June 18, 2025 Dean Horton

What It’s Really Like to Travel with a Roof Tent: Pros, Cons & Honest Advice

Thinking about taking the leap into roof tent travel? Whether you're a weekend explorer or dreaming of full-on van life, roof tents can seriously level up your adventures — but they’re not for everyone.

Here’s the real-world pros and cons of travelling with a roof tent, straight from customers and the road.

✅ PRO: Quick Set-Up Means More Time to Explore

Most roof tents can be set up in under 5 minutes.

Pop the latches, unfold the base, extend the ladder — done. No faffing with poles or ground pegs. Great after long drives or late arrivals.

🔗 See Our Full Roof Tent Collection

✅ PRO: Sleep Anywhere with a Flat Surface

No campsite? No problem. As long as you’re parked safely, you’ve got a bed with a view.

✅ Works well:

In laybys or car parks (check rules)
At beaches, forests, or remote spots
At festivals and trailheads
When paired with Park4Night or Brit Stops apps

✅ PRO: Save Space in the Vehicle

Your tent lives on the roof, freeing up boot space for gear, bikes, or storage.

Pair with:

Roof Boxes for clothing or cookware
Bike Racks to bring the mountain bike
Interior Mats & Covers to protect against muddy boots

✅ PRO: Comfy, Elevated Sleeping Experience

No bumpy ground, wet grass, or rocks under your mat.

Most tents include:

A foam mattress
Built-in ventilation
Space for bedding and lights
A ladder (kids love it)

🔗 Also read: How to Stay Comfy, Organised & Ready for Adventure

❌ CON: Windy Nights Can Be Noisy

Being higher up means more wind exposure.

🎯 Tips:

Choose an aerodynamic tent
Park with the rear of your vehicle facing the wind
Use guy lines if the tent includes them

🔗 Shop Roof Tents Built for UK Weather

❌ CON: You Can’t Drive Off Without Packing Down

Need to pop to the shops? You’ll need to collapse the tent first.

📦 Solution:
Keep essentials like food, chargers and waterproofs inside the vehicle, not in the tent.

❌ CON: Car Park Barriers & Height Restrictions

Your vehicle will likely be over 2 metres tall once the tent and roof bars are fitted.

🚫 Be careful of:

Supermarket car parks
Ferries and tunnels
Multi-storeys
Height barriers at beaches

🔗 Use the Vehicle Lookup Tool to check roof bar + tent compatibility for height planning.

❌ CON: You’ll Need Good Roof Bars

Not all bars are rated for roof tents.

✅ Make sure yours are:

Vehicle-specific
Load-rated for 75kg+ (static and dynamic)
Fitted correctly and tightened pre-trip

🔗 Find Roof Bars for Your Vehicle

Final Thoughts

Roof tents are a brilliant option for freedom, views, and fast setups — especially for couples, solo travellers or families with a sense of adventure. They’re not perfect, but for many, the pros far outweigh the cons.

Want help choosing the right tent for your setup?
🔗 Read: How to Choose the Right Roof Tent for Your Vehicle