SUV tents, also known as car tents or roof top tents, are camping shelters designed specifically for SUVs and other vehicles. They mount to the roof rack of the vehicle and fold out into a tent, providing a comfortable and convenient camping option. SUV tents have become increasingly popular in recent years among overland travelers, car campers, and outdoor enthusiasts. But what exactly is the purpose of an SUV tent, and what are the key benefits that make them a useful addition for campers and adventurers? This article will explore the many advantages of SUV tents and why they can be a great option for certain types of camping trips and excursions.
Page Contents
Convenience and Portability
One of the main appeals of an SUV tent is convenience and portability. SUV tents fold up into a compact, lightweight hard-shell case when not in use. This makes them very easy to transport and requires minimal space when in transit or in storage. Simply mount the compact tent case onto your roof rack and you’re ready to hit the road. When you reach your destination and want to set up camp, a roof top tent can be deployed and set up in just a few minutes. The convenience of quick and easy setup means you don’t have to spend time assembling a ground tent or searching for an ideal tent site upon arrival to your camping location. It also makes spontaneous trips or off-the-grid camping much simpler since your shelter is always ready to go on the roof of your vehicle.
Elevated Sleeping Platform
SUV tents provide an elevated sleeping platform, with the floor of the tent sitting on top of your vehicle roof. This puts your sleeping area up and off the ground. There are several advantages to this setup:
– Comfort – you don’t have to sleep on hard, bumpy, or uneven ground. The elevation also means you don’t feel rocks, sticks, and other ground debris through the tent floor.
– Temperature – air circulates better within the tent since you are up off the ground. This helps keep you cooler on hot summer nights.
– Moisture – you avoid dampness and ground moisture soaking into your tent floor. Sleeping above wet ground helps you stay drier.
– Critters – bugs, snakes, rodents, and other creatures are less likely to bother you in an elevated tent. You are out of reach from nocturnal wildlife on the ground.
– Headroom – with SUV tents you can often fully stand up inside. Ground tents often slope down and don’t allow standing.
– Views – the height advantage of an SUV tent provides better views of your surroundings once you are inside the tent. This is great for stargazing at night.
Vehicle Integration and Access
Roof top tents are designed as an integrated solution to pair with your vehicle. The connection to the roof rack provides stability and a solid pitch for the tent. Guy-lines and stakes are generally not needed like they are for a ground tent. The attachment to the SUV also enables easy access to the vehicle from inside the tent. Some SUV tent models have integrated ladders, while others allow you to climb down directly into the back of your SUV. This makes it simple to access supplies, gear, food, and anything else stored in your vehicle. You don’t have to exit the tent and walk around to a separate vehicle door. There are also roof top tent models that connect annex rooms for expanded space. This added integration with your vehicle enhances convenience and livability.
Quick Rain and Weather Protection
The hard-shell of an SUV tent provides quick protection from rain, wind, and other inclement weather while you are on the road or camping. If bad weather rolls in unexpectedly, you can take shelter by simply closing up the tent. The hard top helps weatherproof the tent even in heavy rain and prevents tent cave-in from snow load like you can experience with soft fabric tents. Having quick rain protection means you can comfortably continue your camping trip even if the weather takes a turn. The built-in protection also provides peace of mind if getting caught in a storm.
Security While Camping
Sleeping up on the roof of your vehicle does more than keep you off the ground. It also provides an added sense of security while camping, especially in remote areas. Being elevated makes you more aware of your surroundings – you can see if any people or animals are approaching your campsite. It also keeps you out of reach from some predators or curious creatures passing by in the night. Locking the SUV tent also creates a physical barrier to prevent tampering or theft. While car break-ins can still happen, you are in a much less vulnerable position than in a ground tent. The security and peace of mind are important benefits for many people camping in isolated spots.
