The 5 Best Roof Tents for Cars – Expert Guide (2023)

Roof mount tents are straightforward to set up, and they come with more versatility than usual ground tents. They are space-efficient as well. Because you can set up a camp wheresoever you park your car. Again, they may be a bit costlier because they provide ground clearance for security against weather elements and creeping animals.

If you are in a hurry, then you can use the links below to buy the best roof tents for cars. You don’t need to worry about the quality of the products because we only recommend the best.
– Best Overall – Thule Tepui Autana 4 with Annex
– Best for Off-Road, 4×4 Trailers – Thule Tepui Autana 3 Ruggedized with Annex
– Best for Small Cars – Thule Tepui Low-Pro Rooftop Tent
– Budget-Friendly – Thule Tepui Explorer Ayer 2 Rooftop Tent
– Alternative of Thule – Smittybilt Overlander Tent

Image
Best Overall
Thule Tepui Explorer Autana 4 Person with Annex for Camping & Hiking, Haze Gray
Best for Off-Road, 4x4 Trailers
Thule Tepui Ruggedized Autana 3 with Annex, Olive Green, one Size
Best for Small Cars
Thule Tepui Low-Pro 2, Light Gray, One Size
Budget-Friendly
Thule Tepui Explorer Ayer 2, Blue, One Size
Alternative of Thule
Smittybilt Overlander Roof Top Tent - 2783
Product
Thule Tepui Autana 4 with Annex
Thule Tepui Autana 3 Ruggedized with Annex
Thule Tepui Low-Pro Rooftop Tent
Thule Tepui Explorer Ayer 2 Rooftop Tent
Smittybilt Overlander Tent
Capacity
4 Person
3 Person
Available in 2 and 3 People
2 Person
2 to 3 Person also available in XL (3 to 4 Person)
Materials
600 Denier and a 260G Poly-cotton Blend
High-quality 360G Stitched Fabric
Thermoplastic Materials That Are Both Durable and 100% Recyclable
Coated 600 denier and a 260g poly-cotton blend
600D Heavy-duty Waterproof The and Rain Fly and Heavy Duty PVC Cover
Size (Open)
122 x 72 x 52 in
122 x 56 x 52
2 Person: 84 x 50 x 44 in and 3 Person: 95 x 56 x 49 in
84 x 48 x 39 in
95 x 56 x 51 in
Size (Closed)
48 x 72 x 12 in
48 x 56 x 12
2 Person: 43 x 50 x 10 in and 3 Person: 48 x 56 x 10 in
42 x 48 x 11 in
58 x 49 x 13 in
Weight
190 lb
152 lb
2 Person: 105 lb and 3 Person: 120 lb
105 lb
116.5 Lbs
Best Overall
Image
Thule Tepui Explorer Autana 4 Person with Annex for Camping & Hiking, Haze Gray
Product
Thule Tepui Autana 4 with Annex
Capacity
4 Person
Materials
600 Denier and a 260G Poly-cotton Blend
Size (Open)
122 x 72 x 52 in
Size (Closed)
48 x 72 x 12 in
Weight
190 lb
Buy on Amazon
Best for Off-Road, 4x4 Trailers
Image
Thule Tepui Ruggedized Autana 3 with Annex, Olive Green, one Size
Product
Thule Tepui Autana 3 Ruggedized with Annex
Capacity
3 Person
Materials
High-quality 360G Stitched Fabric
Size (Open)
122 x 56 x 52
Size (Closed)
48 x 56 x 12
Weight
152 lb
Buy on Amazon
Best for Small Cars
Image
Thule Tepui Low-Pro 2, Light Gray, One Size
Product
Thule Tepui Low-Pro Rooftop Tent
Capacity
Available in 2 and 3 People
Materials
Thermoplastic Materials That Are Both Durable and 100% Recyclable
Size (Open)
2 Person: 84 x 50 x 44 in and 3 Person: 95 x 56 x 49 in
Size (Closed)
2 Person: 43 x 50 x 10 in and 3 Person: 48 x 56 x 10 in
Weight
2 Person: 105 lb and 3 Person: 120 lb
Buy on Amazon
Budget-Friendly
Image
Thule Tepui Explorer Ayer 2, Blue, One Size
Product
Thule Tepui Explorer Ayer 2 Rooftop Tent
Capacity
2 Person
Materials
Coated 600 denier and a 260g poly-cotton blend
Size (Open)
84 x 48 x 39 in
Size (Closed)
42 x 48 x 11 in
Weight
105 lb
Buy on Amazon
Alternative of Thule
Image
Smittybilt Overlander Roof Top Tent - 2783
Product
Smittybilt Overlander Tent
Capacity
2 to 3 Person also available in XL (3 to 4 Person)
Materials
600D Heavy-duty Waterproof The and Rain Fly and Heavy Duty PVC Cover
Size (Open)
95 x 56 x 51 in
Size (Closed)
58 x 49 x 13 in
Weight
116.5 Lbs
Buy on Amazon

