Roof top tents are the best traveling companion for families. No matter where your travels take you, you can always count on a nice roof top tent to provide a safe and secure place to rest your head.
In addition, they are roomy, prevent you from standing in the damp, and shield you from any insects below. But roof top tents are among the most complicated pieces of equipment available, and they typically demand a considerable outlay of cash.
As a result, finding the best 4 person roof top tent is not always easy.
That being said, if you have a good idea of what you’re looking for, you should have no trouble finding an excellent four-person roof top tent. To assist you, I have compiled this buyer’s guide to the best four-person roof top tents currently available.
Best 4 person roof tents
- IKamper X Cover
The iKamper X-Cover is a bit of an outcast in the world of roof top tents. It’s neither a hard top nor a soft top, but the X-Cover is the first roof top tent to have no cover at all.
You may be wondering, “What does this mean?” Well, the X-Cover is fairly similar to a soft top tent, but it is extremely lightweight and doesn’t require a cumbersome PVC cover thanks to iKamper’s proprietary revolutionary design.
You may attach ski and kayak racks to the roof so you can bring your entire outdoor equipment set wherever you go.
The X-Cover is a comfortable and practical roof top tent that takes only three minutes to erect. The X-Cover is a very adaptable shelter choice for car camping due to its four-season usability and five huge windows for increased ventilation.
- OVS Nomadic 4
Overland Vehicle Systems’ Nomadic 4 Roof Top Tent is among the finest options for a 4-person tent of this type.
It’s reasonably priced, considering all the cool features it has, such as a memory foam mattress, skylight window, superior rainfly, and protection from extreme weather.
Large tents are notoriously challenging to erect. Nonetheless, the Nomadic 4 is not the same — It can be set up in little time at all. Additionally, an annex can be added to Nomadic 4 if you require additional sleeping space or a separate area to change clothes in privacy.
Because it is made from 600D Heavy Duty Poly Cotton Rip-Stop Canvas and 420D Heavy Duty Polyester Oxford Waterproof Rainfly, the toughness and longevity of the Nomadic 4 are beyond reproach.
You can rely on it to keep you safe and cozy in any camping environment.
And to ensure that you always have a pleasant place to sleep, Nomadic 4 person roof top tents come with a thick memory foam mattress. A skylight window is installed on the roof for both natural lighting and stargazing at night.
- The Smittybilt Overlander XL
The SmittyBilt Overlander XL is an affordably-priced four person roof-top tent for adventurers.
The Overlander XL can accommodate up to four people in its spacious sleeping area, yet because to its well-thought-out construction, it requires only a single person to erect.
The Overlander XL is built to last with a 600D ripstop polyester exterior, a waterproof inside, and stainless steel hinges. The tent provides protection from the elements and includes a telescoping metal ladder and a convenient mosquito screen.
- Bushveld OVS
The Overland Vehicle Systems Bushveld is one of the rare hard shell roof top tents that can comfortably accommodate four persons. Additionally, it is one of the least expensive hard shells available.
Bushveld’s 4 Season cantilever design makes it simple and quick to open and shut, no matter the weather. A large memory foam mattress and a Skylight window are included to make sleeping there as pleasant as possible.
Bushveld’s main body is made out of Premium 600D Waterproof Rip-Stop Polyester Cotton Canvas, making it impervious to even the harshest of conditions.
There is also a Premium 420D Waterproof Polyester Oxford Waterproof to prevent any leaks, even in the event of heavy rain.
Bushveld can be opened and closed in 15-30 seconds because of its straightforward design. You don’t need anyone else to aid you; you can do it by yourself.
In addition, the Bushveld 4 person roof top tent has a universal mounting design, allowing it to be attached to any roof rack now available.
- Treeline Outdoors Buckhorn Ponderosa Constellation
Camping in the great outdoors is made easier with the extra-durable Treeline Outdoors Buckhorn Ponderosa Constellation tent. The Buckhorn Ponderosa’s innovative design ensures that its tent poles can be unrolled rapidly, reducing the amount of time spent setting up camp.
You won’t have to make any herculean efforts to get to your cozy bed in the Buckhorn Ponderosa, thanks to its spacious ladder.
