Can You Use a Roof Tent and Roof Box at the Same Time?

If you’re gearing up for an adventure, you might be wondering:
👉 Can I use a roof tent and a roof box together?

The short answer? Yes — but only if your setup is right.
Here’s how to do it safely and effectively.

🧭 Why Combine a Roof Tent and Roof Box?

Combining both gives you:

• 🛏️ A sleeping space (roof tent)

• 📦 Extra storage for gear or clothing (roof box)

• 🚙 A full overland setup for camping, festivals or touring

It’s popular among families, van-lifers and campers who want to keep bulky items outside the car.

⚖️ Step 1: Check Your Roof Load Limit

This is critical — your vehicle’s dynamic roof load (when driving) must not be exceeded.

For example:

🔗 Learn more: The Legal Load Limits for Roof Bars in the UK

🛠️ Step 2: Use Roof Bars with T-Tracks or Long Crossbars

To mount both at the same time, you’ll need:

• Roof bars wide enough to fit both

• Or roof bars with T-track channels to stagger fittings

Pro Tip: Consider aluminium roof bars for extra length and strength.

👉 Shop Long-Length Roof Bars

🚧 Step 3: Balance the Load Correctly

• Place the roof tent in the centre or over rear half

• Mount the roof box on one side (usually passenger side)

• Keep heavier items in the boot, not the box

• Recheck tightness after your first 30 miles

This helps preserve your car’s handling and keeps drag low.

🔒 Step 4: Secure Both with Locks

Make sure both the tent and box:

• Use lockable mounts

• Can’t be shifted by hand

• Are rechecked before every trip

🔗 Need security add-ons? See Roof Bar Accessories

💡 Bonus Tip: Use a Wind Deflector

With both a tent and box, wind noise increases.
A front-mounted wind deflector or fairing can reduce:

• Drag

• Fuel use

• Whistling at speed

🔗 Read: How to Reduce Wind Noise from Roof Bars

📚 Related Posts:

• Roof Tents vs Roof Boxes

• What Vehicles Are Best for Roof Tents?

• How to Fit Roof Bars Like a Pro

🔗 Useful Links:

• Shop Roof Bars

• Browse Roof Tents

• View Roof Boxes