Difference Between Roof Top Tents

Roof top tents are gaining popularity year after year. They are starting to be seen on more and more Cars and trucks as the years progress. Though roof top tents have been around since the 1950’s they were really popular in Africa to stay above the ground, to avoid predators. Over the years the concept of the roof top tent has not changed much, though 3 styles have become very prominent. The three styles being a hardshell design, the softshell tent and a combination of the two. Below are the pros and cons of each.


The Soft Shell Roof Top Tents

Ford Ranger with a roof top tent on a Rove rack by Rove Offroad. Smittybilt tent on top of a Rove Offroad Rove rack, making a great combination and fit. Folding roof top tent can fit on Suv's, cars, Pickup trucks, vans, jeeps and many other types of vehicles. Rooftop tents for pick up trucks go great with the rove racks rove offroad. Whatever you are overloading over the rove offroad with be a fountain for any adventure.

Pros

  • Usually the cheapest option
  • Can fold up and has a smaller roof or truck bed footprint
  • Comes in multiple sizes, from a twin bed to a king size
  • Lighter weight

Cons

  • When folded up can be up to a foot tall
  • Most work to fold and unfold
  • Not aerodynamic when folded

Hard Shell Roof Top Tents

hard shell rooftop tent sitting on top of an SUV. Folding roof top tent can fit on Suv's, cars, Pickup trucks, vans, jeeps and many other types of vehicles. Rooftop tents for pick up trucks go great with the rove racks rove offroad. Whatever you are overloading over the rove offroad with be a fountain for any adventure.

Pros

  • Very easy to set up, just pops open
  • Easy to close up
  • Can store some thinner items in the shell when traveling
  • Aerodynamic when put away

Cons

  • Larger footprint, better for suvs or longer truck beds
  • High Price
  • Usually only for up to 2-3 people
  • Less room inside

Hybrid Hard and Soft Shell Roof Top Tents

ikamper rooftop tent on top of a Subaru Outback. Folding roof top tent can fit on Suv's, cars, Pickup trucks, vans, jeeps and many other types of vehicles. Rooftop tents for pick up trucks go great with the rove racks rove offroad. Whatever you are overloading over the rove offroad with be a fountain for any adventure.

Pros

  • Easy to fold and unfold, more work than the hard shell, but less than the soft shell
  • Sleeps 3 to 4 people
  • Aerodynamic when put away
  • Spacious inside

Cons

  • Most expensive option
  • Larger footprint, better for suvs or longer truck beds