Will a Roof Tent Work with my Vehicle/Car?

That&#;s a very good question! The roof tent at TentBox can fit almost any vehicle including, minivans and caravans and even a mini itself. All that is required is two cross bars installed that are between 60cm &#; 120cm apart, depending on what TentBox model you are installing.

For more information, please visit Sunday Campers.

Crossbars can be purchased from many reputable car stores, therefore, you shouldn&#;t find it difficult to find bars that will suit your vehicle perfectly. However, even though our TentBox can sit atop your vehicle, that doesn&#;t necessarily mean that a roof tent is suitable for your vehicle.

Even if you can find cross bars that can fit onto the roof of your vehicle, you need to consider the weight of the crossbars in addition to the TentBox on the roof of your vehicle. Our TentBox Cargo weighs 74kg, the TentBox Classic weighs 64kg and our TentBox Lite weighs 50kg. You need to make sure that the roof bars you&#;ve got installed can support the weight of the TentBox.

Furthermore, your car or vehicle roof needs to be able to sustain the roof bars in addition to the TentBox but don&#;t worry about the weight of anything in the TentBox (we&#;ll get to this point further on). You should always check with the manufacturer and model of your vehicle of the load capacity as this will vary from car to car, however, nearly all vehicles will be able to carry our TentBox!

What to Consider Before Getting a Roof Tent

What Speed Can I Drive at With my Roof Tent?

There are many benefits to having a roof tent on your vehicle, but you need to know your restrictions and whether it is suitable for your way of living. Your speed is restricted to 70mph/120kmph. The national speed limit for dual carriageways and motorways in the UK is 70mph, so your speed shouldn&#;t exceed this, but we know that many of you like to push to 80mph on the motorway and if this sounds like you, then you will need to consider this when a roof tent is fitted to your vehicle. It&#;s a given, but you must always have your roof tent closed as you&#;re driving and drive at the speed limit.

Can I Sleep in my Tent in Windy Weather?

Now, that&#;s a good question; it&#;s unadvised to open your TentBox in wind speeds greater than 38mph/61kmph. In normal UK weather, you&#;re highly unlikely to be experiencing these wind speeds as that&#;s pretty windy, so you&#;re quite safe to use your TentBox on a normal, breezy day. However, we recommend that you don&#;t get into the habit of erecting your TentBox in an open area on a particularly windy day.

What about the Weight in the TentBox?

Our roof tents are sturdy tents; they can hold a maximum of 300kg of weight! Seeming as our Hard Shell Roof Tent can sleep a maximum of two people and a canine friend, there&#;s plenty of room left for all your goodies, so weight capacity shouldn&#;t become an issue for many.

The weight of the people inside the roof tent wouldn&#;t be an issue on the weight capacity of your vehicle, this is because vehicle load ratings are based on dynamic loads; this is the weight on the vehicle as it&#;s moving. The TentBox should never be erected when the vehicle is moving and certainly shouldn&#;t have anyone in it, therefore, the weight inside the TentBox is not an issue for the vehicle load capacity.

Even though the TentBox may be able to fit onto your vehicle, if you have a low, small vehicle, then the weight of the roof crossbars and the roof tent may affect the suspension, speed, acceleration, power and even the fuel that you are consuming when the vehicle is in use, therefore, you should be sure to consider all of the above points before installing a TentBox.

What makes TentBox Special?

Car roof tents have been around for many years before cars were better equipped to handle the dimensions and weight of a rooftop tent. However, TentBox wanted to make the roof tent more advanced to better suit many different vehicles.

Our Soft Shell TentBox is the lightest roof tent that you will find on the market! This makes it a perfect option for those of you with a smaller vehicle or for those of you that are worried about the weight on your vehicle affecting your driving.

Our Hard Shell TentBox is also a revolutionary roof tent; it features a sleek design and consists of a super-strong fibreglass shell on the outside which completely protects it from any wind and rain when you&#;re driving along and when you&#;re camping!

TentBox has provided rooftop tents to many different vehicles; if you&#;re unsure whether a roof tent will work with your vehicle, then simply ask and we&#;ll do our best to help!

The roof tents at TentBox will work with most vehicles and can provide a vast array of benefits that will open a whole new world to you.

For more Awning Roof Top Tentinformation, please contact us. We will provide professional answers.

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Introduction

In outdoor adventures, roof top tents (RTTs) is witnessing a surge of interest among enthusiasts who yearn for an elevated camping experience. RTTs offer a unique blend of homely comfort with the excitement of being one with nature. They combine the mobility of a camper with the simplicity of a tent, making them an attractive option for adventurers. But before you indulge in the purchase of an RTT, it is crucial to understand the compatibility between the RTT and your vehicle. A properly compatible RTT ensures a perfect fusion of safety and convenience, ensuring your excursions into the wilderness are both joyous and worry-free.

Understanding Roof Top Tents

What is a roof top tent?

A roof top tent is a portable shelter that mounts directly onto the roof rack of a vehicle. It's a step up from traditional camping tents, offering a raised and potentially more secure and comfortable sleeping arrangement. Unlike conventional tents, RTTs don't require a flat, smooth surface to set up, which increases the number of potential camping spots. They're also a symbol of convenience, offering a quick and easy setup, the ability to camp virtually anywhere your vehicle can go, and heightened safety by keeping you elevated from ground-level threats such as wildlife and flooding.

