Why Rooftop Tents Are Taking Over the Overlanding World
Rooftop tents (RTTs) have exploded in popularity among overlanders, car campers, and adventure travelers — and for good reason. They set up in minutes, keep you off the ground away from critters and moisture, and offer a surprisingly comfortable night's sleep almost anywhere your vehicle can go. If you've just picked one up or are thinking about it, here's everything you need to know to get set up fast and camp smart.
What You'll Need Before You Start
- A rooftop tent (hard shell or soft shell)
- A roof rack or crossbars rated for your tent's weight
- A ladder (usually included with the tent)
- A torque wrench or socket set for mounting
- A friend for the initial install (highly recommended!)
Step 1: Install Your Roof Rack
Before your tent goes anywhere near your roof, you need a solid foundation. Make sure your roof rack or crossbars are rated to handle the static weight of your tent plus the dynamic load of people sleeping in it. Check your vehicle's roof load rating in the owner's manual — most vehicles support 150–200 lbs dynamic and significantly more static.
Pro tip: If you're unsure, go with a dedicated overlanding rack from a reputable brand. It's not worth cutting corners here.
Step 2: Position the Tent on the Rack
With help, lift the tent onto your roof rack. Position it so the ladder will deploy on the side or rear of the vehicle — whichever works best for your setup and campsite access. Make sure the tent is centered and balanced on the rack before tightening anything down.
Step 3: Secure the Mounting Brackets
Most rooftop tents come with universal mounting brackets that clamp onto your crossbars. Slide the brackets into the mounting channels on the bottom of the tent, then position them over your crossbars. Hand-tighten first to get everything aligned, then use a torque wrench to tighten to the manufacturer's spec (usually 35–45 ft-lbs). Do not overtighten — you can damage the crossbars or tent base.
Step 4: Open the Tent for the First Time
For soft shell tents: unzip the cover, unfold the tent body, and extend the ladder. Most soft shells are fully open in under 2 minutes once you've done it a couple of times.
For hard shell tents: release the latches, lift the shell (gas struts do most of the work), and extend the ladder. Hard shells are even faster — some open in under 60 seconds.
Step 5: Set Up Your Sleeping Space
Most rooftop tents come with a mattress already inside. Unroll it, add your sleeping bag or bedding, and you're ready. A few things to make your sleep more comfortable:
- Use a mattress topper for extra cushion on cold nights
- Bring a small pillow — the built-in mattress doesn't include one
- Organize gear in the tent's interior pockets to keep things tidy
- Crack a window or vent to reduce condensation overnight
Step 6: Breaking Camp
Packing up is just as fast as setting up. Remove your bedding, fold or roll the mattress back into position, retract the ladder, and close/latch the tent. For soft shells, zip the cover back on. For hard shells, lower the lid and latch it. You're ready to roll in minutes.
Common Rooftop Tent Mistakes to Avoid
- Parking on uneven ground: Always try to level your vehicle before sleeping — a slight slope feels much worse after a few hours.
- Forgetting to check clearance: Know your vehicle's new height with the tent mounted before driving into parking garages or under low branches.
- Leaving the tent open during rain: If a storm rolls in, close up quickly — most tents are water-resistant but not designed to sit open in heavy rain unattended.
- Skipping the torque check: Re-check your mounting bolts after the first few trips. Vibration from driving can loosen them over time.
Ready to Sleep Under the Stars?
A rooftop tent transforms any vehicle into a capable basecamp. Whether you're overlanding through the backcountry or just want a better car camping experience, it's one of the best upgrades you can make. Browse our rooftop and SUV tent collection at FieldToPeak and find the perfect setup for your rig.
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