Rooftop Tent for Cars

Rooftop Tents: The Flexible Camping Solution for Your Vehicle

Rooftop tents are increasingly popular: they offer flexibility, comfort and are a affordable camping alternative to a motorhome. But there are many options: Which model suits you? How does mounting work? And what should you look out for?

Image by Sascha Pfyl on Unsplash |

You'll find answers to all these questions right here.

In this article, VanSite also shows you not only how to save money when buying your rooftop tent, but also how to find a suitable place to stay overnight for your next trip with a rooftop tent.🚙⛺

Table of contents

• 1. FAQs about rooftop tents

  • 1.1. Compatible vehicles: Which cars are suitable?

  • 1.2. Test winners & recommendations: What are the top models?

  • 1.3. Maximum speed: How fast can you drive?

  • 1.4. Vehicle requirements: What needs to be considered?

  • 1.5. Overnight stays & rules: Where is it permitted?

  • 1.6. Year-round use: Can it stay mounted permanently?

  • 1.7. Buy or rent: How do I find the right model?

• 2. Why a rooftop tent is worth it

  • 2.1. Free and flexible on the road

  • 2.2. Enjoy the view and sleep in comfort

  • 2.3. Easy setup and handling

  • 2.4. Cost-effective alternative

• 3. Finding the right rooftop tent model

  • 3.1. Rooftop tent models

    • 3.1.1. Hard shell rooftop tent

    • 3.1.2. Folding rooftop tent

    • 3.1.2. Hybrid rooftop tent

  • 3.2. Buy or rent a rooftop tent?

  • 3.3. Differences between rooftop tents

    • 3.3.1. Materials

    • 3.3.3. Size

    • 3.3.4. Price

• 4. The right tent for your car

  • 4.1. Vehicles and the right match

  • 4.2. Selection criteria

    • 4.2.1. Roof load and payload

    • 4.2.2. Vehicle dimensions

    • 4.2.3. Driving behaviour

• 5. Rooftop tent mounting and how it works

  • 5.1. Roof racks and more

  • 5.2. Accessories

• 6. Safety when travelling with a rooftop tent

  • 6.1. Driving with rooftop tents

  • 6.2. Setting up and taking down

  • 7. Tips for rooftop tent camping

    • 7.1. Overnight stays with a rooftop tent: Where is it permitted?

    • 7.2. VanSite rooftop tent pitches

  • 8. Get discounts on rooftop tents and more with VanSite

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about rooftop tents

Which car can you mount a rooftop tent on?

A rooftop tent can be fitted to almost any car as long as the roof load capacity is sufficient and a suitable roof rack system is in place.

Before buying, check the vehicle registration or manufacturer's specifications beforehand.

Rooftop tent test winners: Which models stand out?

Depending on the category (hard shell, folding tent, hybrid) there are different top models. In the ADAC rooftop tent test 2022, the Thule Tepui Autana was named the test winner.

How fast can you drive with a rooftop tent on your car?

The recommended maximum speed with a rooftop tent is between 100 and 130 km/h depending on the manufacturer and model. Higher speeds can significantly increase fuel consumption and affect driving safety.

Which cars are best suited for a rooftop tent?

SUVs and vans usually offer the best base, as they have a high roof load capacity and enough space and height for larger awnings/annexes. But small cars can also be used, but they need lighter and more compact models.

Where can you spend the night with a car and rooftop tent?

In Germany, overnight stays outside of campsites or designated pitches are only permitted in limited circumstances. One alternative is private land with the owner's permission.

On VanSite you'll also find suitable pitches in nature that fit your road trip.

Can I leave my rooftop tent on the car all year round?

That depends on the rooftop tent type. Robust hard shell rooftop tents are often suitable for permanent installation on the car roof, whereas fabric tents are more susceptible to the weather.

For a longer lifespan, it is advisable to store the tent over winter at home in the garage or in a dry place .

How do I find the right rooftop tent to buy or rent?

Choosing the right rooftop tent depends on various factors, such as vehicle size, type of travel and desired features. Many manufacturers and retailers offer consultations, online configurators or showrooms to help you find the right model.

A good starting point is the rooftop tent configurator from Dachzeltnomaden, which suggests suitable models based on individual requirements. Provide details such as size, color, category and price to get a suitable selection.

Why a rooftop tent? The benefits at a glance

More freedom and flexibility when camping

With a rooftop tent you are not dependent on level ground or designated pitches. More options also open up for finding overnight spots, since with a a car or even an off-road vehicle you can also reach more remote locations. This means your road trip offers not only more adventure, but also individual routes and spontaneous overnight stays.

