Camping enthusiasts, if you’re looking for a car-related tent, what kind of roof top tent or car rear tent is ideal for camping? Below we’ll compare the pros and cons of roo ftop tents and car rear tents to help you make an informed choice.
Roof top tents: the ultimate experience of high altitude camping
Advantages of roof top tent:
- Flexible site: as long as there is a smooth parking place, you can use a rooftop tent without worrying about rain. Whether it is mountain, beach or grassland, rooftop tent can easily cope with it.
- Durable: Adopting high-strength metal structure and high-quality fabrics, it is windproof, rainproof and sunproof, and the soft mat increases sleeping comfort. Suitable for all kinds of bad weather conditions.
- Easy to storage: Suspended on the rooftop tent without direct contact with the ground, easy to store and maintain, prolonging the life of the tent. The special organizer box design makes it easy to open and close and convenient to store.
- Open vision: As the rooftop tent is located on the roof of the car, campers can enjoy a more open view, especially in places with beautiful scenery, the experience is better.
Disadvantages of rooftop tent:
- High installation conditions: requires a roof rack, suitable for crossovers and SUVs. if your model doesn’t have a roof rack, installation may be troublesome.
- Increase wind resistance: installation will increase vehicle fuel consumption, especially at high speeds, the wind resistance effect is more obvious.
- Inconvenient to get up and down: it requires the assistance of a ladder, which is not very convenient, especially for the elderly and children, getting up and down the rooftop tent may be a little difficult.
- Difficulty in dismantling: the overall weight is more than 50kg, it is difficult to dismantle it, especially without help, it is difficult for a single person to operate it.
- Higher price: Compared with car rear tent, rooftop tent is more expensive, suitable for camping enthusiasts with sufficient budget.
Car rear tent: a combination of convenience and comfort
Advantages of car rear tent:
- Good expansion performance: coupled with the rear of the car body to increase the sense of space, the trunk space can also be used as a bed. Suitable for family camping, providing more space for activities.
- Easy to install: no additional fixtures needed, can be put directly into the trunk after storing. Suitable for frequent camping users, saving installation and dismantling time.
- Affordable price: Compared with rooftop tent, the price is more affordable, suitable for camping enthusiasts with limited budget.
- Wide range of car models: although it is designed for models with the rear trunk lid up, there are a variety of rear tents on the market that fit different car models, so there is a wider range of choices. Whether it’s an SUV or a sedan, it’s a great addition to your outdoor camping, traveling and fishing.
Disadvantages of car rear tent:
- Limited applicability: designed to fit models with the tailgate lifted upwards, if your model does not meet this condition, additional modifications may be required.
- Ground contact: the tent is in direct contact with the ground and may be affected by ground moisture, insects and ants, etc. The comfort level is slightly inferior to that of a rooftop tent.
- Space limitation: although the expansion performance is good, the space of the car rear tent is still limited compared to the rooftop tent, and it may be crowded especially when camping for more than one person.
How to choose the best camping tent for you?
- Which tent to choose depends on your personal needs and the condition of your vehicle. Here are some suggestions to help you make the best choice:
- Model Fit: If your model is an SUV or crossover and already has a roof rack installed, a rooftop tent may be a better choice. If your model has a tailgate that lifts up, a car rear tent is more convenient.
- Budget Considerations: Car roof tents are more expensive and suitable for budget users; car rear tents are affordable and suitable for camping enthusiasts on a limited budget.
- Frequency of use: If you camp frequently, the convenient installation and storage of the car rear tent may be more suitable for you. If you camp occasionally and pursue the ultimate camping experience, a rooftop tent may be more in line with your needs.
- Comfort needs: rooftop tents offer a higher level of comfort and a wider field of view, suitable for users who pursue a high-quality camping experience. Car rear tents, on the other hand, are more suitable for family camping and offer more space for activities.