Dreaming of Jeep rooftop tent camping, venturing into the wilderness, and setting up a campsite? We will guide you through the process of choosing a rooftop tent for your Jeep, outlining the options available that match your mission and vehicle type. Lets delve into the array of Jeep Roof Top Tent choices, examine mission parameters, and elaborate on weight, balance, and safety considerations for Jeep Tent camping, whether it involves an RTT mounted atop your Jeep or towed on a trailer.
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Whether youre a hardcore rock crawler who occasionally camps or an Overland enthusiast using four-wheel drive to explore and camp in the backcountry, understanding your purpose is crucial. It will help you refine your options and ensure you start on the right path to enjoying your rooftop tent.
For rock crawling aficionados, a lower center of gravity might be preferable to avoid adding extra weight atop your Jeep. Conversely, if overland camping is your passion, then a roof-mounted tent or a trailer-towed tent could fulfill your needs.
Remember, there are no hard rules; both installation options have their merits. However, be mindful of the extremity of your adventures. Carrying 200lbs on your roof or pulling a heavy trailer will undoubtedly affect your vehicles capability and performance.
If you own any Jeep model other than the Wrangler, youre fortunate. The roofs dynamic and static weight load ratings are compatible with a variety of rooftop tent options. The only extra expense would be the roof rack rails and rail feet, if necessary.
Jeep Wranglers do not certify the weight capacity for roof rack systems. This significant detail influenced my decision to opt for a trailer-towed tent rather than installing a rooftop tent on my Jeep Wrangler. I didnt want to risk accident/injury trying to do something that is not certified from factory. My Jeep is still my daily driver as well.
Manufacturers that provide 3rd party roof rack systems will rate their system for vehicles. The Thule Rack System for Jeep Wrangler has 165lbs of dynamic rating which means that at most you can carry 165 lbs of rack + gear on your Jeep while the Jeep is in motion. Again, for the Jeep Wrangler, the static load limit is missing.
Warning: Always know and understand the limitations of your equipment including the weight, balance & installation requirements.
I would advise against installing an RTT on a Jeep Wrangler Hardshell Top simply because it isnt static weight rated but that doesnt mean you have to follow my advice or that we dont have other choices. Knowing that Jeeps dont do a static load rating on their roof, we feel that your best options are to install a roll-cage style frame supported rack mount system or to use a trailer to mount your RTT.
If you possess a standard roof rack system and drive a vehicle other than a Jeep Wrangler, then opting for a factory-mounted roof rack system (or a third-party option) is the most cost-effective gateway to Rooftop Tent Camping.
Such a roof rack system enables you to detach equipment during the off-season to conserve fuel and securely store your tent when its not in use.
Additionally, the elevated position of the tent when mounted on the roof rack makes RTTs ideal for those desiring a full-height annex.
Note: RTT tents are typically very heavy and challenging to install or remove, so its advisable to undertake this task with a friend or several friends to ensure its done safely.
Again, it bears repeating This is not advisable on the Jeep Wrangler line of Jeeps. We recommend a tow behind RTT on a trailer setup or roll cage Jeep Rooftop tent setup for Wranglers.
Roll cage mounted rooftop tents offer strength and durability over a bolt on system or aftermarket removable rack system. With full height above ground and three ways to open your tent left/right or rear, you have a lot of options and flexibility.
Roof-mounted tents supported by a heavy-duty Jeep roll cage have the luxury of plenty of room under them for awnings and annexes. If you desire to have an annex for more living & personal space while camping, then having your tent mounted on your roof may be the best option.
One downside of installing a roll cage is the potential for increased noise and decreased fuel efficiency. If youre considering a roll cage style mount, its wise to invest time in researching reviews and seeking feedback from current users before making a purchase.
For those whose Jeep serves primarily as an overland vehicle rather than a daily commuter, concerns about mileage and noise might be less significant, as these issues are more prevalent at highway speeds. Its commonly acknowledged that Jeeps are not known for their fuel economy.
Trailer-mounted rooftop tents provide an ideal balance of options they allow for an elevated camping experience and the convenience of establishing a basecamp with your trailer and tent ready to use.
On my trailer, the roof rack is not as tall as it would be on a vehicle, making the use of an Annex less practical. However, some trailers offer the ability to raise or extend the rack system to a higher position once the vehicle is parked, providing alternatives and trailer models that allow for increased height.
Like any decision, opting for a trailer-mounted solution leads to additional considerations.