Note: Even in remote areas, wild camping is prohibited in many countries. Make sure to check the local rules and regulations beforehand.

Find legal pitches in nature for camping with a rooftop tent now

Sleeping with a view and in comfort

Thanks to the elevated sleeping position on the car roof you are better protected from moisture and dirt and can at the same time enjoy the view of the surrounding nature .

Many rooftop tents already come with a mattress that is usually more comfortable than conventional sleeping mats.

Quick to set up, simple to use

A car rooftop tent can usually be in just a few minutes set up and taken down - often with just a few hand movements. Since you don't need to find a level pitch as with ground tents, you are done with the conversion faster and ready for the night, which is especially useful on trips with frequent location changes .

Affordable alternative to a motorhome

Compared to a motorhome, car rooftop tents offer a similar level of comfort, but at significantly lower costs. Purchase and maintenance are cheaper, and it can be used flexibly with your own car.

Buying a rooftop tent - finding the right model for you

What types of car rooftop tents are there?

Car rooftop tents come in various designs and variants that differ in comfort, setup time and space . Depending on travel habits, personal preferences and the number of people, a hard-shell, folding or hybrid rooftop tent be the right choice. Here is a brief overview of the main differences.

Hard-shell rooftop tents

The hard-shell rooftop tent impresses above all with its robust construction and simple handling. Thanks to the solid outer shell, which is often made of aluminium, they are particularly weather-resistant, durable and offer good insulation against cold and heat.

The setup takes just a few seconds - usually by simply folding open with gas spring support. They are also more aerodynamic than other models, which reduces fuel consumption.

However, they are often heavier and more expensive than folding rooftop tents, but in return offer more stability and comfort, especially for frequent location changes.

Image of Alex Herwartz on Pixabay |

Folding rooftop tents

A folding rooftop tent is lighter and often more spacious than a hard-shell rooftop tent. They consist of a sturdy base plate and a tent fabric that unfolds during setup. This means they offer a larger sleeping area and more headroom, so several people can sleep comfortably - ideal also for families. They are also usually more compact and cheaper to buy.

The setup takes a little longer, as the frame has to be tensioned manually. In return, they can be stored in a space-saving way and are a good choice for longer stays in one place.

Image by Freepik |

Hybrid rooftop tents

Hybrid rooftop tents combine the advantages of hard-shell and folding roof tents. They have a solid top for greater stability and weather resistance, while the tent fabric can be folded out for extra space. This gives them a larger sleeping area than classic hard-shell roof tents, but remain more stable than folding roof tents.

The setup is usually faster than with pure folding roof tents, but requires more steps than a hard-shell model.

Rent or buy a car roof tent?

Whether buy or rent, both have their advantages. Anyone who only uses a car roof tent occasionally or wants to try out models can rent it from certain roof tent dealers and rental companies or borrow from private individuals. Many outdoor shops also offer rental options.

In these articles you'll find lists of providers where you can rent and borrow a car roof tent.

When buying, it's worth doing a price comparison - roof tents are available directly from manufacturers, specialist retailers or online. Particularly good value are display models at the end of the season. At Dachzeltnomaden you have the option in the roof tent village to try out various models before you decide, and to purchase them at the end of the season at a significantly lower price.

Save with VanSite: In the VanSite AnnualPass benefits world you also get discounts on roof tents as well as discounts for the roof tent village and the roof tent festival.

Buying a roof tent - the differences explained

Car roof tents come in various colors, designs and sizes. But the biggest differences lie in the materials, the weather resistance and the space available. These factors should be taken into account when buying, so that the roof tent fits your needs perfectly and becomes a reliable companion for your adventures.

Material and workmanship

The material determines weight, durability and protection from cold and rain. So it's worth thinking before you buy about what requirements your roof tent needs to meet.

• Hard shells are particularly robust and hard-wearing.

• Cotton insulates well but is heavier.

• Polyester is lightweight, dries quickly and requires less maintenance.

For a long service life you should look for high-quality workmanship, reinforced seams and sturdy zips . Expert advice helps to find the right model.

Size and space

The roof tent size must fit both the vehicle and the number of travellers. Surprisingly many people fit on a car roof - from single-person tents through to 4-person models there are various options with different sleeping area.

Check whether a mattress is already integrated and whether the car roof tent offers sufficient interior height and storage space to maximise comfort while camping.

Value for money: what should a good roof tent cost?

The price for a roof tent varies depending on material, size, features and brand. Budget models start at around 1,000 euros, while high-quality versions with better insulation and more luxury go above 4,000 euroscan cost. The key is choosing a model that fits your needs without cutting corners in the wrong places.

In the VanSite AnnualPass benefit world, you can get discounts and special offers to get a high-quality rooftop tent at better prices.

