If you’re a fervent camper, you have probably been familiar with roof-top tents.
Roof-top tents are an excellent alternative for those who don’t require camping or RV but want a step-up from the standard camping tent.
Camping is a necessity for various items. Camping with a tent that has a roof isn’t any different!
Here is Our Rooftop Tent Checklist:
Roof Rack
Rooftop Tent Hardware
Ladder
Tent Cover
Rooftop Tent Expansions
Alternative Tents / Covers
Bedding
Storage Accessories
Camp Furniture
Lighting
Food/Water
First Aid Kits
Other Items
1. Roof Rack:
The first thing to make sure you have when you buy a roof-top tent, is an appropriate roof rack.
The roof rack helps keep your tent in place and secure even while you are driving or using your tent.
If you’re looking to buy the roof rack you should be aware of your vehicle’s weight capacity, your rack’s weight, as well as the weight of the tent. You also need to know which type of roof rack is available for your specific vehicle.
2. Roof-Top Tent Hardware:
It may seem obvious however, if you are planning to put up a roof-top tent, you will want to ensure that the equipment is there for the tent to function properly.
The tent should be equipped with the equipment you require, however it is important to be certain prior to starting your tent’s set-up.
The roof-top tent hardware comprises bolts, brackets, nuts and everything else needed for tent set-up.
The full list of things you will need to do to set up your tent will be provided in the directions that came with your tent’s roof.
In addition, if you want more accessories, consider purchasing locking mechanisms for your roof or other security options to stop the theft of your rooftop tent!
3. Ladder:
The ladder is essential for your tent’s roof.
It’s not easy to get in and out from your tent without it.
Most rooftop tents are with a ladder!
Use the ladder that is made specifically for your tent. This ladder will be the most secure and stable.
4. Tent Cover:
Covering your tent cover is crucial to prolong the lifespan of your tent.
It is not a good idea for any damage to your tent during a drive or camping, so having a tent cover can be a major protection for it.
Make sure you have your tent cover is secured properly and includes all necessary straps.
5. Tent Roof Top Tent Expansions:
Certain roof-top tents may come with accessories such as the awning and the extended cover.
This can be helpful when you need to store items outside of your tent or car areas, such as coolers and other objects.
There are some great accessories for roof top tents, such as annexes and Awnings, come with the tent or are purchased separately.
6. Alternative Tents/Covers:
Since you can’t do more than lie down and rest in your tent’s roof It is recommended to take into consideration additional cover kinds for your camping experience.
Alternate tents could include canopies and screened-in rooms which will cover your dining area.
This will be incredibly beneficial when you’re experiencing inclement conditions and plan to participate in things like playing and eating or anything else that won’t be comfortable in your roof-top tent.
7. Bedding:
Bedding is essential for camping in your tent’s roof.
Even though the roof-top tent ensures that you’re laid out on a flat floor, this will not be comfortable if you do not have bedding.
One of the advantages of a roof-top tent is that it’s not necessary to remove bedding every time for removing the tent the way you would for the traditional tent.
The majority of root-top tents can fold up without difficulty with the bedding inside.
Most rooftop tents come with bedding, but if it does not, you can find a small mattress made specifically for your roof-top tent to ensure it fits when it is constructed and compact!
Also, be sure you have blankets or sleeping bags to keep warm along with pillows.
8. Storage Accessories:
Another great thing to consider could be roof tent accessories for storage.
Because you are limited to the space in your tent it’s a good idea find a way to be innovative with storage as involved.
Things such as hanging storage containers or even temporary shelves are a helpful in getting items out of your car for easy access. They’re easy to set up or tear down.
Also, you should consider keeping clothes and food inside the car locked when it’s not in use to protect yourself from thieves and wild animals.
Coolers are great for food storage, vacuum bags to store clothes, and totes for kitchen equipment and kitchen supplies.
The benefit of having an open-top tent with a roof is that it’s easy to installed and removed, so you want to ensure that you are able to build your entire site quickly and efficiently.
9. Camp Furniture:
Another great consideration to make is bringing camp furniture.
Roof-top tents are really only perfect for sleeping in So you’ll need to bring something else those times when you don’t plan to stay in bed.
The best option for this is to take a camping chair so that you can feel comfortable throughout the day take a bite, or sit by a fire.
You could also take chairs and tables that fold down.
Also, loveseat camping chairs are a great option to bring with you to create space for large families, or even for couples to sit at a fire in a cozy setting.
10. Lighting:
Lighting can be essential.
There’s nothing more frustrating than being lost in darkness, particularly at night in the middle, or in an area with many wild animals.
Good things to have include flashlights, lanterns recharged cellphones, headlamps and pen lights that can fit inside the compartment of your glove.
11. Food/Water:
Food and water are essential regardless of what kind of camping adventure you’re engaged in.
In addition to water and food It is also important to make sure you bring a cooler and cooking necessities.
It could be as basic as hotdog sticks made of campfire or as extravagant as the propane cooking station or small grill.
12. A First-Aid Kit
Oft overlooked, having a first-aid kit is extremely important.
It is impossible to predict the exact time an accident could occur You should be prepared in the event of an accident.
This can be incredibly important for camping at a place away from the way.
A first aid kit can assist in the short-term charge of something when you travel towards the closest hospital, in particular in the event that the hospital is a long distance from you.
13. Other Items:
This list is not exhaustive.
If you have gone camping before you’ll have an idea of the other things you may require.
These other items could comprise anything from books to games and toiletries to clothing as well as anything else you’ll need.
Make sure you also include:
Firestarters
Paper towels/trash bags
Ziploc bags or storage for food storage
Tongs, grilling equipment, can openers and potato peelers
Aluminum foil, bowls, plates, silverware
Etc.
All in all, you need to ensure you’re well-prepared for a camping trip that is the best it can be!