If you’re a keen camper, then you’ve probably had the pleasure of seeing roof-top tents.
Roof-top tents are a great alternative for those who don’t want an RV or a camper, but need a more luxurious alternative to the camping tent of old.
Camping requires numerous items, and camping with a roof-top tent is no different!
Here is Our Rooftop Tent Checklist:
Roof Rack
Rooftop Tent Hardware
Ladder
Tent Cover
Rooftop Tent Expansions
Covers and Tents Alternative
Bedding
Storage Accessories
Camp Furniture
Lighting
Food/Water
First Aid Kits
Other Items
1. Roof Rack:
The first thing to make sure you have when purchasing a roof-top tent is a proper roof rack.
The roof rack can help keep your tent safe and stable while driving and while using your tent.
When purchasing a roof rack, you should take into consideration your car’s capacity for weight, the weight of the rack’s weight, as well as the capacity that the tent. You also need to know what kind of roof rack is suitable for your particular vehicle.
2. Roof-Top Tent Hardware:
It might seem obvious, but if you plan to set up a roof-top tent, it is important to make sure that all the hardware is included for the tent to function properly.
Your tent will come with the equipment you require, however you will want to ensure this before beginning your tent set-up.
The hardware for the roof-top tent includes bolts, brackets, and anything else required to setup the tent.
The entire list of everything you’ll need for setting up your tent will be provided in the instructions that came with your tent’s roof.
Additionally, if you require more additions, consider purchasing locking mechanisms for your roof or other security elements to guard against the theft of your tent’s roof!
3. Ladder:
The ladder is essential for your roof-top tent.
It’s not easy to get in and out from your tent without it.
Nearly all roof tents come equipped with an e-loop!
You should use a ladder that is made specifically for your tent. This ladder will be the most secure and stable.
4. Tent Cover:
The tent cover is necessary to extend the lifespan of your tent.
You do not want anything to happen to your tent during your drive, and having a tent cover can be a major aid in protecting it.
Be sure that the tent cover is properly secured and comes with all the necessary straps.
Click here for the latest roof tent accessories.
5. Tent Roof Top Tent Expansions:
A few roof-top tents include accessories like covers and awnings.
This could be beneficial for those who want to store things outside of your tent or vehicle areas, such as coolers and other objects.
Many great roof-top tents accessories, such as annexes and Awnings, come with the tent or are purchased separately.
6. Alternative Tents/Covers:
Since you are unable to perform more than lay down and rest in your tent’s roof, you will want to think about bringing additional cover styles for your camping experience.
Alternate tents could include canopies and screened-in rooms that cover your dining area.
This is extremely beneficial if you have inclement weather and are planning to take part in activities like games, eating, or anything else that isn’t at ease in your tent’s roof.
7. Bedding:
Bedding is an essential element when you are camping in your roof-top tent.
While your roof-top tent will make sure that you are laying on a flat surface however, it won’t be comfy if you don’t have bedding.
One benefit of the roof-top tent is you don’t have to remove bedding every time to remove the tent like you would have to for a traditional tent.
Most root-top tents fold in without issue, as will the bedding contained inside.
Most rooftop tents are equipped with bedding, however if yours doesn’t have bedding, you can get a mattress that is small specifically for your particular roof-top tent to know it will fit as it is built and small!
Also, be sure you have sleeping bags or blankets to keep warm along with pillows.
8. Storage Accessories:
Another thing worth considering would be storage equipment.
Because you are limited by the space you have in your tent It’s a good idea to be creative as far as storage is concerned.
Things like hanging storage containers or shelves that are temporary can be an excellent way to take items out of your car for easy access and are easy to set up or take down.
You should also consider keeping food and clothing in the car locked when it’s not in use, to be safe from thieves as well as wild animals.
You can use coolers for food items, vacuum space bags for clothing, and bags for kitchen appliances as well as other items.
The benefit of having the roof-top tent is its ability to be installed and removed So, you must make sure that you can install your entire site quickly and quickly.
9. Camp Furniture:
Another excellent consideration is bringing camping furniture.
Roof-top tents are really only ideal for sleeping in, so you will want to bring something else the times you don’t intend to stay in bed.
The best solution is to take a camping chair so that you can be comfortable during the day or eat and relax by the fire.
You could also take hammocks and small folding tables.
Also, loveseat camping chairs are ideal to bring to provide space for large families or for couples to lounge at a fire in a cozy setting.
10. Lighting:
Lighting is crucial.
There’s nothing more unpleasant than stumbling around in the dark, particularly in the middle of nowhere, or in a place with a lot of wild animals.
Things to consider having are flashlights, lanterns, recharged cellphones, headlamps and pen lamps to put in your glove compartment.
11. Food/Water:
Food and water are essential regardless of what kind camping adventure you’re engaged in.
In addition to the actual water and food items it is important to make sure you bring an extra cooler as well as cooking supplies.
It could be as easy as a campfire stick for hotdogs or as complex as the propane cooking station or a small grill.
12. First Aid Kit:
Oft overlooked, carrying a first aid kit is crucial.
No one knows what will happen next You should be prepared when it does.
This is a crucial aspect when you’re camping in a location that isn’t in the way.
A first aid kit could help you temporarily take care of an issue while you are traveling toward the hospital closest to you, particularly when the nearest hospital is away.
13. Other Items:
This list is not complete.
If you have gone camping before and have had a good idea of the other things you’ll need.
These additional items can include anything from books to games clothing, toiletries and anything else you think you may require.
Make sure you also include:
Firestarters
Trash bags and paper towels
Ziploc bags, or containers for food items
Tongs, grilling utensils, can openers, as well as potatoes peelers
Aluminum foil, bowls, plates, silverware
Etc.
Overall, you want to be prepared to ensure that your camping experience is the very best that it can be!