Buy a roof tent! Good idea, but which one? Roof tents from 1-4 people in comparison – After I have already reported last week about my new mini drone, I wanted to take you today in the world of roof tents! Camping with a roof tent is becoming even more popular at the moment. Having your own roof tent is relatively inexpensive (starting at 1,200 Euros), so it pays for itself quickly compared to the cost of a hotel or vacation home. But even better is: 100% flexibility. As you will see in a moment, it takes a maximum of 1 minute to set up, I can do it in 40 seconds by now(Skycamp Mini). Many have a question before buying, which roof tent fits on my car? Tip: All car models can carry a roof tent! Here is an overview, roof tents for singles, two-man t ents and roof tents for 4 people and the XXL version, 4 people plus sports equipment. Hyundai, Mercedes G-Class, VW family car: All roof tents in comparison, prices and much more. My roof tent experiences, tips for your adventure holiday and my recommendation for stable roof tents: Campwerk.
Regardless of whether they are 18 or 58, millions of domestic tourists prefer to spend their holidays free of constraints, hotel pools and rental cars. They travel to the beaches of the North Sea and Baltic Sea, to mountain lakes and to the most beautiful holiday regions from Croatia to Italy to France and Spain.
A holiday with a roof tent is something completely different from the typical package holiday – something completely different! From the hotel room you can not really discover the city, the region, the country, after all you are always dependent on others, whether hotel or rental car.
With the roof tent you can always do what you want. Spend the night at beautiful lakes, romantic and secluded in the forest, between mountains or a spontaneous stop in the middle of the route because you want to discover something. No expensive hotel room, no holiday apartment, holiday home, with the roof tent you always have your own home with you!
Advantages and price: Overview
Advantages at a glance
Flexibility on vacation and travel
Fits all cars and car brands (assembly)
Low weight, no extra driver’s license
Set up in less than 1 minute
Price (2-3 persons): Approx. 1.200 – 2.400 Euro incl. assembly
Price (4-5 persons): Approx. 2.500 – 5.000 Euro incl. assembly
Car models, people and costs
Roof tents fit on all car models – As just described in the overview, the biggest advantage is, roof tents can be mounted on really any car, for this only a roof rack must be available or installed, which is done quickly in the workshop or at the roof tent dealer like Campwerk. From the inexpensive VW family station wagon to the Porsche Panamera – yes, it’s possible! Audi, BMW, Ford, Renault, Toyota, VW and of course all off-road models, from Mercedes G-Class to Jeep Wrangler and Land Rover Defender II – really all brands, even Minis, as seen here: Mini Countryman roof tent (external).
Number of people – In a roof tent is definitely enough space. As a single (single traveller) anyway, with your partner or with the whole family, up to 5 people. Who looks at roof tents in a showroom like that of Campwerk for the first time, who sees quickly, with the roof tent can be made really good holiday!
No extra technology, flat construction, super space-saving and in full construction, with really a lot of free space.
You can tell I’ve become a total rooftop tent fan!
Made in Germany: Campwerk
My recommendation? Campwerk. Technology, quality and stability. It starts at 1,200 euros for a two-man tent.
The cost is quickly recovered – The most important thing, especially for smart savers, how quickly does a roof tent pay for itself? The easiest calculation, would be to compare it to a typical hotel room that you need on vacation at a minimum. Let’s say the typical family with 1 or 2 children, so a total of 3-4 people.
Such a roof tent has amortized quickly (the costs play themselves back quickly). The more people, the faster. In the example you save with 3, 4 people, depending on the holiday region, per day already 220 euros. A typical roof tent for 2 people costs around 1,500 euros, roof tents for 3, 4 up to 5 people around 2,500 to 5,000 euros. By the way, the prices are inclusive of equipment, i.e. mattress, skylight, ladder, etc.
Structure, technology and Made in Germany
Super fast set up – When I first opened up my roof tent, I thought it would take me maybe five minutes? In fact, it took me barely 30 seconds! The assembly is insanely easy, due to the smart mechanics of the roof tent.
Simply explained, you just need to know the right spot, pull once and everything is set up. Sounds simple, it is. Less than 1 minute, ready.
