Roof Tent FAQ

A roof tent is a sleeping pod that attaches to the roof of almost any vehicle, providing a comfortable and safe sleeping space elevated from the ground. The ingenious design allows for quick and easy setup and pack-down and keeps you off the ground away from any wet or uneven surfaces, as well as wildlife.

Elevated sleeping area

Roof tents elevate your sleeping area off the ground, providing an extra level of comfort, safety, and convenience - this elevated position allows for epic views and great ventilation too.

Quick, easy setup

Another huge benefit is that they are quick and easy to set up and have a fitted mattress, saving you time and effort during your camping trips.

Camp where you park

Rooftop tents provide the flexibility to camp anywhere your vehicle can go, much like a campervan, which can lead to more unique and less crowded camping experiences and you don’t need to find a flat piece of grass to pitch up a ground tent.

More space in your vehicle

Finally, because they pack away neatly on your vehicle's roof, they leave more space inside your car for other camping gear. With a roof tent, you will look forward to camping!

Whilst the popularity of roof tents has grown in recent years, the concept isn't new. It’s hard to pinpoint the exact starting point of rooftop tents as there were several options available in Europe in the 1950s, but we do know that British inventor Victor Rosen came up with a unique roof tent concept in 1956. They've been a staple of African and Australian overlanding for decades, and recently, they've been gaining traction amongst general camping crowds in Europe and North America.

We can say with confidence that TentBox offers some of the best roof tents on the market and we have played a huge role in their meteoric rise to popularity. We will never bash other brands but are happy to talk about what makes us great. Our roof tents offer an outstanding balance of quality, durability, and convenience and are backed by a 5-year warranty. We also offer excellent customer service and have an active, supportive community of TentBoxers.

Yes, roof tents offer a surprising level of comfort. They typically come with a built-in foam mattress that offers good support and a great night's sleep. The elevation also tends to provide better ventilation than a traditional tent and being off the ground, you don't have to worry about uneven, rocky or damp surfaces underneath you.

Yes, a well-made roof tent is completely waterproof and will provide you with a cosy space that’s protected from the elements. A TentBox is designed with British weather in mind and as we all know, that means a lot of rain! All TentBox models are made with a durable, waterproof canvas, with silicone taped seams and in some cases waterproof zips.

Yes, good-quality roof tents have a solid frame and are designed to withstand strong winds. However, like any tent, they have limits, so always check the manufacturer's guidelines for wind ratings. In extreme wind conditions, it may be safer to take down the tent or find a more sheltered spot.

Absolutely - one of the main advantages of roof tents is their ease of use. They can be set up and packed away quickly and easily, often in just a few minutes. Some roof tents, like the TentBox Classic, have a gas-assisted opening system and allow you to leave your duvet and pillows inside.

Yes, rooftop tents are designed to be simple enough for one person to set up and pack away. However, depending on the model and size of the tent, some people may find it easier with two people.

While they may look compact from the outside, roof tents are surprisingly spacious inside. Most roof tents will comfortably sleep two people and are long enough for people up to 7ft tall. Some rooftop tents like the TentBox XL have enough space for four adults or even a small family

Roof tents can indeed be a great option for families. Some models, like the TentBox XL, are large enough to comfortably sleep two adults and two children. However, it's important to check the specific model's sleeping capacity and weight limit. For larger families, you may need to consider multiple roof tents or a combination of a roof tent and a ground tent.

Yes, a rooftop tent is an excellent option for wild camping as it allows you to set up camp almost anywhere your vehicle can go. Being elevated from the ground also offers additional protection and comfort when camping in remote or uneven terrain. However, always ensure you're respecting local regulations and land ownership.

You can sleep in a roof tent anywhere it's legal and safe to park your vehicle overnight. This includes designated campsites, certain public land, certain laybys, and some roadside rest areas and car parks. Always adhere to local rules and regulations, and be respectful of the environment and other people.

Roof tents are heavier than ground tents due to the materials used for their construction. The exact weight can vary depending on the model and size, but on average, you can expect a roof tent to weigh between 45kg and 75kg (less than the weight of an average person). It's important to ensure your vehicle's roof load limit is greater than the weight of the tent that you are planning to buy.

