2023-06-05 12:06:38
Published
Car campingFive things to know regarding rooftop tents
Rooftop tents are on the rise. Far from being suitable for everyone, there are some for all ranges of vehicles, both for city cars and SUVs.
- par
- Mario Hommen
In recent years, it’s not just life in a van that has been a hit. Camping has generally come back into vogue following the pandemic, which has given momentum to the rooftop tent. A type of tent that appeals, since it allows you to take with you, in almost any type of vehicle, a sleeping solution assembled in a jiffy, in which it is possible to spend a night sheltered from humidity and small bugs on the ground. That said, rooftop tents are far from cheap and have some limitations. Here are five things to know regarding it.
The offer on the market
There are rooftop tents in different sizes, shapes and mounting configurations, each with their own set of advantages and disadvantages. Hard shell roof top tents which, when deployed, do not protrude beyond the wheels of the carrier vehicle, allow quick pitching using a crank or jack system in any location (parking ). On other types, the roof is parallel to the ground. Generally lighter, tents with a soft or collapsible roof have, once set up, a surface which, depending on the model, can be twice or more the surface of the roof of the car.
Therefore, this type of tent offers more space, but limits the choice of location. Hybrid tents are constructions that combine a hard shell tent with a folding roof. In the case of inflatable tents, air chambers replace the aluminum frames. They score points thanks to their lower weight.
When deployed, a soft or collapsible roof tent can be twice or more the area of a car’s roof.
ADAC
How much does it cost?
Whatever type of roof tent you choose, you will have to pay significantly more than for the acquisition of a conventional ground tent. With few exceptions, the price of a latest generation rooftop tent is usually well over 1000 euros. If you have higher demands on tent, ladder, and storage system, you’ll want to go for a mid-range or four-digit price range. If you don’t have a suitable roof rack, you’ll need to add one to your shopping list. In this case, it is good to know that the screws of the tent must be adapted to the diameter of the spacers of your roof bars, which is not always the case.
What is the allowed weight?
If you plan to transport bulky luggage on the roof of a passenger car, you will need to be careful to strictly observe the maximum load capacity of the roof, which generally ranges from 75 to 100 kg. The combined weight of the mounting system and the roof tent should not exceed the maximum load capacity indicated by the vehicle manufacturer. The maximum value stated in the user manual refers to the dynamic load capacity of the roof, i.e. of the vehicle in motion.
And for good reason: the significantly higher center of gravity changes the driving dynamics. During braking maneuvers or when cornering, the force exerted on the roof rack can increase tenfold, which has a strong impact on road holding. On the other hand, you have more leeway with regard to the load capacity of the roof of a stationary passenger car. Few manufacturers, however, indicate what the vehicle is capable of withstanding, such as for all-terrain vehicles suitable for expeditions.
The load capacity of the roof as indicated in the owner’s manual must not be exceeded when the vehicle is in motion. When stationary, a vehicle is capable of carrying a significantly greater load.
PORSCHE
What are the other points to consider?
Regardless of the type, it goes without saying that even when folded, the roof tent increases wind resistance and thereby increases fuel consumption. A roof tent therefore considerably reduces the range of an electric vehicle. This should be taken into account when planning a trip. After a trip, it is recommended to disassemble the tent once more in order to save electricity or fuel. Also, with a rooftop tent, you have to be careful regarding speed: tent manufacturers usually recommend driving at a maximum speed of 120 km/h.
Where can I spend the night there?
You can perfectly spend the night in a roof tent at a campsite or on a private pitch, even if, in reality, this type of tent is more designed for wild camping and bivouacking as you go. In this context, we therefore generally find ourselves in a gray area in many countries of Western and Central Europe.
Resting or bivouacking in public space is allowed, at least in the short term, if the goal is to recover before continuing on your way. On the other hand, settling in a rest area or in a car park with a view of the lake, with a table and chairs like on a campsite, risks getting you into trouble very quickly.
In many European countries, wild camping is a gray area. It is therefore better to find out in advance regarding the local rules in force.
LAND ROVER
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