The Untold Downsides of Rooftop Tent Camping: Why It Might Not Be Right for You
In recent years, rooftop tent (RTT) camping has exploded in popularity among outdoor enthusiasts, overlanders, and road trippers. Instagram is filled with photos of rugged vehicles topped by sleek tents, set against dramatic wilderness backdrops. At first glance, RTTs appear to be the perfect marriage of adventure and comfort, promising the ease of a quick camp setup and an elevated, bug-free sleeping space. However, behind the filtered images and glowing testimonials, many users discover real-world drawbacks that can turn the dream of RTT camping into a logistical headache. Before you make the leap and invest in one of these high-priced tents, it’s essential to consider their potential pitfalls.
1. The High Cost—And Hidden Expenses
The first thing most shoppers notice is the price tag. Entry-level rooftop tents typically start around $1,000, with popular models ranging between $1,500 and $3,000. Premium “hard shell” tents and those with extra features can easily exceed $4,000. But the tent is only part of the cost. You’ll need sturdy crossbars or a roof rack designed to handle the tent’s weight—and these can add several hundred dollars more. For some vehicles, you may need professional installation, further increasing expenses.
There’s also a less obvious cost: gas mileage. RTTs are heavy, often weighing between 100–200 pounds. When mounted on your vehicle, they create extra drag, especially on highways. Owners routinely report a noticeable drop in fuel efficiency, sometimes by as much as 15–20%, depending on the tent and vehicle. Over time, this can add up to hundreds of dollars in extra fuel costs—especially on long road trips.
2. Mounting and Handling Hassles
One of the least glamorous aspects of rooftop tent ownership is the physical challenge of mounting and dismounting them. Due to their bulk and awkward shape, most RTTs require at least two people to safely hoist them onto a vehicle. Bolting them in place can involve precariously balancing on ladders, straining to align mounting hardware, and wrestling with stubborn fasteners. Removing them at the end of the season is equally taxing, and some owners end up leaving the tent on the car year-round simply to avoid the hassle.
Beyond installation, the added weight on top of your vehicle affects handling. You might notice more body roll when cornering or feel the car sway in high winds. Tall SUVs and trucks with RTTs can also become more top-heavy and susceptible to rollover risk on uneven terrain.
3. You’re Tied to Camp—Mobility Takes a Hit
One of the great joys of camping is the freedom to explore nearby trails, scenic drives, or neighboring attractions without tearing down your entire camp. Unfortunately, RTTs compromise this flexibility. Because your tent is on the roof, if you want to drive anywhere—even a quick run to the nearest store—you must pack up the tent first.
This breakdown-and-rebuild routine can be tedious, often taking 10–20 minutes for a soft-shell RTT. Some users try to get around this by bringing a second, lightweight ground tent for “base camp” situations, but this solution can feel like it defeats the purpose of owning an RTT in the first place.
4. Set-Up and Accessibility Annoyances
Rooftop tents are marketed as easy to set up—sometimes boasting “60-second deployment”—but the reality can be different, especially after a long drive or in bad weather. You’ll often need to climb a ladder, sometimes in the dark or rain, to access your sleeping quarters. For families or those with pets, getting everyone safely up and down can be a challenge.
Nature calls are also more complicated. Climbing down a ladder in the middle of the night to use the bathroom, then back up again, is nobody’s idea of fun—especially for those with mobility issues, young children, or in inclement weather. Additionally, in stormy conditions, strong winds can cause soft-shell tents to flap and shudder, making it difficult to get a restful night’s sleep.
5. Level Ground and Environmental Considerations
While sleeping above the ground keeps you clear of mud and small critters, RTTs introduce a new problem: parking on level ground becomes crucial. If your vehicle isn’t parked on a flat surface, you may find yourself sliding to one side or spending extra time using leveling blocks to create a comfortable bed platform. Not all campsites or dispersed camping areas offer perfectly flat parking spots, so you may spend more time than expected searching for a suitable place to stop.
Despite being elevated, RTTs don’t make you immune to pests. Insects and even small rodents can climb up ladders or racks. Proper food storage and tent maintenance remain important—just as they would with a traditional ground tent.
6. Noise, Exposure, and Weather
While the view from an RTT can be incredible, the exposure is not always a benefit. Soft-shell tents can be particularly noisy in windy conditions, as the fabric flaps and vibrates. Some users also report feeling less insulated against cold, as the air flows beneath the tent and the vehicle roof, making nights chillier than expected. In severe weather, being perched on a vehicle can make you feel more vulnerable compared to a ground tent or camper van.
7. Storage and Everyday Use
Another often-overlooked downside is the impact on your vehicle’s daily usability. A mounted RTT can add a foot or more to your vehicle’s height, making it difficult (or impossible) to fit in parking garages or drive-thrus. It can also obstruct sunroofs or roof storage and limit your ability to carry bikes, kayaks, or other gear up top. Some tents are not designed to be left mounted year-round, so you may need to store the tent during the off-season, which can require significant garage or shed space.
Alternative Camping Solutions
If the downsides of rooftop tents give you pause, you’re not alone. Many seasoned campers and overlanders ultimately revert to more traditional setups. Ground tents remain lightweight, affordable, and versatile. Truck-bed tents, van conversions, and pop-up campers offer varying degrees of comfort and mobility. For many, the extra time required to set up a ground tent is more than offset by the freedom to leave camp and explore.
Is an RTT Worth It?
Rooftop tents can be a great fit for specific uses—like overlanding in places where ground-dwelling pests or flooding are real risks, or when a quick overnight setup is essential. But for the average camper, the downsides are significant: high cost, setup complexity, reduced fuel economy, lack of mobility, and ongoing convenience issues.
Before you make a major investment in an RTT, honestly consider your camping style, physical needs, and how you use your vehicle. Ask yourself whether the “cool factor” and Instagram-ready images are worth the compromises. For many, traditional camping methods remain the most practical, comfortable, and budget-friendly way to enjoy the outdoors.
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