Types of Roof Top Tents

Hard shell tents are widely recognized for their robust construction, superior resistance to weather elements, and swift setup process. These features render them an optimal selection for regular campers and those venturing into severe weather conditions.

In contrast, soft shell tents require slightly more time for assembly but typically provide increased sleeping quarters. They also tend to be more cost-effective, thereby making them an attractive option for families or large groups.

Hybrid tents seamlessly amalgamate the characteristics of both, offering a well-rounded balance of space, resilience, and convenience.

Understanding these types can help you make an informed decision about which tent best suits your vehicle and your camping preferences.

Factors to Consider for Vehicle Compatibility

Roof Rack Capacity

The capacity of your vehicle's roof rack is the first and foremost factor when evaluating RTT compatibility. The roof rack needs to support the weight of the tent along with its occupants and gear. This is where understanding the difference between dynamic weight capacity (the weight it can carry while the vehicle is in motion) and static weight capacity (the weight it can handle when the vehicle is stationary) comes in handy. It is important to note that the static weight capacity is usually higher than the dynamic one, so the tent and its contents should be within the dynamic weight limit when the vehicle is on the move.

Roof Type and Dimensions

Roofs of vehicles can vary from flat and curved to having raised rails, each type interacting differently with the installation of a roof top tent. Equally important are the dimensions of your vehicle's roof. Ensuring precise roof measurements is integral to confirming a tent that fits securely and seamlessly, which mitigates the likelihood of potential mishaps. It is pivotal to cross-verify these dimensions with those stated by the tent manufacturer. Additionally, one must confirm that there is adequate space to unfurl and fold the tent without inflicting any damage to either the vehicle or the tent itself.

Vehicle Weight and Load Capacity

The cumulative weight of your vehicle, inclusive of the rooftop tent's additional load, must be within the vehicle's prescribed maximum load capacity. This limit, also known as the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR), is the utmost weight your vehicle can safely bear, encompassing its own weight, passengers, fuel, and any supplementary cargo. Overburdening the vehicle can negatively impact its handling and performance and may precipitate structural damage or even severe accidents. Therefore, it is essential to calculate the total weight of your vehicle after adding the tent and ensure it does not exceed the GVWR.

Vehicle Type and Model

Not all types and models of vehicles are suitable for roof top tents. Compact cars or vehicles with a low roof load capacity may not be able to safely support a roof top tent. On the other hand, SUVs, trucks, and other larger vehicles are usually better equipped to handle the additional weight and size of a roof top tent. The vehicle's height can also impact the ease of accessing the tent, with taller vehicles potentially requiring additional steps or a longer ladder. Furthermore, the make and model of the vehicle can influence the availability and selection of compatible roof racks and tents.

Before you make any purchase decision, be sure to check the provider's for detailed information about vehicle compatibility. At Benehike, a provider of a wide range of roof top tents, you have a great chance of finding your own roof top tents.

Mounting a Roof Top Tent

The process of mounting a roof top tent on your vehicle involves several steps, including checking the tent and all its accessories, installing the mounting tracks and ladder, securing the tent to the roof rack, and finally, ensuring all components are securely fastened.

1. Acquisition and Preparation: Upon selection and procurement of your rooftop tent, identify a level, open area for unpacking and preparing the tent for installation. It's imperative to verify that all the necessary accessories and hardware are included in the package. This usually comprises mounting channels, bolts, washers, a ladder, ladder mounting brackets, and tent mounting brackets.
2. Inspection: Thoroughly inspect the quality of the tent, ensuring all the components - including zippers and doors - are in optimal working condition. Carefully check for any damages to the rooftop tent that could have transpired during the shipping or handling process.
3. Roof Rack or Crossbar System Installation: In case it is not pre-installed, proceed to set up your roof rack or crossbar system. The spacing between the crossbars should be adjusted correctly as per your roof rack manufacturer's guidelines.
4. Mounting Tracks and Ladder Installation: Next, secure your mounting tracks to the base of your tent using the provided bolts and nuts. Following that, mount your ladder to the tent using a similar process. Ensure the ladder is straight and swings without any hitch.
5. Positioning the Tent: The next step involves placing the tent on your vehicle, preferably with the help of at least one other person. Center it on your roof rack as best as possible, with the mounting tracks and crossbars perpendicular to each other
6. Securing the Tent: Secure the tent with the provided sliding mounting brackets, two for each point of contact the tent has with the roof rack. Repeat this process for each corner of the tent. Once all the brackets are in place, fasten the nuts with your ratchet wrench until you see a slight bend in the metal mounting plate 6 .
7. Finishing Touches: Lastly, put the end caps for the mounting tracks back onto the ends, and your tent should be all set 7 .

Remember, the exact installation process may vary based on the type of tent and the specific design of your vehicle and roof rack. Always refer to the manufacturer's installation guide and consider seeking professional help if you are unsure about any step in the process. At Benehike, you can check a manual guide for installation attached to every model.

Conclusion

In conclusion, a rooftop tent can undoubtedly augment your camping experience, providing both comfort and novelty. However, it is vital to ensure the tent's compatibility with your vehicle, taking into account both safety and convenience. By paying heed to the aforementioned factors and garnering a solid understanding of the various types of rooftop tents, you will be well-equipped to make an informed decision, thus enriching your outdoor adventures.

Are you interested in learning more about canvas roof top tent? Contact us today to secure an expert consultation!