Rooftop tents are no longer new in some countries, such as Australia. Seeing parked cars with rooftop tents on camping grounds is a common sight to see. Moreover, there are many reasons for this accessory to become very popular nowadays.
A rooftop tent is a great investment as it allows you to sleep off ground level wherever. This accessory also saves plenty of space inside your vehicle, keeping you and all your passengers comfortable during long trips.
But since countless manufacturers sell rooftop tents in Australia today, do you know which to choose? Are you aware of the factors to consider before buying?
Here’s how you can end up choosing one of the best rooftop tents in Australia:
1. Learn More About Soft Shell And Hard Shell Rooftop Tents
Rooftop tents come in two types which are soft shell and hard shell. Soft shell rooftop tents are often made from acrylic, cotton, plastics, and aluminium.
On the other hand, hard shell rooftop tents are made from reinforced plastic or fiberglass. The process of finding the best rooftop tent for your Aussie ride should begin by learning about these types and how each differs from the other.
Both soft shell and hard shell rooftop tents have pros and cons, namely:
Soft Shell Rooftop Tents
- Price: Soft shell rooftop tents are cheaper than hard shell tents Thus, making them an excellent option for individuals with a shoestring budget. Nowadays, you can buy high-quality soft shell roof top tents at USD$700.
- Space: Soft shell rooftop tents are ideal for you if you’re not a fan of glamping. This type can accommodate two to six persons and offer additional annexes for storing extra gear. It also feels more spacious than hard shell rooftop tents.
- Four-season capability: High-end soft shell roof top tents can protect you against four seasons, which means that you can travel comfortably throughout the entire year.
- Setup time: You’ll need more time and effort to set up and take down soft shell roof top tents. This difficulty can increase if you own a lifted vehicle as you need to consider the clearance above the ground as you pull on straps and undo several zippers.
- Noisier: Soft shell rooftop tents are noisier than rooftop tents, which can prevent you from sleeping comfortably at night.
- Lack of aerodynamics: Driving around a soft shell rooftop tent will feel like a brick is stored on the roof of your vehicle. This can create noise while driving and lower your car’s miles per gallon.
Hard Shell Rooftop Tents
- Durable: Because of the materials used, hard shell rooftop tents last longer than soft shell roof top tents. This feature alone brings more bang to your buck.
- Easy setup: Hard shell rooftop tents are easier to set up and take down. This is one of the reasons frequent travellers and avid campers would often choose hard shell rooftop tents.
- More appealing: Compared to soft shell rooftop tents, hard shell rooftop tents are more appealing. Aside from the variety of colors to choose from, the structure and shape of hard shell rooftop tents are also unique.
- Heavier: Hard shell rooftop tents are heavy, which can significantly affect your driving experience. This can become an issue, especially if you often traverse unfamiliar roads or drive during heavy rains or snow.
- Lack of add-ons: Unlike soft shell rooftop tents, hard shell rooftop tents don’t support additional annexes. As a result, hard shell rooftop tents will offer limited space.
- More expensive: Hard shell rooftop tents are expensive. On average, you need to pay anywhere from USD$900 to USD$4,300 to own a hard shell rooftop tent.
2. Assess The Durability To Get Value From Your Purchase
As mentioned in the list above, different types of rooftop tents come in different price tags. Hard shell rooftop tents are more expensive due to the material used and the structure.
However, when choosing rooftop tents, you shouldn’t only consider the upfront price. You should also think about its durability. For example, a soft shell rooftop tent might be cheap, but if you often travel in harsh weather conditions, your rooftop tent will easily get damaged.
Hence, you’ll have no other choice but to buy another one. You’ll end up spending more money and experiencing more stress in the long run.
3. Think About The Weight
You’ll be traveling with a rooftop tent stored in your vehicle for hours, which is why it’s important to consider the weight. Driving around a heavy rooftop tent can adversely affect your safety during road trips.
Rooftop tents can weigh anywhere from 100 to 200 pounds. When buying one, make sure to choose a type that isn’t too heavy for your vehicle. Aside from its weight, it’s also important to ensure your vehicle’s roof rack system can support the weight of the accessory.
4. Make Sure Your Vehicle Can Support A Rooftop Tent
Your ability to enjoy a rooftop tent depends on the capacity of your vehicle. Investing in a high-end rooftop tent will be useless if you later find out your vehicle can’t store or support the accessory.
After you’ve decided whether to invest in a soft or hard shell rooftop tent, visit the manufacturer’s website and check the dimensions of the tent. Make sure that its measurements and weight is compatible with your vehicle.
Most rooftop tents will fit any four-wheeled vehicle but keep in mind that these accessories aren’t universal. Some types of rooftop tents are designed for larger sports utility vehicles as others are designed for smaller cars.
Invest In The Perfect Rooftop Tent For Your Needs
Aside from the money you’ll spend, the rooftop tent you’ll choose can significantly affect your road trip. Buying the wrong type of rooftop tent might turn your next road trip into a disaster.
To easily narrow down your options, follow all of the tips presented here when choosing a rooftop tent. Never give in to peer pressure or take any shortcuts when choosing a rooftop tent for your Aussie ride as this can only cause a lot of problems in the long run.
