Need your roof tent fitted?
We can set up and install your roof tent at our workshop in Hampshire, UK.
This guide will walk you through the simple steps to set up and install your Adventure Series roof tent. Your tent will arrive with printed instructions inside the box, but if you’re eager to see how the setup works ahead of time (and just how easy it really is), you’re in the right place.
This installation guide is written for the most common setup — mounting the tent to roof bars. If your vehicle uses a roof rack, you may still be able to use the provided clamping plates, though compatibility will depend on the type and profile of your rack. If your rack system doesn’t work with the clamps, you’ll need to drill mounting holes into the frame. For more info on that option, check out our How Does a Roof Tent Attach? page.
Let’s get started with a step-by-step walkthrough so you can get on the road, off the beaten path, and into your next adventure.
Start by carefully unboxing your roof tent. It’s a good idea to have a friend help with this part, as the tent is large and can be a bit heavy to manage solo.
Tip: If you’re using a knife or box cutter to open the packaging, take extra care to avoid slicing too deeply—you don’t want to damage the tent or the cover accidentally.
Here’s how to safely unpack your tent:
Lay the box flat on the ground with the top half of the box facing up.
Cut and remove the straps securing the box.
Lift off the top half of the cardboard box and set it aside.
Remove any protective wrapping, foam padding, or paperwork packed with the tent.
With assistance if needed, carefully lift the tent out of the bottom half of the box and place it on a clean, flat surface.
Now you’re ready to move on to the next step.
With your roof tent now resting on its base (lid side facing up), it’s time to open it briefly to remove the internal components and make it easier to lift onto your vehicle.
Follow these simple steps:
Unclasp the two main latches on the end of the tent to release the top shell.
Carefully open the tent to access the inside.
Remove all internal parts — this usually includes the ladder, awning extension, cargo bars and any accessory bags or hardware.
Pro Tip: Removing everything now makes the tent significantly lighter and easier to handle when fitting it to your vehicle.
Once everything has been removed, close the tent carefully and re-latch the clips to keep it secure for lifting.
The Adventure Series roof tent comes with a lot of extras and all the fixings you need to attach to your vehicle. You will find the following contents.
Roof tent accessories:
Cargo bars:
Roof tent fixings:
Tools:
If you’re not fitting the cargo bars, feel free to skip ahead to Step 5.
For those adding this handy feature, follow the instructions below:
Locate the top side channels of your roof tent — these run along the edge of the hard shell.
Slide 2 x M8 nuts into the channel where each cargo bar foot will be positioned (one set per side).
Position the cargo bar foot so the holes align with the inserted nuts behind.
Using the supplied Allen key, secure each foot in place with 2 x M8 Allen cap bolts.
⚠️ Important: Tighten until secure but do not over-tighten, as this may damage the threads or shell.
Repeat this process on the opposite side, ensuring both cargo bar feet are aligned with each other for even bar placement.
Now that the cargo bar feet are installed, it’s time to attach the bars themselves:
Insert 2 x M8 20mm bolts into the channel on the underside of each cargo bar — one at each end to line up with the pre-installed feet.
Carefully place the cargo bar onto the feet, aligning the bolts with the holes in the feet.
Secure each bolt with a penny washer and an M8 nylon nut underneath.
Repeat the process for the second cargo bar, ensuring both bars are evenly positioned and aligned on the top of the roof tent.
Use a 13mm spanner to tighten each M8 nylon nut until secure.
⚠️ Do not over-tighten, as this can damage components or compress the shell.
Tip: Apply a small amount of grease to the bolt threads before tightening. This helps prevent seizing and makes future adjustments or removals easier.
Once tightened, your cargo bars are installed and ready to carry extra gear!
Before mounting the tent, it’s important to decide on your setup orientation:
Choose Your Opening Direction
The hinged side of the tent determines which way it will open and overhang. Typically, the hinge will be at the front of the vehicle and the tent will open off the rear of the vehicle.
Check the Mounting Rails
The mounting rails underneath the tent should run perpendicular to your vehicle’s roof bars. This ensures a secure and stable fit.
Lift the Tent into Place
Grab a friend — the tent is manageable, but a two-person lift is essential for safety and ease.
Carefully lift the roof tent onto your vehicle’s roof bars, keeping it level.
⚠️ Take your time here — avoid damaging your car, tent, or yourselves during this step. Use blankets or pads to protect your vehicle if needed.
Once the tent is in place and you’re happy with the positioning, you’re ready to move on to securing it to the roof bars.
Now that your tent is positioned on the roof, it’s time to assemble the mounting hardware to secure it in place.
Gather Your Hardware
You’ll need:
8 x Aluminium Sliding Plates
8 x M8 x 50mm Bolts
Insert the Sliding Plates
Carefully slide two plates into each mounting rail channel located on the underside of the roof tent — one plate on either side of each roof bar, creating four mounting locations in total.
⚠️ You will need to slightly lift the roof tent to get the sliding plates and bolts into position.
To make this more manageable, you can do one side at a time — lift just enough to insert two plates and bolts, then repeat on the opposite side.Tip: If the sliders are difficult to move: Apply a small amount of lubricant (e.g. WD-40) to the sides. If still an issue, you can lightly file down the edges of the sliding plates for a smoother fit.
Once the sliding plates and bolts are in place, you’re ready to clamp and secure your tent to the roof bars.
With the sliding plates and bolts in position, it’s time to attach the tent securely to your vehicle.
Mount the Steel Clamping Plates
Position a steel mounting plate up against the underside of your roof bar so that the M8 bolts protrude through the plate.
Secure with Washers and Nuts
Thread an M8 washer and M8 nylon lock nut onto each bolt.
Use a 13mm spanner to tighten the nuts until secure. Avoid overtightening — firm and snug is all you need.
Repeat at All Four Mounting Points
Complete this process at each of the four mounting locations.
Final Check
Once all bolts are tightened, give the tent a firm shake to ensure it’s securely mounted and does not move.
Tip: Add a small amount of grease to the bolt threads. This helps with smooth tightening and makes future removal much easier.
Maintenance Reminder:
Periodically check all mounting bolts and brackets during use to ensure they remain tight and secure — especially after off-road travel or long journeys.
Your roof tent is now securely installed and adventure-ready! Whether you’re heading into the wild for a weekend escape or embarking on a longer journey, your Adventure Series tent has you covered.
Before You Roll Out:
After your first trip, take a moment to check all nuts, bolts, and fittings to ensure everything remains tight and secure.
Ongoing Maintenance Tip:
It’s good practice to periodically inspect all mounting hardware, especially after rough terrain or long-distance travel. This helps keep your setup safe, secure, and performing at its best.
Now that the setup is done — it’s time to hit the road. Happy camping!
We can set up and install your roof tent at our workshop in Hampshire, UK.
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.