Roof tent overview

What types of roof tents are there?

If you're looking to buy a rooftop tent , you have three types to choose from: pop-up rooftop tents , hard-shell rooftop tents , and hybrid rooftop tents . Each of these rooftop tents has its own advantages and disadvantages. Here's a comprehensive overview to help you choose the right rooftop tent for your car and travel plans.

Roof tents

Folding roof tent – plenty of space and flexible use

  • The classic folding roof tent is very popular because it offers a particularly large sleeping area while still being comparatively lightweight. This makes it suitable for cars with lower permissible roof loads.

    Advantages of a folding roof tent:

    • Very large lying area – ideal for couples or families
    • Low weight → also suitable for vehicles with low roof load
    • Can be combined with an awning for even more space

    Disadvantages of a folding roof tent:

    • Slightly more complex to set up and take down compared to a hard-shell roof tent

  • Despite its pop-up mechanism, a folding roof tent is quick to set up and immediately ready to move in. Depending on the vehicle model, it can be mounted so that it opens to the front, back, or side.

    The outer shell is made of durable fabric, which keeps the weight low and ensures a comfortable climate. The cotton blend is breathable, waterproof, and ideal for restful sleep.

    We also offer matching awnings for all our pop-up roof tents . These can be attached to the roof tent in just a few minutes using a piping strip and zipper, and can even be used as an additional sleeping area.

Hard-shell roof tent – fast, robust and weatherproof

  • A hard-shell roof tent is the right choice for anyone who values comfort, speed, and robustness.

    Advantages of a hard-shell roof tent:

    • Set up and dismantle in seconds
    • Very stable and weatherproof outer shell
    • Suitable for all year round, prepared for roof tent heating

    Disadvantages of a hard-shell roof tent:

    • Higher dead weight
    • Usually only suitable for 2 people

  • With a hard-shell roof tent, all you need to do is unfasten the buckles, lift the lid, and you're ready to sleep. Especially practical for frequent changes of pitch. The hard outer shell reliably protects the tent from wind and weather.

    Even on cool nights, you can sleep comfortably in the hard-shell roof tent . Instead of a thermal inner tent, we recommend using a roof tent heater, which can be connected via integrated vents to keep the climate inside the tent pleasantly dry and warm.

Hybrid roof tent – the combination of both worlds

  • The hybrid roof tent combines the advantages of a folding and a hard-shell roof tent. It features a robust hard shell, unfolds, and offers more space thanks to an additional folding surface.

    Advantages of the hybrid roof tent:

    • Larger lying surface thanks to additional folding mechanism
    • Also suitable for pickup truck beds or vehicles with smaller footprints

    Disadvantages of the hybrid roof tent:

    • More weight

  • The advantages and disadvantages essentially correspond to a combination of the two types of roof tent.

    The hybrid roof tent is an excellent choice for anyone who wants to combine flexibility and comfort.

Roof tent key data

What should you consider when choosing the right roof tent?

  • Permissible roof load

    First, check your vehicle's permissible roof load. You can usually find this information in your vehicle's manual.

    This refers to the dynamic roof load acting on the vehicle while driving. Please note that the weight of the roof rack must also be taken into account.

    Most manufacturers no longer specify a static roof load because it is designed so high that it can hardly be exceeded.

  • Roof tent assembly

    Standard roof racks are required to install the roof tent . Two aluminum mounting profiles are screwed to the bottom of the roof tent. The roof tent mounting clamps can be inserted into these profiles. The roof tent is lifted onto the car so that the aluminum profiles are at right angles (crossed) to the roof racks. This allows the roof tent to be attached to the two roof racks at four points.