ROOFTOP TENTS FOR A SUMMER OF ROAD TRIPS FOR UNIVERSAL CAR

BENEFITS OF A ROOFTOP TENT

• Setup is a breeze (after the initial install). These tents mount to your vehicle’s roof crossbars and can be easily deployed in just a few minutes when you find a camp spot. A ladder folds out so that you can climb up into your home away from home, far away from any puddles, insects, and roaming wildlife.
• You can camp anywhere (well, almost anywhere). No need to find a soft and perfectly flat tent pad — as long as the slope is minimal, you can set up shop anywhere. Sleeping off of the ground puts you high above any roaming critters, too.
• The comfort is top-notch. Most include a thick foam mattress that will blow your typical camping air mattresses out of the water.
• Their construction is solid. Their heavy fabrics and thick tent poles are made to stand strong in heavy winds and rains.

DRAWBACKS OF A ROOFTOP TENT

• Cost is high. They are significantly more expensive than a standard tent, so you better plan on getting your money’s worth.
• They’re heavy and bulky. Most options weigh at least 100 pounds, and some up to 200 pounds. You’ll also make sure you have at least one other person with you for mounting. Plus, you’ll need a storage space between seasons, and if you decide to leave it mounted between trips, the extra drag will definitely affect gas mileage.
• Day trips are tougher. If you plan on sleeping in the same place for multiple nights, but want to drive to a trailhead, your tent and your car are one.