6 things to consider before having the best car camping tent

Updated Jul 19, 2019 | Same topic: Best Advice for Car Buyers

If you are looking for a perfect summer trip with a camping tent, this article is right for you.

It’s important to get the best car camping tent available to optimize; going car camping. There are several options to choose from, and everything is optional too. Having a good car camping tent does make a difference!

Picking out the best car camping tent

It may seem a bit trivial but when going car camping it isn’t complete without the best car camping tent to get. Is there any difference between a tent and a car camping tent; at all? For starts; there is and the differences are significant and for all intents and purposes.

Anyone can get a standard tent for a car camping trip since; it’s still the great outdoors. Although that pretty much defeats the purpose of getting a car camping tent when the whole idea is to be true; to the whole experience. With that ironed out; getting the best camping may cost a bit than your standard tent!   

car camping tent

It may seem a bit trivial but when going car camping it isn’t complete without the best car camping tent to get

>>> Read more: Camping out this summer 2019: All tips & tricks for Filipino's drivers.

1. What are the kinds of car camping tents?

Before anything; what kind of vehicle will be used for the tent? This is self-explanatory because there are specific types of tents that are meant for truck or cars; whichever is the vehicle owned!

Obviously; there’s no way to fit one for either. It’s all because a truck car tent and car tent aren’t the same; so there would be any confusion on the subject!

2. What’s the difference between a car tent or truck car tent?

Well simply put; these two types greatly differ and how they are deployed and set up! Though both reflect how they are built to take advantage of the vehicle they are used for! So again, those used for either a car or truck cannot be swapped at all.

Get a truck tent that uses the truck bed to mount the tent easily with pop up supports; for quick and easy installation that is a cinch to do. But, make sure the truck bed liner is swept free of debris and dirt. Storage and assembly are easy; since it can be stowed neatly in the truck bed to avoid ripping it accidentally.

car camping tent

Well simply put; these two types greatly differ and how they are deployed and set up

Tents used for cars are rooftop mounted, via a roof rack and comes in several shapes and sizes for everyone. The only difference with car rooftop tents is that they have to be mounted in shells that house the tent, with little assembly required for it.

>>> Also check: Summer 2019: 10 essential car gadgets for your next road trips in the Philippines.

3. Why should they be an option for campers and recreationists as the tents of choice?

These tents will vary according to what they come with, and both are off the ground with no need for pegs or exhaustive installation. Both are designed to keep the occupants dry and use the cars as ready mountings to for easy and convenient assembly.

These car tents enable cars or trucks to be cheap RV substitutes; which is a good thing because they are cheaper than RVs (recreational vehicle).

man with car camping tent

These car tents enable cars or trucks to be cheap RV substitutes

4. How to fit a rooftop tent to any car?

Here’s the stitch when choosing a rooftop tent for any car, and it’s important to get down pat. For one; these are rather heavy since they housed in pods or modules on the car roof! Check if there is a roof rack or installing one; is a prerequisite for getting one to install a car rooftop tent.

Better check if the car's roof can take the weight of both the rack and tent too. When in doubt; check the specs of the car and the manufacturer to make sure there won’t be any problem!

The weight is critical, and there would be models recommended for installation; since there would be rooftop car tents that will be suited for specific vehicles. This is very important; with the wrong choice, the car roof might get damaged. Better do the research before fully committing to the expense; and everything that should be considered.

car camping tent

The weight is critical, and there would be models recommended for installation

Make sure the car rack can handle the extra weight of the rooftop car tent to carry. Check the owner’s manual for this info or ring up the car manufacturer or whoever should be asked! Some racks will work with specific car rooftop tents or all of them. Ring them up; to make sure!

Consider how the car rack and tent will affect how the vehicles stay upright when traveling is important. Rollovers may happen without proper advisement when using it! Normally most racks will support all the weight in including people and the shell that houses it.

>>> Worth reading: Summer road trip checklist: Are you ready for your next adventure?

5. Things should keep in mind 

Are there other things to worry about when getting a car roof tent for the best car camping tent? After all the concern with major points; here are some minor points that should get everything all cleared up! Which is what getting the best car camping tent is all about.

car camping tent

There are things you should keep in mind when choosing a car camping tent

  • The hard part is bolting the car rooftop tent module, on the rack which is the hardest part. After it is done; then the installation is easy.
  • Added annexes and awnings will expand the living space, as an option but with added weight!
  • This car roof top tent comes in several grades of durability for all climates and areas.
  • The best to get are hardtops that will be heavy but can support more people inside; when assembled

>>> You might want to read: 4 car exterior features need to protect in the hot summer.

6. Choosing a truck tent for the outdoors is easier than roof top mounted tents

Most truck tents are easier to assemble because it uses the truck bed as mounting. It is a straight forward assembly to do; with complicated bolting on like car rooftop tents! The weight is no problem because it is carried someplace else than a roof rack too.

  • These tents are closer to the ground and less complex.
  • It can come with awning and annexes too but on the ground, combos of higher annexes that depends on the model.
  • Trucks can also use roof tents but have no problem with the extra weight.

couple near car camping tent

Most truck tents are easier to assemble because it uses the truck bed as mounting

This primer about choosing the best car camping tent is important to get the right one; of the bat! Getting on that is compatible with the vehicle is important as well. Get the best car camping tent and have that summer outing for the books.

Go to Philkotse.com for more ideas to go on car camping and other suggestions for trips this summer 2019!

Norjan Ismail Abbas

Norjan Ismail Abbas

Author

Norjan enjoys writing about various topics, and car is among them. Don't ever ask him which his most favorite car is since he has none. He believes each car is beautiful in its own way.

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