Turn your car into a camper with a tentbox roof tent.
In the world of outdoor exploration, the concept of turning your car into a camper has evolved, offering adventurers a practical and efficient way to embrace the call of the wild.
It’s easy to turn your car into a camper and one innovative solution gaining popularity is the use of roof tents—portable, foldable shelters that can be easily attached to the roof of your vehicle, unlocking a world of camping possibilities.
How to turn your car into a camper.
This article delves into the myriad of benefits to turn your car into a camper using a roof tent, with a focus on space-saving attributes and the convenience of removing the tent for winter storage. Additionally, we’ll explore various companies producing roof tents, highlighting TentBox as a standout brand known for its exceptional quality and diverse range of models.
Space-Saving Brilliance
One of the primary advantages of opting for a roof tent to transform your car into a camper is the ingenious space-saving design. Traditional camper vans and RVs often come with the drawback of being bulky and challenging to maneuver, both on the road and in terms of parking. Roof tents eliminate these concerns, allowing you to maintain the practicality and efficiency of your everyday vehicle.
The tent conveniently fits onto your roof rack (although make sure your car and roof rack has the capacity to carry the weight of the roof tent) leaving the interior of the car unencumbered during the day.
This dual-purpose functionality is especially appealing to those who wish to seamlessly transition between daily commuting and spontaneous camping escapades without the hassle of maintaining a separate camping vehicle.
Installation and Adaptability
The installation process of a roof tent is surprisingly straightforward, typically involving the attachment of the tent to a roof rack or a specialized tent platform.
Normally this can be done on your own (or with a few other people in the case of the tentbox cargo due to weight).
Once mounted, the tent unfolds effortlessly, creating a comfortable sleeping space elevated above your vehicle.
Most roof tents are designed to accommodate two to three people comfortably, providing a cozy sleeping area with a built-in mattress.
The Tentbox XL will hold 4 but personally I would say that’s 2 adults and 2 children).
This not only saves precious space inside the car but also eliminates the need for a ground tent, freeing up additional storage capacity for other camping essentials.
Moreover, roof tents offer a high degree of adaptability to various weather conditions. In the summer, campers can relish the elevated sleeping quarters that provide better ventilation and protection from ground-level insects.
In colder seasons, the tents are equipped to withstand the elements, boasting durable, weather-resistant materials and optional insulated layers to keep occupants warm. If you feel the cold then why not looking a diesel heater but remember have good ventilation to minimise condensation.
The elevated position also enhances security, providing a sense of assurance, especially in areas with potential wildlife encounters.
Removable for Winter Storage
A notable advantage of roof tents is their removable nature.
As winter approaches or in situations where the tent may not be needed for an extended period, it can be easily taken down and stored.
This feature is particularly valuable for individuals residing in regions with harsh winter conditions.
Removing the roof tent ensures that it remains in optimal condition for the next camping season, prolonging its lifespan and preserving its functionality.
But why remove it when you can extend your camping season to year round with the added optional insulation, a good sleeping bag and a hot water bottle.
The removable aspect of roof tents also aligns with the principles of leave-no-trace camping.
Since the tent is mounted on the roof, there is minimal impact on the natural environment compared to ground tents that may compact soil or damage vegetation.
Roof tents offer an eco-friendly camping solution, allowing outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy nature responsibly while minimizing their environmental footprint.
Exploring Roof Tent Options: TentBox as the Pinnacle
Several companies have entered the roof tent market, each offering unique features and designs.
However, TentBox stands out as a premier brand known for its exceptional quality, innovative designs, and a diverse range of models catering to various preferences and needs.
TentBox, based on its reputation and customer reviews, has established itself as a leader in the roof tent industry.
The company’s commitment to producing top-notch roof tents is evident in the thoughtful design, durable materials, and user-friendly features incorporated into their products.
Let’s explore some of the standout models offered by TentBox:
TentBox Classic:
- The TentBox Classic is the flagship model, known for its simplicity and efficiency.
- It features a quick and easy setup, allowing campers to go from driving to sleeping in mere minutes.
- The Classic comfortably accommodates two people and comes with a high-density foam mattress for a restful night’s sleep.
- Durable construction ensures longevity, making it a reliable choice for avid campers.
The TentBox Lite:
- Designed with a focus on weight reduction, the TentBox Lite is an excellent choice for those conscious of their vehicle’s load capacity.
- Despite its lightweight design, the Lite does not compromise on comfort, providing a cozy sleeping space for two.
- It boasts a streamlined setup process, making it ideal for campers who value efficiency and simplicity.
Tentbox Lite XL
- Lite XL is great for families, people with pets, or those who like extra space.
- It has a super-king mattress that sleeps 4 adults comfortably
- A whole host of new features and material upgrades.
