Toyota Hilux with roof tent: Freedom begins where the RV turns around.
Do you drive a Toyota Hilux and fancy real camping adventures – but don’t want to search for a parking space, maneuver, or deal with RV stress?
Then you’ve come to the right place.
Because with a roof tent on your Hilux, you put an end to restrictions – and gain something that no RV in the world can offer: absolute freedom in the terrain, on tours, and in the middle of nature.
Imagine reaching a remote vantage point, a wild river course, or a high plateau where no one has ever spent the night. While RVs have long had to turn back, you simply open your Toyota Hilux roof tent, climb the ladder – and enjoy the sunset from the car roof. Without conversion, without effort. Just drive off, arrive, rest.
In this article, you will learn:
- How to turn your Toyota Hilux into a fully-fledged off-road camper with a roof tent
- Which roof tent models, carriers, and mounting options are suitable for your vehicle
- What to consider in terms of roof load, accessories, and off-road use
Do you drive a Hilux? Then after this article, you will know how to start your next adventure safely and relaxed with your pickup – whether it’s a day trip, a weekend tour, or a long-distance journey.
Camping Guide
Toyota Hilux Roof Tent: The Most Important Things in Brief
- The Toyota Hilux is ideal for roof tents – thanks to its high ground clearance, robust construction, and generous loading area.
- The best way to mount the tent is on a stable bed cover – it increases the usable roof load and creates additional storage space.
- Without a cover, only lightweight models may be used, as the weight and load capacity are limited.
- Depending on the cab type, number of people, and type of travel, different types of roof tents are suitable – from compact solo tents to spacious family solutions.
- Important when choosing: weight, roof load, cab shape, use (everyday, tour, off-road), and setup and dismantling time.
- A roof tent expands the Hilux with a comfortable sleeping space and makes independent travel possible even off paved roads.
Why a Roof Tent for the Toyota Hilux?
An RV needs a parking space, a ground tent needs a level surface – a roof tent on your Hilux works anywhere you can get to with the vehicle. And this is precisely the biggest advantage of a roof tent: It is immediately ready for use. No tent floor, no pegs, no setup on damp forest soil. Simply unfold the roof tent, extend the ladder, and you’re done. Especially in wind, wetness, or uneven terrain, a clear advantage over ground tents or bulky RVs.
The Toyota Hilux brings everything that a good base vehicle needs: stability, high payload, a large loading area, and high ground clearance. As a pickup, it offers numerous possibilities to mount a suitable roof tent model: on the roof, on a tent carrier, or directly above the loading area.
Roof Tents for Every Cab Type
Depending on the cab, the suitable models also differ:
| Cab Type | Seats | Recommended Roof Tent | Suitable for |
| Single Cab | 2 | Compact tents | 1–2 people |
| Extra Cab | 4 | Standard sizes | Couples or small families |
| Double Cab | 5 | Large roof tent with awning | 2–4 people |
For vehicles without a cover, a lighter hard-shell roof tent can be attached directly to the loading area – ideal for solo travelers or couples.
If you already use a bed cover or a setup, you can mount a larger Hilux roof tent over the entire vehicle – including space for luggage, accessories, and transport boxes.
The right choice therefore depends not only on the personal travel destination, but also on the vehicle type, the available space, the desired number of people – and the desired comfort.
No matter which model you choose: With a Toyota Hilux with a roof tent, you get a well-thought-out combination of freedom, safety, and real value for your next outdoor adventure.
Toyota Hilux and Off-Road Camping
The Toyota Hilux has been known for decades for its robust construction and off-road capability. As an off-roader with high ground clearance, strong payload, and solid platform, it is made for long tours off paved roads. That is precisely why the Hilux is used worldwide by researchers, mountain rescuers, and adventurers – it gets to where other vehicles have long given up.
With a roof tent, the pure pickup becomes a complete camper – perfect for longer off-road trips with overnight stays in nature. Whether you are traveling alone or with several people: The combination of roof tent, accessories, and equipment creates a setup that is always ready for use – and involves significantly less effort than an RV.
Three Destinations for Your First Off-Road Adventure
Here are three examples of where your Toyota Hilux with a roof tent can take you – including a look at terrain, campsites, and special features:
| Destination Region | Special feature | Advantage for Toyota Hilux Drivers |
| Scottish Highlands | Muddy slopes, wild landscapes | Access to remote locations with plenty of space |
| Scandinavia | Nature reserves, wild camping allowed | Overnight stay in the middle of nature (e.g. by the lake) |
| Alpine Region | Narrow mountain roads, high altitudes | Ground clearance and short vehicle length ideal |
A classic RV quickly reaches its limits in such regions – narrow curves, muddy ground, or lack of parking spaces make further travel impossible. With the Toyota Hilux roof tent, a level parking space at the edge of the forest or a dirt road with a view is often enough to spend the night safely and comfortably – even in wind, rain, or low temperatures.
