Are you on the fence on whether buying a roof top tent or not? Are you wondering if you really need to spend all that money? If you’ve asked yourselves these two questions, then you’ve also asked yourself are roof top tents worth it?

It’s hard to give a yes or no answer, since they can be a fantastic for some when it comes to comfort, ease of setup or durability, yet for others none of that matters and they still care more about the price.

Honestly, this article aims to answer that main questions by looking into what matters: facts. Let’s dig deeper and look at all the factors surrounding roof top tents and if they’re worth it or not.

Can You Actually Use A Roof Top Tent?

First things first, can you actually buy and use a roof top tent? Roof top tents aren’t something you can just buy, throw on your car, and hit the road. You need to make sure your setup is compatible.

A Vehicle That Can Handle It

Not every car is built for a roof top tent. These things can weigh 100 pounds or more, and the last thing you want is to overload your vehicle’s roof or mess with its suspension.

Scroll down to find the section that answers this question in depth!

And just a reminder: Before committing, check your car’s owner manual to see its roof weight capacity. Look for two numbers: dynamic weight capacity (how much weight it can handle while driving) and static weight capacity (how much it can handle when stationary).

You Need The Right Rack

Yes, you need a rack system to install a roof top tent. No matter what vehicle you have, even if it’ll go over a trailer, you’ll need a rack to mount the tent, and it must be the right rack, one that has the right dynamic and static weight capacity to handle it.

What To Look For In A Roof Top Tent

Let’s assume you’ve made up your mind and are ready to buy one. Now what? Well, you first need to understand what differentiates one roof top tent from another. So let’s brifly look at it:

– Style: When choosing a roof top tent, you’ll come across two main styles: hard shell and soft shell. Each has its perks and downsides. Hard shell roof top tents tend to open up a lot faster, have a more durable shell, but are also heavier and more expensive. Softshell roof top tents are more affordable, can accommodate more people and are lighter!

– Size & Capacity: How many people will be sleeping in the tent? Tents range from solo options to family-sized models. 

– Materials: Always make sure you are looking at tents made of solid materials. A ripstop canvas, an aluminum base, a solid travel cover made of PVC, or an outer shell that’s made of either ABS plastic, fiberglass or thick aluminum.

– Weight: Keep in mind the tent’s weight, especially if you’ll be mounting and unmounting it often. Also, that your rack system can handle the weight of the rooftop tent.

– Annex: Some tents, yes even hard shell rooftop tents have the option of adding an annex, which is like an extra room to be used as storage, to sleep more people or as a standing changing private room.

Is My Car Suitable For A Roof Top Tent?

As said above, we had a whole section on whether you an actually mount a tent over your vehicle or not. The main answer is yes, you can mount a roof top tent on any vehicle. We’ve seen them over a Porsche 944, heck we’ve mounted one over a Mini Cooper. However, there are a few things to consider before you just grab your roof top tent and mount it over a Toyota Corolla.

1. Roof Load Capacity

The most critical factor is your vehicle’s roof load capacity. Check the manufacturer’s guidelines for both dynamic (while driving) and static (when stationary) weight capacities. Most roof top tents weigh 100–200 lbs, and the vehicle’s roof must support this weight safely.

2. Strong Suspension System

Vehicles with robust suspension systems are better suited for carrying a roof top tent, especially for long road trips or off-road adventures. Look for SUVs, trucks, or vans designed for heavier loads, as smaller cars may struggle with the additional strain.

Your vehicle must be compatible with a high-quality roof rack or bed rack. Some vehicles come pre-equipped with factory-installed racks, while others require aftermarket solutions. Ensure the rack’s dynamic weight capacity matches or exceeds the tent’s weight.

4. Off-Road Capability

If you plan on camping in remote areas, off-road vehicles are ideal. Features like four-wheel drive, higher ground clearance, and rugged tires make it easier to access challenging terrains.

5. Adequate Roof Footprint

Larger vehicles, such as full-size SUVs, trucks, or vans, often provide more roof space for mounting RTTs. Compact or small cars may lack the required dimensions, and mounting a tent on them might lead to stability issues.

Recommended Vehicle Types

Recommended vehicles can be SUVs, larger off road vehicles or trucks such as: Toyota 4Runner, Toyota Tacoma, Toyota Tundra, Subaru Forester, Ford F150, Chevy Colorado, RAM, Lexus GX460, and so on.

What Are The Benefits Of A Roof Top Tent?

As we said, there are mixed emotions with roof top tents, but this article is about facts. And here are the benefits (facts) of a roof top tent.

– Easy Setup: Forget struggling with poles and stakes. Most RTTs can be ready to use in minutes, which is a lifesaver after a long day. 

– Comfortable Sleeping: Being off the ground means no rocks or roots digging into your back, plus built-in mattresses make for a cozy night’s sleep. 

– Weather-Resistance: High-quality materials and sturdy construction mean RTTs can handle wind, rain, and even snow. 

– Safety From Wildlife: Sleeping elevated keeps you out of reach from critters or curious animals. 

– The View: There’s nothing like waking up to an amazing view, perched above your car. 

Why Roof Top Tents Might Not Be For You

As great as rooftop tents are, they’re not perfect. Here are some potential deal-breakers to consider:

– High Cost: With prices ranging from hundreds to several thousand dollars, RTTs are a big investment. 

– Fuel Efficiency: The added weight and height can reduce your car’s fuel efficiency, especially on longer trips. 

– Reduced Mobility: Once you’ve set up your tent, you can’t just drive off without packing everything back up first. 

– Parking Issues: With an RTT, your vehicle may not fit into garages or under parking structures due to its added height. 

Ground Tents vs. Rooftop Tents: A Quick Comparison

Feature	Ground Tent	Rooftop Tent
Setup & Takedown	Takes more time and effort (10-30 min)	Quick and easy (under 5 min)
Comfort	Less comfortable (uneven ground, rocks)	Elevated, more comfortable (flat, built-in mattress)
Portability	Lightweight and compact, easy to carry	Heavier, less portable (requires vehicle)
Protection from Elements	Good, but prone to wet conditions or animals	Superior (elevated, better weather protection)
Price	More affordable (often under $500)	Expensive (usually $1,000+)
Flexibility	Can camp almost anywhere (flat ground)	Limited to vehicle-accessible areas
Weight & Vehicle Requirements	No special vehicle required, lightweight	Requires a sturdy vehicle with a roof rack

Are Roof Top Tents Worth The Hype?

Ultimately, deciding whether an RTT is “worth it” depends on your lifestyle and how often you’ll use it. If you love camping, road-tripping, or overlanding, a roof top tent can make your adventures easier, more comfortable, and more enjoyable. The quick setup, built-in comfort, and durability are hard to beat.

That said, if you’re a casual camper or don’t see yourself using it frequently, the cost and logistics might not justify the investment. A traditional ground tent or camper might suit your needs better.

At the end of the day, a roof top tent isn’t just camping gear—it’s a gateway to new adventures. And honestly, yes, we think roof top tents are worth it!