Which rooftop tent suits which car?

Vehicle types and their rooftop tent match

Almost every car can carry a rooftop tent – what matters is that it matches the vehicle size and roof load capacity. Small cars save space but offer less sleeping surface. SUVs and vans allow larger tents and often an awning for more space.

Individual manufacturers specify which cars are compatible – so always check the details before buying!

Key criteria for the right match

Choosing the right rooftop tent depends on several factors, including the roof load, vehicle dimensions and the driving behaviour.

Roof load and load capacity

Every car roof has a maximum weight that must not be exceeded. You can find this in the owner's manual or from the manufacturer.

The roof load indicates how much weight the car roof can carry, including roof rack and rooftop tent. It is usually between 50 and 100 kg and can be found in the owner's manual or from the manufacturer.

Width, length and height of the vehicle

The rooftop tent should fit the vehicle size. A wide tent can overhang, which affects driving behaviour and installation. The height also matters, as taller cars with a rooftop tent no longer fit into all car parks or underpasses.

Important: There are prescribed dimensions for the maximum vehicle height and lateral overhang of the tent, which can vary by country. You can find detailed information from, among others, the ADAC.

Storage space, weight and driving behaviour

Heavier rooftop tents increase fuel consumption and affect the vehicle balance. A lighter tent can be the better choice for long trips or smaller vehicles. The storage space in the car should also be factored in, especially if additional camping gear needs to be stored.

Mounting a rooftop tent correctly – here's how

Roof racks and accessories

A rooftop tent needs a secure mounting. Vehicles with factory-fitted roof racks can often mount the tent directly, while cars without racks need an additional matching rack system.

Image by Edi Lidebinsky on Unsplash |

Depending on the model, there are various mounting methods: crossbars are the most common solution, while rail systems or special brackets provide additional stability.

Many manufacturers offer mounting kits to make installation easier. You can find the exact requirements in the vehicle manual or directly from the rooftop tent manufacturer.

The best rooftop tent accessories

With the right accessories, you can make your outdoor adventure with a rooftop tent even more enjoyable:

• Thick mattress or topper: For better sleep comfort and a restful night.

• Telescopic ladder: Makes access easier and saves space when the tent is closed.

• Awning: Provides extra space and protection, especially worth it for longer stays.

• Insulating mat or thermal cover: Provides extra warmth in cold weather.

Safety and handling – what you should watch out for

Safe driving with a rooftop tent

A rooftop tent changes the driving behaviour, as it raises the centre of gravity and increases air resistance. Take extra care in bends, in wind and when braking. Many manufacturers recommend a maximum speed of 100–130 km/h.

Image by Freepik |

Setting up, taking down and storing the rooftop tent properly

To protect the material and make use easier, take care when setting up and taking down. For example, the tent should be dry before storing to avoid mould.

Depending on the material, your Rooftop tent different care and storage measures to increase longevity. While some models, such as hard-shell rooftop tents specifically for year-round mounting , for others it is advisable to store the rooftop tent in winter in a dry, sheltered place.

Camping with a rooftop tent - tips for your next adventure

Where can you sleep overnight with a car and rooftop tent?

With a rooftop tent it might seem obvious to just park somewhere and sleep there. But outside of campsites, this counts as wild camping and is prohibited in Germany.

Only designated camping or parking spots as well as private land with the owner's consent are permitted.

Image by Jadon Kelly on Unsplash |

Only designated camping or parking spots as well as private land with the owner's consent are permitted.

Find parking spots for cars and rooftop tents on VanSite

On VanSite you can specifically search for spots that are particularly suited for rooftop tent campers . Thanks to specific filter options you find spots where you can sleep in nature away from large campsites and enjoy the view from your rooftop tent without any disturbances.

Discover the benefits world and start your rooftop tent adventure

With the VanSite AnnualPass you get exclusive discounts on rooftop tents, overnight stays, accessories and more products.

Some of the current discounts in the VanSite benefits world:

Naturbummler:

• 100 € discount on hard-shell rooftop tents

• 7 % discount on outdoor equipment & SUPs

Dachzeltnomaden:

• 30 % discount on the Dachzeltfestival 2025 (day ticket)

• 10 % discount on the Dachzeltfestival 2025 (overnight ticket)

• 10 % discount on merchandise

• 15 % discount on a rooftop tent village booking or parking spots for your own rooftop tent/camper

And that's not all - the benefits world has many more offers waiting for you!

🔗 Discover all discounts here: VanSite benefits world

Don't know what the VanSite AnnualPass is? Find out here more about the different CampingCards, the AnnualPass and their benefits! 🚙⛺