From Pickup to Camper: How the Toyota Hilux Becomes a Camping Base
A Toyota Hilux can be transformed into a fully-fledged camping vehicle with little effort. You have 2 options:
Option 1: Mounting a Roof Tent Directly Above the Loading Area
A roof tent can also be attached directly to the loading area on the Toyota Hilux. With suitable carriers or brackets, lightweight tent models, usually with a hard shell, can be firmly bolted to the loading area of the pickup. Instead of on the car roof or a high roof rack, the tent sits lower here and is much easier to reach – an advantage for daily handling, especially with frequent stopovers. This is space-saving and is particularly suitable for short tours with little payload.
But: The loading area is completely blocked, access to luggage and accessories is restricted, and storage space is lacking – especially on trips with several people or on longer routes through the terrain.
Option 2: Mounting a Roof Tent on a Bed Cover
Mounting on a bed cover is even better.
It offers a stable base for the roof tent and brings several practical advantages – especially in terms of storage space utilization, safety, and weight distribution.
Why this variant makes particular sense:
✔️ Better stability and higher roof load:
The cover creates an even support surface and increases the usable roof load to up to 120 kg – this also makes larger models possible.
✔️ More storage space and weather protection:
Under the cover, a closed, weatherproof area is created – ideal for accessories, luggage, tools, or transport boxes
✔️ Space is retained:
Since the tent does not sit directly on the loading area, the available space can still be used – important for longer trips, several people, or additional camping equipment
This form of mounting has proven to be the most practical for many Hilux drivers.
Selecting the Right Roof Tent for Your Toyota Hilux
Basically, every model of the Toyota Hilux can be equipped with a roof tent – but what is decisive is how the tent is mounted and what requirements you have in terms of space, use, and weight.
Whether it’s a solo trip, a camping adventure with the family, or a multi-week off-road trip: Choosing the right model is crucial for comfort, space, and handling.
Here you will find helpful tips on what to look for if you want to buy a cheap roof tent.
Roof Tents from CAMPWERK: Tried and Tested in the Field, Developed for Real Adventures
As Germany’s largest roof tent expert since 2010, CAMPWERK has sold thousands of tents – many of which are used on the Toyota Hilux and other pickups.
The product range is designed for use in the field – with stable materials, easy mounting, and well-thought-out details for everyday use on the road. Whether solo travelers, couples, or families: CAMPWERK has the right model for almost every vehicle.
Discover all CAMPWERK roof tents
With Bed Cover: The Full Model Selection
If your Toyota Hilux is equipped with a stable bed cover, all CAMPWERK roof tent models are open to you. The cover increases the load-bearing roof load to up to 120 kg – enough for larger tents with multiple sleeping places, integrated awning, and comfortable mattress.
Recommended Models:
Suitable for: Families, longer tours, Hilux with cover
Special Features:
- Very large hard-shell model with space for 4 people
- Separate sleeping and storage levels
- High stability, wind-resistant – also for rough terrain
- Ideal with increased roof load (e.g. via bed cover)
Suitable for: Couples or small families with high storage space requirements
Special Features:
- Combination of hard shell and softcover
- Integrated crossbars for additional luggage (e.g. bicycles)
- Setup mechanism without a classic tent tarpaulin – quick and practical
Without Cover: Only Mount Lightweight Models
If you don’t have a cover, the requirements are a bit stricter. In this case, only light, compact roof tents are suitable – both because of the limited roof load and because of the missing carrier platform on the loading area.
Recommended Model in This Case:
Suitable for: Loading areas without cover, individuals or couples
Special Features:
- Compact hard-shell roof tent
- Fits directly on flat loading areas
- Very quick setup: under 1 minute
- Light weight: suitable with limited roof load
Suitable for: Solo travelers with flat loading area or carrier system
Special Features:
- Extremely light and flat
- Ideal for solo adventures with little luggage
- Versatile mounting options – also transversely on carriers
Important Selection Criteria at a Glance:
| Criterion | What you should consider | Which tent models are suitable |
| Weight | Without a cover, the tent must not be too heavy. The roof load is limited. | Compact, lightweight hard-shell models such as the Skycamp 3.0 Mini |
| Cab Type | Depending on the Hilux model (Single, Extra, or Double Cab), the available area differs. | Small tents for short cabs, larger models for Double Cab |
| Number of People | Those traveling with several people need more space in the tent and on the vehicle. | For 1–2 people: small models, from 3 people: larger tents with awning |
| Intended Use | Short weekends or long tours? Off-road or campsite? | For frequent changes: quick-setup tents. For terrain: stable hard shell |
Whether you attach your tent to the loading area or the car roof – it is crucial that it fits your vehicle, your equipment, and your destination.
With the right Toyota Hilux roof tent, you get the freedom to design your camping adventure the way you want it – on any terrain, in any weather, and for everyone who comes along.
Discover all CAMPWERK roof tents
Conclusion: The Toyota Hilux Roof Tent at a Glance
With a roof tent on the Toyota Hilux, remote locations can be reached where an RV cannot go any further. Whether directly on the loading area or mounted on a stable bed cover: The tent is ready for use within a few minutes – without ground setup, without restrictions due to terrain or weather.
