7 Things to Consider When Going For a Car Rooftop Camping

4 min readFeb 2, 2021

Car rooftop camping is a great way to enjoy your adventure as it provides one of the best experiences. This form of camping is a bit new to most people but is slowly gaining popularity. It is more secure compared to ground camping because you no longer have to worry about small crawling animals such as spiders, scorpions, and other big ones such as snakes and bears. Despite being called rooftop camping, you need a rack system that acts as a foundation anchoring the tent. A study conducted by Technavio on the camping equipment market in the U.S.A provides detailed research of the most crucial drifts expected to affect the market outlook from 2017–2021. Technavio defines a rising trend as a factor that can significantly impact the market and have a hand in its growth or decline. If you are thinking of trying this amazing adventure, here are a few things that you should consider:

1. Prepare Your Camping Gear

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Get your camping gear ready. Pack a headlight or lantern to light up your tent after sundown, pillows, duvets, cooling sheets, tent, and roof rack. For the tent, whether brand new or used, empty its sack and ensure that everything is in place. Sort out the content starting from the poles of different sizes, rainfly, and the main structure. And when it comes to the roof rack, go for one that is strong, lightweight, and easy to install without any drilling. One such rack is the Defender 90 Roof Rack.

2. Practice More before Setting Out

Practice setting the car rooftop tent at your own home. You can also do it with your colleagues who have more experience in the same. Start by camping near your home. This will be making it easier in case something goes wrong and you have to go back. With time you will perfect the skills and it will be easier and more comfortable to go for those long car rooftop camping trips. The rooftop tent will feel like home, ensuring you enjoy it even more.

3. Choose a Good Location

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When choosing a camping ground, choose a smooth, level ground without minding the view. Avoid sloppy and rocky terrains even if they are beautiful sceneries. The last thing you want is for your car to start moving when you are up there sleeping. Be guided by your tent’s dimension. It is also advisable to clear the rocks and gravel on and around your camping area. The best rooftop camping place can be in a national park, a resort, or by a safe and secure roadside. In the U.S.A, for example, Hip Camp provides over 400,000 camp-friendly destinations across the country.

4. Bring a Companion

Installing a car rooftop tent is tiring and complicated if you are doing it alone. However, it depends on the type of tent as some are simple, while others are very complicated. Having a companion to help you carry the materials up the car and set up the tent will make the work easier and save you time and energy. You will also need their help when disassembling and folding it back into its sack.

5. Be Ready For Anything

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When going for car rooftop camping, be prepared for anything. From tire bursts and running out of gas or food supplies to succumbing to minor injuries during the whole adventure. To be on the safe side, have some means to re-start your car in case it stops along the way. You should also carry extra gas, food, and a first aid kit. All these measures will ensure your ultimate comfort and that you don’t get stranded along the way.

6. Carry Some Fun Items

Sometimes you may end up overstaying your camping adventure for longer than you had planned. Carrying fun items such as bicycles, skating boards, fishing rods, books, and cards will ensure that you don’t get bored in your car’s rooftop tent. It also makes the adventure more enjoyable as you get to explore more by cycling, reading, playing cards, fishing, and skateboarding.

7. Avoid Closing the Tent When it’s wet

Sometimes it may rain while you are still out camping. When that happens, don’t fold up your tent while still wet. It may end up ruining your tent and your beddings if they overstay with the dumbness. In case you are in a hurry to pack and go home, you can always air it to dry later on.

Planning to go for a car rooftop camping trip? Then keep these seven tips in mind. They will not only ensure your comfort but also make the whole adventure enjoyable and memorable. These tips will also ensure that car rooftop camping becomes one of your most preferred ways of hitting the great outdoors.