Things to Consider Before You Buy
Choosing the right rooftop tent can feel overwhelming—especially with so many options out there. But don’t stress. If you break it down by your needs, it becomes a simple decision. At Outback Tourer, we’ve designed our rooftop tents with real-world use in mind, and we’re here to help you pick the perfect fit.
Here’s what you need to consider before buying:
1. How Many People Are You Sleeping?
All of our tents are designed to comfortably sleep two people, but some models are wider than others. If you and your camping partner like a bit of extra space—or if you’re planning to have a child or pet with you—it’s worth checking the internal dimensions.
2. Know Your Roof’s Weight Capacity
Before anything else, check your vehicle’s roof load rating in the owner’s manual. You’ll find two numbers:
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Dynamic load (when the car is moving)
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Static load (when parked)
You need to stay within both, especially when adding a tent, roof racks, and gear. Do not guess—check the manual.
3. Do You Have the Right Roof Racks?
All rooftop tents, including ours, require cross rails for mounting. Make sure your setup includes strong, properly spaced cross bars that your tent can clamp around. If you're unsure, contact us or your rack supplier for advice.
4. Consider Vehicle Overhang
Tents come in different lengths, and some will overhang more than others depending on the size of your vehicle. Overhang isn’t always a bad thing—but you want to avoid blocking rear doors, spare wheels, or creating too much weight behind the rear axle.
5. What Do You Want to Store Inside?
Planning to leave pillows and bedding inside your tent when it's closed? You’ll need a higher-profile tent. Our range includes models designed to store gear like sleeping bags, blankets, and even pillows—saving you time during setup.
6. Mattress Thickness Matters
Not all rooftop tent mattresses are created equal. If you want a good night’s sleep (and trust us, you do), check the mattress thickness. Some thinner mattresses feel fine at first but wear out quickly. Our tents are designed with comfort in mind and can also be upgraded if needed.
7. Consider Tents With Built-In Power
Having power inside your rooftop tent is a game changer. Whether it’s running a fan, charging your phone, or plugging in lights, it makes the experience much more comfortable. Some of our models come pre-wired with USB ports and lighting, ready to connect to your battery system.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right rooftop tent comes down to your setup, your vehicle, and how you like to camp. At Outback Tourer, we build our tents with attention to every detail—from weight and comfort to durability and design—so you can focus on the adventure, not the gear.
Still unsure? Reach out and we’ll walk you through the best option for your needs.
