Need your roof tent fitted?
We can set up and install your roof tent at our workshop in Hampshire, UK.
Find out how to set up and install your Explore or Compact Series roof tent. Your roof tent will come with instructions but we wanted to show customers how simple the setup really is. For the purposes of this guide and the majority of our customers, the setup will be on roof bars. If you have a roof rack you will need to drill mounting holes, see our how does a roof tent attach page for more information. Read on for our roof tent installation step-by-step.
To start the roof tent installation, carefully unbox your roof tent from the protective cardboard box. If using a knife to cut the box open, be careful not to cut the actual tent itself when opening.
Cut open the top, fold back the box flaps and flip the box so the open side is pointing down. You should be able to slide the box straight up and off the tent.
Once you have the roof tent out of its box, release the Velcro straps and open the tent. Within the roof tent, you will find the following contents.
Roof tent accessories:
Roof tent fixings:
Tools:
Take the 2 x aluminium mounting channels and 4 x 6mm Allen key bolts with nuts. Position the roof tent on its end so you can reach under the mattress and anti-condensation mat.
Find the pre-drilled holes covered by black round stickers. Remove stickers and push the bolts through the holes with the bolt thread protruding out the bottom of the tent base.
Next, slide 2 nuts into the small channel on the mounting channel. You can then position the nuts to line up with the protruding bolt threads. Once they are lined up, take the provided M6 Allen key tool and tighten the bolts until they are secure. Finally, reposition the roof tent on its opposite end and repeat the process with the other mounting channel.
NOTE: Make sure to add some grease to the threads to help with tightening and undoing.
Position the roof tent on its base. Find the 2 x ladder brackets with 8mm bolts, washers, nuts and the ladder. On the edge of the base, 4 pre-drilled holes will be covered with black round stickers, remove stickers and position brackets. Push the bolts through from the outside so they protrude inside the tent, and tighten the nuts with spanners until secure.
Once you have secured both brackets, position the ladder inside the brackets. Place the nylon washer between the bracket and ladder. Tighten the nut and bolt with provider spanners but make sure not to overtighten and crush the nylon washer.
NOTE: Make sure to add some grease to the threads to help with tightening and undoing.
Lay the roof tent cover out on the floor and unzip the attachment strip from the cover. One side of the cover will have an attachment strip retained to the cover, thread this into the hinge side ‘C’ channel of the tent roof.
With the cover over the roof tent in place, you can now thread the zip attachment strip into the ‘C’ channel around the roof tent.
Make sure to thread the strip in the correct direction to match the zip ends with the cover. Finally, zip up the cover and secure it with the two external buckles and Velcro straps.
Before lifting it onto your car’s roof, decide the direction you want the tent to open. The hinged side is the direction the tent will open and overhang.
Once you have decided your position, grab a friend and carefully lift the tent into place. Be sure not to hurt yourself, your friend, your car or your new roof tent!
Slide the 8 x aluminium brackets into the mounting channels, 4 brackets in each channel. Next, position them with the M8 threads on either side of your roof bars.
Place the stainless steel clamping plate up against the underneath of your roof bar and screw on an M8 washer and nut. Tighten with a spanner until secure but do not overtighten. Once all bolts have been tightened, check that the roof tent doesn’t move and is secure.
Check all the mounting bolts and brackets periodically during the use of your roof tent to ensure they are securely fastened to your rack system.
NOTE: Make sure to add some grease to the threads to help with tightening and undoing.
The roof tent installation is complete. With your roof tent now secure to your car, you are ready to start your adventures!
After your first use, check the nuts and bolts for tightness. A general good maintenance tip is checking nuts and bolts periodically while the roof tent is mounted on your car.
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.