If you are looking to purchase or just curiously searching about roof top tents, you could think about what the biggest advantages they have over tents on the ground or car camping.
The benefits of a roof top tent are that it can stay dry and clean, offer luxury, comfort, and keep off the ground in an easy and easy manner.
These are only one of the many advantages that roof top tents (RTTs) give campers. The list is not complete. to draw attention to, some obvious and some not so apparent to someone who is just beginning.
So let’s talk a bit more about the benefits I have noticed in my experiences camping with an RTT! Near the end of this article, I will talk about the cons I’ve found in owning one.
Cleanliness
If you’ve been camping in a ground tent you are aware of how fast the tent can get dirty. The dirt will cover the tent when you put it down, and when you step inside the tent for a few times, you’ll track through the dirt too. An even worse scenario is when it rains, and the ground is wet.
With a RTT you don’t need to worry about these issues because it isn’t affixed to the ground. When you enter the tent, it is possible to put your shoes in an waterproof shoe bag that is located just outside the entryway to your RTT. Making sure you take your shoes off and on before entering the tent is much more simple than with a ground tent.
A trip to the beach can be exciting in theory, but it is the quantity of sand that makes its way into your tent and gear is the most damaging part. Sand always finds ways to enter the tent, but it’ll be less with RTT. RTT.
Also, you won’t need to wash or clean the RTT after a rainy camping excursion like you do for a ground tent.
Comfort
The ease of sleep in an roof tent is unparalleled. For me, the most significant difference is having a flat sleeping surface. When in a ground tent, even with a nice cushion, the bumpy and uneven surfaces make it extremely uncomfortable.
This is particularly true if you are planning a lengthy camping trip that lasts for several days at an time. The built-in mattress RTTs usually have is about 2-3.5 inches thick and is constructed from high-density foam. The mattress is very comfortable.
In the context of comfort, let’s talk about the bed. The ability to avoid the process of blowing up an air mattress and constructing beds is a massive time saver.
The majority of RTTs particularly hardshells let you keep your bedding stored inside the tent once it’s closed. This means pillows, sheets and blankets can be kept available for use inside the tent and not have to remove them following each use.
Apart from the fact that this can help you save lots of effort and time. I love knowing that I’ll never lose anything as I rush out of the house to prepare for my next camping trip!
Effortless setup
It’s a debateable issue for some, but I feel that RTTs are easier to setup. For one, I stay much cleaner since it isn’t a tent that touches the ground.
Also, I don’t have to use these dreadful poles, tie-downs or stakes to secure the tent. The process of setting up a ground tent isn’t easy and the amount of duration to complete the task as well as make the bed could take between 15 and 20 minutes all together.
Some RTTs are more efficient in their deployment than others. For example, foldout softshell RTTs need you to remove the PVC cover and untie multiple straps prior to using. Depending on the model, the process should take roughly five minutes. It is my opinion that closing the tent will take some time to tuck all of the fabric inside as you close it too.
Many RTTs that are made of hardshell just require a few clamps to be undone and then the gas struts will make the tent pop up for you. The process takes just 60 seconds and with no effort!
I’m aware of pop-up ground tents that can be set up in mere just a few minutes. However, with the exception of those that aren’t, RTTs in my opinion do have an advantage in this regard!
Gear that is packed less
When you go on a camping trip and pack your vehicle with the necessities, you realize the amount of space you’ve got to spare for everything you need.
This is an area where the RTT shines since it sits on top of your car. You also don’t need to fret about the area that air mattresses typically take up. Also, as I mentioned when I spoke about comfort almost all of the bedding can be kept in the RTT when it’s closed too!
I can see this as being very valuable for a large family, where space is restricted on the road. It’s also great for people, like myself, who often forget some thing or two for my trips! Being prepared for your tent to go whenever you need it provides peace of mind and a less burden to worry about.
Luxury
There is definitely a level of luxuriousness that comes with an RTT. It is a happy middle or step above the ground tent, but not as luxurious than a teardrop trailer. RTTs are pricey but not when you are comparing to other trailers!
Certain RTTs may cost more than $4,000 and will be made of aluminum and steel. Other luxuries include built-in fans as well as LED lighting, solar panels with automatic shut and open, an annex, awning and a host of other options.
You could make your RTT completely electric using solar panels attached directly to your tent. Some RTTs also have USB and 12V plugs within the tent that are waiting to be connected to a source of power.
I could go on forever about possible improvements that you could do to an RTT. There’s nothing comparable to this in the category of ground tents, which is why I find RTTs to be superior to camping.
All-season use
The best way expand your camp season to later in the year or year-round is to use a well-equipped tent with the right equipment. There are many RTTs with all-season capabilities that are fitted with extremely durable fabric, anti-condensation mats, flooring that is insulated, and some additional features.
A natural advantage they have is the fact that they can be elevated in the air. This will allow you to remain dry and also to avoid sleeping on frigid cold ground.
Softshell and hardshell tents alike can be used all year round, but I would give the edge to hardshells. If it does rain or snow, I’d prefer to be inside the hardtop RTT that will keep me dry and handle the weight of all the rain or even water.
Fun factor
This is somewhat of an intangible , but to me this is a benefit! Possessing an RTT is simply fun! I truly enjoy being 8 feet off of the ground and having the best possible view when I am in my tent.
Your family and friends will proclaim how cool it is once they know how it works! The first time, people were unsure of how it worked. After posting lots of photos on camping trips, people enjoy it and have been flooding me with questions.
RTT Disadvantages
If you bring your dog with you on camping trips, as we do it could be a difficult job to bring them inside the tent. In the case of smaller breeds, I would not be concerned about it. However, I have an 80-pound dog, and it’s a challenge to make him come in every time.
If you’re older or simply can lift your dog because they are so heavy, this is something you should think about. There are workarounds to this though. If you search “dog” using the search bar on the top right corner of my website it will bring you to my post where I provide a variety of examples on how for fixing this.
But, it’s a walk in the woods compared to simply opening the tent’s doors to them.
Another drawback is storage of the RTT. Due to the lack of storage space or the inability to transport the 100- to 200-pound tent many RTT owners simply keep the tent on their vehicles all year.
This is fine , however it will add wear and wear to your vehicle , as well as reduce your car fuel efficiency.
These are just some of the disadvantages that have truly stood out and were important to me as a owner. I would highly recommend reading the article where I compare them to ground tents because I offer many more instances in which an RTT is clearly at a disadvantage.
Closing Up
For all purchases there’s always a little exchange and taking. Although the RTT has so many amazing and enjoyable features however, it has drawbacks.
Overall, I believe that many people are quite content buying an RTT compared to those who aren’t. They who aren’t satisfied are those who receive the least amount of use out of them.
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