Hard shell roof tent: advantages for camping and recommended models

Hard shell roof tent – Are you still looking for the right roof tent for your next camping vacation?
Then you’ll find everything you need to know about hard shell roof tents here! These are very stable, robust and durable, making them an excellent choice for longer, exciting trips in the great outdoors.
Read all about the advantages and disadvantages as well as various recommended models here.
Otherwise, take a look directly in the store.
Here you can buy the right hard shell roof tent for you.

Camping vacation with a roof tent: carefree on the road

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.
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!
These are the advantages of a camping vacation with a roof tent:

  • Flexible travel option
  • Spontaneous organization of the day
  • Comfortable living space
  • Space for the whole family
  • Can be flexibly mounted on almost any car
  • 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! Roof tents are available in two different types: hard-shell and soft-shell roof tents.
Both variants have their advantages.
Find out everything you need to know about hard-shell roof tents here!

Hard shell roof tent – What is it?

A hard shell roof tent works just like any other roof tent.
This means that it is easy to set up and take down and offers you an amazing living space with room for up to 5 people at any time – ideal for a vacation with the whole family!
In contrast to some other models, a hard shell roof tent is made of hard plastic.
The roof is therefore very robust and weatherproof.
This means you can camp outdoors in any weather conditions without worrying.
Thanks to the hard shell, the roof tent is very durable and will give you pleasure for several camping vacations.
That’s what makes a hard shell roof tent:

  • Made from hard plastic
  • Robust and weatherproof
  • Sturdy hard shell roof

A hard shell roof tent offers optimum protection from wind, rain and storms both when folded up and when pitched!

Advantages of a hard plastic roof tent

A roof tent made of hard plastic therefore has some decisive advantages over other roof tents.
One of the most important is that they are far more stable and robust than tents that are only made of fabric.
They are able to withstand weather conditions that would normally cause the tent to be damaged or even break through.
Hard-shell roof tents are particularly suitable for use in remote areas.
You are protected from wind and storms as well as falling branches and pine cones.
Its resistance to knocks and impacts is just as impressive.
Hard shells are also easier to clean and maintain, which only increases the longevity of your roof tent.
Hard shell roof tents offer you these advantages:

  • Very robust, stable and durable
  • Withstand all weather conditions
  • Tent is protected from falling branches
  • Easy assembly and disassembly

Recommended models: Skycamp & Mini

If you are still looking for the right model for you and your loved ones, you can find recommended hard shell roof tents here:

Skycamp 2.0: perfect for the whole family

The Skycamp 2.0 from CAMPWERK is a popular hard shell roof tent.
The almost 2 x 2 meter living area, which can be used for sleeping and other purposes, can definitely accommodate up to 4 people.
So nothing stands in the way of a family vacation!
This hard shell car roof tent is suitable for all weather conditions and is therefore often used for longer trips, possibly even trips lasting several weeks.
For more information, please visit our store, where you can also configure your perfect roof tent.
You can buy your roof tent directly here:

Information about the Skycamp 2.0:

  • Enormous living space for 1-4 people
  • 197 x 203 cm sleeping area
  • Approx. 1 minute assembly time
  • 410 kg load capacity
  • 217 x 139 cm Pack size
  • Own weight of approx. 74 kg

Setup and handling in the video:

The following video shows you step by step how to unfold the roof tent.
Without effort and in just a few minutes!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l9JcmJiTL9I&t=284s

Skycamp Mini: Ideal for a couple’s vacation

The Skycamp Mini is slightly smaller than the normal Skycamp, which can definitely have its advantages.
This version is ideal for couples or solo travelers, as it has a sleeping area of 130 x 210 cm.
It can be set up just as quickly as the larger model, but has a shorter hard shell.
Perfect for the loading area or cabin of the pickup, for a smaller vehicle or to save space on the roof for additional accessories!
Take a look at the store to configure your dream roof tent.
configure your dream roof tent:

Information about the Skycamp Mini:

  • Space for 1-2 people
  • 130 x 210 cm sleeping area
  • Approx. 1 minute assembly time
  • 410 kg load capacity
  • 145 x 138 cm Pack size
  • Own weight of approx. 57 kg

Advantages and structure in the video:

If you would like to take a closer look at the popular mini tent, you can watch the following video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-CkedeHHJSI Although hard-shell roof tents have many advantages, there are also some disadvantages.

A hard shell roof tent has these disadvantages

One of the biggest disadvantages of hard-shell roof tents is their rigidity.
If it should fall over, it is difficult to put up again or to repair if it is damaged.
Soft roof tents, on the other hand, are very flexible and easier to handle.
In addition, hard-shell roof tents are more expensive to buy, so you will have to invest a few euros more at the start.
However, due to the many advantages, the tent is usually worth the money.
The disadvantages of hard shell roof tents:

  • More difficult to set up and repair
  • More expensive to purchase

Conclusion: Is a hard plastic roof tent worth it?

Yes, a hard plastic roof tent is worth it!
Not only is it particularly stable and durable, it is also very comfortable and convenient.
You are protected from wind and weather, it can be easily folded up and is also easy to clean if it gets dirty.
There are many different designs and sizes, so there is a suitable model for everyone.
Of course, it is initially a little more expensive to purchase, but your hard shell roof tent will remain a loyal companion for several years and extensive camping vacations.
So if you are planning longer and more demanding camping trips and often spend the night on natural campsites, then a hard shell roof tent is the right choice!

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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.