New to rooftop tents? Check our available rentals or read our complete rooftop tent guide for comprehensive information.
Getting Started with Rooftop Tents
What is a rooftop tent and how does it work?
A rooftop tent (RTT) is a portable camping shelter that mounts on your vehicle’s roof bars. It folds flat for driving and deploys in 30 seconds to 5 minutes (depending on model) to create an elevated sleeping platform. Popular brands like Tentbox, iKamper, and Autohome include an integrated mattress, making setup faster and more comfortable than traditional ground tents.
Can my car support a rooftop tent?
Your vehicle needs:
- Static load rating: 200-400kg (check owner’s manual or door pillar sticker)
- Roof bars: Heavy-duty bars rated 80-120kg minimum
- Factory mounting points: For safe roof bar installation
Generally suitable: Large SUVs, 4x4s, pickup trucks
Check carefully: Medium SUVs, estate cars
Not recommended: Small hatchbacks, most saloons
See our detailed vehicle compatibility guide for specific models.
What’s the difference between Tentbox and iKamper?
Tentbox (UK):
- £1,495-£1,895 price range
- UK manufactured and supported
- Mix of hard shell and soft shell options
- Cargo storage models available
- Best for: Budget-conscious, UK-based support
iKamper (South Korea):
- £2,495-£3,795 price range
- Premium build quality
- Ultra-fast setup (30-60 seconds)
- Expandable designs for families
- Best for: Premium features, quick setup
Should I rent or buy a rooftop tent?
Rent first if:
- You’ve never used a rooftop tent before
- You camp less than 20 nights per year
- You want to try different models (Tentbox vs iKamper)
- You’re not sure about vehicle compatibility
Buy if:
- You camp 25+ nights per year
- You’ve tried rentals and know what you want
- You want specific customisations
Use our rent vs buy calculator with your camping frequency.
Installation and Setup Questions
How long does it take to set up a rooftop tent?
Hard shell tents (iKamper, Tentbox Cargo, Autohome): 30-60 seconds
- Unlock clasps, lift lid, gas struts do the work
- Add ladder, unfold mattress, done
Soft shell tents (Tentbox Classic): 3-5 minutes
- Unfold canvas sections, extend frame
- Insert support poles, attach ladder
- Requires more effort but offers more space
Can I install a rooftop tent myself?
Yes, but it requires two people due to weight (50-85kg). Installation steps:
- Install heavy-duty roof bars (follow vehicle manual)
- Two people lift tent onto bars (NEVER attempt solo)
- Align mounting brackets with roof bars
- Tighten mounting bolts (hand-tight plus quarter-turn)
- Check all bolts again after 30 minutes of driving
Professional installation recommended for first-time users: £50-£100 at most retailers.
See our vehicle damage prevention guide for installation tips.
What roof bars do I need?
Standard roof bars designed for roof boxes (50-75kg capacity) are NOT sufficient. You need:
- Heavy-duty bars: 80-120kg dynamic load rating minimum
- Vehicle-specific: Proper fit for your car make/model
- Recommended brands: Thule Heavy Duty, Rhino-Rack, Front Runner
- Cost: £200-£600 for quality heavy-duty bars
Can I leave the rooftop tent on my vehicle year-round?
You can, but it’s not recommended:
Pros of permanent installation:
- Always ready for spontaneous trips
- No repeated installation/removal
Cons of permanent installation:
- 15-25% fuel economy loss
- Roof panel stress and potential sagging
- Increased theft risk
- Weather degradation of tent materials
- Can’t use multi-storey car parks
Best practice: Remove between camping trips, especially if months apart.
Insurance and Legal Questions
Do I need to tell my car insurance about a rooftop tent?
Yes, absolutely. UK law requires you to notify your insurer of any vehicle modifications, including rooftop tents. Failure to notify can:
- Void your entire insurance policy
- Result in rejected claims (even unrelated to the tent)
- Create legal issues (driving without valid insurance)
Typical premium increase: £30-£100 per year for rooftop tents (more than roof boxes due to higher value).
Read our complete rooftop tent insurance guide.
Does my car insurance cover the rooftop tent?
Comprehensive policies usually cover theft/damage to the tent itself, but:
- Check policy limits: Accessory limits often £500-£1,000 (not enough for £2,000+ tents)
- Specify high-value: List Tentbox/iKamper as high-value accessory
- Contents not covered: Items inside tent need separate coverage
- Consider specialist insurance: Outdoor equipment policies for premium tents
Can I wild camp with a rooftop tent in the UK?
