It's time to get to the heart of the matter: I’ve identified the criteria for selecting the roof tent of your dreams.
We're going to talk numbers, measurements, comfort and weather.
Let's get started!
Depending on your vehicle and the weight it can support
As roof tents are universal, if you have a roof rack, you have already passed the first criteria (except for the van roof tent mentioned above... to be continued)! Check the data sheet of the roof tent for the minimum number of kilos that each roof rack bar should be able to support, and compare it with your vehicle.
For example, the L800 4-person roof tent, with its cover dimensions of 2.0 x 2.4 x 105cm and a total weight of 74 kg (tent 68 kg + ladder 6 kg), can be fitted to any vehicle that can be equipped with two roof rack bars that can support a minimum of 75 kg.
In any case, we advise you to refer to the manufacturer's logbook of your vehicle, where the maximum load supported is specified. We also advise against using a roof tent with glass roofs, as this reduces the mechanical strength of the roof.
NB: don't neglect the size of the closed tent and its design (rigid shell, aerodynamics) which will impact on your fuel consumption.
Depending on the number of campers: 2, 4 or 5/6 people
As with a ground tent, there are several sizes of roof tents depending on the number of "beds". With roof tents generally sleeping from 2 to 5/6 people, you will normally have enough choice for a duo or a small tribe. Beware, however, that roof tents that claim to have a large number of beds are often based on a very small bed of 50 cm or less per person! If you like to have some space between you and your tent mate, look at the measurements of the tent instead.
In addition, for family-style roof tents, the size of the campers does count: generally count either 3 adults or 2 adults and 3 kids (teenagers of course fall into the "adult category", the important thing being size and weight). Also consider the interior volume (i.e. "living space").
The advantage of a roof tent used with a van or truck is that it lets you increase your sleeping capacity, with some campers inside the vehicle and others in the roof tent.
Depending on the comfort level of the roof tent mattress
Each roof tent comes with a built-in mattress, which matches the exact measurements of the tent. Be sure to check the thickness, but more importantly the density of the mattress to see how comfortable it is. Some models even have an under-mattress to minimise condensation. When it comes to bedding (and investment products in general), the best thing to do is to try and test the models on display.
Depending on the material and technical nature of the tent fabric
The material of the fabric will affect the quality of the tent and therefore its durability, but not only that! For example, a 100% synthetic fabric will be lighter than a cotton fabric. On the other hand, cotton and polycotton are better against UV rays! They are also more breathable but they are heavier and less compact