Roof top tents in Australia have become increasingly popular as more people opt to head out into the wilderness to get back to nature. They are designed to be easy to install and offer the safety and security you need when you are camping on your own.
We took the time to find the best roof top tent in Australia so that you can buy with confidence, but we found that there were a number of great options to choose from. Take a look at our reviews and find the right rooftop tent in Australia for your needs today!
The Darche Hi-View 220 Roof Top Tent
Our favourite pick has to be the Darche Hi-View 220 Roof Top Tent – Best Overall as it not only offers excellent quality but comes with a large amount of space, making it a perfect choice for families who love to holiday together.
How to Find the Best Car Tents in Australia?
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The Darche Hi-View 220 Roof Top Tent |
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The Darche Intrepidor 1400 Roof Top Tent with Sky Light |
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Darche Ridgeback Hard Shell Rood Top Tent |
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The Dometic 4WD Rooftop Tent |
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A roof top tent comes in a range of options, and each choice you make can have an impact on your car and the area you end up camping in. Take a look at the main areas that you need to consider when you start to think about buying one.
Choosing a Hard or Soft Shell
If you are not sure whether to choose a hard or soft shell tent, then the simple choice can begin with the price. Soft shells tend to be cheaper and can extend off the roof to create a variety of configurations. However, they are also prone to mould and will need to be replaced far sooner than a hard shell roof top tent option.
A roof top tent with a hard shell is often made from materials such as plastic and fibreglass that work hard to protect the inner fabric. They are more expensive, but they are also more aerodynamic and more comfortable to sleep in, although they aren’t as big as a soft shell tent
Getting the Right Fit
Another key consideration for anyone thinking about buying is whether you can find a tent that will fit everyone in. From a 2 to 4 person roof top tent, there are options for all your needs, but rather than trying to save money and choose a smaller option, it is always worth spending a bit more to ensure everyone has a place to rest.
Thinking About Your Car
The other really important thing that you need to consider when you decide to buy a clamshell roof top tent or similar is the car that you drive and whether it will impact it negatively or not. Roof top tents will all have some kind of effect on your car, but it is important to take the time to check that the model you want will be safe to use with your vehicle.
Our Reviews for the Best Roof Tent in Australia
No matter what your needs are, we have found four of the best models for you to choose from – take a look now.
Our favourite pick has to be the Darche Hi-View 220 Roof Top Tent as it not only offers excellent quality but comes with a large amount of space, making it a perfect choice for families who love to holiday together.
The tent is simple to unfold and comes with telescopic ladders to help you get up and down during the day and night. It also provides you with enough height to stay safe from any nasties that may lurk in the area you are staying in.
We love that it is made from 260gsm polycotton canvas and has been treated to protect you against heavy rainfall if you are unfortunate enough to experience it during your trip. It also comes with a 240 x 220 cm mattress for everyone to sleep on and has an insulated baseboard that works hard to keep you warm when the temperatures drop – it really is a great purchase!
If you love stargazing and want a roof top tent that will not break the bank, then this may be worth considering. Not only does it come with a handy skylight, but it is more affordable than other options on the market and works well for smaller SUVs that may want to get in on the rooftop camping action.
This Darche tent is highly waterproof and comes made from 360gsm polycotton canvas that has anti-rip technology. It also comes with a mattress that is 6.5cm deep for your comfort, and the cover is not only removable for easy cleaning, but the base is also water-resistant to keep you comfy no matter the weather outside.
When it comes to ventilation, you will find that there are mesh windows that you can open and close to allow more or less air to circulate. When it comes to installing your 4WD roof tent, you can even get support from a local tent shop or service so that you have the peace of mind needed to know that you and your loved ones will be safe at all times.
If you have a bit more to spend and want one of the latest hard shell roof top tents in Australia, then the Darche Ridgeback Hard Shell Roof Top Tent is well worth considering, especially because it is made from aluminium and has been built to last.
We’d go as far as to say that this is possibly the best hard shell roof top tent in Australia as it has been designed to be aerodynamic and has a seriously compact design that will ensure that the additional drag does not cause you any problems when it is secured to your roof.
This tent also comes with a 300cm water rating which means that you can camp throughout the year and not worry about getting even slightly wet! When you look for hard shell roof top tent reviews in Australia, this one is sure to come up!
The last rooftop tent on our list is the Dometic 4WD, a quality solution when you want a space that is perfect for two people. It comes fully insulated to keep you warm at night and has both a UPF 50+ rating as well as being waterproof in case you get stuck in a storm.
It’s the little details that we particularly love about this tent because not only does it come with a super light telescopic ladder, it also has a built-in fly net to keep bugs out when you want to relax.
The tent frame comes in an aluminium alloy which is both lightweight and heavy-duty! It is simple to install by just one person, and you can expect to have it up and running in just a matter of minutes. When you want a relaxing break for two, this tent is a great choice.
The Verdict
When it comes to choosing between the best hard shell roof top tent and the best soft shell roof top tent, we have to conclude that the Darche Hi-View 220 Roof Top Tent is our favourite! Not only does it offer a large amount of space and a sleeping area that fits all the family, but it is well made and will last in most types of weather.
It’s easy to install and has been treated with high-quality chemicals to help you stay safe and cosy for your trip – if you want a new roof top tent, this really is the one to choose!
Roof Tent FAQs
If you are keen to head off to the Australian Outback, you may find yourself encountering all types of creatures and bugs that could pose a risk to your wellbeing. Rather than sleeping on the floor with a tent that can be accessed by these animals, choosing a roof tent gives you a safer spot to rest your head where they cannot get to you. (1)
The good news is that a roof top tent is pretty easy to install on your car, taking around an hour from start to finish. If you are going to install it yourself, then you will need to check the tools needed and get specific instructions for your model to avoid making any mistakes that could result in an unsafe camping trip. (2)
There is no denying that a roof tent can be heavy on your car, with the potential to cause damage. However, to avoid this situation, you just need to shop around to find one that is designed for the car you have. If you are not sure what to choose or where to start, then talk to your car manufacturer and us to check that your car is suitable.
