Wondering how to choose the right rooftop tent and ensure it fits your vehicle? We’ve got the answers to these questions and more!

Rooftop tents are designed for campers who crave adventure and convenience. With their quick and easy setup, you can pitch camp almost anywhere, and their sturdy construction makes them ideal for rugged outdoor environments.

Ready to leave the cold, muddy ground behind and sleep above it all? Before you make the switch, there are a few important things to consider. Our comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know to make an informed decision.

• Quick Setup: Rooftop tents are incredibly easy to set up and pack away in just minutes. Unlike traditional ground tents that require assembling poles and securing them to the ground, all you need to do is unfold your rooftop tent, and you're ready to go. This means more time for exploring and less time spent setting up camp.
• Comfort: Most rooftop tents come with built-in mattresses that are much more comfortable than inflatable ones (especially when they deflate!). Plus, the bedding stays inside the tent, so when you open it, you can jump right in. The flat floor ensures you won't wake up with stones poking your back at night.
• Clean and Dry: Being elevated keeps you away from mud, snow, sand, and any critters that might wander by, helping you stay clean and dry throughout your adventure.
• Weather-Resistant: Rooftop tents are made from materials designed to withstand tough weather conditions. They're often more durable and better suited to handle harsh weather compared to traditional ground tents.

Choosing a rooftop tent means faster setup, greater comfort, and enhanced protection against the elements.

Some of our recommended rooftop tents for families include: Thule Approach L, Thule Approach M, Thule Tepui Autana

Some of our recommended rooftop tents for families include: Thule Foothill

Some of our recommended rooftop tents for families include: Thule Basin, Thule Basin Wedge

Are you browsing through our selection of Thule rooftop tents and unsure which one is right for you? To help narrow down your options, start by visiting our rooftop tent page. Simply click “Select your vehicle” to see which tents are compatible with your car.

If all tents fit your vehicle, here are the key differences between our most popular models:

• Thule Approach: The Thule Approach is our most advanced rooftop tent, designed with outward-angled walls for a spacious interior feel. It’s the only tent where every size can be paired with an extended canopy (sold separately) for extra living space. Plus, it comes with Thule Mounting Brackets included, making attachment to your roof racks quick and easy.
• Thule Foothill: Compact and low-profile, the Thule Foothill takes up minimal space on your roof racks, allowing you to load other sports gear like bikes or kayaks. This is the perfect tent for action-packed adventures where you need to bring along extra equipment.
• Thule Autana: Built for rugged trips, the Thule Autana offers spacious options for up to four people and includes an extended canopy for additional living space, making it ideal for families or groups seeking a larger shelter on the road.
• Thule Basin & Thule Basin Wedge: Both of these models are hard-shell rooftop tents, built for extreme weather conditions and quick setup. They also double as cargo boxes, providing versatility for your gear. The Thule Basin Wedge is more aerodynamic when driving and offers excellent wind resistance when pitched. The Thule Basin, on the other hand, has a more spacious interior, offering extra room for comfort.

Each tent is designed to suit different needs, from compact adventures to family camping trips and off-road expeditions. Choose the one that best fits your lifestyle!

We know how important it is to make sure that your rooftop tent is secure and safe. That’s why it is important that your tent fits your vehicle properly.

Luckily, Thule have tested there car top tents with many vehicles and all Thule roof racks to provide a guaranteed fit.

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Once you arrive at your destination, setting up your rooftop tent is quick and easy. There are two common setup methods:

• Fold-out: Most soft-shell rooftop tents use this method. Simply remove the travel cover, pull out the ladder, and unfold the tent. Adjust the ladder so it reaches the ground, and you’re ready to camp!
• Pop-up: Typically used with hard-shell rooftop tents, this method is even easier. Unlatch the tent, and it will pop up into place automatically.

How Long Does It Take to Open a Rooftop Tent?

Most rooftop tents can be fully opened and ready for use in just 3-4 minutes. Setting up additional features like windows or rainfly rods may take a bit longer, around 4-6 minutes. Hard-shell rooftop tents are usually faster since they don’t require extra setup steps like rainfly rods.

Where Can You Camp with a Rooftop Tent?

You can camp anywhere camping is permitted, including campsites, certain national parks, and designated parking areas. Be sure to check local guidelines to confirm if camping with a car is allowed. Helpful apps like iOverlander or Allstays can assist in finding nearby places where camping with a rooftop tent is allowed.

With a rooftop tent, your camping experience becomes easier, faster, and more adventurous!