Thule is a very famous brand around the whole world. This company is famous for its top-notch quality vehicle accessories. Tepui is the subsidiary in charge of Thule for the production and selling of roof tents. They fundamentally specialize in soft-shell roof tents, and their Explorer series is leading in sales worldwide. The Ruggedized series comes with the most durability of the lot and is more costly, and the Baja series comes with lightweight roof tents designed especially for spring and fall seasons.

In this article, we have suggested some of the best Thule roof tents currently available in the market based on their construction, capacity, versatility, functionality, and price.

1. Thule Tepui Autana 4 with Annex

Thule Tepui Explorer Autana 4 Person with Annex for Camping & Hiking, Haze Gray
  • Can accommodate up to four people
  • Includes an extended private canopy entrance with removable annex
  • Constructed from coated 600 denier and a 260g poly-cotton blend made to withstand the elements of any season
  • Tent fabric is UV resistant and withstands the elements of any season
  • Mesh panels offer plenty of ventilation and open for more airflow
  • Four, large internal pockets for storing gear and camping accessories
  • Includes a high-density foam mattress for added comfort

 This one is our top choice because it is the most suitable Thule roof tent available on the market for large families and groups of friends for any time of the year camping. The Autana comes with an excellent construction which is second to none. Its base frame is made of a 19mm welded aluminum tube that can handle 650lb latent weight capacity.

The water-resistant tent is made out of 600 denier coated fabric blended with 260g polyester cotton. Moreover, on top of that, there is a tough exterior that is UV and mold-resistant, and it is compatible with different seasons and weather conditions.

Another great feature of the Thule Autana is its huge interior area. This roof tent will provide you with 96 x 72 inches of sleeping space and an internal height of 56 inches, which is quite a spacious accommodation for up to four grown-ups. The tent also comes with a comfy 2-inch high-density foam mattress so that you can get a comfortable sleep and recharge yourself after a long day. In addition, it has four big pockets so that you can keep your gear and other camping accessories such as headlamps or your car keys.

An extensive canopy entry provides for extra privacy with a retractable enhancement. It also includes mesh panels that ensure enough airflow inside the tent and simply open or close to control the wanted airflow. You will still be able to access the vehicle’s side door while the tent is mounted on top of your car, which is a great feature, and possible because of its u-shaped zipper. You can unzip it, roll up the fabric and pin it up with the provided toggles.

When completely constructed, the Thule Tepui Autana weighs 190 lbs, and it measures 122 x 72 x 52 inches. After use, you can fold it down, and it will measure 48 x 72 x 12 inches for ease in carrying and storage. You can carry the roof tent in its folded state by using a 200 lbs roof cargo box. Before installing it, make sure that the merest bar spread is 30.7 inches the roof racks are sturdy enough to manage the weight.

