Before You Buy: The Essentials
1. Check Your Vehicle's Roof Load Capacity
This is the most important step—skip it and you could damage your vehicle or create a safety hazard.
What you need to know:
- Dynamic load capacity - Weight limit while driving (check owner's manual)
- Static load capacity - Weight limit while parked (typically 3-4x dynamic)
Example calculation:
- Your vehicle's dynamic capacity: 165 lbs
- Tent weight: 130 lbs
- Your weight + partner: 300 lbs combined
- ✅ Dynamic load needed while driving: 130 lbs
- ✅ Static load while camping: 430 lbs (most vehicles support 600+ lbs static)
Common dynamic capacities:
- Sedans/crossovers: 100-150 lbs
- Compact SUVs: 150-175 lbs
- Full-size SUVs: 165-200 lbs
- Trucks with bed racks: 250-400 lbs
If your vehicle has low roof capacity, consider:
- • Lightweight tents (90-130 lbs)
- • Truck bed rack instead of roof rack (trucks only)
- • Upgrading to a vehicle with higher capacity
2. Install a Proper Roof Rack System
You can't mount an RTT directly to your roof—you need a rack system.
Crossbar Options:
- Factory rails - Many vehicles come with basic crossbars (check weight rating)
- Aftermarket crossbars - Thule, Yakima, Rhino-Rack ($300-$600)
- Platform racks - Front Runner, Prinsu ($800-$1,500) - Better weight distribution
- Bed racks - For pickup trucks ($800-$2,000) - Highest capacity
Crossbars work for most RTTs, but platform racks provide better stability for heavy tents or overlanding.
Installation: Most crossbar systems install in 30-60 minutes with basic tools. Many people pay $100-200 for professional installation.
3. Set Your Budget
Total investment includes:
- Roof top tent: $1,200-$5,000
- Roof rack: $300-$1,500
- Optional annex: $200-$500
- Installation (if not DIY): $100-$300
Entry level ($1,500-$2,500 total):
- • Soft-shell tent: $1,200-$1,800
- • Basic crossbars: $300-$500
- • Great for weekend camping
Mid-range ($2,500-$4,000 total):
- • Hard-shell tent: $2,500-$3,500
- • Quality crossbars or platform: $400-$800
- • Perfect for frequent campers
Premium ($4,000-$7,000+ total):
- • Premium hard-shell: $3,500-$5,000
- • Platform rack system: $800-$1,500
- • Annex and accessories: $500-$1,000
- • For serious overlanders and year-round camping
Understanding Tent Types
Hard-Shell Tents
How they work: Open with gas struts in 30-90 seconds. Close flat for aerodynamic transport.
Best for:
- ✅ Quick overnight stops
- ✅ Frequent setup/packdown
- ✅ Fuel economy concerns
- ✅ Storing bedding inside
Trade-offs:
- ❌ Higher price ($2,500-$5,000)
- ❌ Heavier (130-200 lbs)
- ❌ Limited interior height in some models
Types:
- Clamshell - Opens like a clamshell, most popular
- Wedge - Streamlined angled profile, ultra-compact (4-6" tall), best aerodynamics
- Wedge Expandable - Wedge with expansion mechanism for 15-30% more space
- Pop-up - Lifts straight up, 360° views
- Fold-out - Extends outward, larger sleeping area
Soft-Shell Tents
How they work: Unfold manually with ladder deployment. Accordion-style or fold-out designs.
Best for:
- ✅ Budget-conscious buyers
- ✅ Larger sleeping areas
- ✅ Lower vehicle weight requirements
- ✅ Extended stays (setup once)
Trade-offs:
- ❌ Slower setup (2-5 minutes)
- ❌ Must pack bedding separately
- ❌ Taller when closed (worse aerodynamics)
Styles:
- Fold-out - Most common, unfolds to double or triple sleeping area
- Pop-up - Rare in soft-shells, similar to hard-shell pop-ups
Choosing the Right Size
2-person (50-56" width):
- • Similar to a full/double mattress
- • Perfect for couples
- • Lightest and most compact
- • Best fuel economy
3-person (56-60" width):
- • Approaching queen mattress size
- • Couples who want extra room
- • 2 adults + 1 small child
- • Sweet spot for versatility
4-person (70-85" width):
- • King size or larger
- • 2 adults + 2 kids
- • Families or those who want lots of space
- • Requires vehicle with higher roof capacity
5+ person (85-100" width):
- • Massive sleeping area
- • Large families
- • Usually fold-out design for extreme space
- • Limited vehicle compatibility
Pro tip: If you're on the fence, size up. A couple in a 3-person tent will sleep better than cramped in a 2-person.
