Before you jump right into Jeep Camping, let’s talk roof top tents and whether they’re right for your vehicle and camping needs.
What is a rooftop tent?
A Rooftop Tent (RTT) is a pop-up tent that attaches to the top of a Jeep, truck, trailer or other vehicle. The tent includes a flat sleeping platform as its base and secures to the vehicle through a roof rack, bed cage, or other RTT mounting points.
What type of rooftop tent is best ?
There are two major types of rooftop tents: Hard Shell Roof Top Tents and Soft Shell.
With different sleeping configurations and sizes, the number of options adds up quickly. The type of tent that is best depends on your budget, needs and camping style – discussed in depth below.
The perfect setup for Jeep Camping?
I remember first testing out a rooftop tent — at the time it appeared to be the perfect setup for a Jeep Camper Build. A rooftop tent provides an elevated sleeping platform, quick setup and frees up room in the back of the Jeep for other overlanding gear.
Elevated Sleeping Platform
Tired of clearing rocks and twigs to make a ground tent comfortable? The key advantage of a rooftop tent is sleeping up and away from the ground. Whether it’s critters, wet/muddy conditions, or gravel/dirt you’re trying to avoid – this camp setup does the trick.
Flat Level Tent Surface
If you’re setting off to camp above the trail, there won’t always be an easy level spot to set out a ground tent. Rutted and uneven terrain makes for interesting sleeping positions, to say the least. Another benefit of rooftop tents is that the tent is built into a flat and even sleeping surface free of ruts and ravines. No more lumpy ground tents.
Still, you’ll need to make sure the vehicle is level before calling it a night…
Quick Setup and Teardown
After a long day of off-roading, the last thing you want is a complicated setup process. Rooftop tents can be quicker than other sleeping setups to put up and take down, giving you more time to relax by the campfire.
Added Safety and Comfort
Whether you’re camping in bear country or just want that added peace of mind, rooftop tents can provide an added layer of security. Plus, they usually come with built-in mattresses for maximum comfort – no more fussing with half-deflated air mattresses.
With the potential to integrate electricity hookups, lighting, heating and even cooling into a Roof Top Tent, it can become much more of a livable area than a bare-bones tent.
Evaluating Your Jeep/Camp Needs
Is your Jeep set up right?
Before you commit to a rooftop tent, it’s important to consider whether your Jeep is up to the task. Is it outfitted for the trails you plan to traverse? Does it have a sturdy roof rack that can support the weight of a tent? These are all things to think about.
You’ll also want to weigh the disadvantages of roof top tents before purchasing.
Determining Your Camping Style
Everyone’s camping style is different, and that’s okay! Whether you prefer solo expeditions or group outings with friends, there’s a rooftop tent out there to suit your needs. Think about how often you’ll be camping and what kind of terrain and weather conditions you’ll be facing.
Will you be in the desert, mountains, or along the coast? How much rain, wind or snow could you be facing? Will you camp more in the summer, or year round? You’ll want to decide on a rooftop tent type that matches these conditions and camping style.
Pros & Cons of Rooftop Tents
Pros:
Beyond the benefits listed above, one of the overall advantages of rooftop tents is their versatility. They’re perfect for Jeep camping, but they can also be used on other vehicles like trucks and SUVs.
If you’re the kind of vehicle owner to upgrade or change models after a few years, a rooftop tent can always be transferred to a new build on a moment’s notice as well. For this reason, you’ll want to invest in a quality tent that will stand up for years to come.
Cons:
Like most any setup, rooftop tents aren’t perfect. They can be pricey, and they’re not always the most spacious option.
Many off-road enthusiasts focus on the benefits mentioned above without bringing up any of the tough realities that camping in a Rooftop Tent can bring. Common issues with rooftop tents are outlined below.
Setup Difficulties
This is one of the most common things Jeep owners struggle with when setting up a rooftop tent. With the tent being so high up, especially on a lifted or offroad build, it can be cumbersome to climb up on the vehicle and unfold or popup a tent without an accessory ladder or other stepping point.
Stuck at Camp
Once the tent is set up – it’s also important to note that the vehicle cannot hit the trail again until the entire tent is packed up and ready to go. This may sound obvious, but in reality it means on multi day trips you’ll be setting up camp night after night. With a ground tent or other camper setup that can be left at the campsite you’re free to roam.
Whether you’re needing to run to town for camp supplies or just making it down the road to the bathrooms/showers, with a rooftop tent you’ll be stuck tearing down camp time and time again.
How do you level a rooftop tent?
Another common issue that shows itself after installing a rooftop tent is the issue of parking on the slightest incline. While the bottom of a rooftop tent itself is flat, it being level completely depends on the vehicle being level.
While off-roading and seeking out more remote jeep campsites, there often isn’t a perfectly flat surface to park on. It’s one thing to roll to one side of an incline sleeping on your own, but if you’re sleeping with a partner or family forget about a good night’s rest.