The Toyota Hilux, with its ground clearance, robust construction, and high payload, brings all the prerequisites for use with a roof tent. Mounting over a stable bed cover is particularly useful – this increases the roof load to up to 120 kg. This allows larger models with more space and comfort to be securely attached without losing storage space on the loading area.
For Hilux drivers without a cover, lightweight hard-shell models such as the Skycamp 3.0 Mini or the BDV Solo are particularly suitable. If a cover is available, spacious tents such as the Dark Barracks or the X-Cover 2.0 are also an option – ideal for trips with several people and lots of luggage.
The choice of the right tent depends on four central factors:
- How much weight your vehicle can carry
- Which cab type is installed on the Hilux
- With how many people you are traveling
- And whether you are planning short weekends or longer off-road trips
CAMPWERK offers suitable models, tested mounting systems, and accessories for everyday use on the road for all options. Whether you are traveling alone or with family, whether you are looking for maximum freedom or simply need a reliable roof over your head – a Toyota Hilux roof tent expands your vehicle with exactly the functions that are not intended on normal roads.
If you want to know more about mounting options, suitable tent carriers, accessories, or the ideal model for your vehicle, you will find further information, examples, and answers to all questions about the right equipment on CAMPWERK.de. You can also discover all CAMPWERK roof tents here.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Toyota Hilux Roof Tent
1. Does a roof tent fit on every Toyota Hilux?
Yes, in principle, every Toyota Hilux model can be equipped with a roof tent – whether Single Cab, Extra Cab, or Double Cab. What is decisive is how the tent is mounted:
- Lightweight models are suitable for direct mounting on the loading area,
- Larger tents require a bed cover or a stable tent carrier to carry the necessary roof load.
CAMPWERK offers suitable models for all Hilux variants and advises on the optimal mounting option.
2. What is better: roof tent on the loading area or on a cover?
Mounting on a bed cover offers more advantages:
- It increases the permissible roof load (up to 120 kg),
- creates protected storage space under the tent
- and improves weight distribution for more safety and stability.
Without a cover, only particularly lightweight hard-shell models can be used. CAMPWERK offers both options – with tested carrier systems for the Toyota Hilux.
3. Which roof tent model best suits my Hilux?
That depends on your vehicle, the cab type, and your intended use. Examples from the CAMPWERK range:
- Skycamp 3.0 Mini – ideal for short trips, little payload, compact dimensions
- BDV Solo – ultralight for solo travelers and solo adventures
- Dark Barracks – large hardshell for up to 4 people, perfect for increased roof load
- X-Cover 2.0 – Hybrid model with an additional roof rack
CAMPWERK helps you find the right model for your pickup and your trip.
4. How much weight can I load onto my Toyota Hilux?
The maximum roof load depends on the vehicle model and the type of mounting. Important to know: the manufacturer’s specification is a recommendation – not a legal limit. With a stable bed cover, the permissible load capacity is often up to 120 kg.
CAMPWERK provides consulting on the right combination of tent, rack, and mounting platform so your Hilux remains safe even with a full load.
5. Are CAMPWERK roof tents also suitable for off-road tours?
Yes – CAMPWERK specifically develops its roof tents for use on off-road vehicles like the Toyota Hilux. The tents are wind-stable, quick to set up, and endure even longer off-road trips through rough terrain. Thanks to their robust construction, well-designed mounting systems, and durable materials, they are ideal for real camping adventures off the beaten path.
6. How much space do the different models offer?
The available space depends on the tent model:
- Smaller tents (e.g., BDV Solo, Skycamp Mini) are for 1–2 people
- Larger hardshell models (e.g., Dark Barracks) offer space for up to 4 people
Additionally, there are awning extensions to create more storage space or a sheltered living area.
CAMPWERK offers various sizes and accessories like awnings and canopies to choose from.
7. How is a roof tent mounted on a Hilux?
Depending on the design, mounting is done either:
- directly on the truck bed with brackets,
- or on a truck bed cover with a tent rack system.
CAMPWERK offers accessories for mounting roof tents, as well as professional installation upon request. Most tents are attached in under 15 minutes – and ready for use in less than 60 seconds.
8. What are the advantages of a roof tent over a motorhome?
A Toyota Hilux with a roof tent is significantly more flexible than a motorhome:
- no fixed pitch required
- full off-road capability
- lower height, better handling, less weight
- quick setup and takedown
Especially on narrow roads, in the mountains, or at natural campsites, a roof tent is often the better choice – particularly for tours with changing terrain.
9. Where can I find more information and consulting about the Toyota Hilux roof tent?
On the CAMPWERK website, you will find:
- all tent models with detailed information on dimensions, weight, mounting, and accessories
- helpful tips for choosing, mounting, and considering roof load
- contact to experts for specific questions and recommendations
Just click through: CAMPWERK.de