Made in Germany – my recommendation for roof tents, Campwerk. Roof tents “Made in Germany”, quality that pays off. On the whole, for example, thanks to the durability and stability, to the detail, for example, the good insulation of the fabrics, seams and closures, but also the comfortable lying surface in the roof tent.
Comparison: caravan, camper and disadvantages
Advantages vs Caravan & Motorhome – Having your own caravan has several disadvantages. Here are a few reasons why I decided against these two options.
Among the disadvantages of the large space requirement, already at home when parking the vehicle, where to put it during the long standing times? Further it goes on vacation, in the city drive is difficult and on the campsite it costs more. In addition, of course, the trailer hitch, the appropriate driver’s license, the right car with sufficient traction and horsepower. From the price you are here also immediately in a whole other league. Instead of 4-digit, it goes far into the 5-digit.
Even more disadvantages, for flexible travelers, offers the motorhome. Here you do not even have the possibility to start flexibly with the car, as with the caravan, each individual tour must be made with the entire motorhome. The roof tent is simply mounted on the car and off you go – unbeatable or not? Once again briefly summarized.
Disadvantages of caravans and motorhomes:
High acquisition costs
At the same time loss of value through use (including own chassis)
Extra driving licence
Vehicle trailer hitch
Vehicle with sufficient towing capacity
Space requirements at home (garage, parking space)
Space requirements on holiday (camping site) and costs
After the detailed introduction, with all the advantages, the car models, the price, the easy assembly and set-up is clear: For me, there is only one test winner! The roof tent is definitely the best “mobile property”. Who wants to buy Made in Germany, here are good roof tents, my recommendations for 4 good models, with which you will have many years of fun, whether Mini roof tent (as above), VW family car or Mercedes G-class.
Roof tent for 2-3 persons: Adventure
Simply put – Just as the “Big Mac” became the standard for good burgers and “Tempo” became synonymous with handkerchiefs, the “Adventure” roof tent is the non-plus-ultra in the roof tent comparison. The Adventure rooftop tent is therefore perfect, especially for camping beginners and newcomers. With no other tent are you so close to the starry sky. In the comfortable sleeping space on the roof of your car or trailer. Here, the focus is clearly on fun – and uncomplicated handling.
Adventure Product Data
People, structure and dimensions:
2-3 persons
Approx. 1 min. assembly time
Two widths 140 / 165 cm
Up to 240×160 cm lying surface
140×120 cm Pack size
Approx. 60kg Featherweight
Inexpensive, Made in Germany and for all car models:
No matter if you want to spend a nice weekend in nature with the family in a small car, or want to experience adventures and discover the most remote places of our world with an off-road vehicle. The iKamper Skycamp roof tent is our favourite solution when we want to spontaneously leave the hustle and bustle of everyday life behind us. Here, the focus is clearly on fun – but above all the uncomplicated handling.
Roof tent for 1-2 persons: Skycamp Mini Two Person Tent
Camping alone as a single or as a couple, this roof tent version is especially practical for small cars. The Skycamp Mini is the little brother of the Skycamp roof tent above. The Skycamp Mini offers the same quick setup of only about one minute as the Skycamp, but it has a shorter hard shell. Perfect for the truck bed or pickup cab, for a smaller vehicle or to save space on the roof for additional accessories.
Skycamp Mini product data
People, structure and dimensions:
1-2 persons
130x210cm sleeping surface
Approx. 1 min. assembly time
410kg load capacity
217x139cm Pack size
Approx. 57kg Featherweight
Can it be a little smaller? Even mini on the mini, in top comfort! Read more here:
You don’t just want to travel with the family – or have a lot of space – but also take sports equipment with you? Whether mountain bike or kayak, with this roof tent model you can reach the highest peaks, the most beautiful mountain lakes and the most remote places.
X-Cover product data
People, structure and dimensions:
1-4 persons
230x190cm sleeping surface
Approx. 3 min. assembly time
410kg load capacity
195x120cm Pack size
55kg lightweight
Until now, with a roof tent, the space for additional sports equipment was exhausted. With the iKamper X-Cover, completely new possibilities arise. The X-Cover is a multi-talent.
