FAQ: Camping with a roof tent – Did you already know these things?

Camping with a roof tent – Do you have a roof tent or are you currently thinking about buying one?
Then you’ll find some interesting information about rooftop tents that you probably didn’t know.
You’ll be well prepared for your next camping vacation and everything around it and can look forward to a relaxing time with your loved ones.
Are you a camping beginner?
Then read all about the advantages of roof tents, different models and costs here: Roof tent for your car.
Or take a look at our models directly in the store: Rooftop tents.

Camping Ratgeber:

You probably didn’t know this about your roof tent yet

Here you will find some interesting questions about camping with a roof tent that may be new to you.

For example, did you know …

… that you shouldn’t drive into a car wash with a roof tent?
… that you shouldn’t stay in the roof tent during thunderstorms?
… that you can leave your roof tent on the roof all year round?

[sv slug=”dachzelt”] These and other questions will now be discussed in more detail here!

Is a roof tent wild camping?

Wild camping is camping away from designated sites, such as campsites or pitches.
People who go wild camping often spend the night in the great outdoors.
This means that if you are camping with a roof tent on normal campsites, this is not considered wild camping.
However, if you decide to pitch your roof tent somewhere on your own and spend the night there, then this does fall under this category.
But be sure to observe the rules that apply, as wild camping is generally not permitted in Germany.
Especially places that are heavily frequented by tourists do not allow wild camping!
So read everything you need to know here:

Wild camping with a roof tent

This applies to wild camping:

Wild camping means camping in the great outdoors
Away from designated places
Staying overnight on campsites is not wild camping
Rules for wild camping with a roof tent apply

If you want to set up in the middle of nature with your roof tent, find out about the rules for wild camping in advance!

Can you go to the car wash with a roof tent?

It is generally not recommended to take a roof tent to an automatic car wash.
Most manufacturers of rooftop tents advise against using an automatic car wash, as the powerful water jets, brushes and other elements of the car wash can damage the rooftop tent.
Instead, it is recommended to clean the roof tent by hand using a mild detergent, water and a sponge or brush.
This way, you have more control over the cleaning process and can ensure that no damage occurs to the roof tent.
You should know this:

It is not recommended to drive into a car wash with a roof tent
Water jets and brushes can damage the roof tent
Clean your roof tent by hand instead

Is a roof tent waterproof?

Roof tents are usually made of a high-quality, waterproof and robust material, which protects you from the rain inside.
Hard-shell roof tents also serve as protection against falling branches and the like.
Thanks to the high-quality workmanship, they are very durable and prove to be loyal companions for several camping vacations.
The quality of a roof tent:

High-quality and robust material
Waterproof, weather and wind resistant
Hard shell protects against damage
Very durable

Can you stay in the roof tent during thunderstorms?

A roof tent has a number of advantages that can make it an attractive choice for camping trips, even when a storm is on the way.
These include the fact that roof tents are very wind-resistant as they are attached directly to the car.
The elevated position on the roof is also an advantage.
You can also stay in the roof tent in the rain without any problems.
However, you should not stay in the roof tent during a real thunderstorm!
In the event of a lightning strike, you are not protected in the roof tent as it does not provide an electrical conductor with a closed cover, as is the case with a car.
This means that if there is a heavy thunderstorm on the road, you should sit in the car with your loved ones or, ideally, seek shelter for the night!
Read more about this here:

Roof tent during storms and thunderstorms

You should be aware of this during storms:

You don’t need to worry about storms and rain in the roof tent
However, get into your car or seek shelter during thunderstorms

So if you notice that a thunderstorm is approaching, you should definitely look for safe shelter as soon as possible and not stay in the roof tent!

How fast can you drive with a roof tent?

As the roof tent is folded up on the car roof while driving, it does not affect the driving style too much.
Nevertheless, it is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the specific roof tent model.
These should state what speeds are considered safe.
If the roof tent is properly installed and closed, an approximate maximum speed of 100 to 130 km/h can be considered.
In general, however, the speed should be chosen carefully when driving with a roof tent so as not to impair the stability of the vehicle.
The additional weight and height of the roof tent can have an effect on handling, especially in strong winds or when cornering.
It is therefore advisable to maintain a moderate speed to ensure a safe driving experience.
Information on speed with roof tent:

Observe the manufacturer’s instructions on speed limits
Approximate guide value: 100 to 130 km/h
Select speed carefully and individually
Roof tent can impair vehicle stability and handling

Can you leave a roof tent on the car all year round?

In principle, it is no problem at all to leave the roof tent on the car all year round.
This saves you the effort of dismantling and installing it on the roof.
However, regular maintenance and cleaning is necessary to extend the service life of the roof tent.
Remove dirt, leaves or other debris from the surface of the tent before you close everything securely.
However, if you do not use the roof tent for several months, it is also advisable to store it.
Read more about this here:

Store roof tent

Interesting to know:

You can leave the roof tent on the car all year round
Remember regular maintenance and cleaning
Make sure that the roof tent is clean before you close it

Once mounted on the roof, your roof tent can theoretically stay there all year round!

How heavy can you be for a roof tent?

If you want to attach a roof tent to your car roof, you should know the weight of your roof tent model and match it to the maximum roof load of your car.
A roof tent weighs between 50 and 70 kg, which means that the roof load should be at least this high.
However, while the vehicle is stationary, the car roof can carry far more than the permitted roof load!
The prerequisite is that the car is stationary.
The people who would otherwise be sitting in the car are then standing on the car instead.
So that is not a problem.
The only thing that must not be exceeded is the permissible total weight of the car.
You should therefore check this beforehand in the manufacturer’s specifications.
Would you like to find out more about the roof load of a roof tent?
Then read on here: