Need help fitting your roof tent?
Check out our handy step-by-step roof tent install guides. We also provide a roof tent fitting service at our workshop in Hampshire, UK. To find out more and availability, please contact us.
Most likely, yes! As long as your vehicle can accommodate roof bars or a roof rack, you can mount a roof tent to your car, truck, van, or SUV. Our roof tents are designed to be versatile and compatible with a wide range of vehicles, making them a great addition to your adventures across the UK.
Key Considerations
Vehicle roof bars/rack – Ensure your vehicle is equipped with sturdy roof bars or a roof rack. These provide the necessary base for attaching your roof tent securely. For plain roofs, we recommend avoiding “clamp-on” style bars.
Weight range – Most of our roof tents weigh between 48kg and 75kg, depending on the model and shell type. Be sure to choose a tent that suits your vehicle’s capacity and your travel needs.
Weight limits – Check your vehicle’s dynamic roof load limit (the weight it can carry while moving) to ensure it can safely support the tent. Most vehicles are designed to handle this weight with ease, and once you are parked, the “static” limit is much higher, easily supporting the tent and its occupants.
With the right setup, you’ll be ready to enjoy the convenience and comfort of a car roof tent, whether you’re planning a quick weekend getaway or a long overland journey. For any questions or advice on compatibility, feel free to get in touch with us!
Finding the right roof bars or a sturdy roof rack is the first step toward your roof tent adventure. There are several great places in the UK to find the right fit for your vehicle:
Halfords: Probably the most well-known reseller in the UK. They carry a wide range and offer a professional fitting service if you’d prefer not to do it yourself.
The Roof Box Company: An excellent online specialist with a massive selection. Their website features an easy “look-up” tool. Simply enter your reg or vehicle model, and it will list every compatible option for your car.
The Budget Hack: Shop Secondhand
If you’re looking to save some budget for your actual trips, don’t overlook the secondhand market. Facebook Marketplace and eBay are goldmines for high-quality roof bars.
When people sell their cars, they often sell the accessories separately and just want them gone. This is a brilliant way to pick up premium brands like Thule or Yakima at a fraction of the retail price.
Tent & Trail Pro Tip: Before buying secondhand, double-check the manufacturer’s website to ensure the specific “foot pack” or mounting kit is the correct fit for your vehicle’s exact year and model. The bars might be universal, but the feet usually aren’t!
It’s a common concern: “Will the weight of a tent and several adults damage my car roof?” The short answer is no, provided you stay within the safety margins.
The most important thing to remember is that a roof tent doesn’t actually sit on the “skin” of your roof. It bolts onto roof bars, which are anchored to the reinforced steel frame and pillars of your vehicle, the strongest parts of the car’s body.
To find your specific limit, check your vehicle’s manual for the maximum roof load capacity. However, keep in mind that the number you see there usually refers to the dynamic capacity, not the static capacity.
But what’s the difference between dynamic and static weight? Read below to find out the answer…
Understanding these two terms is the “secret sauce” to feeling confident about your setup.
Dynamic Weight (The “Driving” Limit)
This is the weight your roof can safely carry while the vehicle is in motion.
Why it’s lower: When you’re driving at 60mph, taking corners, or braking suddenly, the “effective” weight on your roof increases due to G-forces.
The Goal: Manufacturers set this limit to ensure your car doesn’t become too top-heavy, which could affect your handling or braking.
The Rule: Your tent weight + your roof bar weight should be equal to or less than this number.
Static Weight (The “Camping” Limit)
This is the weight your roof can support when the vehicle is stationary.
Why it’s higher: Once you’ve parked up, those complex lateral forces (wind resistance, cornering) disappear. You are now dealing with a simple downward force.
The Safety Margin: Because modern cars are engineered with a “roll-over protection” structure that supports the entire weight of the car in an accident, they are incredibly strong.
The Rule: Most vehicles can support 3 to 5 times (or more) their dynamic limit when stationary. This is why a car with a 75kg limit can easily support a 60kg tent plus two 80kg adults once the ladder is down.
Yes, in most cases, a roof tent can be mounted to your car, as long as your vehicle can be fitted with roof bars or a roof rack. However, there are a few important checks to ensure compatibility before setting off on your next roof tent camping adventure.
What to check before installing a roof tent:
Your vehicle’s weight limit
Refer to your vehicle’s handbook to confirm that your roof can support at least 50kg of dynamic weight (the weight your vehicle can handle while in motion). This is crucial for safely mounting a roof top tent.
Roof bars compatibility
Ensure that your roof bars or roof rack are suitable for carrying a car roof tent. Always check with the manufacturer of your roof bars or rack to confirm they meet the weight and design requirements for a roof tent UK setup.
For more detailed guidance, visit our can I fit a roof tent to my car page page for expert advice and tips on getting started with your car tent.
All our roof tents come complete with a comprehensive vehicle fitting kit, including bolts, brackets, and even the necessary tools for installation. To ensure long-lasting durability, all our fixings are crafted from premium 304-grade stainless steel, which provides excellent resistance to weather corrosion and rust while adding superior strength.
For more details, check out our helpful fitting my roof tent guide page page.
Yes. All of our roof tents are 100% waterproof and built to withstand the elements. They feature secure and durable outer covers made from weather-treated aluminium and heavy-duty canvas.
The fabrics we use are completely waterproof straight out of the box, with a hydrostatic head (HH) rating of 3000mm for the body of the tent and an impressive 4500mm for the rainfly. This ensures maximum protection against heavy rain, keeping you dry and comfortable.
In addition to being waterproof, the canvas is also UV and mould-resistant, ensuring your roof tent stays cooler, more durable, and ready for any weather conditions you may encounter on your roof tent camping adventures
While your Tent & Trail roof tent is built to endure a variety of weather conditions, including rain and moderate winds, using it during severe storms or strong winds can pose risks to both your safety and the tent’s integrity. To ensure the longevity of your roof tent and a safe camping experience, it’s important to follow the recommended operating guidelines for wind ratings and be mindful of weather conditions.
Wind limits – Tent & Trail roof tents are engineered to withstand winds of up to approximately 35mph (Near gale conditions). However, using your tent in winds stronger than this can be hazardous and may result in damage to the tent or its mounting system. Always check the forecast and avoid setting up in high-wind conditions.
Check wind direction – Before setting up your roof tent, assess the wind direction. Position your tent so the least exposed side faces the wind to reduce impact. This setup minimises resistance and adds stability.
Seek shelter – If a severe storm with strong winds or heavy rainfall is expected, it’s best to take down your roof tent and seek a more sheltered area. Even a sturdy roof tent cannot provide sufficient protection against extreme weather conditions.
Waterproof design – Tent & Trail roof tents are crafted with waterproof materials, taped seams, and a robust outer shell to keep you dry during rainy weather. While these features offer excellent protection against rain, they may not prevent water ingress if set up incorrectly or in extreme conditions.
Noise in windy conditions – In gusty winds, even within safe limits, some noise from flapping fabric or the movement of the tent’s structure is normal. To reduce noise, ensure guy ropes and all connections are securely fastened and tensioned.
Our free delivery service is available to the vast majority of UK customers. However, certain UK postcodes do not qualify for our free delivery service and customers in these areas may be required to pay a supplementary delivery fee.
Our current free shipping exclusion zones include postcodes in the following areas (and which are subject to updates from time to time): Channel Islands, Northern Ireland, Isle of Man, Isles of Scilly, Scottish Highlands & Islands.
If your postcode falls within one of the free delivery exclusion zone(s), please email support@tentandtrail.com confirming your full address details and we will be in touch with a quote for delivery. We can also arrange delivery all over Europe – please contact us for a quotation.
When gaining access to your property vehicle access restrictions may apply which could mean additional cost or delivery failure. If you are concerned this may apply to you, then please be sure to email us before you complete your order at checkout.
See our delivery and returns page for more information.
We’ve got you covered.
At Tent & Trail, we understand that accidents can happen during your adventures, but there’s no need to stress about your roof tent or vehicle awning. We stock a wide range of spare parts for all our products, including travel covers, window rods, brackets, and fixings, to ensure you stay on the road and keep your roof tent camping experience seamless.
If you need a replacement part, simply contact us with the details of what you require, and our team will get back to you promptly to help you get back to exploring.
Roof tents will fit any vehicle not just a 4×4.