Pros:

  • Large easily accommodate four people
  • Long-lasting

Cons:

Heavy

2. Thule Tepui Autana 3 Ruggedized with Annex

Thule Tepui Ruggedized Autana 3 with Annex, Olive Green, one Size
  • Can accommodate up to three people
  • Includes an extended private canopy entrance with removable annex
  • Diamond plate base for added protection and durability
  • Constructed from high-quality 360g stitched fabric
  • Includes an anti-condensation mat to keep moisture from building up under the mattress
  • Internal frame is fully wrapped and built to withstand any environment
  • Welded aluminum construction is sturdy and long-lasting
  • Extra large internal pockets and gear anchor points to keep organized
  • Two built-in screened sky panels bring in light and offers a full view of the night sky

This is the hardest, heavy-duty roof tent on this list and most probably in the market. The base construction of this roof tent is made out of a reinforced aluminum tubular frame with diamond plate cap sheets. This helps to increase the protection against the most extreme weather conditions. It is durable and hardly rusted, even over extensive usage. The internal frame is also made out of heavy-duty 19mm aluminum tubing. And it can handle weights of up to 600 lbs.

The canopy of the fabric is gradually insulated. The canvas of this particular model is 360 grams of polyester cotton, which is slightly different from the other Thule roof tents, and canvases that are 260 grams. The 600D ripstop fabric, including water-resistant, ventilate coating, ensures that you will remain dry despite the storm. The taped seams have also come with dual stitching for added strength.

The large interior is designed to provide supreme comfort and relaxation for up to three people. And it measures 96 x 56-inch. This roof tent comes with a 2.5-inch thick high-density mattress that covers the whole floor area of this tent which is also covered with a washable cotton mattress cover. The included mattress is an anti-condensation mat that helps prevent moisture and provides you with a cool and dry interior. It also has four large pockets, which are situated across the sides of the tent. You can use them to keep your personal items or gear.

It comes with an extended canopy with a removable annex that provides you with protected storage space for any unwashed and wet gear as well as privacy. This tent has six big windows with included mesh panels that ventilate the whole tent. Two mesh panels are situated on top of the UV and mold-resistant canopy so that you can enjoy the moonlight and observe the night sky. After all, it comes with the 8.5 feet telescoping ladder that will help you get in the tent easily, and it also provides extra support to the roof tent.

The Ruggedized Autana roof tent is the most costly tent on this list. Still, considering the quality they are providing, including many useful accessories, this roof tent is really worth the money.

Pros:

  • Heavy-duty build quality 
  • It comes with an anti-condensation mat that helps to prevent moisture build-up
  • Annexed insulation gives more warmth

Cons:

Price is quite high

3. Thule Tepui Low-Pro Rooftop Tent

Thule Tepui Low-Pro 2, Light Gray, One Size
  • Can accommodate up to two people
  • Ultra low profile design folds down to 7" / 18 cm for better aerodynamics and vehicle fit
  • Tent base is constructed of thermoplastic materials that are both durable and hundred percent recyclable
  • Dome canopy is lightweight while still providing all-season protection
  • Patented ZipperGimp easily attaches the canopy to the base of the tent

Usually, rooftop tents work great with large vehicles and SUVs, but some convenient Low-Pro tents can be great for small cars. This roof tent is the most lightweight tent on this list. It weighs 105lbs only, and it comes with the lowest profile of all the Thule soft-shell tents. This roof tent is very slim when you fold it down, measuring only 7-10 inches. This ultra-low profile design provides you with greater aerodynamics, which makes your drive more pleasurable and fuel-efficient.

This Thule roof tent is manufactured by the new Tepui TEC Composite Base technology. The base of this tent is made out of cellulized thermoplastic honeycomb fiberglass material. That’s why this tent weighs less, and the thickness is decreased as well.

The tent may look subtle to you; nevertheless, it comes with strong and sturdy construction, and it is enough to hold two people or static weight of up to 400 lbs. the internal frame is made out of 16mm wrapped aluminum. The dome-shaped canopy fabric is made out of 3000WP ripstop polyester. The material used in making this roof tent is breathable, waterproof, UV and mold resistant; moreover, it is also flame-retardant. This roof tent comes with a 40-denier hard-density mattress that covers the whole 29.2 square feet floor of the tent. The tent is more comfortable and warmer while the temperatures fall at night. The vents of this tent can be zipped up, or you can also fold it up to get a proper airflow inside the tent or to prevent rainwater from leaking in. A ladder also comes prepackaged so that you can have easy access to the 84 x 50 x 44-inch rooftop tent.

