Rooftop tents are growing in popularity very quickly and for a good reason. They offer greater comfort, capacity, and convenience than traditional tents.
In the following article, we will highlight some of the more important tips and tricks that have been used when camping in a rooftop tent. One caveat is that it is a good idea to remember that the tips and tricks found here in this article have been developed generally. So, they may or may not all work on the specific products you have. There will be some differences between a hardshell rooftop tent vs. a softshell version or from one model or brand to another.
While every brand of a rooftop tent is unique, some tips work for all, and others will have to be adapted or skipped to achieve your needs.
Water Tips
One of the most important things you will need to consider when camping with a rooftop tent deals with the intrusion of water. While there are a number of innovative ways to address this problem, none of them have dealt with water intrusion in its entirety. Because most of these designs include an upper and lower room, the roof drops downward.
This is nice, of course, right up until the rain begins, and this design creates the presence of rooftop pools that can be a serious setback. The water that collects in these pools will begin trickling into the tent, and this can cause all kinds of issues in accommodations.
One trick that can be applied to counteract this will be to elevate the center of the roof’s rainfly, leaving as little slack as possible. This way, water will have less of an opportunity to pool.
Another great idea to prevent pooling water is to bring a couple of Peruvian sheets to the tent. These Alpaca wool sheets can be placed over the interior support poles. Because they are very absorbent, these sheets will absorb most of the moisture. Better still, their attractive design will add a homey and attractive look to the interior of the tent.
Early morning dew is just a fact of outdoor camping that will have to be dealt with. But experts and experienced campers have found a variety of solutions to this small issue. The best thing to do in this case is absolutely nothing at all. If you agitate the morning dew, you will only splash the water about and make a bigger problem. If you leave the dew undisturbed, the heat of the morning sun will soon dissipate the water. By the time the sun rises, your tent will be dry, and you will not have to worry about getting things wet when moving about.
Installation Issues
Another common problem that can be addressed with a bit of practice is the fairly difficult installation work. The complexity of this process depends largely on the tent in question. Typically, setting up the tent is easiest when more than one person takes part in the construction. But if you will be camping alone, this issue can be much more difficult to move all the equipment and materials around your vehicle.
A good way to make things a bit easier in this department is to have your equipment and tent on a wagon or cart that allows you maneuverability when moving your tent and campsite around your campground. All you need is a sturdy plywood board fit with some skateboard wheels. This clever device can then be flipped over on its back and propped against the vehicle’s tailgate. This can be used as a ramp to make loading and unloading items an easier task.
Another considerable issue you will have to consider is the lack of light in a typical rooftop tent. Many people will use a flashlight or other battery-operated lantern to illuminate the activities that will be occurring in their tent. However, this can be inconvenient as it only leaves one hand for any work that needs to be done. One of the best solutions is to string up a set of fairy lights attached to walls and roofs. This way, you will have one on/off switch in one convenient location and two hands to interact with your surroundings.
Flashlights can be a great way to navigate and interface in the dark. But they must be ready at a moment’s notice. You will find tents that feature handy side pockets are among the best options for storing flashlights.
One very helpful tip that any tent owner or user can apply is to choose something less bulky than pillows and sleeping bags. Duvets and down pillows pack down to much smaller dimensions and can be easily stored in the rooftop tent.
Now that we have gotten the major pointers out of the way let’s take a look at some of the smaller tips and pointers that will make your camping excursion a happy memorable vent.
Tips and Tricks
If you are camping with a buddy or with your significant other, it is always best to work together to pitch and take down the tent. This will avoid unnecessary strain and ensure our tent is well cared for in the long run.
If you are of a shorter build, it can be a struggle to pitch a rooftop tent. This is true for anyone pitching a tent on an, especially tall vehicle. It is a good idea to include a small step ladder in your list of essentials.
Always begin with a vehicle that is parked on a relatively level surface. This will make your stay more comfortable and also avoid the issues of slipping and falling. Don’t forget the advantage of using plastic leveling blocks for this purpose.
Most people never think of it, but having a solid plan for bathroom trips will facilitate this important rooftop camping aspect. Many people will choose to have a pee bottle within the tent instead of climbing out and down and looking for a secluded spot in the woods.
Another idea that has been used with varying degrees of success has been to attach a funnel and hose to a bottle kept below the tent on the ground outside. If you really think about it, you will probably come up with several reasons this is not an ideal idea especially, if there are pranksters in the area.
It is important to remember that the Velcro straps you will find included with your rooftop tent are not always the most formidable fasteners and can be supported for best results. Ratchets and specially designed straps could add some strength to the design and make your camping trip more enjoyable.
Finally, make sure you have a well-appointed system for storing and transporting all the pegs included in your tent and count them each time you set up and take down the tent. It is also a good idea to lubricate the metal interlocking portions of the tent to protect them from the elements. This also holds for the ladder.
Hopefully, the tips and ideas you have found in this summary on rooftop tents have given a clue on how to make your next adventure more fun and less surprising. Remember that camping is always an adventure, and you will need to consider how to best apply the ideas mentioned here to your lifestyle. Often, the stranger the idea is, the better it will play out.