I’ve set up camp ignorant to this, with my head facing up an incline and I swear I woke up 5 inches shorter – as my body slid downward and compressed against the end of the vehicle. Not a good night’s sleep.
There are solutions such as RV leveling blocks, but it becomes another task to keep in mind.
Are rooftop tents safe for Jeeps?
Even if your roof rack is rated to hold the weight of a rooftop tent – it can still ruin both on and off road vehicle handling and safety. The added weight above the roofline skews the vehicle’s center of gravity and can make an already tall and tipsy vehicle even more prone to rollover accidents on and off the trail.
How much does a rooftop tent weigh?
The average rooftop tent can weigh upwards of 150-200lbs, depending on its size, accessories and build materials (steel, aluminum, composites, plastics, etc). Not only does this bring a noticeable disadvantage in safety and handling, but can greatly impact fuel mileage.
After installing a rooftop tent, both vehicle weight and aerodynamics are negatively affected, which both work to decrease the MPG of the Jeep/vehicle it’s mounted on. Some campers will opt to remove their soft-sided tent while commuting to save on fuel costs, while others will invest in a sleeker hard-shell rooftop tent to give better aerodynamics for a permanent installation.
How much do roof top tents cost?
The cheapest rooftop tents can be found as low as ~$500 (avoid these at all costs) while a well-built unit can cost upwards of $2000 to $3000. It’s a substantial investment in your vehicle.
Many of the problems above seem trivial on their own, but paired with the high cost of a rooftop tent, you’ll want to be sure this is really the best Jeep camping option for your adventure style.
If you’re still on the fence, I’d recommend watching the video below to see a real life discussion on why a rooftop tent may not be the best solution:
Alternatives to Rooftop Tents
Not sure if a rooftop tent is worth the cost? Is it the right setup for you? Consider the alternatives to still enjoy vehicle-based camping.
Ground Tents
If a rooftop tent isn’t your style, don’t worry—there are plenty of other camping options out there. Ground tents are a classic choice, offering more space and flexibility than rooftop tents.
Just starting Jeep Camping? Keep it simple and get out there quicker!
Hammocks
For the ultimate in lightweight camping, consider a hammock. They’re perfect for solo adventurers and can be set up just about anywhere there are trees (or even strung between the bumpers of two Jeeps).
I’ve put a good mosquito-net outfitted hammock to use on plenty of trips – but be warned the wind chill is the worst with this option. Best for crisp summer nights when fresh air is unmatched.
DIY Camper Conversions
Feeling handy? A DIY camper conversion is always an option. With a little creativity and elbow grease, you can turn your Jeep into a fully-outfitted adventure mobile. This is the option I ended up going with – although with a pop-top twist. Providing the best of both rooftop and in-vehicle camping.
Even without a pop-up camper top, a Jeep can easily fit a low-profile sleeping platform that turns the backseat into a comfortable bed for two. Completely removed from rain, wind, and the elements. Again, this can be a great option to start Jeep camping, while keeping a rooftop tent in mind for later on into your Jeep build.
Tips for Choosing a Rooftop Tent
Which Rooftop Tent is Best for Jeep Camping?
Still feeling the rooftop setup? It’s ultimately your build and your camping style that should be the deciding factor – check out a few types of rooftop tents to see which is the best choice.
Research Different Brands and Models
Not all rooftop tents are created equal. Take the time to research different brands and models to find the one that’s right for you.
Some brands simply slap a logo on a generic chinese-factory design, while others market unique and intentful designs and components that should stand up to the outdoors.
Measure Twice, Buy Once
You’ll likely need to buy more than just a rooftop tent to get started. A quality vehicle-specific roof rack should be specced to match width and weight ratings.
With that said, take a look at your preferred tent’s dimensions and markup how it will sit on the Jeep/vehicle’s roof.
Will it fit trim to the sides or hang over? How much room do you need in a mattress? How bulky of a tent are you willing to purchase?
My Top Pick: The Best Roof Top Tent
Although there’s even higher end rooftop tents for big spenders, my personal pick would be a mid-level hardshell rooftop tent for the best cost vs. utility tradeoff.
A plastic outer shell is alright, but I would invest the extra bit to purchase an aluminum or fiberglass hard-shell tent. I want a tent that’s going to be as durable and rugged as the vehicle it’s mounted to and stand up to years of camping and exploring.
Lesson Learned: Don’t Sweat The Small Stuff
Of course, no camping trip is without its challenges. As detailed as the discussion is above, keep it simple. What is the simplest setup for you to start Jeep camping today? It may not have all the bells and whistles, but it’ll give you real experience to build off of.
When you’re finally ready to invest in a long term sleeping setup, you’ll know exactly what fits the needs of your camping style.
Bookmark this page, sleep on it (ideally at camp), and come back when your ready to go all-in!
Did I Miss Anything? Questions? Comment Below!
Read More – DIY Pop-Top: Finished Mold & Part (Fiberglass)
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