The Low-Pro is comparatively easy to install and assemble. It also includes the patented ZipperGimp to attach the canopy to the tent’s base quickly. Consider the suggested dimensions for the rack systems in order to bypass incorrect mounting. The roof rack or crossbars require to have a maximum of 80 mm width and 38 mm width.

Pros:

  • Lightweight design
  • More excellent fuel efficiency
  • Easy to install

Cons:

It is not suitable for cars with glass roofs or sunroofs.

4. Thule Tepui Explorer Ayer 2 Rooftop Tent

Thule Tepui Explorer Ayer 2, Blue, One Size
  • Can accommodate up to two people
  • Constructed from coated 600 denier and a 260g poly-cotton blend made to withstand the elements of any season
  • Tent fabric is UV resistant and withstands the elements of any season
  • Mesh panels offer plenty of ventilation and open for more airflow
  • Four, large internal pockets for storing gear and camping accessories
  • Includes a high-density foam mattress for added comfort

If you are interested in a Thule roof tent that will cost you a low price, but still comes with durable build quality, then this one is the best option available. Thule never compromises on the build quality of their product’s construction. This Thule tent comes with the same materials as the Kukenam model, notwithstanding that they have a price difference of almost 500 Dollars.

As with the Low-Pro, it comes with a 400 lbs static weight capacity, and it weighs 105 lbs itself. This roof tent is compatible with small vehicles, and if you have a sedan or a hatchback, this one could be a safe option for you. It is available in two unique colors. Those are Haze gray and blue. The base of the tent is made out of welded aluminum with EPS foam insulation. The canopy fabric is made out of a water-resistant 600-denier polyester-cotton ripstop. The rain fly is made out of 420-denier polyester oxford with a 2000mm polyurethane waterproof coating. In good weather, you can remove the rain fly to enjoy the scenic beauty. This tent comes with strong 6061 tubular poles that give 38 inches of headroom, and it also helps to keep the tent straight through heavy rains or strong winds.

The mesh vents lessen compression build-up while awnings over the door and windows sealed out critical weather. The windows of this roof tent are made out of transparent mesh panels for privacy, guaranteeing that the two occupants’ movements can’t be snooped on and can be presented to increase airflow. The tent comes with a high-density mattress covering the tent with a demountable, washable cotton cover for easy cleaning. While carrying and storing, you can cover the tent with a heavy-duty PVC cover that will protect the Ayer 2 tent from any kind of abrasion and weather elements.

The Ayer 2 comes with universal mounting brackets so that you can set this rooftop tent up in under 20 minutes very easily and quickly. It also comes with a telescoping ladder that has adjustable height variations that can be properly calibrated to match your car’s height so that you can easily enter the tent.

Pros:

  • Reasonable pricing
  • Suitable for most factory roof racks and aftermarket crossbars

Cons:

Close Fit for Two Grown-ups

5. Smittybilt Overlander Tent

Sale
Smittybilt Overlander Roof Top Tent - 2783
  • Standard size tent (sleeps 2-3) with high-density 92" x 55" foam double/full mattress and 661 lb. max load
  • 600D heavy-duty waterproof top and rain fly; sunroof; side windows with mosquito netting; anodized aluminum tent frame poles; telescopic ladder; interior LED strips and many more features
  • Easy to set up and take down; heavy duty PVC cover keeps tent dry and free from UV rays when not in use
  • Smittybilt Tent Annex (sold separately #2788) with removeable floor can be attached with heavy duty zippers for privacy
  • Tent also available in Size XL (sleeps 3-4 #2773). Ladder extension also available (#2785).Ladder capacity:265 lbs
  • Mounting brackets included

If you are looking for something different from a Thule roof tent, the Overlander can be a great solution for you. It is a great product to go on camping and hiking. It comes with great versatility and fantastic functionality. But still, it costs less than the Thule Ayer 2.