In addition, there are three sizable windows in the Buckhorn Ponderosa, all of which are fitted with no-see-um mesh netting so that you can take pleasure in the fresh air and breeze even in the middle of the heat.
Do you still need more convincing? You may relax in comfort under the stars thanks to the Buckhorn Ponderosa’s included 2.5″ high-density foam mattress with a detachable cover. Looks like a wonderful temporary residence to us!
- Tuff Stuff Elite Overland
The Tuff Stuff Elite Overland roof top tent is the perfect adventure rig for the whole family, with ample accommodation for four people or two adults and three children.
The Elite Overland is a tent made with family camping in mind; it has a spacious interior for your convenience and an attached annex for stowing and organizing your camping equipment.
The Elite Overland’s two entry doors, two retractable ladders, and two huge windows facilitate morning preparation for groups. Why that’s the finest part!
- Roam Vagabond XL
One of the most convenient and roomy 4 person roof top tents available today is the Roam Adventure Co Vagabond XL. This sleeping bag provides a level of comfort that will make you forget you’re sleeping in the middle of the woods and instead in a luxurious suite at a five-star hotel.
The UltraPlush 2.0 mattress is manufactured from high density 3″ foam, and it comes standard with the Vagabond XL 4 person roof top tent. It’s incredibly soft and cozy. In addition, we’ve included a moisture-absorbing pad to stop condensation from forming under the bed.
Despite its massive size, the Vagabond XL is surprisingly easy to set up and take down. The whole thing shouldn’t take more than ten minutes at most.
The universal sliding brackets included with the product make installation on a roof rack simple.
If you need even more room to sleep, the Roam Adventure Vagabond XL can be outfitted with an annex room. The Annex is large enough to accommodate one person and is made of 600D fabric with a PVC laminated floor.
- iKamper Skycamp 2.0
The iKamper Skycamp 2.0 was a revolutionary hard-top roof-top tent, and it was the only one we reviewed. With its pop-top construction and extendable king-sized mattress, this hard top tent can be set up in under a minute and accommodate four people at once.
The Skycamp 2.0 is a hard-shell roof box that is more fuel-efficient than competing models because of its reduced drag.
Additionally, the Skycamp 2.0 is fully customizable, allowing you to select the color of the hard shell box in addition to a variety of additional accessories.
- Roofnest Condor XL
If you’re looking for a durable, high-end rooftop tent, you’ll most likely choose a hardshell design. Hardshell tents are superior to softshell tents in terms of durability, weather protection, and ease of assembly.
In addition, many people find it worthwhile to pay more for them because of the flexibility they provide when it comes to accessories like solar panels and roof racks.
Premium fold-out designs, like the Condor XL, significantly improve the sleeping area with an expanded platform and mattress, while the majority of hardshell tents have pop-up designs that limit the bed to the size of the footprint.
The Condor XL is our best rooftop tent because it excels in all three categories—performance, internal space, and value.
- Free Spirit Recreation High Country
The Free Spirit Recreation High Country 80″ Premium is the ideal roof top tent for those who are unwilling to sacrifice comfort or quality. You could fit five adults in this premium tent, but it feels much more comfortable with just four.
In addition to its superior performance, the High Country also features a novel fold-out design with enormous windows that provide unrivaled 360-degree panoramic vistas.
The Free Spirit Recreation High Country roof top tent even has an LED night light built right in, so you’ll never have to camp in the dark again.
- Roofnest Falcon 2
When folded, Roofnest’s Falcon measures just 6. 5 inches in height, making it thinner than even the Low-Pro.
This aerodynamic design will certainly improve gas mileage and reduce wind noise, all of which contribute significantly to the pleasantness of a lengthy trip. The tent’s low profile design isn’t the only thing we like about it, though.
You can bring along your surfboard, bike, and other gear without having to pick between your tent and your roof rack thanks to the Falcon, Roofnest’s most robust design.
Last but not least, the Falcon’s 5-foot peak height when opened from its compact design makes it the tallest here and provides excellent shelter (just be sure to face the shell against the wind).
New to version 2 is a more permeable top shell, side accessory channels, and better materials in the tent body; otherwise, the tried-and-true design holds.
- Four-Person Tepui Autana Ruggedized
The Tepui Autana is an all-around adventure rig that is built to last for the hard-core camper. The Autana features the largest inside of any Tepui tent, providing ample accommodation for four people and leaving extra space for stowing goods and changing clothes.
