How to Install a Car Roof Tent for Camping

How to Install a Car Roof Tent for Camping Trips

Suppose you wake up in the morning to the cold mountain air and the sun breaking through the horizon as you lounge on your car roof tent. This can become a simple dream if you’re a camper. Adding a car roof tent gives you the flexibility and freedom for your road trips and will let you sleep wherever your car takes you. But what do you actually do to get this essential camping kit up and running?

 We’ll show you in this tutorial, how to set up a roof tent on your vehicle step by step.

What is a Roof Tent?

Credits: 4wdsupacentreAu

A car roof tent is a lightweight, small tent that you attach to the top of your car and use to sleep above the ground. They are made of high-quality material, which is durable, weatherproof and portable, which is a great tent to pack for road trips or overnight camping.

With roof tents being unlike a tent that has to be set up, which are ground-up, you’ll also be protected from bugs, animals and weather while enjoying a stunning view.

Benefits of a Roof Tent for Camping

Benefits of a Roof Tent for Camping
Credits: FLUX-schnell

Before we move into the installation itself, just a little introduction on why it’s worth the investment 

  • Convenience – No more fussing with the assembly of a traditional tent with a roof tent. Most roof tents take less than five minutes to put up or tear down.
  • Comfort – The tents are rated to be more comfortable than the camping tents, with a fluffy mattress and from ground wetness.
  • Safety – When you’re sleeping off the ground, you won’t be waking up to wild animals, wet earth or sticky flooring.
  • Adventure Compatible – Roof tents can be used all the time no matter the season from sunny days to torrential rains.

Tools and Materials You’ll Need

Tools and Materials You'll Need
Credits: FLUX-schnell

If you’re going to put up a roof tent, here’s what you’ll need 

  • Roof rack (if you don’t have one already)
  • Roof Tent (just check to make sure it will fit your car)
  • Wrenches or ratchets
  • Hardware to install (usually comes with the tent)

Check the weight limits on your roof rack before you buy your tent as every vehicle will have different weight capacity guidelines.

Step-by-Step Guide to Installing a Roof Tent

Step-by-Step Guide to Installing a Roof Tent
Credits: FLUX-schnell

Step 1 – Preparing Your Vehicle

Before you hang your roof tent make sure your car is prepared. You’ll need to put in a roof rack if you don’t have one on your vehicle. You can find crossbar or full length roof racks depending on what kind of car you own. If you don’t know how to put one up, get a professional to do it for you so there’s no problem.

Step 2 – Choosing the Right Roof Tent

Roof tents come in many different styles and shapes, so make sure you get the right one. So you’ll have to think things like 

  • Dimensions – Make sure the tent fits your car roof. Usually, the tents have a weight and size recommendation for your kind of vehicle.
  • The Tent – Some roof tents are hard shell, some are soft shell. Hard-shell tents are normally stronger and more weatherproof; soft-shell tents tend to be smaller and lighter.

One, Two, and Three Person Roof Tents are Available in Single, Two, or Three Person Options. Choose one that will work for how many people you’ll usually be camping with.

Step 3 – Positioning the Tent on the Roof Rack

Lift the roof tent with the assistance of a friend and mount it on the roof rack. Be sure that the tent is centered and square to the rack.

Step 4 – Attaching the Tent

You can find mounting hardware for your roof tents in most cases. Generally these are bolts, brackets and nuts. Mount as per the manufacturer’s directions.

Attach the brackets/mounting plates to the tent first. Then lift the tent onto the rack and line up the hardware with the attachment points. Screw in the bolts and nuts so that the tent does not sag when you gently push on it.

Step 5 – Securing and Tightening the Tent

After installing the tent, be sure to double check all the screws, bolts and nuts. Do a last look so there’s nothing hanging loose. Nothing’s worse than your tent tearing off while you’re driving.

Make sure you double check the roof rack setup to see if it is capable of supporting the roof tent as some vehicles may need additional reinforcement when you’re hauling large objects.

Step 6 – Test It Out

Once installed, it’s time to try the setup. As you are about to drive away, shake the tent a bit and see if it is still going. This is the last criterion to make sure everything is firmly fixed.

Some roof tents let you open the tent while it’s still on the car, so do it and open the tent and see how it works.

Step 7 – Ready for Adventure

With the roof tent properly attached to your vehicle, now is the time to hit the camping ground! When you get to your camp, pitching the tent is just as simple as lowering it from the top. There are models that even have built-in ladders so you can access them easily.

Tips for Using a Roof Tent

Tips for Using a Roof Tent
Credits: FLUX-schnell

Roof tents are great for camping, but here’s how you can have the most awesome camping experience –

  • Weather Check – Before stepping out always check the weather. Roof tents last but extreme weather may also ruin your stay.
  • Clean Up – Wash your roof tent regularly. A roof rack tent is in the open weather and you want it to be in good shape to last.
  • Buy a Roof Tent Mattress – Many roof tents come with a basic mattress but you can add some luxury by buying a good mattress or sleeping pad.

Don’t Fill Your Roof Rack Up With All That Gear – Don’t clog up your roof rack with extra stuff. Remain light on your load for good car balance and car safety.

Conclusion

If you have an auto, roof tenting your car is a great way to change the camping experience, it’s easy and comfortable as there are no tents around. If you’re an avid camper or a first-timer, getting set up with a roof tent is your ticket to infinite adventures.

If you are in the market for good roof tents and car accessories then look no further than Mecarnic. They have all kinds of car gear that will make your car drive even better. Check out their line now and experience camping like no other

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