A built-in sunroof pop-up tent on a campervan is super practical. Admittedly, this equipment is not cheap, especially if it is a temporary solution. Yet, it offers additional sleeping space to its users. Now we have a cheaper and more flexible solution: a removable roof tent! But, will it be made for you? If you have no idea about it, you will find out in this article what you need to know about this equipment before buying it. In reality, roof tents offer you different sleeping arrangements for your vehicle.
What is a rooftop tent?
As the name suggests, it is a tent with a mattress, placed on the roof of your van more precisely. It opens easily and makes it possible to create an additional, comfortable bed on the roof of this van. The roof top tent is also suitable equipment for extra sleeping space, especially during an exceptional time: for example to bring your friends during their visit (once a year). The roof tent also allows you to keep your storage compartment free for other equipment (motorcycles, bicycles, etc.). All this provides a pleasant feeling of freedom for traveling or sleeping.
The concept of a rooftop tent
The roof tent comes in different sizes so that even the tallest among us can stretch out comfortably. The interior space is very high. Turning your roof into sleeping space is basically what roof tents are all about. Nowadays, some manufacturers market both electric and manual roof tents. Selection criteria should not be neglected to choose the right roof tent, namely:
- The width
You should pay attention to its width when acquiring a rooftop tent. This impacts the number of beds offered by the model, its practicality and above all its comfort.
- The height
Choose a tent with a height adapted to your height instead of a very low tent with which you will have difficulty moving around comfortably.
- The weight
Pay attention to the choice of the weight of the tent when buying. In reality, you have to make sure that the roof bars can support the weight of the tent, while driving and when stationary. The standard requires a maximum permissible weight of 75 kg per roof bar. Then opt for a model that meets this requirement of the standard.
- The material
To guarantee you a quiet night even in bad weather, check the finishes, the thicknesses, the materials, the seams… It not only influences its durability, but also the comfort of the tent.
- The mattress
Carefully monitor its density and thickness to gauge its comfort and ensure the mattress will last longer. If possible, it is better to test before buying.
- Warranty
When you buy a new roof tent, you usually get a warranty. This usually varies from 1 to 5 years.
- The mosquito net
Installing a mosquito net is necessary to protect against mosquitoes.
What are the benefits of a rooftop tent?
First of all, unlike a tent on the ground, you can sleep in the rooftop tent anywhere (in the mountains, in the countryside…), but you must respect the regulations on wild camping . You don’t care about insects and crawlers. Then, in addition to its incredible ease of use and maintenance, the greatest advantage of a roof tent is above all its comfort and practicality. It is a simple model, made from a traditional tent canvas, but with the use of technological innovations to offer it more solidity. In just a few minutes, you create comfortable additional beds.
Nowadays, thanks to the evolution of technology, many ranges are marketed on the market according to their materials, accessories, sizes and brands. Because of competition, prices for rooftop tents are getting more and more affordable over time. These have decreased considerably over the past ten years.
The majority of mattresses feature good quality foam that has sufficient mesh, adequate support and ventilation. This way, you can sleep peacefully away from summer critters and the cold of the winter period.
Rooftop tents are known for their sturdiness. Hardtop tents will definitely protect you from the weather.
The different possible uses of a roof tent
The roof tent offers you a wide range of uses. If you like “camping”, you won’t have to tow a caravan, buy a motorhome or rent a mobile home. Enjoy indoor space and a peaceful night with a rooftop tent. You will also be protected from the weather. You will thus be able to have access to tracks or paths and settle down on nature spots for camping.
The roof tent is easily installed on a gallery. It transforms your vehicle in just minutes. If you want to buy a tent to spend an unforgettable and relaxing holiday or to prepare a “trek” or a naturalist discovery or a nature expedition, prefer the roof tent, it adapts to all your expectations.
Does the VAN IT roof tent fit your vehicle?
VAN IT is the first camper van rental company since 2018. VAN IT carefully selects the roof tents for its camper vans. They adapt perfectly to the majority of cars equipped with a hardtop. The VAN IT company offers a “ unique concept for an unforgettable trip ”.
Here are the specifications of a roof tent available exclusively at VAN-IT Pyrénées:
- Italian brand.
- Overland Model Autohome;
- size medium;
- (Bed 160×200) comfort for 2 adults + 1 child;
- good quality canvas with mosquito nets;
- opening on both sides;
- fast opening and closing (5 min);
- real comfort;
- doubles as a van awning;
- cheaper price than an integrated roof.
The various technical innovations that apply to Overland bring new uncompromising quality standards and unparalleled comfort to tents with side opening.