Scotland: Yes – wild camping is legal under Scottish Outdoor Access Code
- Camp responsibly, leave no trace
- Not on private land without permission
- Popular areas: Scottish Highlands, Cairngorms
England and Wales: No – wild camping is illegal without landowner permission
- Dartmoor has limited wild camping areas
- Use official campsites or ask landowner permission
- Risk of fines/removal if caught
Are height restrictions a problem with rooftop tents?
Yes, more so than roof boxes. Your total height will be 2.0-2.5m:
- Multi-storey car parks: Most have 1.8-2.1m limits – AVOID
- City centres: Low bridges and archways are hazards
- Drive-throughs: Check height before entering
- Automated car washes: NEVER use with tent fitted
Solution: Use surface parking, park-and-ride, on-street parking in urban areas.
Using Your Rooftop Tent
How many people can sleep in a rooftop tent?
Depends on model:
- 2 adults: Tentbox Lite, iKamper Mini, Autohome Columbus
- 2-3 adults: Tentbox Classic, Tentbox Cargo, iKamper Skycamp
- 4+ adults: iKamper X-Cover (requires large vehicle)
With children: Most 2-person tents can fit 2 adults + 1-2 small children.
Is it comfortable camping in winter with a rooftop tent?
Yes, with proper preparation:
- 4-season sleeping bag: Rated to -10°C minimum
- Insulated sleeping pad: R-value 4.0+ essential
- Tent insulation: Tentbox winter liners, iKamper insulated models
- Heating: Electric blankets, hot water bottles (NEVER gas heaters)
- Condensation management: Ventilation crucial
What about condensation inside the tent?
Condensation is common, especially in winter:
- Cause: Warm breath meets cold canvas = water droplets
- Amount: 300-500ml moisture per night from 2 people in freezing weather
- Prevention: Keep all vents open, even when cold
- Management: Wipe down with microfiber towel in morning
- Hard shells worse: iKamper, Autohome metal tops drip more than Tentbox canvas
Can you move your vehicle with tent set up?
No. The tent must be fully packed down before driving. Never attempt to drive with:
- Tent deployed/partially deployed
- Ladder attached
- People or items inside tent
Setup/pack down time is why hard shells (iKamper 30 seconds) are popular for multi-night trips with daily moves.
What if it rains when I need to pack up?
Hard shell tents (iKamper, Tentbox Cargo, Autohome):
- Can pack away wet
- MUST dry within 24 hours to prevent mold
- Set up at home or use covered area
Soft shell tents (Tentbox Classic):
- Can pack wet if absolutely necessary
- Must dry within 24 hours (critical for canvas)
- Risk of mold/mildew if stored wet
Best practice: Wait for rain to stop, wipe down, air out 15-20 minutes before packing.
Maintenance and Costs
How much does a rooftop tent cost?
Entry level (Tentbox Lite): £1,495
Mid-range (Tentbox Cargo/Classic): £1,695-£1,895
Premium (iKamper, Autohome): £2,195-£2,895
Top-end (iKamper Skycamp/X-Cover): £2,995-£3,795
Additional costs:
- Heavy-duty roof bars: £200-£600
- Installation (if professional): £50-£100
- Accessories (annex, awning): £200-£500
- Insurance increase: £30-£100/year
What maintenance is required?
After every trip:
- Dry tent completely before storage
- Wipe down interior and exterior
- Check all zippers and moving parts
Monthly (if in use):
- Check mounting bolts are tight
- Lubricate zippers with silicone spray
- Inspect canvas/shell for damage
Annually:
- Waterproof canvas (soft shells): £30-£50
- Check/replace gas struts (hard shells): £80-£150 every 3-5 years
- Inspect and replace worn seals
How long does a rooftop tent last?
With proper care:
- Canvas/fabric: 7-10 years (soft shell tents)
- Hard shell: 10-15 years (iKamper, Autohome)
- Mattress: 5-8 years before needing replacement
- Zippers: 5-10 years with proper maintenance
Factors affecting lifespan:
- Storage conditions (dry, covered storage extends life)
- Frequency of use
- Climate exposure (UV damage in constant sun)
- Maintenance quality
Brand and Model Questions
Which brand is best – Tentbox, iKamper, or Autohome?
