How long does it take to set up a roof top tent?

Roof top tents are an excellent choice for campers seeking a simple and comfortable alternative to a classic tent. The primary benefit of a roof top tent is that it is quick and easy to set up, allows you to sleep high above the ground, and keeps you away from any hazards such as water or animals. Furthermore, even if the camping area is rough, you will always sleep on a comfortable, level surface.

How to use the roof top tent?

How do you put up the roof top tent once you’ve arrived at your destination? There are two options: fold-out or pop-up. Both are far faster than regular ground tents.

Fold-out: Most soft-shell roof top tents have this feature. Simply remove the travel cover, extend the ladder, and unfold the tent. Adjust the ladder to reach the ground and you’re good to go!

Pop-up: Another version is a hard-shell roof top tent. 

How fast can you set up a roof top tent?

On average, most roof top tents can be opened and ready to use in about 5 minutes. This depends on the type of roof top tent you have.

Opening the tent, setting up the windows, and installing the rainfly poles might take 4-6 minutes. 

Does a roof top tent’s size affect how long it takes to set up?

Size does matter! XL roof top tents usually require more time to assemble. In other words, tents that comfortably hold four people frequently take more steps to set up. The primary cause is simply the greater footprint. But with Hitents products it takes zero extra steps to assemble ours.  its just a bigger version of the same thing.

The two types of roof top tents: Set up and Instruction

Soft shell roof top tent

Softshell roof top tents require 5–10 minutes to set up.

Before you can start assembling the main structure, you must first unbuckle, unzip, and remove the soft cover. The cover can be left dangling over the side of the tent. Hitent’s covers are made with rubberized PVC, so you don’t need to worry about scratching your car.

The primary framework of the tent must then be opened. The ladder supports 20% of the weight of the tent and often serves as a lever to pull and unfold the tent, making it a crucial design component. While our tent is mostly self supporting, don’t forget to extend the ladder and securely support the tent’s weight.

To prevent the tropical fly from flapping around once the main structure has been set up and unfurled, open windows and awnings and secure it with rope tie-downs. Spring rods that raise the window awnings are seen on most soft shell roof top tents.

You might occasionally want a little more room or privacy. An Annex will be helpful in this situation and can be set up in an additional 2 to 3 minutes. 

Hard shell roof top tent

Hard shell roof top tents usually are put up in 1-3 minutes. They are built for speed, efficiency, and comfort.

First, set up your ladder to reach the latches that hold the two clamshell parts together. Lift up the top portion when you’ve freed all the locks and a gas strut will handle the rest. The rest of the setup involves opening windows and installing awning struts to the entryways.

Hard shell tents have a unique design in that the shell serves as the ceiling and the only fabric required is on the sides and main entrance.

The only disadvantage of hard shell roof top tents is that they have a significantly smaller sleeping area than soft shell tents. This makes them ideal for individuals or couples but too small for larger groups. They can also have issues with being pressed down from high wind since they rely on gas struts to stay open.

The best and easiest roof top tents to set up

So here you are—ready to go on an adventure and camp wherever you want. Set your worries aside and plan to have fun, relax and enjoy the great outdoors.

If you want a roof top tent that is easy to set up and unpack, HITents roof top tents are the best roof top tents for you! Their unique designs and functionality can provide you with everything you need when going out into the wilderness.

HITents Roof Top Tents are manufactured with the most durable 400g ripstop fabric, a hefty 1″ aluminum frame, and 304 stainless steel mounting hardware and floor hinges.

Our expedition-grade roof top tents connect straight to your car’s roof rack and can be fully put up in minutes. They come with a thick, high-density mattress and a sliding aluminum ladder.

HITents roof top tents are perfect for anyone looking to enhance their camping experience. Whether enjoying a fast weekend getaway or an extended vacation, our roof top tents will allow you to spend more time doing what you love!

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Graham Holloway

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