For instance, when towing a heavy trailer or navigating challenging off-road terrain, its wise to use a brake controller and electronic brakes on your trailer.
Furthermore, its beneficial to explore various hitches tailored for rough road and off-road conditions. While the standard ball hitch is great for highways, paved roads, and level dirt paths, more demanding and uneven terrains call for specialized hitch types.
If you decide on a trailer for off-roading, choosing one with electronic brakes and installing an electronic brake controller is advisable. Since Jeep Wranglers lack integrated brake controllers, a third-party solution is necessary.
After extensive research and reviewing various options, the controllers listed below have garnered positive feedback and numerous endorsements. My choice is the Prodigy P2 brake controller.
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Three well-known hitch systems offer extended off-road capabilities over ball hitches. These hitches will allow further articulation, rotation and off camber capability improving your off-road towing capability and safety.
Pintle hooks and lunette rings are frequently utilized on military trailers, including the famous M416 trailers that Jeep aficionados often build, restore, and customize for their expeditions. These trailers usually have a pintle-style connection, known for its robustness in challenging terrain.
The lunette ring is attached to your trailer.
The Pintel Receiver hitch is attached to your vehicle.
Once the pintle receiver grasps the lunette, your trailer can rotate around & articulate fully. Many different manufacturers offer pintel & lunette hitches and receivers of varying designs & capacities. No tools are required to disconnect your trailer from the receiver. These are considered maintenance free hookups.
Lock N Roll hitches are another style of fully articulating hitches with many configurations for your trailer, weight, and mission needs. These are manufactured in the US by lock N roll and designed for specific trailers, weights, and uses. No tools required to disconnect your trailer from the receiver.
Lock N Roll Demo Video
Another design picking up traction is the Max Coupler receiver & hitch system. The max coupler is a three-axis coupler offering full rotation and a stable connection to your trailer. There is no chance of uncoupling short of failure. Tools are not required to disconnect your trailer from the receiver with newer Max Couplers. (Some versions may still need tools to separate). Max Coupler hitches do require maintenance and lubrication. Please follow the manufacturers recommendations.
Max Coupler Demo Video
When trailer camping, be sure to use chocks to secure your trailer and lock everything down including your hitch & receiver.
Check out our detailed Rooftop Tent guide to help you understand the options, configurations, and choices you have with regards to RTT tents, styles, features and tradeoffs.
The most important thing for Jeep owners to understand is their mission. Its the same mantra whether youre kiting out for an adventure or modding your Jeep a haphazard approach can lead to haphazard solutions, So I always advocate being smart, building up some knowledge and planning accordingly.
Camping with a Jeep and a rooftop tent offers an unmatched experience. It fosters a close bond with nature and the opportunity to explore regions beyond the reach of standard vehicles. The freedom to roam with a well-equipped tent and the versatility to set up camp whenever and wherever you choose is indeed extraordinary.
None, theyre the same. Rooftop tents are often called Jeep Tent, Jeep Tent Top, Overland Tents, Off Road Tent, Car top tent, Car tent, Car tent, roof rack tent.
All RTT styles are great for off-roading, but for extreme use, many brands offer a Ruggedized version. These ruggedized versions usually come with stronger hardware to take the abuse of trails.
The Jeep Wrangler is not rated for load bearing on the roof. With a third-party roof rack system those are usually limited to ~100lbs or less. To use an RTT on a Jeep Wrangler you would need to add a support cage or external roll cage system or tow it on a trailer.
There are advantages and disadvantages to installing an RTT on a trailer or on your roof. The largest advantage is that your trailer can be a base camp and you can leave it set up as a home-camp and not off to set up and tear down camp to move. Inversely, if you are always moving, then having your RTT on your vehicle may be the least amount of hassle as towing a trailer does have added complexity while on the trails.
We hope this comprehensive guide to rooftop tents for Jeeps has helped you understand your options and determine your needs. Camping with a rooftop tent on our Jeep has revolutionized our road trips. We find ourselves better rested, more content, and thoroughly enjoying our journeys.
While the initial cost of rooftop tents may seem steep, consider that flying a family of four for a vacation can exceed the price of most rooftop tents, which offer years of use. The value of Jeep Roof Tents shouldnt be compared to ground tents but rather considered for the sanity, sleep quality, and comfort they provide, which is in a league of its own.
Comparing rooftop tents to a $59.00 store-bought tent may seem difficult, but the worth becomes apparent when you spend two weeks traveling to remote locations and camping in the wilderness with your Jeep.
