What You Need to Know About Camping Tents for Your Vehicle

What You Need to Know About Camping Tents for Your Vehicle

What better way to make camping more convenient and comfortable than having a tent that attaches right to your car. Here are some things you should know.

You can easily take your tent anywhere you want to go and set up a comfortable sleeping space in just minutes. The next time you’re at a Ford dealer or other car dealership looking for your next ride, consider what type of tent you might need for it.

What is A Car or SUV Tent?

Auto manufacturers continue to work with car accessory companies to come up with products that make life more fun. Car tents such as the Yakima roof top 2-person tent are just what campers need for their next adventure.

Unlike a standalone tent that you set up on the ground, a car or SUV tent connects to your vehicle. Some will perch up on the roof, others will sit in the bed of a pickup truck, and others will seal to an opening such as a rear hatch. They can even be paired with awnings to help protect you from the wind or give you some extra shade to relax under.

What Are the Different Types of Tents?

Car tents come in all shapes and sizes, so it’s important to know what you want as you start shopping. A hard-shell rooftop tent has a rigid floor and ceiling with nylon walls. It attaches to a roof rack and folds into a compact rectangle when you’re traveling. Softshell rooftop tents fold into a rigid platform, but they don’t have a hard top.

A tailgate tent is similar to a standalone tent, but it attaches to the back or side door to essentially expand your living space into your vehicle. The benefit of these is the size, you can find models with extra rooms to create even more livable space.

What About the Weight of a Rooftop Tent

Your vehicle’s weight limit is an important factor to consider when shopping for a rooftop tent and when you go to a Ford dealer to look at vehicles that may hold your tent. You should look at your vehicle static weight and dynamic weight limits to make sure you stay within its capacity when moving and when it is still.

You can find out a vehicle’s weight limit by checking the manual, or you can talk directly to someone at your Ford dealer. Once you know this, you can shop for tents within the correct limit.

Check Your Roof Rack

A rooftop tent needs the right roof rack to make sure it is safely attached to your car. Some vehicles come pre-installed with factory roof racks, but you’ll still want to check your tent and your roof rack to make sure they are compatible. It’s also important to check the strength of your roof rack. Some factory installed racks may need to be upgraded to handle the weight of a tent.

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