Roof awning: comparison, installation and price

A rooftop tent is a shelter that mounts on top of your car's roof racks and folds or folds up to add sleeping accommodations to your car. Ideal for camping, fits any vehicle, including a van or motorhome. A roof awning costs between 1000 and 5000 euros, depending on its quality, size and model.

🚗 What is a roof awning?

As the name implies, roof top tent a tent designed to be installed on the roof of your car. Contrary to what one might think, it is not designed for XNUMXxXNUMX vehicles or vans, and it is perfectly possible for your city car to have a roof awning installed.

The roof awning is actually attached to roof arches... Thus, it is possible to create a berth above the car, to which you can climb the stairs. When you get back on the road, you can fold the roof top tent.

The roof awning has been around since the 1950s. It is a very useful accessory when traveling and loved by tourists and travel enthusiasts, in particular for its ease of use. It unfolds and folds much easier than a tent that is placed on the ground.

You can also use the van or motorhome roof awning to add extra beds. Since it does not come into contact with the ground, it also has the advantage of being more protected from dirt, moisture and insects.

Finally, a rooftop tent is not subject to camping rules: it is sometimes forbidden to pitch a tent on the ground, but sleeping in a parked car is generally prohibited.

However, rooftop tents also have disadvantages. The main thing is the obligatory purchase of bars on the roof, which must also withstand the weight of the tent and the people sleeping in it. Therefore, it is necessary to pay attention to the choice of crossbars on the roof, as well as to GVW (Total permitted loaded weight) of the vehicle.

Your vehicle's PTAC is listed on your registration document so it is easy to read. But the roof awning also increases the height of your vehicle: look for this in parking lots, toll roads, and under bridges. Finally, the additional weight of the roof tarpaulin inevitably leads to excessive fuel consumption.

🔍 Which awning to choose?

The roof awning can be adapted to any type of vehicle as long as it is equipped with roof racks. It must be selected by:

• His measurements (height, width, etc.): This determines the number of people who can sleep in your rooftop tent.
• Son the weight : The roof rails can only support a certain weight (up to 75 kg per bar).
• Sa in matters of : Choose comfortable, waterproof and durable.
• Son mattress : the tent is equipped with a mattress; make sure it is comfortable, especially if you plan on sleeping on it regularly or for a long time.
• His finishes : for the awning to be of high quality and perfectly waterproof, it must have a flawless finish. Double hand-sewn seams and zippers are preferred over heat seal.
• Son installation : You will find electric roof top tents, which are more expensive, but much easier and quicker to set up.

In any case, the versatile and modular roof awning is chosen primarily according to your needs. If you are likely to be making frequent stops or taking a long trip, you will be happy to buy a tent that folds and folds quickly.

Then there are rooftop tents for 1, 2, and also for 3 or 4 people. Therefore, families prefer large models, always paying attention to the weight of the tent. Also, be sure to select a model that has been approved according to recommended international standards and is guaranteed for several years.

🔧 How to install an awning on the roof?

To install an awning on your car, you must have roof arches... Choose them according to the weight they support because they must be able to carry both the tent and the people who will sleep in it.

You will need to mount the tent on the roof of your car and place it on the roof beams and then attach the tent to them with the bolts that came with the tent. Assembly instructions vary from one tent model to another, but don't worry - they will be included with your rooftop tent.

💰 How much does a roof awning cost?

The price of an awning on a roof can vary greatly depending on the model, its size, finishes, etc. The first prices start around 1000 € but can rise up to 5000 € for elite rooftop tents.

To find a cheap rooftop tent, you can buy second hand. But be careful that it is in very good condition, that the kit is complete (bolts, etc.) And that it is of good quality. Ideally, it should still be under warranty.

Know that if you only have a very specific need, you can give preference to location roof top tents upon purchase.

Now you know all the benefits of a roof awning! If roof rails need to be installed to secure the tent later, they can be adapted to any vehicle if you change it later. Do not hesitate to consult a professional if you have any doubts about the weight your vehicle can support.