Roof tent – A tent on the roof of your car? If that doesn’t sound like a super luxurious way to camp! A roof tent is quick to set up, doesn’t take up any storage space when you’re on the road, but gives you an enormous sleeping area when unfolded and is amazing value for money. So it combines all the advantages you want for a successful and unforgettable holiday. Here you can find out everything you need to know about mounting it on the roof of your car, setting it up on the road, recommendations for different models and variants, and the costs you’ll have to pay.
Camping holiday with car roof tent: Advantages
If you’re looking to get back to nature while maintaining the comforts of home, camping in a rooftop tent is definitely one of the best options. Whether it’s a couple or the whole family, a rooftop tent guarantees you an amazing sleeping area for 4 or even 5 people when pitched. On the road, it doesn’t take up any space or storage as it is firmly on the roof of your car all the time. Even there, it folds up so it’s not noticeable while driving, even in high winds. Once set up, however, it creates an enormous living area that can be used for sleeping or other purposes as desired.
A roof tent offers you these advantages:
It’s already on the roof of your car.
Takes up no space and storage space
Guaranteed built an enormous living space for up to 5 people
Suitable for both couples and families
Can be mounted on any car
Robust, stable, waterproof and durable
Amazing value for money
More flexible than a caravan and more comfortable than a conventional tent
Video! Road trip with roof tent
In the following video you can take a look at what a roof tent looks like when set up, what enormous space it creates and how carefree, relaxed and adventurous you can really travel with a roof tent. This will give you a direct insight into all the advantages of the roof tent and, in the best case, you will be optimally prepared for your next trip!
Mounting and roof load
First of all, it can be said that a roof tent can be mounted on just about any car. No matter if you drive a VW, BMW, Mercedes or Audi – a roof tent will fit on it in any case, as long as the appropriate roof racks are available. However, you should first determine the roof load of your car before you buy a roof tent. Depending on the size and design, a roof tent weighs between 50 kg and 80 kg. You should therefore take this into account before buying. If you match the roof load of your car and the weight of the desired roof tent, you can buy a roof tent for your car without hesitation.
In the best case, the whole thing is already attached to your roof by the appropriate specialists when you buy it. However, it is not much effort and work in itself: Once the roof racks are mounted on the car, the complete tent must be lifted onto the roof. The tent itself also has two rails at the bottom of the tent, which are pushed onto the rails of the roof racks. The whole thing is secured at the end and the finished tent is already on your car!
This is how the assembly works:
Mounting the roof rack on the car
Determining the roof load of your car
Match the weight of the desired roof tent with the roof load
Slide the roof tent onto the roof rack with the lower rails
Fasten and secure everything
Set up at the campsite
Once on the road or at the campsite, the tent only needs to be completely unfolded. Since everything is already in the right position, the complete tent is ready in a few seconds. Now you only have to set up and secure the ladder, which is included with the purchase, and your sleeping place is ready for the night.
Set up in a few minutes:
Loosen tent attachments
Completely unfold the roof tent with one hand movement
Set up entrance area
Position and secure ladder
Video: Assembly car roof tent
Here you can watch the following video to be best informed and prepared for your holiday with a roof tent. If you are still wondering how the set-up actually works, what the whole thing looks like in the end and what you have to pay attention to, you can find all the answers here.
Models and variants
Which roof tent is the best? This is the question that many passionate campers ask themselves when they want to buy a roof tent. It depends on how many people you want to travel with and which itinerary and region you choose. For couples and camping beginners, a foldable two-man tent is recommended, while a large hard-shell rooftop tent is more suitable for 4 or 5 people, i.e. the whole family. The latter is very sturdy and stable and will hold up completely even in a strong storm. So if you are thinking of going winter camping, you should rather go for a hard shell rooftop tent. A folding fabric tent, on the other hand, is very light and even easier to use, which is why it’s particularly suitable for inexperienced campers.
Nevertheless, all roof tents are usually equipped with an integrated mattress, a mosquito net, a ladder and possibly even an inner tent, so that you don’t have to worry about anything on the road. As soon as the tent is unfolded, the sleeping place is also ready.
You can choose from these variants:
Hard shell roof tent
Foldable fabric tent (Soft Side)
Hybrid tent
You can not really imagine the different variants and differences? In the following video everything is explained to you again exactly and presented:
Roof tent manufacturer: Autohome, Campwerk, Front Runner & Co.
