Roof tent for the car: model, roof load, price & comfort when camping

Rooftop tent – Camping vacations are all about enjoying the peace and quiet of idyllic nature while having a relaxing and carefree time with your loved ones.
As a passionate camper, you often spend several weeks in different regions and on different campsites and know that sleeping in a classic tent is a good solution for a short trip or in between, but not the best option in the long term.
A roof tent is therefore the perfect solution for sleeping and traveling even more comfortably.
But how much does a roof tent cost, which is the best roof tent and where can you actually pitch a roof tent?
This and more is explained here.
Otherwise browse directly in the store: Roof tents

Luxury camping: on the road with a roof tent

Fast, uncomplicated and practical – no other sleeping option puts you so close to the stars!
The option of using your own car and a rooftop tent is becoming increasingly popular, even among camping beginners.
The roof tent is simply mounted on your small car and is then ready for you to sleep in after long, eventful days on the road.
All you have to do is unfold the tent with a flick of the wrist and you can climb straight in.

Accessories, space and storage

With an integrated mattress and comfortable living space, a rooftop tent guarantees you a comfortable and carefree night so that you can start the day fit and alert the next morning.
Most roof tents are very robust and waterproof, so you don’t have to worry about this.
Once folded down again, you don’t need any unnecessary storage space, as the roof tent simply remains on the car while you continue your journey. A roof tent offers you these advantages:

  • Large sleeping and lying area
  • Can be flexibly mounted on almost any car
  • No unnecessary transportation
  • Does not take up any storage space
  • Simple and quick assembly
  • Robust and waterproof
  • Window with mosquito net

A roof tent fits on every car and is the perfect companion for your camping vacation!

Prices: How much does a roof tent cost?

The high level of comfort and convenience alone make a roof tent worthwhile.
But also because it is cheaper than a motorhome or camper van and can be set up more quickly than a classic family tent.
Depending on the size, equipment and model, the price of a roof tent is around 800.00 – 4,000 euros.
However, a mattress, ladder and mosquito net are usually included.
Costs for additional interior fittings, a mattress base and, if necessary, an extension tent can be added if required.
At first glance, this sounds like a lot of money, but the investment is well worth it, as you only have to pay once and can then use the roof tent for several years without any problems.
What’s more, you always have your home on wheels with you and save on accommodation costs on the road.
You will incur these costs with a roof tent:

  • 800.00 Euro for smaller roof tents
  • 1,000 – 4,000 euros for fully equipped roof tents

Accessories and spare parts

Of course, buying a roof tent is not the end of the story.
Even if most tents are already equipped with an integrated mattress, mosquito nets, a ladder and the most important features, additional accessories are usually required to enjoy a carefree and unforgettable time and get the best out of your rooftop tent.
Here you will find a list of essential equipment that you might need for a vacation with a roof tent:

Are you still looking for additional accessories for your roof tent or do you need new spare parts?
Then browse through these categories to find the right equipment for you and your camping vacation and be as well prepared as possible.

Roof tent on the car: Adjusting the roof load

Before you decide to buy a roof tent for your car, you should first determine the roof load.
You can then purchase the appropriate roof racks to mount on your car.
A roof tent weighs around 50 to 80 kg, which you should definitely pay attention to when making your choice.
In general, a roof tent can be attached to any car that is equipped with roof racks – you just need to consider the roof load and the weight of the roof tent in advance and match them to each other!

Fastening and mounting

The roof tent is very easy to attach: it usually has at least two rails located at the bottom of the tent.
These are used to easily mount the tent on the roof racks already attached to the car.
You can get help with this from the seller himself or in the enclosed manual.
Once you’re at the campsite and on the road, you just need to unfold it with a flick of the wrist and you have a fully equipped sleeping area at your disposal. Read more here:

Instructions – Mounting on the roof:

  1. Determine the roof load of the vehicle
  2. Fitting suitable roof bars to your car
  3. Coordinate roof load and roof tent
  4. Push the complete roof tent with at least 2 people onto the rails
  5. Fasten the whole thing securely (the experts at the store will help you)

A rooftop tent means closeness to nature, freedom and, above all, pure relaxation! Here are some recommended roof tent models for singles, couples and families:

