Two TentBox Lite roof tents at a camp site in the Lake District
 

A quick guide to
roof tents

A TentBox is a sleeping pod that attaches to the roof of any vehicle. Learn how to start your TentBox journey with our 4-step guide.

Step 1

Get roof bars - we stock them!

Summit roof bars
Step 1

Get roof bars - we stock them!

You can get roof bars for any vehicle, even if there are no obvious fixing points or rails.

They're super easy to install and come with clear instructions.

We stock a wide range of bars - click here to check if we stock bars for your vehicle.

It’s a good idea to buy your TentBox and roof bars at the same time, so you can install them in one go.

Need help finding roof bars?

Contact us
Step 2

Check your roof load

A happy child sitting in a TentBox Classic enjoying the view
Step 2

Check your roof load

Every vehicle has a dynamic roof load limit, i.e. how much weight can be put on the roof whilst driving. You can usually find this online, or in your vehicle manual.

Your roof load limit must be greater than, or equal to the weight of the TentBox.

Almost all cars have a dynamic roof load limit of 50kgs or more, so are compatible with a TentBox Lite as a minimum. Lots of cars are 75kg or higher, so will work with all TentBox models.

What about the about the added weight of people inside?

When a car is stationary (the only time people are inside), the roof can take 5x the dynamic roof load limit, so can easily handle the weight of several people too.

Need help finding your roof load limit?

Contact us
Step 3

Choose your TentBox

A comparison of the main TentBox roof tent models
Step 3

Choose your TentBox

Once you know your roof load limit, you can compare this against the weight of each TentBox model on our comparison table to work out which ones will work with your car.

Then, compare the features of each model to see which one best suits your needs.

Need help choosing your TentBox model?

Contact us
Visit dealer
Step 4

Delivery & install

A man installing a TentBox Cargo roof tent onto a Land Rover Defender car
Step 4

Delivery & install

Your TentBox will be delivered by our 2-person service, on the date of your choice.

Installation is straightforward and takes 20-30 minutes. Everything you need comes in the box and we provide clear instructions.

Got questions about installation?

Contact us

FAQs

Is a TentBox easy to install?

Yes, a TentBox is really easy to install and should take no longer than 30 minutes. You will need an extra pair of hands to help lift it onto your roof bars, but after that, it’s just a case of sliding in the fixing brackets and tightening 8 nuts.

Contact our product specialists if you need any help with installation.

Will a TentBox work with my car?

There is a TentBox model for almost any vehicle, even small cars. You just need to get roof bars, which are available for every vehicle, and check your vehicle roof load limit to see which TentBox models are compatible.

If you’re struggling, we have a team of product specialists who are experts in roof tents. You can contact us here for help with any of the above. 

How do I choose the right TentBox for me?

The best place to start is our TentBox comparison page. Here you can compare all of our models and see which one suits your needs the most.

Next, take a look at the product pages to get a real flavour for each model.

The TentBox Community is also a good place to explore other people's setups and see what takes your fancy.

If you want expert advice, just speak with our product specialists, who know everything there is to know about TentBox.

Can I fit a TentBox to a roof rack, instead of roof bars?

You can fit a TentBox to a roof rack, but it is much simpler and cheaper to install it to a pair of cross-bars.

If you want to find out more about how to install it on a roof rack, check out our roof rack guide.

Will a TentBox work on a small car?

Yes absolutely, a TentBox roof tent will work with most small cars.

You just need to find out your vehicle roof load limit to understand what models are compatible.

Sometimes for very small cars, the TentBox Lite is the only option. However, our larger TentBox models are also suited to a lot of smaller cars.

If you need help finding out what TentBox models are compatible with you car, contact our team.

Will a TentBox work on a van/truck?

Yes, putting a roof tent on a van/truck is a popular option. A TentBox makes a great addition to a van or even a campervan (as an extra bedroom).

The easiest way to install one on a truck is over the front cab, as roof bars are easier to find and install. However, some people also attach them to the back cab - you just need to find suitable cross bars.

Vans and trucks are taller than standard cars, so you might find it helpful to have a collapsible step ladder to help you open and close the TentBox.

Can I install a TentBox on a Trailer?

Lots of people install a roof tent on a trailer.

If you want mount your TentBox on a trailer, you will just need to make sure your trailer has suitable cross bars to mount it to.

Trailers can be a great option for a TentBox because they can be unhooked easily and stored in a garage. They also provide extra space for carrying gear and camping equipment.

What are the benefits of a TentBox?

Despite the name, a TentBox is more of a sleeping pod than a tent, and it’s just one step away from a campervan. You can sleep anywhere you can park your car, including on hard surfaces like car parks or driveways, and don’t need to look for a flat grassy pitch.

They are also super quick to set up and come fitted with a mattress; depending on the model you choose, you can also leave your bedding laid out inside when driving so that it’s already made for you when you pop it open. 

Being high off the ground makes not only for amazing elevated views from the windows but also means you are well away from the cold, wet mud and creepy crawlies. The natural air barrier between the TentBox and the car roof acts as an insulation barrier and means you stay warmer as the heat is not sucked into the ground. 

You can leave a TentBox on your car all year round, which means you are ready for spontaneous adventures at the drop of a hat. Whether that be a  weekend away at a campsite after a long week at work, or sleeping on a friend's driveway after a dinner party, everything is possible once you have a TentBox.

After the initial investment, it’s a super cost-effective way to travel as there are tonnes of free places to park up for the night, and campsites are far cheaper than hotels.

A TentBox staff member called Archie

We're here to help

Buying a roof tent can be a little daunting. We've got a team of Product Specialists ready to help.

Talk to our team

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