You might consider a roof-top tent if you are looking for a camping shelter that you can put on the roof of your vehicle. These are a great way to get a comfortable, elevated sleep while you are on the road. In fact, they are one of the most convenient camping options on the market. These tents are strong and waterproof, but also have a number of useful features such as a foam mattress or telescoping ladder. A rooftop tent is essentially a roof-top treehouse.
When it comes to assembling a rooftop tent, there are three main types to choose from. You have the option of the Smittybilt Overlander and the Thule Tipui Kukenham or the Yakima RoofRise. Each of these great options can be used in their own ways, but each has its own pros and cons.
The Smittybilt Overlander budget option is a good choice. The LED light system includes 12 volt extension cords and rubber boot bags. It also features a comfortable mattress. The tent cover can be folded in half if needed. You will likely need to make modifications to your vehicle to accommodate the tent.
The Thule Tepui Kukenham is another excellent choice, but the price tag can make it a bit hard to justify. This is particularly true if there are only two of you on the trip. It comes with a mattress and an attached annex. But it lacks the awning found in the other models. The tent weighs in at 144lbs. The Foothill tent may be better suited for couples who don't require a lot of space. It has a hot-dog folding design that will allow you to store more gear.
Each of the tents has a few good features but none compares to the Smittybilt Overlander. This is the best option if you are looking for a sturdy roof top tent that won’t break the bank.
For long cross-country road trips, make sure your truck has enough space to accommodate your tent. You can only carry 144 pounds of weight in the Smittybilt Overlander. If you plan to bring more, you will need to buy a heavier model. The Smittybilt also includes a very generously sized ladder, a built-in foam mattress, a few extra bells and whistles, and the ability to tuck in the tent cover for a more compact setup.
Sky Loft three-door tents are another option for campers who want to be four-season. Its quilted polyester fabric makes it warm, while the 2.5 inch thick mattress offers more than enough comfort for the occupants. It has separate ladder mount points to each of its doors.
The Thule Tepui Autana 3 mattress is another solid option. This awning offers both a comfortable mattress and excellent support. The canopy can be folded using an internal bungee mechanism.