Comfortable living space with the Adventure roof tent

Would you like to buy a roof tent?
We recommend the Adventure roof tent from CAMPWERK as a tip for enthusiastic campers.
In the comfortable tent on the roof of your car, you have the perfect place to sleep and the perfect view through the panoramic windows.
In just a few seconds, it unfolds into an amazingly comfortable living space with a variety of uses and is equipped with a mattress so you can sleep right inside.
The tent can be easily accessed via the additional ladder, which can be easily stowed away again after use.
The focus here is clearly on fun and uncomplicated handling.
An outstanding, comfortable and unique must-have from CAMPWERK!
Find out more here:

Structure and equipment

The Adventure roof tent is therefore the perfect solution for enjoying your vacation in a relaxed and carefree manner and getting the most out of your time, even on longer trips.
Watch a video about the setup and features of the Adventure roof tent here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mgXEmc_5OW8

Product detail: Sleeping places, dimensions and weight

Here are some interesting facts and information about the Adventure roof tent:

  • Space for 2 -3 people
  • Approx. 1 minute assembly time
  • 240×160 cm lying surface
  • 140×120 cm Pack size
  • Approx. 60 kg

Space for the whole family with the iKamper Skycamp

Of course, there are other roof tents that differ in terms of equipment, comfort and size.
Our next tip for camping fans is the popular iKamper Skycamp from CAMPWERK.
The roof tent offers space for up to 4 people and is therefore ideal for a trip with the whole family.
Once you arrive at the campsite, especially with children, you usually don’t feel like setting up the entire tent, including mattress and sleeping bag, to finally get some rest.
With the iKamper, this is no longer a problem! Read more here:

Structure and equipment

The roof tent must already be mounted on your car before the trip so that you only have to unfold it later.
Everything you and your loved ones need to sleep is already in place and can be left there when you take it down.
Watch a video about setting up and equipping the iKamper Skycamp roof tent here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l9JcmJiTL9I

Product detail: Sleeping places, dimensions and weight

Here are some interesting facts and information about the iKamper Skycamp:

  • Space for at least 4 people
  • Approx. 1 minute assembly time
  • 197×203 cm sleeping area
  • 217×139 cm Pack size
  • Approx. 74 kg

Roof tent family: 2, 3, 4 + 5 persons

Are you traveling with your family?
Then you’ll also find the right roof tent that guarantees enough space for all of you!
Whether you are 2, 3, 4 or 5 people, a suitable roof tent offers enough sleeping space, expandable living space and additional space for different uses, making it the number 1 tip for a vacation with the whole family.
Although you don’t have as much space as in a motorhome or caravan, you are more flexible on the road and don’t have to pull a whole trailer behind you, with which you may not find a parking space everywhere.

Tip: iKamper Skycamp or X-Cover

The iKamper Skycamp or the X-Cover are the most recommended.
At least 4 people can easily sleep and live here for the entire duration of your trip.
If you are traveling with small children, you can even easily fit 5 people.
Not only can you all sleep together here, but you can also play games in bad weather, for example.
It is also worth adding an awning and an awning so that you are even more versatile, can move around more and won’t get bored on the campsite.
Rooftop tents that are particularly recommended for families with children:

  • iKamper Skycamp
  • X-Cover

FAQ: Questions & answers about the roof tent

Which is the best roof tent?
Which car do I need for a roof tent and how do I actually get a roof tent onto the roof?
Here you will find some frequently asked questions about rooftop tents and the corresponding answers.
Not only will you learn all the important aspects, but you will also be well prepared for your camping vacation if you want to buy a rooftop tent!

Which is the best roof tent?

Of course, there are rooftop tents from different manufacturers and in different sizes.
Depending on the route you want to take, how long you are traveling for and how many people you are traveling with, one or the other may be more suitable for you.
We definitely recommend the roof tents from CAMPWERK, which are extremely comfortable and easy to handle.
Are you traveling with your partner for a few days?
Then the Adventure roof tent is worthwhile.
Are you on vacation with the whole family, including children?
Then you should ideally get the iKamper Skycamp with space for at least 4 people.
The Adventure roof tent is the number 1 tip for roof tents with space for 2-3 people!