Types of SUV Tents
There are two primary types of SUV tents that mount to roof racks:
Hard-Shell Rooftop Tents
Hard-shell rooftop tents consist of a hard top lid or cover that opens to reveal the tent inside. The hard top provides weather, rain, and wind protection when closed. The insulating lid also helps regulate temperature. Hard-shell tents fold up into a travel-ready case when not deployed. Most rooftop tent models include a ladder to make accessing the tent easy. Hard-shells give excellent durability and are generally the preferred choice for extended overland travel or frequent off-road camping trips where the tent will see plenty of use and abuse. Leading roof top tent brands like Tuff Stuff, iKamper, and Roofnest all offer premium hard-shell models.
Soft-Top Fold Out Tents
As the name suggests, soft top SUV tents rely on a soft fabric roof instead of a hard lid. The fabric roof folds out and often requires support poles to create the structure. Soft top tents pack down small since they don’t have a bulky hard shell. This makes them a lighter weight and lower profile option than hard shell tents if you are concerned about vehicle fuel economy and wind resistance when traveling. They also tend to be more affordable than hard shell alternatives. However, soft top tents are generally better suited only for occasional or fair weather use. They provide less insulation and weather protection overall. But for the right application, soft top SUV tents can be a great choice for car camping needs.
Key Features and Components
SUV tents contain a number of useful features and components that contribute to their convenience and livability:
Mattress
Most SUV tents come equipped with a foam mattress pad. This provides cushioning and comfort when sleeping. Some models allow you to inflate the mattress pad for adjustable firmness and thickness. Having a built-in mattress eliminates the hassle of separately packing and providing bedding.
Ladder
Integrated ladders make it easy to get in and out of the SUV tent. Ladders mount directly to the tent and vehicle roof rack. Many feature adjustable lengths to accommodate different vehicle heights.
Windows and Skylights
Mesh windows provide ventilation while keeping insects out. Skylights utilize clear plastic or glass panels that allow stargazing at night. Windows and skylights are often covered by shades or flaps for variable privacy and airflow control.
Storage Pockets
Interior storage pockets and pouches help keep small personal items organized and close at hand inside the tent. Exterior pockets are also useful for storing items like shoes that you don’t want in the main tent space.
LED Light Strips
Rooftop tents commonly have built-in LED light strips or lamp modules. These provide interior tent illumination and nighttime ambient lighting. Lights can often be powered from an integrated secondary battery or wired to your vehicle’s 12V power supply.
Rain Fly
A rain fly is a detachable roof canopy that provides additional weather protection from precipitation and shade from the sun. Rain flies secure over the hard shell roof for complete waterproofing during heavy rainfall.
Annex Room
Optional annex rooms connect to the tent doorway, adding extra floor space. Annex rooms provide expanded living area for gear storage, changing clothes, or just lounging with the tent door open but bugs out.
| Feature | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Mattress | Cushioned sleeping comfort |
| Ladder | Easy and safe tent access |
| Windows | Ventilation and views |
| Storage Pockets | Keep small items organized |
| LED Lights | Illumination at night |
| Rain Fly | Enhanced weather protection |
| Annex Room | Extra interior space |
Conclusion
In summary, SUV tents provide a versatile roof top shelter solution optimized for camping from your vehicle. The many benefits like portability, ease of setup, and security make them well suited to overland travel, remote camping, and quick weekend getaways. They integrate seamlessly with your vehicle while providing comfort and convenience. With quick access to your SUV and protection from the elements, SUV tents allow you experience nature without fully roughing it. While not meant for extended stays in one spot or large groups, they fill an ideal niche for self-supported adventure travel and backcountry camping excursions. With the increasing popularity of overland vehicles, car camping, and glamping (glamourous camping), the SUV tent has emerged as an appealing accommodation choice for all sorts of travelers, families, and outdoor enthusiasts. They allow you to explore off the beaten path and answer the call of the wild without sacrificing too many home comforts. For people who love the freedom of the outdoors but still appreciate a few amenities, the SUV rooftop tent provides the perfect blend of shelter and adventure.