What is a roof top camper or roof top
tent? Things to note before purchasing.
A roof top camper is a tent or cubical like
structure located on roof racks on the top (or
roof) of a car or 4WD vehicle. Some roof top
tents come with a soft top tent roof and others
with a hard top roof and the sizes vary to
accommodate 1-4 people. Some models attach to
the roof rack whilst others can be mounted to
the vehicle’s rain gutters.
Options are available for the roof top camper to
go either on the roof of your vehicle, on the
bed of a pick up truck, on the roof of an
off-road trailer and some can also be taken off
the roof and re-located on the ground. So take
some time to do some research before you choose
the best roof top tent or roof top camper for
you.
Some manufacturer’s or brand names of roof top
tents are ARB Touring, ShippShape,
Hannibal Safari Equipment, Open Sky, Aussie
Traveller and Trailer Roof Top Tents.
Advantages of Roof Top tents or Roof top camper
Ideal for 4WD vehicle
Lower cost to purchase compared to say a caravan,
trailer or motorhome
More likely less fuel costs compared to say towing
an RV
No towing if you choose not to
No extra registration costs as you are not towing a
vehicle requiring registration
You can tow something like a jet ski, boat or motor
bike trailer if you choose
Set up is quick
Some models allow for bedding and pillows to remain
in the tent when packed or closed for travel
Normally there are no poles as internal struts
support the tent
You are off the ground and away from any dangerous
animals or creepy crawlies
An even sleeping surface and no rocks or sticks
protruding through the floor
Some models of roof top tents extend out providing
shade beneath
Other models provide an annex or weather skirt for
additional living/privacy area and shade
You can travel with a roof top tent virtually any
place your vehicle can go
Less storage space required at home compared to say
a caravan, trailer or motorhome
Disadvantages
Depending on your strength and agility, setting it
up on top of the vehicle may be a challenge
You have to scale up a ladder and this may be a
challenge if you are elderly or suffer from a
physical disability
Storage of food and travel items may be a problem
compared to say a caravan, trailer or motorhome
For a number of models you will have to pack it up
if you want to drive off in your vehicle
Depending on the height of your garage or shed, you
may have to remove the roof top tent from your
vehicle before garaging or storing.
Things to consider when purchasing a roof top tent or
roof top camper
Ensure the roof racks and the roof of your vehicle
will take the weight of the roof top tent and
occupants
Purchase suitable roof racks to accommodate the size
of the roof top tent
Think about if you want to acquire a model with an
annex/weather skirt or shower cubicle
Perhaps try before you buy and hire a roof top tent
for your next 4WD adventure
Some
places that hire out 4WD vehicles with roof top tents
are Salamanda Travel, Aussie Wanderer Four Wheel Drive
and the Britz Company.
Can a roof top tent be used on the ground?
There
are makes and models of roof top tents that can be taken
down from the roof and used on the ground. This then
gives you the advantage of a permanent tent site and
being able to drive your vehicle away.
Roof top tent - Accessories/Construction
Depending on the make and model of the roof top tent the
following are available:-
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