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Rooftop tents have surged in popularity among the caravanning community, offering an affordable way to add some extra living space without the need to upgrade to a larger caravan. In fact, searches for these handy tent boxes have soared in recent months, reflecting the growing appetite for flexibility when travelling. According to car insurance provider Tempcover, internet searches for these items have increased by 164 per cent in the past three months alone!
But before you strap a rooftop tent to your car and hitch up the caravan, it’s worth being aware of the potential issues that could arise. From added weight and changes in handling, to wind resistance, fuel economy, and even weather safety, there are several things to bear in mind if you want your tent-top trip to run smoothly…
Weight limits
Every vehicle has a roof load limit, and this includes the combined weight of the roof bars, the tent itself, and anything you store inside. Exceeding this limit can put unnecessary strain on your car’s structure and suspension, affect handling, and may even make your insurance void.
It’s also important to distinguish between a car’s static weight limit (when stationary) and dynamic weight limit (when driving). The latter is usually much lower, and it’s the figure you need to stick to when you’re on the move. For example, some popular vehicles have a dynamic limit of only 75 kg, which leaves surprisingly little room for error once you account for racks and fittings.
When you’re also towing a caravan, you’re already putting your vehicle under extra strain. Staying within the manufacturer’s recommended limits is therefore pretty essential for your safety and your peace of mind.
Aerodynamics and wind!
Rooftop tents tend to add bulk and height, making your car less aerodynamic. On motorways or in exposed areas, you may notice the vehicle being buffeted more than usual, particularly in crosswinds. This can affect the car's stability and also make towing feel heavier than normal.
To stay safe, keep your speed sensible, avoid any sharp manoeuvres and be sure to allow for extra braking distance. Your smooth, steady driving will make a noticeable difference to how your car and caravan handle together, with the tent box as an addition.
Fuel efficiency
The extra drag caused by a rooftop tent can have a knock-on effect on your fuel consumption. While the difference may seem small on shorter journeys, over longer distances the additional cost could soon add up. Some studies suggest a reduction in efficiency of between 2–5%, which could mean spending a few extra pounds in fuel on a weekend trip.
To counter this, if you don’t plan on using the tent for every journey, consider removing it when its not needed. This not only saves fuel but also reduces wear on your roof bars and fittings.
Height restrictions
When you add a rooftop tent to your car, the overall height of your towing setup increases - sometimes much more than you realise! Low bridges, multi-storey car parks, ferry ramps and even certain campsites (especially with tree cover) can all pose challenges.
It’s a good idea to measure the total height of your car with the tent installed and note it down somewhere visible, such as on your dashboard. That way, you’ll always know whether you can safely pass under height barriers without having to guess…
Handling and stability
Adding weight to the roof of your car raises its centre of gravity, which can have a noticeable impact on handling. You may find the car leans more in corners, feels less secure on uneven roads, and also reacts differently in emergency situations.
When towing a caravan (where stability is already a key consideration!) these changes become even more important. Always drive smoothly, avoid sudden swerves, and keep your speed under control to maintain your balance.
Weather considerations
Wind isn’t the only weather factor to think about. Heavy rain or snow adds extra weight to the tent, especially if it’s been left open, whilst icy conditions can make access to it more slippery. Strong gusts of wind can also be a hazard when you’re in it, so always check the forecast before deciding whether to climb up into the tent for the night or retreat to the safety of the caravan instead. In extreme weather - such as storms or high winds - it’s usually far safer to avoid using the rooftop tent altogether, sadly.
Making sure it’s secure!
It’s not just driving conditions you need to think about. A rooftop tent must always be fitted securely, as any loose equipment can pose a serious danger to other road users especially if it comes flying out when driving. In the UK, driving with insecure loads can result in fines, penalty points and potentially a prosecution for dangerous driving.
There’s also the risk of theft. Rooftop tents are valuable, and they can be attractive to opportunistic thieves, so it’s worth investing in some lockable fittings and security straps.
And finally, remember to notify your insurer of any modifications. Adding a rooftop tent (and the roof bars to carry it) could affect your policy if it isn’t declared in advance.
A rooftop tent can be a brilliant way to expand your living space on the road, giving you the flexibility to enjoy the best of both worlds; the convenience of your caravan and the adventure of sleeping under some canvas.
But it’s not just a case of simply strapping it on and heading off. From weight limits and handling changes, to fuel economy, height awareness, and the effects of the weather, there are plenty of factors to keep in mind.
Get it right, though, and a rooftop tent can transform your trips! Have fun!