Which type of Jeep roof tent have you installed, or do you tow behind your Jeep? Please leave a comment below and share a picture of your setup; were eager to see what our readers are using!
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So, you are an off-road enthusiast with a Jeep Wrangler sitting in your garage. If youre reading this that means youre probably looking to upgrade your vehicle with a good and reliable roof top tent which will make your next overlanding adventure a lot more fun.
Well, we know that upgrading your vehicle is a big investment and thats why we wanted to take time and talk about the best Jeep Wrangler tent that you could get for your Jeep. Now keep in mind that all of the tents we will mention here fit all of the Jeep Wrangler models so the only thing that you should be on the lookout for is whether you like the tent or not.
Here are some of the Jeep Wrangler models that you might have and again we want to make it clear that all of the roof top tents that you will read about will fit each of the models mentioned below.
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First Jeep Wrangler tent on this list is the Wanaka 55 which was made by Guana Equipment. They have been manufacturing roof top tents for some time now and have been doing a good job of it. This is a soft-shell roof top tent that can be used for all seasons. It can house 3-4 people comfortably and can even be equipped with a huge annex which can be used either for sleeping or as a cover from any harsh weather conditions.
Now lets talk about the technical stuff. First, lets mention that this Jeep Wrangler tent comes in the color tan and has a 600D waterproof ripstop polyester construction with taped seams and PU coating. Annex is no different as they share the same construction materials. This tent comes with a sturdy and reliable diamond plate anti-scratch aluminum base and also has edge protectors for the said base of the tent to avoid tearing the canvas.
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This is an incredibly comfortable tent to sleep in as it has a very thick 3 high-density foam mattress and also features an anti-condensation mat underneath it. This soft-shell roof top tent has 3 big entrance points and they are all covered by a see-through mesh and additional canvas that can be used as an awning. The mesh is also there to prevent any insects and other critters from entering your RTT.
Another feature of this Jeep Wrangler tent is the YKK zippers that come both for the annex as well as the roof top tent which have the highest quality out of all. Nobody likes a messy tent so thats why the people at Guana Equipment included inside pouches for storing your camping gear or toiletries and even 2 shoe bags where you can place your boots and keep your tent clean.
Lets not forget about another cool feature that this Wanaka 55 RTT has and that is the LED strips inside the tent which will help illuminate the tent itself as well as the annex. This roof top tent also has windows on all 4 sides of it and even has a sky view window which can let in even more light during the day and can provide an amazing star gazing experience during the night.
Why do we like it?
Open: 56.3" x 122" x 49.5"
Closed: 56.3 " x 48" x 12"
2 Years
You've undoubtedly already heard of iKamper and the Skycamp 3.0, one of their most well-known roof top tents. This thick-shell Jeep Wrangler tent is not a budget-friendly tent. It has a valid reason for being one of the more expensive tents on the market right now. And we're here to explain why that is. Let's begin by stating that this RTT is an all-season tent that can accommodate 3 - 4 adults. Given that this is one of the newest and most innovative tents on the market currently, it is ideal for the newer Jeep Wrangler models , , , , , and .
It is also one of the sturdiest and most reliable tents out there. It can be set up in under a minute and taken down in roughly the same amount of time. The body of the tent has a 300gsm poly-cotton canvas construction with a waterproof polyester 750 ripstop rainfly which has an eco-friendly water-repellent DWR coating. Another great thing about the tent fabric is that it is a blackout fabric meaning that it will stop sun rays from entering your tent thus allowing you and your fellow camper to sleep well past sunrise.
It is not the lightest tent out there but considering that up to 4 people can sleep inside it is not that heavy. It weighs 165 lbs and has a footprint of 44.3 sq ft. The interior of the Skycamp 3.0s hard shell is lined with quilted insulation. This reduces condensation and keeps you warm when temperatures drop. The floor is made out of durable insulating honeycomb aluminum panels which also help you stay warm. As for the hard shell of this Jeep Wrangler tent, it has a double-layered fiber-reinforced plastic with 1 air insulation.
This just shows you how careful the people at iKamper were when designing this tent. It can withstand the harshest of weather and the coldest of nights. Now we know that you will be warm inside of the tent but will you be comfortable enough to sleep? Well, they also thought about that and thats why inside the tent you will find a 9-zone, 2.5 thick polyfoam mattress with an insulated layer to reduce condensation.
This Jeep Wrangler Roof Tent also has a new and improved zipper and window design which allow you to open both the canvas and mesh windows simultaneously. You can even use the exterior canopy as blinds. Like many other roof top tents out there, this one also features a sky-view window that you can use to gaze at the stars at night. This is one of our top picks for the Jeep Wrangler roof top tents so feel free to check it out.
