Rooftop Tent vs. SUV Tent: Which One Should You Choose?
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Rooftop Tent or Hatchback Tent? What Works Best for Your Car Camping Adventure?
If you're gearing up for car camping or overlanding this season, you've probably seen those sleek rooftop tents all over Instagram. But are they really the best option for your vehicle and lifestyle? Let’s break it down and help you choose the perfect setup — whether you want that "cool factor" or a cozy camp for the whole family.
1. Rooftop Tents: What They Are
Rooftop tents (RTTs) are compact sleeping units that mount directly onto your vehicle’s roof rack or crossbars. They're fast to set up, elevated (hello, bear-proof vibes), and save you from sleeping on damp ground. They come in hard shell or soft shell options and can sleep 2–4 people depending on the model.
2. But They’re Not for Everyone
Before you splurge on that rooftop tent, consider if it's even a good match for your car. Here’s when an RTT might not be the best idea:
🚫 Your car has a moonroof or panoramic glass top — a rooftop tent can crack or damage it.
🚫 Your car roof is rated for under 165 lbs of dynamic load — that’s a red flag.
🚫 You hate climbing up and down ladders (especially at night).
🚫 You're camping with small kids or pets who can’t safely get into a tent on the roof.
3. The Underdog: Hatchback or Trunk-Attached Tents
These ground tents attach to the back of your SUV, minivan, or hatchback and give you extra room to sleep inside the vehicle while still enjoying tent space outside. It’s basically a “bedroom + living room” setup.
They’re often cheaper than rooftop tents, way easier to set up, and give you better protection from wind or storms. And the best part? You don’t have to climb a ladder to crawl into bed.
4. Mounting a Rooftop Tent: What You Need
If you’re set on a rooftop tent, make sure:
✅ Your vehicle has factory or aftermarket crossbars or a platform rack rated for your tent’s weight.
✅ You double-check your vehicle’s dynamic and static weight limits.
✅ You install the tent correctly, evenly distributing weight and tightening all mount points.
✅ You do a test drive before going off-grid.
Pro tip: avoid cheap universal racks. Always choose a rack system that fits your exact vehicle model and is designed for rooftop loads.
5. Rooftop Tent vs Hatchback Tent: Quick Comparison
| Feature | Rooftop Tent | Hatchback Tent |
|---|---|---|
| Setup time | Fast (1–5 mins) | Moderate (10–15 mins) |
| Sleeping location | On roof | On ground or in vehicle |
| Safety | Elevated, away from animals | Ground-level but secure |
| Cost | $$$ | $–$$ |
| Comfort | Great for 2 people | Great for families |
| Looks | Looks badass 😎 | Not as flashy, but super cozy for family camping |
6. So, Which One Should You Choose?
👉 Go with a rooftop tent if:
You want quick setup, travel solo or as a couple, and love that high-up, wild view from your bed.
👉 Go with a hatchback tent if:
You camp with kids, pets, or friends, and want comfort and privacy.
Either way — don’t buy a tent that doesn’t fit your lifestyle. And definitely don’t buy one just for Instagram photos 😅
Need help picking the right one for your car? DM us on @GoWildAuto Instagram or message us through the shop. We’re happy to help.