Key Features to Consider
Mattress Quality
- • Thickness: 2-3 inches standard, 3+ inches premium
- • Type: High-density foam (most common) or air mattresses (rare)
- • Consideration: You'll spend 8 hours on it—don't skimp
Tent Fabric
- • Poly-cotton canvas (most common): Breathable, reduces condensation, 280-320 GSM
- • Polyester: Lighter, less breathable, budget option
- • Waterproof rating: 3,000mm handles heavy rain
Windows & Ventilation
- • More windows = better airflow and views
- • Mesh screens keep bugs out
- • Important for summer camping
Setup Mechanism
- • Gas-strut (hard-shells): Standard, reliable
- • Hydraulic (premium hard-shells): Smoother, more durable
- • Manual (soft-shells): No mechanisms to fail
Extras
- • LED lights: Convenient, usually USB-powered
- • Skylight/roof panels: Stargazing (pop-ups and some clamshells)
- • Annex compatibility: Add-on rooms for gear/changing
- • Awning compatibility: Shade and rain coverage
Top Recommendations by Category
Best Entry-Level Hard-Shell
Featherlyte AirRush 2-Person - $1,399
- • 104 lbs (lightweight)
- • Fully serviceable design
- • 3-inch mattress
Best Value Hard-Shell
TopOak Galaxy 1.0 - $1,598
- • Aluminum shell
- • U-bar expansion design
- • Excellent price/performance
Best Premium Hard-Shell
iKamper Skycamp 3.0 - $4,599
- • Sleeps 4 adults
- • Industry-leading space
- • PFAS-free materials
- • Premium features
Best Soft-Shell Value
Roofnest Meadowlark - $1,595
- • 90 lbs (very light)
- • Compact footprint
- • No poles or guy lines
- • Great for budget campers
Best Lightweight Option
Inspired Overland Standard RTT - $999
- • Only 76 lbs!
- • Hard-shell design
- • Gas strut assisted
- • Perfect for small vehicles
Installation Day
What You'll Need
- • A friend to help lift
- • Basic hand tools (usually included with tent)
- • 60-90 minutes
- • Level surface to work on
Installation Steps
- Install roof rack (if not already on vehicle)
- Position tent on rack with helper—this is heavy!
- Align mounting brackets to rack
- Hand-tighten bolts to ensure proper fit
- Torque to manufacturer specs (use torque wrench if available)
- Test setup on ground before your first trip
Pro tip: Many outdoor retailers offer free installation with purchase or charge $100-200.
First Trip Checklist
Before You Leave
- ☐Practice setup in driveway (seriously, do this!)
- ☐Check all bolts are tight
- ☐Test ladder deployment
- ☐Verify tent opens/closes smoothly
- ☐Pack bedding (if hard-shell, you can store inside)
- ☐Bring extra stakes for annex (if applicable)
Maintenance for Longevity
After Every Trip
- • Air out tent completely (open fully for 2-4 hours)
- • Wipe down any moisture or dirt
- • Never pack wet—mold will destroy your tent
Monthly (Heavy Use)
- • Inspect canvas for tears or weak spots
- • Clean zippers, lubricate if sticky
- • Check mounting bolts, retighten if needed
- • Verify gas struts working properly (hard-shells)
Annually
- • Deep clean canvas with mild soap and soft brush
- • Re-waterproof fabric if water doesn't bead anymore
- • Inspect mattress for compression or damage
- • Check ladder for rust or loose connections
Storage
- • Store in dry, ventilated area
- • Leave slightly open to prevent mildew
- • Remove tent and store indoors if possible (ideal)
Final Advice
Start with these priorities:
- Safety first - verify roof capacity
- Buy the right size - don't go too small
- Budget for the whole system - tent + rack + extras
- Read reviews and watch videos - see setups in action
- Visit an outfitter if possible - see tents in person
You don't need the most expensive tent to have a great experience. A well-chosen entry-level or mid-range tent will serve you well for years.
The best tent is the one that fits your vehicle, your budget, and gets you outside.
Questions? Check our FAQ page or email us at hello@elevatedcamping.com
Happy camping!