Sprache wechseln
Now that you’ve ticked off important features that contribute to your ideal rooftop tent, it’s time to consider what accessories the manufacturer has to offer and what is worth investing in. Not everything is a must, and not everything has to be from the same brand, but if they are, then you will, at least, know that the items are compatible and shouldn’t lead to a dispute if there is a warranty issue with the tent or accessories.
This chapter focusses on how the tent can be upgraded to elevate your camping experience. Not what other bits and bobs are important or nice to have with you on a camping trip. We’ll look at some of those items at the end of this series.
To all intents and purposes, you need to give careful consideration as to how, where, and during which season(s) you expect to use your rooftop tent. Are you travelling alone, or with one or more companions? Talk to your sales representative.
ACCESSORY RACK
Fits on top of the rooftop tent and allows you to carry items such as a solar panel, skis, canoe, etc. Remember to keep an eye on the dynamic and static roof loads of both the vehicle and the tent.
AWNING
These can be a big asset in summer when extra shade is welcome, or in the wetter months as protection from a downpour. The awning is often an extension of the porch above the entrance and is zipped into place. Check if the awning has a reflective surface to keep temperatures as low as possible.
Can the awning and any poles be stored inside the tent when closed, or will you need to store it in or on the vehicle?
ANNEXE / GROUND TENT
These can be spacious rooms which are great during bad weather, in winter and for extra privacy. They can also provide access to the rooftop tent, so that wet clothes and shoes can be left to dry.
When not in use, an annexe can be bulky and is unlikely to fit inside the tent when closed. So, do you have space in or on the vehicle, and are they supplied with storage bags?
BACK RESTS
If the weather is foul and you end up spending time in the tent, other than lying down, backrests can be really useful if you want to sit and read a book, or just sit and talk, eat or drink.
INSULATION TENT
If winter camping is your thing, then an insulated tent can be a game changer. Depending upon the manufacturer, they are available as inner or outer tents. Personally, I prefer inner tents, which can be stored inside the tent when closed, because outer tents tend to be wet from rain or melting snow, and where are you going to keep it, if it can’t stay attached to the tent when it is packed away.
LIGHTS
A string of indoor LED lights are an unobtrusive way to brighten the interior at night. Look out for warm white as opposed to cool white, and if they are dimmable, that’s even better.
Outdoor LEDs are beneficial if you are cooking or sitting outside at night. They can also illuminate the ladder for added safety.
MAINTENANCE PRODUCTS
Think of lubricating zips, repair patches, cleaning products for tent materials and covers. Also ask if/when tent fabrics need to be resealed to keep them waterproof and/or protected against mould. If so, which products should you use?
POUCHES
If they are not included with the tent, pouches that can be attached to the outside of the tent in close proximity to the ladder are useful for keeping shoes or toiletries in.
QUICK RELEASE
If you do not want to drive around with the rooftop tent on top of the car all year round and want to make the best of spontaneous weekend escapes, then a quick release system is advantageous.
STORAGE ACCESSORIES
This also applies to those who do not want the rooftop tent on their car all year round. Wall hangers/brackets, that allow you to store the tent vertically, are a great space saver and also prevent the tent from accidentally falling over.
WIND PROTECTION
When the wind picks up, tents and awnings in particular can quickly turn into sails. Extra strong guy lines and sturdy pegs can help keep everything where it’s meant to be. On that note, if you are aware of a particularly violent storm passing through your area, it is wise to take down an awning and reduce porches to a minimum to decrease the size of the surface area and noise levels created by fluttering.
CONCLUSION
Accessories can certainly enhance your camping experience, and choosing products from the manufacturer means they will harmonise with your tent and shouldn’t infringe on any warranty conditions. Useful and original accessories also add to the overall value of the tent, should you wish to sell it.
Using the manufacturer’s recommended cleaning and maintenance products will increase the longevity of your tent.