Which car for roof tent?

Can a roof tent actually be fitted to any car?
As a rule, yes!
As long as the roof load is at least 50 kg, which is the case for most cars.
Whether Audi, BMW or Ford – all you need are the right roof racks, which are mounted on the roof of your car and the roof tent can be set up.

Where can you stand with a roof tent?

You can park your car and roof tent at any campsite and spend the night there.
It is also generally permitted in Europe to park your roof tent in public parking spaces and parking lots, so you can take a break at any time while on the road.
Hard-shell roof tents in particular are designed in such a way that they do not protrude beyond the prescribed dimensions under any circumstances and are therefore permitted everywhere.
Please note, however, that wild camping is generally prohibited in Germany!

  • At any campsite
  • On public parking spaces / parking lots
  • Note that wild camping is prohibited

How do I get a roof tent on the roof?

Mounting a roof tent on the roof may sound a little complicated at first, but it’s not!
It is best to lift the entire tent with several people and place it on top of the roof racks of your car.
These must, of course, be fitted beforehand.
If the vehicle height is too high, the car tent can also be lifted onto the roof with a forklift.
If you are still unsure whether you can set it up on your own, the experts can also help you with the purchase and attach the roof tent to your car.
This means you can drive off with your fully equipped roof tent and enjoy your camping trip to the full.

  • Roof load must be determined
  • Complete roof tent is pushed onto the rails
  • The whole thing must be securely fastened

Don’t worry!
The experts at the point of purchase will do the installation for you and explain everything else! What do I actually need at the campsite?
In order to be as well prepared and equipped as possible, you will find a helpful and detailed packing list for your camping vacation here!

Reading tips! Additional space, sun and privacy protection

If you need even more suggestions and tips to make your time on the campsite as pleasant and carefree as possible, read more articles about tent annexes, awnings and more here.

Awning: More space when camping

Awning – It definitely makes sense to have extra space on the campsite with an awning!
Not only does it provide protection from the sun and prying eyes, it also means you don’t have to spend your time in the roof tent.
In an awning, you can relax in the evening with your loved ones, prepare a warm meal and play board games late at night without having to worry about the rain. Read more here:

Tarp: Practical for emergencies

Tarp – Additional space is not only practical in the sense of an awning, but also with a tarp.
This can be used flexibly as wind, rain or sun protection and is therefore ideal as a living or sleeping area in an emergency.
Whether as protection or additional space – a tarp is definitely a flexible must-have for the campsite or for excursions and should therefore not be missing on your next vacation. Read more here:

Awning: sun and weather protection

Awning – As it can get very warm on the campsite, a fixed awning is a good addition to a roof tent, so that the sun doesn’t dazzle, at least when eating and sitting together.
The robust protection can also keep out rain and wind and also serves as a privacy screen if you want a little privacy.
Read everything you need to know here:

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Offroad
Raised and extra stable for road and off-road… What do you do if you are traveling in regions with poor roads or drive an off-road vehicle or SUV whose dome height does not fit conventional trailers? The solution: the off-road tent trailer from CAMPWERK – specially developed for extreme conditions. This unique model impresses with a raised and particularly robust AL-KO chassis that can withstand even the most demanding off-road routes. The entire body is made of lightweight but sturdy aluminum, reinforced with durable stainless steel components. So you are perfectly equipped for any terrain.
Black / Silver
Available now: The CAMPWERK Offroader in the exclusive Black/Silver Edition CAMPWERK is expanding its range and now also offers the popular off-road tent trailer in the coveted Black/Silver Edition. The high-quality aluminium body is completely anodized in matt black, while the mudguards are powder-coated in elegant “Gun Silver Metal”. An absolute eye-catcher on any road and in any terrain!
The off-road trailer from CAMPWERK impresses with its lightweight construction: Thanks to the aluminum body, the base only weighs around 300 kg when empty. With a permissible total weight of 1.5 tons, it offers an impressive payload capacity of up to 1.2 tons – ideal for small excursions, transport and even larger expeditions.

Visually, the trailer blends in perfectly with the appearance of an off-road vehicle or SUV with its coarse-tread MT tires and robust, full-length aluminium mudguards. The mudguards are also designed in such a way that they are ideal for the safe transportation of petrol and water canisters or gas bottles.

