Silberner VW Passat mit Dachzelt am Hang, Kinder auf Leiter und am Ufer, Sonnenuntergang über dem Meer im Hintergrund. "ROOF SPACE" auf dem Zelt sichtbar.

Rooftop Tent Guide

Everything you should know before buying

This guide provides a quick, neutral overview of roof tents: functionality, types, requirements, advantages and disadvantages, and the most important decision-making questions.

What is a rooftop tent?

A roof tent is a permanently mounted tent on the roof of a car, which can be unfolded at the campsite.

It combines the mobility of your vehicle with the comfort of a fixed sleeping place.

Illustration verschiedener Fahrzeugtypen (Kleinwagen, Kombi, Hochdachkombi, Van, Geländewagen) mit Dachboxen der Marke "Roof Space".

What are the advantages of a rooftop tent?

Ein Mann mit gelber Jacke entlädt einen Rucksack aus einem schwarzen Land Rover mit Dachzelt vor nebliger Bergkulisse. Schriftzug "NATURAWESOME" sichtbar.

Roof tent

Flexible, spontaneous & usable anywhere
Comfortable bed already integrated
Fits any car
No additional camping equipment is needed.
€3,599 for 10 years of outdoor freedom

Ein weißes Wohnmobil der Marke "Pacific Horizon" steht vor einem unscharfen Sonnenuntergang am Meer. Die Fenster sind beleuchtet.

Campervan / VW campervan rental

High daily and mileage costs
Depending on parking spaces and availability
High fuel consumption & parking problems
€3,599 for approximately 3-4 weeks of van rental

Vorstädtische Straße mit Wohnhäusern im Hintergrund, Bäumen im Vordergrund, sonnigem Tageslicht und gepflegten Gärten.

Bungalow / Tiny House

Location-based and quickly booked up
Weekly rates + additional costs (cleaning, service)
Little room for spontaneity
€3,599 for Approximately 3-4 weeks peak season (depending on the region)

Ein olivgrünes Tipi-Zelt steht auf einer Wiese vor Bäumen. Braune Seile spannen das Zelt. Ein brauner Teppich liegt vor dem Eingang. Ruhige, natürliche Atmosphäre.

Classic camping setup (tent + mats + accessories)

Lots of packing volume & carrying
Little comfort & limited
Weatherproof
Elaborate construction
€2,599 for Complete equipment but less comfort than a roof tent

Will a roof tent fit on my car?

Whether a roof tent fits on a car depends not only on the vehicle model. Crucial factors include the permissible roof load, the appropriate roof rack, and the number of people the tent is designed to accommodate.

We'd be happy to help you find a suitable roof tent for your vehicle:

Find your perfect rooftop tent

What types of roof tents are there?

Roof tents can generally be divided into two categories: folding roof tents and hard-shell roof tents. Folding roof tents offer a particularly large sleeping area and space, while hard-shell roof tents focus on quick setup and takedown as well as high robustness. The Roof Space combines both roof tent concepts in one solution.


Quick assembly and disassembly
The tent tarp is easy to pack.
Robust lid to protect against weather and branches (hard shell)
Double sleeping area
Low noise level in the rain
Small package on the car roof

Rooftop tent - What do I need to know ?

Eine blonde Frau steigt über eine Leiter auf ein graues Auto mit Dachzelt am Ufer eines Sees. Im Hintergrund sind Bäume.

Step 1

Check roof load

Whether a roof tent fits on a car does not depend solely on the vehicle model.

Crucial factors are primarily the permissible dynamic roof load, the suitable roof rack, and the number of people for whom the tent is designed.

Silberner VW Passat mit Dachzelt auf gewundener Straße durch einen hellen, sonnigen Wald. Auf dem Zelt steht "ROOF SPACE".

Step 2

Dynamic vs. Static Roof Load

The dynamic roof load indicates how much weight your car roof is allowed to carry while driving – including roof tent and other luggage – and must not be exceeded.

You can find the dynamic roof load in your vehicle registration document.

Important: The weight of your roof tent plus any additional load (next to or inside the tent) should always be within the dynamic roof load limit.

Ein schwarzer Mini Cooper mit einem schwarzen Dachgepäckträger von Roof Space vor einem weißen Hintergrund. Der Träger ist mittig platziert.

Step 3

roof rack

Roof racks form the basis for your roof tent.

Many cars require crossbars on the standard roof rails or on special roof rails.

If your vehicle does not have roof rails or any other special roof structure, special carrier systems are required.

Important: Check with your car's manufacturer to see which roof rack is recommended for roof tents.

Eine dunkelblaue Auto mit Dachzelt, das von einem Mann geöffnet wird. Ein junger Mann mit gelber Mütze schaut zu. Im Hintergrund Banner mit der Aufschrift "NEU".

Step 4

Choose a roof tent

The good news: the Roof Space 2 fits 95% of all cars, and the Roof Space 4, at 89kg, requires a roof load of only 100kg and therefore fits most larger vehicles.

We'd be happy to help you find the right roof tent model for your vehicle:

Find a roof tent

Nahaufnahme: Hand bedient einen verchromten Spannhebel an einer Gewindestange unterhalb einer Metallstruktur, helle, neutrale Farbtöne.

Step 5

Assembly

How do I mount my roof tent?

Check out our summary:

How much does a rooftop tent cost?

Roof tents are available in various price ranges. Depending on the design, size and features, the costs usually range between 1,500 and 7,000 euros (and some even more) .

Especially with rooftop tents, it becomes clear: cheaper models may seem attractive, but a slightly larger investment pays off in the long run through greater comfort, durability, and better value for money. This way, you'll enjoy your tent for longer – whether on weekend trips or extended journeys.

Tip: If you change your mind later, high-quality models usually retain their value longer and can therefore be resold easily.