The Complete Beginner's Guide to Roof Top Tent Camping

There's something magical about waking up in a roof top tent. The gentle rock of the vehicle in the morning breeze, the unobstructed views of the Australian bush, and the satisfaction of knowing your campsite setup took just minutes rather than the better part of an hour. If you've been eyeing roof top tents and wondering whether they're right for you, this comprehensive beginner's guide will walk you through everything you need to know.

From understanding the different types of RTTs to planning your first trip, we'll cover the essentials that will set you up for success in this rewarding style of camping.

What Exactly Is a Roof Top Tent?

A roof top tent, often abbreviated as RTT, is a camping shelter designed to mount on your vehicle's roof rack or roof bars. When you arrive at camp, the tent unfolds or pops open to provide a comfortable sleeping platform elevated above the ground. When it's time to move on, the tent packs away into a compact unit that travels on your roof.

This style of camping originated in Africa and Australia, where getting off the ground offers protection from wildlife, insects, and the often-unforgiving terrain. Today, RTTs have evolved into sophisticated camping systems used by weekend warriors and full-time travellers alike.

Benefits of Roof Top Tent Camping

Before investing in an RTT, it's worth understanding why so many campers have made the switch from traditional ground tents.

Quick Setup and Pack-Down

The most immediately obvious benefit is speed. A hardshell roof top tent can be deployed in under 60 seconds—literally open the latches and it pops up ready to go. Even softshell models typically set up in under 10 minutes. Compare this to wrestling with poles, pegs, and guy ropes for a traditional tent, and you'll understand the appeal.

Comfort

Every roof top tent comes with a built-in foam mattress, usually 50-75mm thick. You're sleeping on a proper mattress every night, not on the ground through a thin sleeping pad. Add your own sheets and doona, and you have a genuine bed that rivals many hotel rooms.

Flexibility

Because your tent is attached to your vehicle, you're not dependent on finding flat, clear ground for camping. Rocky terrain, uneven surfaces, even beach car parks become viable camping spots. You can set up virtually anywhere you can safely park your vehicle.

Types of Roof Top Tents

There are three main categories of roof top tents, each with distinct characteristics that suit different camping styles and budgets.

Softshell (Fold-Out) Tents

Softshell tents fold out from a fabric cover, typically unfolding to twice the closed size or more. They offer the most sleeping space for the money and often include features like annexes and awnings.

• Pros: More affordable, larger sleeping areas, often more headroom, annexe compatibility
• Cons: Longer setup time (3-10 minutes), larger closed profile, more susceptible to wear
• Best for: Budget-conscious campers, families needing space, those who stay multiple nights at each location

Hardshell (Pop-Up) Tents

Hardshell tents feature a rigid fibreglass, aluminium, or carbon fibre shell that opens via gas struts or electric motors. The tent literally pops open in seconds.

• Pros: Fastest setup (under 1 minute), lower profile when closed, better aerodynamics, more durable shell
• Cons: Higher cost, smaller sleeping area, limited headroom in some designs
• Best for: Frequent travellers, those who move camps daily, anyone prioritising convenience

Hybrid Tents

Hybrids combine a hardshell top with fold-out fabric sides, attempting to offer the best of both worlds—quick setup with increased space.

• Pros: Fast setup with more space than traditional hardshells
• Cons: Higher cost, complexity of design
• Best for: Those wanting hardshell convenience with softshell space

Is Your Vehicle RTT-Compatible?

Not every vehicle can safely carry a roof top tent. Before purchasing, you need to verify your vehicle's compatibility.

Dynamic vs Static Load Ratings

Your vehicle has two roof load ratings that matter:

• Dynamic load rating: The weight your roof can handle while driving (typically 75-100kg for most vehicles)
• Static load rating: The weight your roof can support when parked (usually 2-3 times the dynamic rating)

The dynamic rating is what limits your tent choice. You need a tent plus bedding plus the weight of occupants while driving to fall under this limit. However, the static rating is what applies when you're actually sleeping in the tent.

Suitable Vehicles

Roof top tents work well on:

• Most 4WDs and SUVs with factory or aftermarket roof racks
• Utes with canopy-mounted rack systems or sports bars
• Many wagons and larger hatchbacks with appropriate roof bars
• Trailers and camper trailers designed for RTT mounting

Essential Gear Beyond the Tent

Your roof top tent is just the beginning. Here's what else you'll need for comfortable camping:

Must-Have Items

• Bedding: Sheets, pillows, and a doona or sleeping bags rated for expected temperatures
• Lighting: Most tents include basic LED strips, but a good headlamp and lantern are essential
• Ladder mat: Keeps dirt and debris out of your sleeping area
• Shoe storage: A bag or pocket to keep footwear accessible but contained

Nice-to-Have Additions

• Annexe: A room that attaches below the tent, providing changing space, storage, or additional sleeping
• Awning: Creates shaded outdoor living space beside your vehicle
• Anti-condensation mat: Placed under the mattress to improve ventilation
• 12V power setup: For charging devices and running accessories

Planning Your First RTT Trip

For your inaugural roof top tent adventure, set yourself up for success by choosing an appropriate destination and planning carefully.

Choose a Beginner-Friendly Location

Select a campsite that's:

• Relatively close to home (2-3 hours maximum) in case something goes wrong
• Accessible on sealed or well-maintained roads until you're comfortable with your setup
• Has facilities like toilets and water, reducing the variables you need to manage
• Not overly remote—phone reception is valuable for your first trip

Test Everything at Home

Before leaving, conduct a complete practice run:

1. Open and close the tent multiple times
2. Set up your bedding as you plan to use it
3. Climb in and out using the ladder
4. Test all zippers, windows, and closures
5. Pack everything away and ensure the cover closes properly

Common Beginner Mistakes to Avoid

Learn from others' experiences and avoid these frequent first-timer errors:

• Forgetting to check overhead clearance: Your vehicle is now significantly taller. Watch for car park height limits, low branches, and drive-throughs.
• Packing away while wet: Always dry your tent completely before closing. Mould grows quickly in trapped moisture.
• Ignoring the weather forecast: Being elevated makes you more exposed to wind. Check conditions and have a backup plan.
• Overpacking the tent: Storage in the tent itself is limited. Keep gear in the vehicle and only bring essentials up.
• Not levelling the vehicle: Even small slopes are noticeable when sleeping. Use levelling blocks or choose flatter ground.

Roof top tent camping opens up a world of convenience and adventure that's hard to match with any other camping style. Yes, there's an initial investment and learning curve, but the payoff—comfortable nights under the stars, quick setups that leave more time for exploring, and the freedom to camp almost anywhere—makes it worthwhile. Start with a modest first trip, learn from each experience, and before long, you'll wonder why you didn't make the switch sooner.