Tentbox – Best for UK buyers:
- ✅ UK manufactured = excellent support
- ✅ Best value for money
- ✅ Designed for British weather
- ✅ Cargo models offer storage
- ❌ Longer setup time (soft shells)
iKamper – Best for premium features:
- ✅ Ultra-fast setup (30-60 seconds)
- ✅ Best build quality
- ✅ Expandable family sizes
- ✅ Insulated models available
- ❌ Most expensive option
- ❌ Heavier (limits small vehicle use)
Autohome – Best for lightweight/aerodynamics:
- ✅ Lightest options (50-55kg)
- ✅ Most aerodynamic designs
- ✅ Italian design aesthetics
- ✅ Fast setup
- ❌ European import (support slower)
- ❌ Higher price for features
See full comparison in our specifications reference.
Hard shell or soft shell – which is better?
Hard shell (iKamper, Tentbox Cargo, Autohome):
- ✅ 30-60 second setup
- ✅ Can pack wet
- ✅ Better wind resistance
- ✅ More weatherproof
- ❌ More expensive
- ❌ Heavier
- ❌ Limited sleeping space
Soft shell (Tentbox Classic):
- ✅ More internal space
- ✅ Lighter weight
- ✅ Lower cost
- ✅ Better insulation
- ❌ 3-5 minute setup
- ❌ Must pack dry
- ❌ More condensation
Can I add an annex or extension?
Yes, most brands offer annexes:
- Tentbox annex: £295 – ground-level room connects to tent
- iKamper annex: £395 – insulated version available
- Universal annexes: £200-£300 – fit most tents
Benefits: Extra living space, gear storage, changing room, shelter for cooking.
Practical Concerns
How much does fuel economy decrease?
Rooftop tents have similar impact to roof boxes:
- Motorway (70mph): 15-25% increase in fuel consumption
- A-roads (50-60mph): 10-15% increase
- Town driving: 5% increase
Example: Car normally 50mpg → 40mpg at 70mph with tent fitted.
Mitigation: Drive at 60mph (saves 15-20% fuel vs 70mph).
Are rooftop tents stolen often?
Less common than roof boxes (due to weight and mounting complexity), but high-value tents are targets:
- Risk locations: Motorway services overnight, festival car parks, beach parking
- Security measures: All brands include locks; add supplementary padlocks for £2,000+ tents
- GPS tracking: Hide AirTag/GPS tracker inside tent
- Insurance: Specify high-value on policy
Can someone else drive my vehicle with rooftop tent?
Yes, but ensure they:
- Know the total vehicle height (to avoid height restrictions)
- Are added to your insurance (rooftop tent must be declared)
- Understand to drive slower (60mph maximum recommended)
- Know how to check mounting bolts are secure
Can I park at airport with rooftop tent?
Most airport multi-storey car parks have 2.0-2.1m height limits (too low). Solutions:
- Book long-stay parking (often 2.4m+ clearance)
- Use off-site parking companies with high-clearance areas
- Pre-book “high vehicle” spaces
- Remove tent before airport trip if possible
Rooftop Tent Rental Questions
Why should I rent before buying?
- Test compatibility: Confirm your vehicle can handle the weight/height
- Try different models: Compare Tentbox vs iKamper vs Autohome
- Learn setup: Understand daily pack-down routine
- Test weather: Experience condensation, wind, rain before investing
- Assess usage: Determine if you’ll use it enough to justify £1,500-£3,500
Browse our rooftop tent rentals – Tentbox and iKamper models available (soon).
Do I need special insurance for rental rooftop tents?
You must still notify your car insurer even for rentals. Rental companies provide:
- Equipment insurance: Covers their tent
- Your liability: You’re responsible for damage/theft (typically £500-£1,000 excess)
- Damage waiver option: £10-£25/day reduces your excess to £0-£250
Can I list my rooftop tent to rent to make money?
Yes! If you own a Tentbox, iKamper, or other premium rooftop tent:
- Earn income: £80-£150 per rental (typical week)
- Offset ownership costs: 4-5 rentals/year = free camping
- Requirements: Good condition, full documentation, appropriate insurance
List your rooftop tent on our platform to earn when you’re not using it.
Still Have Questions?
This FAQ covers the most common rooftop tent questions, but every situation is unique. For more detailed information:
- Insurance requirements and coverage
- Vehicle compatibility and weight limits
- Winter camping and weather protection
- Complete specifications reference
Ready to try rooftop tent camping? Rent a Tentbox or iKamper to experience the adventure.