Everything You Need to Know About Roof Top Tent Safety

If you're seeking a new camping experience, consider trying rooftop tenting. These durable and spacious tents elevate you off the ground, providing maximum comfort. They are also easy to set up and maintain, allowing you to fully enjoy your camping trip.

However, camping on your roof doesn't eliminate common safety concerns. Similar to traditional camping, rooftop camping requires some preparation. Here is everything you need to know about rooftop tent safety.

Are Roof Top Tents Safe?

To answer your most pressing question: yes, roof top tents are totally safe. The idea of sleeping on a vehicle’s roof leads some people to believe the activity is dangerous. However, roof top tenting is completely safe as long as you do it the right way.

Of course, there are some valid concerns that make people uneasy. For example, how do you protect yourself from bad weather while on top of your roof? What are the falling risks associated with roof top tents? Are they safe to drive with?

If these questions are keeping you from exploring the world of roof top tents, don’t worry—we’re here to put your mind at ease.

How to Stay Safe While Roof Top Tenting

To protect yourself, your vehicle, and your belongings while rooftop tenting, you'll need to take a few precautions. We’ll cover all the essentials to give you a solid foundation. To avoid cutting your camping trip short, incorporate these best practices into your routine.

Choose a Durable Tent

Since weather conditions can be unpredictable, especially on long camping trips, selecting a durable tent is crucial. A high-quality tent will withstand heavy rains and strong winds, provide shade from the sun, and keep you warm in winter.

Look for rooftop tents made from strong materials like acrylic-coated polyester. This fabric repels rainwater and condensation, keeping you and your gear dry. Additionally, a sturdy frame will resist bending in the wind, allowing you to stay secure regardless of the weather conditions.

Drive and Park Safely

Did you know you can drive with a rooftop tent on your vehicle without having to disassemble and reassemble it each time you hit the road? However, driving carefully with these camping accessories is crucial to avoid accidents.

Always adhere to traffic laws and maintain appropriate speeds. Avoid exceeding 70 mph, as driving faster than this could pose risks to you, your tent, and your passengers.

Additionally, be cautious about where you park. Avoid setting up camp under large trees or on inclines. Falling branches could damage your tent, and camping on uneven ground will result in an uncomfortable night's sleep.

Stay within Weight Limits

While high-quality rooftop tents and truck bed campers often boast high weight capacities, it's important not to exceed your vehicle's weight limit. Be mindful of both your truck's weight limits and the maximum weight capacity of your rooftop tent.

Consider your own weight along with the weight of any guests who will be sleeping in the tent. Additionally, factor in the weight of your mattress, gear, and other essential accessories.

Adding excess weight to your vehicle can make it more difficult to drive. It's always better to pack lightly rather than overloading your tent with unnecessary items.

Close Tent Doors While Sleeping

While it may be tempting to unzip your tent screens and sleep in the open air, doing so increases the risk of falling. Most trucks are at least six feet tall, so leaving the tent doors wide open means a significant distance to the ground.

Maintain Security

Ensuring safety involves more than just weather and falling risks—it also entails security. You never know who might be nearby when camping, so keeping your tent and camping gear secure is vital to safeguard your belongings from potential theft.

Utilize anti-theft straps and locking bolts to secure your tent and accessories. Consider investing in a vibrational alarm system to deter thieves while you're away exploring the terrain. This allows you to hike, fish, and engage in other activities away from your campsite without concerns about your belongings disappearing.

Practice Safe Camping Measures

Roof top tenting largely parallels traditional camping, but it's important to observe special safety precautions. Alongside these, adhere to standard camping practices to safeguard against uncertainties. This entails packing for unforeseen circumstances, prioritizing fire safety, and discreetly storing food and trash.

Ensure you have extra clothing and blankets for warmth and dryness. Pack non-perishable food items and an ample water supply. Never leave a fire unattended, and securely store garbage in trees or air-tight containers to deter wildlife from your campsite.

Consider Professional Installation

While assembling roof top tents isn’t overly complex, opting for professional installation services enhances safety. Skilled installers will ensure your camper and tent are securely mounted with durable hardware, alleviating concerns about potential falls or equipment damage.

For further assistance or inquiries, feel free to contact us.