My favourite: TentBox Cargo:
- The TentBox Cargo takes versatility to the next level, combining a roof tent with additional storage space for gear and equipment.
- It features a sturdy rooftop cargo box alongside the sleeping area, maximizing the utility of your camping setup.
- The Cargo is an ideal choice for adventurers who require extra storage capacity without sacrificing sleeping comfort.
Transforming your car into a camper using a roof tent presents a myriad of benefits, from efficient space utilization to adaptability in various weather conditions.
The removable nature of roof tents, allowing for easy winter storage, adds an extra layer of convenience for campers.
Among the various companies in the market, TentBox stands out as a leading player, offering a range of models to suit different preferences and needs.
Other benefits of turning your car into a camper with a Tentbox roof tent.
Whether you opt for the larger TentBox Lite XL or the versatile / robust design of the TentBox Cargo, turning your car into a camper with a TentBox roof tent ensures a comfortable and memorable outdoor experience.
Remember those camping holidays with the car full to the brim of camping gear to the point where you’re having to strap the kids to the roof due to lack of space.
Well, with a roof tent you gain more space in the boot as your tent and mattress is on the roof.
Negative points concerning a roof tent.
There isn’t that many but here a few point you need to think about.
- Once its up, it’s up! If your planning on going out for the day or popping to the shop then you will need too pack your roof tent down. It depends on the roof tent how long this will take. Some roof tents don’t have the space to store bedding once there folded so you need to think where is this going to go.
- If you’re using an awning its something else that needs to be packed away, some people have small drive away awnings that things can be left in if your out for the day.
- Multi story carparks, always measure your height with your roof tent and don’t go driving into a multistory carpark or barrier if you’re too tall!
- If the weather is bad or insects are really biting you’ll be confined to a small tent. This is where the awning rood from tentbox comes into play as it gives your another room to cook, sit and stand, instead of being confined to a roof tent.
It’s also a good idea to box up your camping gear like cooker / utensils and camp gear. Have a look at my gear load out for some inspiration in what to take with you.
So, embark on your next adventure with the freedom and flexibility that a roof tent brings, and let the great outdoors become an extension of your home on wheels.
Tentbox Accessories.
There’s loads of great accessories to add to your roof tent from Tentbox and every now and then there’s something new added, the the recently added Tentbox Kitchen.
Whether its an awning, thermal pod to keep you warm in the winter, the living pod to create more space, power banks, or solar panels there’s load of great accessories available from Tentbox.
The awning room gives you loads more space and is perfect if the weather is bad or you have a few more heads that need to lay down somewhere and the new tentbox kitchen which is getting some great reviews.
Become part of the Tentbox Rooftent gang!
Tentbox is a great company and produce some great roof tents and accessories. The great thing about Tentbox is the community! You’ll find local Facebook groups to you within the sub-groups of the Tentbox Facebook group that are brilliant to arrange meet-ups, advice and these groups are great at giving you an insight into other peoples gear setups and what they use.
There’s groups specifically for your roof tent as well like the Tentbox Cargo group.
Regional Tentbox Facebook Groups
Regional groups will arrange Tentbox meetups and these are normally advertised on the Tentbox Community page so you can see what’s going on elsewhere around the UK.
Specific Tentbox Groups
There’s groups for solo tentboxers, tentboxing with dogs, Single parent tentboxers, women only there’s loads that will really make you feel part of the community.
So if you’re thinking about purchasing a Tentbox roof tent to turn your car into a camper, not quite sure if it suits you or you want to see one in the flesh before hitting that ‘pay now’ button, join your local tentbox group and see who’s about and ask advice or arrange a meet up.
If you are based in East Anglia and want to see what its all about, then drop me a line in the comments and i’ll gladly meet up and show you my setup.
Don’t forget the £50.00 discount code on all Tentbox Roof tents, also have a look at some of the great accessories like an awning, awning room and the Tentbox kitchen.
I’ve had my Tentbox Cargo for over a year now and although it doesn’t get used as much as I would like, its great that its on the truck, all the bedding is inside, gear is in the back and I can just grab the keys, a bag of food and a bottle of Rum and off I go for the weekend or even just a night out.
Two of my best accessories I have for my roof tent camping is my Anevay stoves.
The horizon stove is great to just take down into the woods or on the beach for a cook up, but the Frontier stove is the one to just setup next to the awning, cook your meal and watch the flames on a cold night.
Have a look at some of my videos below showing some reviews on the Tentbox Cargo and the adventures it has taken me on.
Have a look at the post showing all my gear.
What’s your favourite accessories that you wouldn’t do without when your roof tent camping?
5 thoughts on “Turn your Car into a Camper with a Tentbox Roof Tent”