Rooftop tents are more popular than ever. But before you plan your next adventure, of course you want to be sure: can a rooftop tent fit on any car? The short answer: no, not on every car. But it will fit on many more cars than you think. In this blog we simply and clearly explain what to look out for.
What should you pay attention to?
A rooftop tent won’t fit on just any car. Fortunately, you don’t have to dig through technical manuals to know if it can be done. There are three things that are important:
1. The roof load of your car
Every car has a dynamic roof load (while driving) and a static roof load (when the car is stationary).
- Dynamic roof load: The roof load specified by the manufacturer is the maximum dynamic roof load and must be sufficient for the total weight of the tent, roof racks and other accessories.
- Static roof load: usually 3 to 5 times the dynamic roof load. Enough to carry the roof tent and two to four people while standing still.
In doubt? Look in the instruction booklet or send us the make, type and year of manufacture of your car. Then we’ll check it for you.
2. The type of roof
Not every car roof is the same. Here’s what to look out for:
- Roof with open or closed roof rails: usually suitable
- Roof with fixed attachment points: usually suitable
- (older) cars with rain gutters: usually suitable
- Convertible, Smooth roof, Panoramic roof or glass roof: often unsuitable; sometimes clamping roof racks are possible. Check with the importer
3. Roof racks
A roof tent is usually mounted on roof racks. Note here:
- The manufacturer’s specified load capacity should equal or exceed the weight of your rooftop tent + carriers.
- The ideal distance between the carriers is about half the length of your roof tent. A little more is fine, less preferably not too much (Example: for a 160cm tent, the ideal distance between the roof racks is 80-100cm).
- The minimum free space between the carrier feet should be 70cm or 80cm, depending on the model of roof tent. (Keep this in mind if you have a roof rail that tapers strongly at the back)
- Preferably choose a carrier with a sturdy extrusion profile, reinforcement ribs or T-slot, which extends over the carrier feet. This prevents sagging and springs.
- More expensive is not always better. In the overview below the best roof racks for your roof tent with a high load capacity and excellent price/quality ratio:
- Thule SmartRack XT Alu
- Hapro Cronos Aero 1 Aluminum
- Farad, all models
- Van Guard; for vans, buses and van campers
- Thule Wingbar Evo; if you are looking for a perfect roof rack and price is less important.
- Systems we recommend against in advance:
- Thule Wingbar Edge, Yakima Flush and similar; insufficient load capacity/unstable mounting
- Thule Squarebar/Load Bar; hang/spring/bend quickly even when maximum load is not exceeded, especially on wider cars
- Aguri prestige and similar “sleepers”: too little mounting space
Which rooftop tent fits your car?
It depends mostly on your car as well as your travel style:
- Small car: choose a light softcover rooftop tent or for a roof tent for 2 persons
- Medium car: softcover or light hardcover roof tent for 2-3 persons
- Large car, SUV or van: any kind of rooftop tent, including larger rooftop tents for 4 persons
Check out all our models on the rooftop tents.
In doubt? Come by or send a photo
You don’t have to figure it out on your own. Send us a WhatsApp with a picture of your car, or drop by our showroom in IJsselmuiden. Then together we will see which roof tent fits your car best.