To ensure flexibility, the off-roader’s tyres can be individually adapted to the towing vehicle on request, so that only one set of spare wheels is required. The standard ball head coupling can also be optionally replaced with a DIN or NATO eye.
T-drawbar or V-fork ?
Thousands of trailer drivers know the problem of tight spaces only too well: if you drive into a narrow lane and have to turn, it is important to back your car as far as possible against the trailer in order to get around the bend without any problems. With a T-drawbar, you can utilize the maximum steering angle. This is precisely why we at CAMPWERK rely on this tried-and-tested technology – for optimum flexibility and maneuverability, no matter how tight things get.
T-drawbar
V-fork
T-drawbar
V-fork
Chassis
  • Extra strong square T-drawbar 100x100mm for maximum stability and best maneuverability
  • Axle up to 1,500 kg with maintenance-free hexagonal rubber spring axle
  • Optionally with watertight wheel hub
  • 2 crossbars
  • The chassis is exclusively from the renowned manufacturer AL-KO, market leader in the car trailer and caravan sector
  • Safety indicator on the clutch
  • Independent suspension
Aluminum body
  • Our aluminium trailers are equipped with anodized aluminium profiles
  • double-walled anodized aluminium side panels 30mm, 440mm high
  • Large emergency lighting with integrated rear fog light
  • Equipped with balanced tires as standard
  • Base plate stable screen-printed base, non-slip
  • Complete M8 stainless steel screw connection (V2A stainless steel)
  • Electrical system: Supply cable (wiring harness) standard with 13-pin plug
  • Tailgate latches very elaborate, made entirely of stainless steel
Wheels
  • Black powder-coated steel rim
  • 235/85 R16 tires optionally adaptable to towing vehicle
  • Mud Terrain tire tread
  • Special wheel connection for your towing vehicle on request
Terrain values
  • 350 mm ground clearance
  • 570 mm wading depth
  • 27° slope angle
Equipped for every situation thanks to the versatile accessories...

Raised dropside

20L canister

Towbar adapter for bike carrier with coupling connection

2-4 bike racks

Anti-drag clutch

Onroad

The perfect solution for your camping adventure:
Road trailer with tent
Imagine a first-class equipped road trailer that is ideal for camping trips in Germany and the surrounding countries.
This trailer comes with a sturdy holding device for a matching tent that can be set up in no time at all.
The result is your mobile home – ready for unforgettable tours!

Your decisive advantage: you are ideally equipped for your vacation in a particularly cost-effective way. And when you’re not on the road, you can use the trailer as a conventional utility trailer. We offer you the road trailer in two versions, depending on your needs: An unbraked version with a permissible total weight of 750 kg and the braked version recommended by us with a permissible total weight of 1,300 kg.
10-year guarantee
Our trailer base was not created in the laboratory – it was made for the real world. The robust construction is optimized for tough conditions. Oversized axles and virtually indestructible aluminum frames ensure exceptional durability. We are the only supplier in Germany to give you a 10-year guarantee on this unique quality!
T-drawbar or V-fork ?
Thousands of trailer drivers know the problem of tight spaces only too well: if you drive into a narrow lane and have to turn, it is important to back your car as far as possible against the trailer in order to get around the bend without any problems. With a T-drawbar, you can utilize the maximum steering angle. This is precisely why we at CAMPWERK rely on this tried-and-tested technology – for optimum flexibility and maneuverability, no matter how tight things get.
T-drawbar
V-fork
T-drawbar
V-fork
Chassis
  • 2 crossbars
  • Maintenance-free rubber spring axles
  • Independent suspension
  • The chassis is exclusively from the renowned manufacturer AL-KO, market leader in the car trailer and caravan sector
  • Safety indicator on the clutch
Aluminum structure
  • Our aluminium trailers are equipped with anodized aluminium profiles
  • double-walled anodized aluminium side panels 30mm, 440mm high
  • Large emergency lighting with integrated rear fog light
  • Equipped with balanced tires as standard
  • Base plate stable screen-printed base, non-slip
  • Complete M8 stainless steel screw connection (V2A stainless steel)
  • Electrical system: Supply cable (wiring harness) standard with 13-pin plug
  • Tailgate latches very elaborate, made entirely of stainless steel
Equipped for every situation thanks to the versatile accessories...

