If you’ve never had the pleasure of owning and sleeping in a roof top tent, you’ve probably looked at one and said something along the lines of “That can’t be safe, much less stable.” But surprisingly enough, they are! Roof top tents are getting popular nowadays because of the convenience of setting and packing them up and their reliability and sturdiness. However, their sturdiness depends on how well you set them up. Let’s look at what you can do to stabilize your roof top tent.
How to choose the right tent for your car
Some might think that choosing a roof top tent is as easy as buying a tent and attaching it to the roof of your car. Sadly it’s a little more complicated than that. When choosing a tent, it is crucial to consider the tent’s weight and the limit that your car and its rack can carry, and if you don’t have a car rack, you will need one. To put it more simply, here are the things you need to look out for:
- Crossbars: You need at least 2 crossbars that are rated for at least 150lbs to support the weight of the rooftop tent.
- Tent weight: Consider the weight of the rooftop tent to ensure it does not exceed the weight limit of your car’s roof and roof rack.
- Size and shape: The rooftop tent should fit the size and shape of your car’s roof and rack to ensure a secure attachment.
- Roof rack: The type and quality of roof rack required for your car model is important to ensure a safe and secure attachment.
- Weather resistance: A high-quality tent made from durable materials will last longer and provide better protection from harsh weather conditions such as rain and wind.
- By considering these factors, you can find a rooftop tent that fits your needs and budget, and ensure a safe and enjoyable camping experience.
After factoring all of this in, you can choose your tent as long as everything does not exceed the limits of your car.
Another reason for securing your roof top tent
You might think the security of your use and driving is the only thing to consider when securing your tent to your car. But one thing that most people don’t think about is that you have a relatively expensive piece of camping equipment exposed on top of your vehicle. While people stealing tents is uncommon, it isn’t unheard of. Here are a few things you can do to keep your tent secured:
- Anti-theft straps – These are the simplest way to keep your tent from being stolen. They’re relatively cheap, though we do suggest you get good quality ones.
- Vibration alarm systems – These might be one of the best deterrents. Just remember to turn them off when you’re sleeping in your tent. It’s not a great way to wake up.
- Security nuts can be added to any rooftop tent mounting hardware to make theft much more difficult.
So are roof top tents stable?
Yes, they are designed to be stable. But for it to be stable for you, you will need to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and use the appropriate tools and mounting equipment to get that stability.
