day (for a minimum of four nights). Some vehicle rooftop racks are also available.

Finally, VanLife Mtl, in the Montréal borough of LaSalle, offers an all-inclusive option: a converted van equipped with a hard-shell rooftop tent and full trunk kitchen. Rental costs $199 or more per day (for a minimum of four days).

A few tips and tricks

Get all the facts straight

There are Facebook groups like Évasion en tente de toit au Québec, gatherings like Rendez-vous Overland, and online videos where you can learn more about the subject from the many comments made by enthusiasts.

Dry your tent

As with an ordinary tent, it's essential to dry your rooftop tent to prevent mildew. After rain, leave it open for 24 to 48 hours in the sun or indoors. The same applies before storing it at the end of the season.

When winter camping, focus on insulation

Are you a winter camping enthusiast? There are rooftop-tent models available with suitable insulation, especially between the mattress and the bottom of the tent. Several accessories are also available to enhance your winter comfort, including different types of heaters.