Whether it’s Autohome, Bundotec, Campwerk, iKamper or Front Runner – as camping with a roof tent on your own car becomes more and more popular among passionate campers, there are also a lot of manufacturers that specialize in roof tents. All roof tents are usually designed to be set up in a matter of minutes, with little effort, and give you an amazing amount of space on the roof of your car. Depending on the manufacturer and model, you can of course choose between different variants that differ in size, features, appearance and handling. Depending on your preferences, you can choose the right roof tent, or with some manufacturers, such as Campwerk, you can even configure your own roof tent according to your wishes.
You can choose between the following popular roof tent manufacturers:
Airpass
Autocamp
Autohome
Bundutec
Bush Company
Campwerk
DTBD Outdoor
Darche
Front Runner
Howling Moon
IKamper
Treeline
Tuff trek
Roof tent car: Which car is suitable?
As has already been made clear, a roof tent can usually be mounted on any car that has roof racks. That means it doesn’t matter what kind of car you own. Whether it’s a small car or a van – roof tents are available in every design to suit you and your preferences.
These car models are definitely suitable for a roof tent:
Audi
BMW
Ford
Jeep
Land Rover
Mercedes
Mitsubishi
Opel
Suzuki
Toyota
VW
If you’re wondering how much all this fun is going to cost you, here’s a little overview for you:
Prices: This is what a roof tent costs you
Of course, depending on the manufacturer, model and variant, a roof tent also costs correspondingly different amounts. In general, hard-shell roof tents are somewhat more expensive than soft side tents due to their robust, high-quality design and size. For a family tent for 4 or 5 people you should plan at least 3.000,- Euro, but the most important features are already integrated and you only have to plan costs for food, fuel, activities and other expenses. You can get a high-quality foldable tent for couples from around 1,500 euros.
This means that a roof tent costs much less than a caravan, motorhome or camper van, where you have to invest around 40,000 euros just for the car. In addition, you are much more flexible with a roof tent and can start your holiday directly after the installation on the roof, whereby you are always just as free as with a normal car.
These are the costs you’ll have to pay:
from 1.600,- Euro for 2-3 persons (couples)
From 3.200,- Euro for 4-5 persons (families)
A roof tent is about 30.000,- Euro cheaper than a complete motorhome.
Accessories: Awning & Co.
Especially if you are on the road for a long time and are planning a holiday of several weeks, you will sooner or later need additional accessories. For example, hanging lockers are highly recommended to keep your tent tidy, and for extra space on the campsite, it’s worth getting an extension tent or awning to cook, play games, shower or move around a bit more freely.
The following accessories are worthwhile for trips lasting several weeks:
Add-on tent or awning for extra space
Awning as sun and privacy protection
Wall cabinets for order in the tent
Tips and recommendations for on the road
What else do I have to consider on the road and where am I allowed to stand with a roof tent? In general, you can drive with a roof tent just as fast as with a car. You can also use car parks or parking spaces as normal, as the tent is almost inconspicuous on the roof of your car when folded up. To sleep in it, however, you should visit a campsite to have enough space and feel completely comfortable.
You can leave anytime and go anywhere
With a roof tent you can drive just as fast as with a normal car.
You can park on any public parking lot and parking lot
For additional space an extension tent is worthwhile
For more privacy an awning
A gas cooker is recommended for cooking
By the way: You can also camp in winter without any problems
While most people prefer the warm weather when sleeping outside, winter camping definitely has its appeal! Simply because of the beautiful winter landscapes and the possibility of winter sports, many campers now also choose cold regions. Worried that it might get too cold, especially at night? Don’t worry! With a rooftop tent you don’t have to worry about freezing if you are equipped with the right equipment, such as a gas heater and an electric blanket.
Take a look at the following video to get an impression of winter camping in a roof tent and to learn what you should consider and keep in mind.
https://lukinski.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/test-camping-vergleich-mobiles-zuhause-urlaub-erfahrungen-dachzelt-auto-aufbau-skycamp-ikamper-beispiel-seat-vw-reise-3-personen-zelt.jpg6671000L_kinski/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/lukinski-logo-real-estate-investment-germany-house-villa-off-market-clean.svgL_kinski2021-03-16 11:44:432022-03-01 10:17:41Buy Roof Tent: Comparison, price, list, tips – Camping up to 4, 5 people in the mobile home.
