Quote: Originally posted by iank01 on 22/6/2025
The question is ask can your car roof take the weight. We had a Jeep Grand Cherokee and maximum load on the roof was 70kgs.
The Max load figure quoted by manufacturers is usually for dynamic loads (as in whilst driving), static load limit will be higher, but don't think I've EVER seen a static load quoted!
Still wouldn't want to put my roof to the test of probably three, four or more times quoted load limit with a static load of a roof tent and occupants!
Also, there is the sheer weight of the tent alone (45-75kg for a Roof Tent brand), it alone can exceed the weight of the car's roof capability, and that IS a dynamic loading!
As well as the car's roof loading limit, there is also the weight limitation on the roof bars (NOT part of the tent!) that you use, which can be less than the car's figure. Don't forget the roof bar weight (around 5Kg in my case) is part of the roof load, so impacts even further how heavy the tent can be!
My car has quite a low roof loading figure 70Kg (but my Thule bars are even worse at only 50kg!). A conventional roof box has not had a huge effect on handling, but I've driven a LWB Landrover with a full length roof rack packed with camping gear (but not excessive weight!) and that made for some interesting cornering and sharp bends!!!! - definitely need to be mindful of weight on the roof!
TBH, just not appealing to me for regular camping. See as many negatives as benefits over regular tent, and still needs time (varies with model, but up to 15 mins) spent erecting before use, but at 4-5 times the cost for the limited space available! Obviously appeals to some, Roof Tent claim over 40,000 sold around the world!
I'd guess that an awful lot of users don't give a thought to car roof and roof bar limits, in the same way many caravaners never think about their MPTLM and Nose Weights!
It’s an expensive fad and will soon die out.
Ebay will be full of them shortly.
------------- XVI yes?
As well is two words!
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Whenever I see anyone with thsese (usually in the middle of winter because it has to be on the car all the time) my first thought are the One Show 'Off Roaders"!
As well is two words!
How does a sage know everything about everything? or does he? or does he just think he does?
Remember, if you buy something you bought it, not brought it.
Don't forget to leave a review of all tents you've used, for a chance to win fantastic prizes
Where I live in the Scottish Borders I see cars fitted with roof tents coming through the village every day, but I have yet to see one in use on a camp site.
They simply appear to be a modern day status symbol.
Personally, I don't like the idea of having to climb up and down a ladder in order get in and out of a roof box tent due to reduced mobility in my knees.
In addition, I doubt if the dog would like to go up and down a ladder (yes he sleeps on the bed at home).
DK
------------- Apple The Campervan - A Van For Work, Rest & Play!
- 2027: ? NL+DE+FR
- 2026: FR+DE
- 2025: 17/77
'24: 10/49; '23: 9/47;'22: 8/46; '21: 9/34
* Ex-tenter
* Treat life events like a dog: if you can't eat it, play with it or hump it, p1$$ on it and walk away!
One of the detractors for me is that if you want to go anywhere while on holiday, that can't be accessed via on-foot or bus you have to pack your tent away to be able to drive, making them a short stay only tent.
Don't forget to leave a review of all tents you've used, for a chance to win fantastic prizes
Quote: Originally posted by blueexpo97 on 22/6/2025
You go to the block like most other tenters.
.... just adding a ladder to the 'too far' walk! .... DAMN!, didn't make it!!!!!
That’s when knowing your personal limitations helps.
------------- XVI yes?
As well is two words!
How does a sage know everything about everything? or does he? or does he just think he does?
Remember, if you buy something you bought it, not brought it.
Quote: Originally posted by RainMagnet on 23/6/2025
One of the detractors for me is that if you want to go anywhere while on holiday, that can't be accessed via on-foot or bus you have to pack your tent away to be able to drive, making them a short stay only tent.
Good point, does seem to combine the very worst disadvantages of a MH and a tent!
.... and I bet the additional height to many cars means like a MH, you can't get it under height restrictions in many a car park! Even a small roof box on my MPV car stops me using the lowest height restricted car parks!
The roof tent is popular in Africa because of wild animals except elephants. The plus factor is normally they are only for an over night stop and are mounted fo robust vehicles like Landrovers or the Toyota Landcruiser which is different to the Landcruisers you see in the UK.
If I were to use a roof box tent, I would need to get a Shewee and a suitable no spill bottle!
DK
------------- Apple The Campervan - A Van For Work, Rest & Play!
- 2027: ? NL+DE+FR
- 2026: FR+DE
- 2025: 17/77
'24: 10/49; '23: 9/47;'22: 8/46; '21: 9/34
* Ex-tenter
* Treat life events like a dog: if you can't eat it, play with it or hump it, p1$$ on it and walk away!
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Topic: car roof tents
via mobile 22/6/2025 at 2:00am