You can rest easy knowing your Autana will last thanks to the 360g Dual Stitched Fabric used to make the tent—40% heavier than the fabric used in other versions.
The Annex is constructed from the same durable canvas as the main tent, so it may be used as an additional sleeping area if required. Oh, and if you’re not willing to construct your tent, Tepui offers expert installation services from its Soquel, California warehouse.
- Four-Person Overland Pros Anza 2000
The Overland Pros Anza 2000 4 Person Roof Top Tent was made with the most extreme overland journeys in mind, and it is fully capable of adapting to its environment.
The Anza can handle any weather with its waterproof 280G canvas and removable rainfly, as well as its big front and back walls that zip open for maximum breathability.
The Anza’s strength is easy to assemble. Since the Overland Pros have done away with the necessity for spring rods to support your tent, you no longer need to put yourself in harm’s way to set up your Anza for the evening. Honestly, I can’t think of anything better.
Do they affect gas mileage?
The gas mileage of a car can change depending on the brand of the automobile and the material of the rooftop tent. Some research indicates a 17 percent decrease in fuel economy when a rooftop tent is added to a car.
Extra wind-induced drag and weight might be to blame.
The main reason a rooftop tent reduces gas mileage is the wind resistance it causes. Due to increased drag and consequently higher fuel costs, certain rooftop tents are not as aerodynamic as they may be.
Which popular cars can carry roof top tents?
A rooftop tent is most suited for SUVs and trucks, but most automobiles, sedans, and hatchbacks are not. The majority of elevated rail systems and certain fixed point systems will allow for rooftop tents.
How long do they last?
Tents can have long or short lifespans depending on factors including brand, use conditions, upkeep, and whether or not it’s softshell or hardshell. The typical lifespan of a hardshell rooftop tent is between 10 and 15 years.
When compared, the average lifespan of a softshell rooftop tent is between 5 and 10 years.
Can you sleep anywhere with a roof top tent in your car?
It’s easy to picture yourself in a rooftop tent atop your car. Pop-up tent or car-top tent both describe this type of tent. Having a rooftop tent would make it possible to sleep anywhere, off the ground, and in relative safety from insects.
The appeal of rooftop tent camping makes it great for anyone looking for comfort and ease.
Do they damage your car?
With proper installation, a rooftop tent poses no risk to your vehicle’s roof. As a result of how simple they are to pack, they are a fantastic addition to any camping enthusiast’s gear.
You can avoid long-term suspension damage to your car by staying under the vehicle’s weight limits. To have and invest in a rooftop tent is a good idea.
How to choose from different types?
Before anything else, you’ll want to think about how many people the tent can hold.
Need someplace for two people to stay in, or a family of four?
Most rooftop tents that fit over the top of your car are just big enough for one or two people. However, you may also acquire tents that extend laterally from your automobile, supported by stilts or telescopic ladders.
These provide substantially greater room, allowing you to elevate the complete family or a group of friends entirely off the ground.
The next step, decide whether you prefer a hard or soft tent exterior.
The most common type, and the simplest to set up, are soft shells. The canopy of most of these vehicles may be opened by unfolding it from the roof rack.
Hardshell tents tend to be much heavier because of their structure, but they operate along the same principles. You just open them up, throw them on your roof, and go. The only catch is that you’ll have to think about how much weight your rack can hold. The weight of a hard shell might exceed 100 kg.
Finally, you should consider the weather forecast for the time you plan to utilize your tent. Tents range from those designed for use in the heat of summer to those that can withstand the bitter cold of the Arctic.
Conclusion
A roof top tent is your best friend on family road vacations through the mountains, deserts, beaches, or any other severe environment. A roof-top tent is a comfortable and easy sleeping solution in any environment. They are practical because you won’t have to worry about slipping on the wet ground.
Only the largest roof tents on the market can comfortably accommodate a full family. These rooftop tents sleep four, making them perfect for camping trips and other outdoor excursions.
Your overlanding adventures can reach new heights with these models. You won’t need to pitch another tent in the yard or squeeze everyone into a cramped vehicle. These 4-person RTTs not only offer a secure place to sleep and relax during your camping trip, but also an attractive alternative to traditional tents.
