Roof Top Tents & Accessories For Sale Online

At Outback Equipment, we stock a wide range of soft and hard shell premium roof top tents from top brands like Dache, The Bush Company, Outback Tourer, and Boab. Buy online for delivery anywhere in Australia.

Are rooftop tents worth it? Yes, they are worth it. They offer versatility, comfort, ease of setup, and save time compared to swags or traditional tents that take longer to pack down. A roof top tent is the pinnacle of any touring setup. When selecting a rooftop tent, consider the materials used, mattress thickness, and UV rating. Most hard shell rooftop tents are for larger vehicles like wagons or dual cab utes. These tents are often made of aluminum alloy or fiberglass with rip-stop canvas/cotton to reduce weight.

Most soft shell rooftop tents have a 'tropical roof' for better insulation. Outback Equipment offers clam shell, hard shell, and soft top roof top tents. Make sure the tent matches your vehicle’s roof size and weight limits. Explore our selection online today for the best roof top tents in Australia, ideal for touring and off-road adventures.

Hard Shell Roof Top Tent vs Soft Top Roof Top Tents

Deciding on the best roof top tent depends on your vehicle's roof space. Common setups include a hard shell roof top tent, allowing mounting of solar panels and surfboards. Some hard shell tents have cross bars for this, while others are not weight-rated for extra gear. In such cases, dual cabs with a canopy often store solar panels and recovery boards on a roof platform in front of the tent.

Most hard shell roof top tents offer easy setup with gas struts, providing sturdy shelter that opens in one movement. They are more popular and durable but also more expensive and often heavier. Soft top roof top tents are more compact and take up less roof space. However, they can't carry extra gear and take a few more minutes to set up. Both options have their pros and cons.

Consider Your Vehicle's Roof Weight Capacity

Consider your 'mobile load' when installing roof accessories. This term refers to the weight that can be attached to your roof while driving, as determined by the manufacturer. Roof racks, pioneer platforms, and roof top tents will specify appropriate roof loads. For example, the roof rating of a single cab ute will differ from a dual cab truck or 4WD due to weight distribution. Weight ratings depend on the vehicle, but most roof racks are vehicle-specific, so it’s easy to figure out.

The weight of rooftop tents varies, but tent makers will specify how many people should sleep in them. Don't forget to include all your camping gear. Ensure your roof racks can support the weight of your rooftop tents to avoid damage. Calculate the combined weight of your roof racks, roof top tent, accessories, and people. Make sure it's under the manufacturer's recommended roof weight rating.

Some cars are better suited to carry heavier roof top tents, so consider this when shopping for a road trip vehicle. Rooftop tents can weigh between 55 to 80 kilos. Think about your long-term vehicle plans, like adding a canopy, when securing your tent.

Safely Securing Your Roof Top Tent On Your Vehicle

When it comes to mounting your roof top tent to the roof of your 4WD, there are many options, such as cross bars, platforms, or our personal favorite, the Front Runner quick release tent mount kit. Although these rapid release systems come with an additional upfront cost, most campers agree that the ability to quickly remove their rooftop tent is one of the most important features for improving functionality and diversifying their travel options. Rooftop tents have grown in popularity in recent years, and rightfully so. They're a convenient and comfortable place to stay if you don't want to search for a campsite. Rooftop tents have a lot of advantages, but they also have a few drawbacks. Safety and theft are some of the biggest concerns of rooftop tent owners. We'll go over some of the many choices for securing your roof top tent.

1. Install Locking Nuts - If you're lucky, your rooftop tent will come with locknuts. This way, you can be certain of a secure fit. Locknuts are used to fasten your roof top tent to your vehicle's metal frame and roof rack. The more difficult it is to get your RTT off the roof, the harder it will be to take.

2. Use Locking Straps - Locking straps come in a variety of lengths and colors—or plain black. You'll be able to lock these straps with a key when you buy a set, which is a big benefit in terms of security.

3. Install a Car Alarm - Most autos, especially newer ones, are equipped with car alarms as standard equipment. If your vehicle lacks a factory alarm, you can install one. Although an alarm can be installed at home, most individuals are hesitant to do so.

4. Removing your rooftop tent when not in use and storing it indoors will extend its lifespan and keep it safe from damage caused by the sun, rain, snow, and ice.

What is the Best Way to Get a Dog into a Roof Top Tent?

The safest way is to lift your dog using a secure harness or carrier designed for pets, helping them up and down. Some people have used modified bags. We recommend against having dogs climb ladders due to the potential dangers.

Can Roof Top Tents go on Any Car?

Not all cars can handle a rooftop tent. You’ll need to check your car’s roof load limits in the manual. It has to handle the tent’s weight while driving and the weight of the tent plus people when parked. You’ll also need a roof rack that’s made for rooftop tents. The rack needs to support the combined weight safely. Smaller cars or ones with weak roofs might not be suitable. If you’re unsure, check with your car’s manufacturer or a local installer to be sure.

What is rooftop tent annex?

An annex for your roof top tent is a game-changer for your camping experience. It gives you extra room to stash your gear, change in privacy, or even set up a little camp kitchen out of the weather.

They’re quick to attach and come with handy features like zippered doors and windows to keep things breezy. It’s a great way to make your setup more comfortable, especially if you’re camping with family or on a longer trip. Check out our range to find an annex for your roof top tent.

Why Trust Outback Equipment?

• We’re Australian owned and operated – Based in the south of Brisbane at 1 Murdoch Circuit, Acacia Ridge QLD 4110. If you need help, our friendly local team is just a call away at 1300 854 185.
• Plenty of payment options – Pay the way that suits you best. We accept PayPal, MasterCard, Visa, zipMoney, Afterpay, and direct deposit.
• Delivered to your door – You don’t have to worry about darting across town to grab your order. We deliver your goods straight to your door to save you time and energy.
• We stock a massive selection of camping gear and have an easy returns & exchange policy if something's not right.

Order Your Roof Top Tents Today

Stay in complete control of your 4WD with the best roof top tents from Outback Equipment. For the best roof top tents and roof top tent accessories Australia has to offer, shop online to find the finishing touches for your recreational vehicle today.

Check out our guide to what rooftop tent material is right for you.