Raised dropside

20L canister

Towbar adapter for bike carrier with coupling connection

2-4 bike racks

Anti-drag clutch

Material and processing.
The tent fabric of our trailer tents is made from a high-quality, 450 g blended fabric, also known as canvas. This unique combination of cotton and polyester combines the advantages of a natural fiber with those of a modern high-tech material. The result is a robust, breathable fabric that impresses with its pleasant feel and high dimensional stability.

The tent fabric, which is also used by the military, is impregnated and particularly tear-resistant thanks to the ripstop process. In this special weaving technique, thicker threads are woven into the fabric at intervals of around 10-15 millimetres, giving the fabric its characteristic tiled structure and exceptional tear resistance. It goes without saying that our fabrics are opaque and therefore offer optimum protection and privacy.
The basis of our trailer tents is a robust stainless steel frame with a thickness of 3×3 cm. A 1.8 cm thick, water-resistant wooden floor panel is securely fastened to this sturdy frame with stainless steel screws. The frame of the trailer tents is also made of galvanized steel tubing and special stainless steel components that ensure maximum stability. The modern surface finish not only offers a high level of corrosion protection, but also gives the material a pleasant feel and ensures a durable, weatherproof construction.
We rely exclusively on yarn from the German market leader Amann. Thanks to the combination of a cotton core and a high-tenacity polyester core, this yarn is characterized by a particularly high tensile strength and excellent water resistance.

On contact with water, the cotton coating swells and closes the seam holes created during sewing. For additional protection, all seams in the roof area are fitted with a transparent sealing strip to ensure maximum waterproofness.
Less is sometimes more.
We are often asked: What about the water column? For tent fabrics, the impermeability of the fabric is specified in the form of the water column. For cotton tents, this value is usually around 300 to 400 mm. However, our tent fabric offers an exceptionally high water column for cotton fabric of around 750 mm. This means that theoretically more than 75 cm of water can stand on the material before the first drops penetrate.

A major advantage of cotton as a natural raw material is its ability to swell when it gets damp, which provides additional waterproofing. In contrast, synthetic fabrics, which cannot swell, must have a much higher water column (between 3,000 and 10,000 mm, depending on the material) in order to achieve comparable waterproofness.
Good night.
The comfort sleep set consists of a high-quality visco foam mattress that adapts perfectly to the individual body shape, ensuring a restful night’s sleep. The set is complemented by the innovative Froli bed spring system, which guarantees an exceptional sleeping experience. Perfect sleeping comfort in a well thought-out overall package.
Premium mattress.
An excellent mattress is the basis for healthy and restful sleep. Just as every person is unique, their mattress should also be individually tailored to them.
Our premium mattress adapts perfectly to the contours of the body and promotes orthopaedically correct positioning of the spine. Thanks to targeted pressure relief, back muscles and intervertebral discs can relax optimally. The innovative construction and high-quality materials create an ideal sleeping environment.
There are no compromises at CAMPWERK: We rely on flexible visco foam with memory function. The unique combination of supportive foam core and relieving visco foam topper ensures maximum sleeping comfort.
  • Visco-elastic mattress.
  • High-quality Tencel® cover (38 % Tencel®, 62 % polyester).
  • Four practical turning loops.
  • Four-sided zipper.
  • Removable, divisible and washable.
  • Four practical turning loops.
Suspension.
Good ventilation is crucial for your well-being and sleep hygiene. To ensure maximum sleeping comfort, we combine our mattress with an innovative Froli slat base. The flexible spring elements form a comfortable slat base with individually adjustable firmness zones. This combination ensures orthopaedically correct positioning of the body and provides targeted, pressure-relieving support. This effectively prevents tension and one-sided strain. The open, air-permeable cells also enable optimum ventilation and create a healthy sleeping environment.
Are you allergic or do you have special health requirements? No problem! We cooperate with a renowned German mattress manufacturer to offer customized solutions. Simply contact us and together we will find the ideal mattress for your needs.