Almost all roof tents come with a mattress, which is stored inside the tent when it's closed. With some rooftop tents, such as the TentBox Classic, you can also leave your bedding inside when it's closed - think sleeping bags, duvets and pillows. This can save space in your vehicle and make setting up camp quicker and easier as your bed is pre-made.

While it's not a common occurrence, like any valuable item, roof tents can be targeted by thieves. It is advisable to get insurance to protect your roof tent and many companies, like TentBox, offer additional security solutions to deter thieves.

Yes, roof tents are designed to be warm and cosy. The canvas used is usually thick and insulating as is the foam mattress and being elevated from the ground helps to retain heat better than traditional ground tents as there is an air barrier between the base of the tent and the car. However, it is always advisable to use a sleeping bag that has a suitable rating for the outside temperatures.

Roof tents can be seen out in the wild, at tradeshows, or at roof tent dealerships. At TentBox, we have a network of approved dealers across the country where you can see our tents in person. You can also check out our website for detailed images and videos of our products.

If you need help with roof tents, you can contact the TentBox team via email, phone, or social media. We're always happy to help with any questions or concerns you may have. We also have a range of online resources available, including installation guides and FAQs.

Yes, a lot of roof tent brands will offer finance to help you purchase a roof tent. At TentBox, we offer a variety of flexible 0% finance options to help make your roof tent purchase more affordable. You can find more information on our website or contact our customer service team to discuss the available options.

The cost of roof tents reflects the cost of manufacturing; they are large heavy items that use quality materials, a lot of metal and take a long time to assemble by hand. They are a durable and long-lasting product, designed to withstand various weather conditions and provide a comfortable and safe sleeping environment. While the initial investment may be higher than a traditional tent, many users find the benefits and convenience to be worth the cost in the long run.

Rooftop tents offer several advantages over ground tents. They elevate you off the ground, providing a comfortable and dry sleeping area regardless of the terrain or weather conditions. They also allow you to camp almost anywhere your vehicle can go, providing a lot of flexibility. Additionally, roof tents are often quicker and easier to set up and pack away than traditional tents. However, whether a roof tent is 'better' will depend on individual preferences and camping needs.

Roof tents can be a great alternative to a campervan. They are significantly cheaper, easier to store when not in use, and allow you to utilise your existing vehicle. They also provide a similar benefit of being able to camp wherever your vehicle can go, and like a campervan, your sleeping area is off the ground and secure. However, unlike a campervan, a roof tent does not have a built-in kitchen or living area, but you can use various camping accessories to achieve this.

Most roof tents can accommodate people up to and over 6ft tall comfortably. However, it's always a good idea to check the specific dimensions of the tent model you're considering. At TentBox, we list the interior dimensions of our tents to help you make an informed decision and our largest model, the TentBox XL is almost 8ft long.

This really depends on the size of your dog and whether you are capable of carrying them up the ladder. If not, people will often use a dog ramp on the front of their car to allow them to climb into a side window. Always ensure that any dog in a roof tent is supervised and secure to prevent them from jumping or falling out.

The number of people a roof tent can accommodate depends on the model. Some are designed for two people, while larger models like the TentBox XL can fit up to four people comfortably. Always check the specific capacity and weight limit of the roof tent model you're considering.

Yes, most roof tents come with a built-in mattress that lives inside the roof tent at all times. These are typically made from high-density foam and offer a comfortable sleeping surface. The thickness and quality of the mattress can vary between manufacturers and models. At TentBox we list all of our mattress specifications on our website.

Yes, roof tents typically come with a ladder included. In some roof tent models the ladder serves a dual purpose: it allows you to access the tent, and it also provides the necessary means to open the tent. Some ladders, like those included with TentBox tents, are telescopic, meaning they can be adjusted to different heights to suit your vehicle.

Absolutely! Roof tents are perfect for road trips. They allow you to set up camp quickly and easily, giving you more time to explore and enjoy your trip. Plus, they're attached to your vehicle, so you always have a comfortable and secure place to sleep, wherever your adventure takes you.