This tent comes in a standard size, and it weighs 48 lbs. It comes with a maximum weight carrying capacity of 661 lb. It can easily accommodate 2-3 people. This tent comes with a huge internal space measuring 95 x 56 x 51-inch size. You will also get a lot of room from the four internal slots or the hanging shoe bag. The bag has two drain holes so that you can keep your wet gear, and it will be dry by the time you take a nap.

 The base of this tent is made out of aluminum and polyurethane material. And the tent poles are made out of an anodized aluminum frame with stainless steel hinges. The canopy is made from the heavy-duty 600D ripstop polyester fabric, and the flysheet is made from a lightweight 420D Oxford material. This tent also has a sunroof which also gets the job done with a ventilation panel. All the side panels are covered with mesh that will keep mosquitoes or any other bug out of your tent so that you can stay safe from any bug bites and infections.

Moreover, with this roof tent, you do not need to carry a room light when going on camping because the Smittybilt Overlander comes with an LED strip. You will be able to connect the LED light either via a USB port or a 12V socket directly to your car. The tent also comes with a comfortable foam mattress with a removable cover. This mattress is connected to the floor of the tent using Velcro. You can easily get into the tent from both the passenger and driver’s side.

The roof tent is very easy to set up, even for a first-time user, and it comes with complete setup directions. The Overlander closes with Velcro fasteners instead of zippers, which is different from the Thule roof tents. Their product may not be so famous, but they are handier when compacting the tent for storage. The tent is instantly dissembled and easy to tie down using Velcro and effortlessly put in a UV-resistant PVC cover.

Pros:

  • It comes with great versatility
  • Access from both sides 
  • It comes with LED strips

Cons:

  • Ladder expansion is marketed separately
  • It comes with only one year warranty

FAQs:

Roof Tents for Cars

Q: Can you drive with a roof tent?

Ans: Yes, you can drive with a roof tent. However, after folding the roof tents into a miniature size, you will be able to drive with a roof tent. But it would be best if you remembered that they heavily impact your fuel economy, and you will have to spend more at the fuel pump. However, Low-profile roof tents may lessen the wind resistance, but still, there will be a drag.

Q: What is the difference between the static and dynamic weight capacity of a roof tent?

Ans: The static weight capacity actually means how much the loading capacity of a tent and a roof rack system can hold when the car is parked. On the other hand, the dynamic weight capacity means how much weight the rack can take when you are driving the car. It is very important to remember both of the weight carrying capacities so that you can bypass accidents.

Q: Can you install the Thule roof tents on factory-installed racks?

Ans: The racks need to be able to support the weight of the tent and the complete rack system. Thule usually recommends using aftermarket roof racks because factory-installed racks do not usually have enough mounting space or weight distribution demands for a rooftop tent to be used without danger.

Q: What is the difference between the Thule rugged and explorer models?

Ans: The major difference between the rugged and explorer models is that the rugged model comes with an aluminum diamond plate at the base. In contrast, the explorer model comes with a base of an aluminum frame. The diamond plate is more solid for added protection and is more long-lasting between the two of them.

Conclusion

Installing a Thule roof tent can feel a little bit challenging if you don’t have the right roof rack system. Most factory racks cannot bear the 165 lbs. load capacity for installing a roof tent. You better buy another set of roof rack systems that will get the job done without any problem.

Besides, you have to read your vehicle’s manual to ensure that the roof can hold the whole weight of the rack system, the roof tent, and the weight holding capacity of the tent itself. By installing a Thule rack system, you can end up having an extra benefit because they come with a compressive report on the driving and dynamic weight distribution rating.

-our editorial board has reviewed this article and has been approved for publication according to our editorial policy.

Last Update : 2024-03-26

A dedicated automotive enthusiast and the Co-Founder of this platform. With a profound love for cars and a keen eye for top-notch accessories, I’m thrilled to share my expertise with you.

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