Roof Top Tents & Accessories For Sale Online

At Outback Equipment we stock a huge range of both soft and hard shell roof tops tents, from all the best brands including Dache, Aventa, Camprite and more - all available to buy online for delivery anywhere in Australia. Keep reading for our expert tips on selecting and installing a rooftop tent on your vehicle. 

Are rooftop tents worth it? Yes, in a nutshell. Your roof top tent may be more versatile, easier to set up, and less time consuming than swags or tents while on the road, depending on the use. A roof top tent, in our opinion, is the pinnacle of any touring setup. When it comes to choosing a roof top tent, the options might be bewildering, especially because some roof top tents can be rather expensive. It's crucial to think about the materials used to construct a roof top tent, both inside and out. Thickness of the mattress, UV rating, and so forth. The majority of hard shell roof top tents are designed for larger vehicles such as wagons or dual cab utes. Roof top tents are often composed of aluminium or fibre glass with a rip stop canvas/cotton material to conserve weight. Is it true that colour matters? Not at all. The majority of manufacturers will create hard shell rooftop tents with a 'tropical roof,' which is better insulated to keep the inside from getting too hot. Outback Equipment has a large selection of roof top tents, including clam shell roof top tents, hard shell roof top tents, and soft top roof top tents that fold out. With so many options, the best thing to do is get a roof top tent that will fit the vehicle it will be affixed to. 

Hard Shell Roof Top Tent vs Soft Top Roof Top Tents

This common toss up between which roof top tent is best for you all depends on the availability of roof space on top of your vehicle. There are a few common set ups which include going with a hard shell roof top tent and then mounting things like solar panels and surfboards on top of it. Some hard shell roof top tents will provide cross bars to assist with this, whereas some manufacturers will not allow you to mount anything to the top of a hard shell roof top tent as it is not weight rated to carry anything. If this is the case, most dual cabs with a canopy will opt to store solar panels and recovery boards on a roof platform in front of the hard shell roof top tents. The other benefit of having a hard shell rooftop tent is ease of set-up as most of them have gas struts that open up in one movement. A soft top roof top tent may be more compact and will take up less roof top space but you can't mount anything to it and will usually take a few more minutes to set up completely. That being said, both have significant pros and cons, hard shell roof top tents being more expensive because they are generally more popular and more durable. 

Consider your Vehicles Roof Weight Capacity

It's critical to consider your 'mobile load' while installing roof accessories. This is a word that refers to the safe and legal weight that a roof accessory can be attached to your roof while in motion, as determined by the manufacturer. Manufacturer-specific roof racks, pioneer platforms, and roof top tents will all advise you what roof loads are appropriate. Consider the following scenario: Because of the weight distribution, the roof rating of a space or single cab ute will differ from that of a dual cab truck. Certain roof racks will have a weight rating based on the vehicle; however, because most roof racks are vehicle specific, figuring out weight ratings shouldn't be a problem. Of course, the weight of all rooftop tents varies, but your tent maker will specify how many people should sleep in a tent (don't forget to account for all of your camping gear as well). We've seen ugly scrapes on the roofs of 4WDs from attachment places, so ensure sure your roofracks are rated to support the weight of your rooftop tents. Calculate the weight of your roof racks, roof top tent, its accessories (solar panels, etc.) and the weight of the people using it to ensure you don't damage your car's roof. Make sure it's under the manufacturer's recommended roof weight rating. Some automobiles are more suited to carrying heavier roof top tents than others, so keep this in mind when shopping for a road trip vehicle. The weight of a rooftop tent can range from 55 to 80 kilos. There are a variety of ways to secure your tent, so think about your long-term vehicle plans, such as putting a canopy.

Safely Mounting Your Tent On Your Vehicle

When it comes to mounting your roof top tent to the roof of your 4WD, there are probably too many options, such as cross bars, platforms, or our personal favourite, the Front Runner quick release tent mount kit. Although these rapid release systems come at an additional cost up front, most campers will tell you that being able to quickly remove their roof top tent is the pinnacle of functionality and diversifying your commute. 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 lot of drawbacks. Theft is one of the biggest concerns of rooftop tent owners. It's disconcerting to leave a large investment out in the open (on your roof). We'll go over all 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 perfect 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. A strap is made up of a series of lock bars that run over the top of the RTT and link it to the bracket beneath the tent. Locking bars, like the most of these security elements, are only effective when the rooftop tent is closed and stowed in its carrying case.

3. Use Locking Straps - Locking straps come in a variety of lengths, as well as a variety of bright 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.

4. 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 instal one. Although an alarm can be installed at home, most individuals are hesitant to do so.

5. Take down your roof top tent in the off-season - It's also a good idea to take down your tent when you're not using it so it doesn't get damaged by the elements. Your tent's lifespan can be shortened by the sun, rain, snow, and ice. Keep your tent in good shape by storing it in a covered, temperature-controlled storage area while not in use.

To protect your investment, follow these tried-and-true preventative measures. Let's get to work preparing you for a carefree adventure in your rooftop tent. However, just because something is more difficult does not rule it out. Being safe is always preferable to being sorry. You've invested a lot of time and money in your roof top tent, and if it's taken, you won't have anywhere to sleep! There are several strategies to avoid theft. Here are seven of the most effective ways to prevent theft of your rooftop tent. Rooftop tents of good quality can cost a lot of money. As a result, strapping your investment to the roof of your car or trailer is a smart move. Depending on your demands and preferences, there are a variety of instruments that can accomplish the job.

While you're away from your campsite, putting them on your car and tent can keep them safe and give you peace of mind. A rooftop tent, like any other important commodity, is likely to be an expensive item that must be well guarded. In light of this, it might be a good idea to spend a few bucks on a rooftop tent lock. Just keep in mind that any security system will make removing and storing your rooftop tent more complicated. It's up to you to decide if the extra security is worth it.

What is the best way to get a dog into a roof top tent?

People have been known to cut holes in the corners of a solid bag and pass their furry pals up and down the ladder. If at all possible, we advise against dogs climbing ladders.

Why shop with Outback Equipment? 

• We’re Australian owned and operated – We’re based right here in the south of Brisbane. If you ever need help with an order or a product, you can call straight through to our friendly local team. 

• Plenty of payment options – You can pay via PayPal, MasterCard, Visa, zipMoney, Afterpay, and direct deposit – whichever is most convenient for you. 

• 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. 

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 what rooftop tent material is right for you in our guide.