Why do we like it?
Open: 83" x 77" x 48"
Closed: 55" x 85.5" x 13"
2 Years
Again, we have an amazing roof top tent manufacturer, Smittybilt. They have been around for a really long time and they just know how to please their customers. Their Overlander tent is one of their most popular and most sold tents and here we will tell you why. This is a soft shell, 3-person roof top tent.
When it comes to the body of this Jeep Wrangler tent is made out of 600D heavy-duty ripstop polyester canvas which us waterproof and polyurethane impregnated. It also comes with a lightweight, waterproof 420D oxford rainfly with 4mm thick, durable, steel spring flysheet poles. Lets also not forget the travel bag that this soft shell roof top tents come in which is made out of a heavy-duty 650gsm, d PVC cover which has UV-resistant straps and a Velcro lining for complete waterproofing.
This RTT has a sturdy 1 thick aluminum/polyurethane base and the whole tent weighs just 117 lbs and has a load capacity of 661 lbs. Inside the tent, you will find a 60mm high-density foam mattress that comes with a removable cover. Nobody loves those pesky mosquitoes that buzz around when youre trying to sleep. Thats why the windows and openings on all 4 sides of this roof top tent have a mesh on them.
On top of that this RTT also has a sky view window which you can use to look at the stars at night and let the sun in during the day. Now if you feel that it is too dark inside your tent you can always turn on the LED light strip that comes with the tent. Inside the tent, you will also find storage pockets which you can use to store some of your camping gear, toiletries, or even shoes to keep the inside of your RTT clean and neat.
Why do we like it?
Open: 95" x 56" x 51"
Closed: 47" x 56" x 11"
2 Years
The Stealth Jeep Wrangler tent is a hard shell, all seasons, 3-person roof top tent made by Tuff Stuff. Like many other hard shell roof top tents this one also is as sturdy as they come and also very reliable as it can withstand some of the harshest weather conditions out there as well as some of the strongest winds. Tuff Stuff makes high-quality RTTs and Stealth is one f them and heres why.
First of all, lets start with the tent materials. The body of the tent has a high-quality 280G poly-cotton windproof fabric construction with a 210D poly-oxford rainfly which will keep you safe and sound from any outside conditions and heavy rains. This Jeep Wrangler roof top tent has an all-aluminum frame, including ladders and even the roof rack mounts on which you can mount things such as kayaks, bikes, or even some extra equipment you dont want or cant fit inside your car.
You can count on this tent to help you stay warm during those cold nights thanks to the heavy-duty aluminum honeycomb insulated floor. Once inside the roof top tent you will find a 1.6 thick mattress and even LED light strips which will keep your tent illuminated when needed. Said light strips are both on the inside and outside the RTT. This tent is a bit heavier than other ones on the market, weighing 221 lbs and also having a weight capacity of 900 lbs which is enough for 3 to 4 people to be inside the tent at the same time.
You will find 3 window openings and all of them have mesh screens which will prevent any insects from coming inside your roof tent. There is also a sky view window which gives you the ability to gaze at stars at night. Also, this tent features new and upgraded YKK zippers with custom para-cord pulls which reduce the dinging sound in the wind. There is a possibility to equip this Jeep Wrangler tent with an annex however it does not come included. This is another great roof top tent which will make your next overlanding trip great and we recommend that you take a look at it.
Why do we like it?
Open: 75" x 87" x 52"
Closed: 75" x 55" x 13"
1 Year
Bundutop is a very unique roof top tent. It is also a 4-season, 3-person, pop-up tent however it is one of the few ones that is electric. It uses a winch motor to open up the tent in less than a minute, and you never even have to get on top of the car to do that. You just simply need to push a button. And you might have already guessed it; this is not a cheap RTT. It is however an extremely high-quality tent.
This Jeep Wrangler tent has a 300gsm rip-tech canvas body construction with a foam-backed roof lining. The frame itself is constructed out of aluminum however the tent is one of the heaviest ones on the market weighing 270 lbs. One of the more interesting features of this hard shell roof top tent is its solar integration. It features built-in solar wiring to make the mounting of your solar panels on the roof a breeze.
Inside the tent you will see what is possibly the thickest roof top tent mattress on the market right now. It is a 4 thick high-density foam mattress that will help you sleep like a baby wherever you go. Since this is a pop-up style roof top tent that means that you have a 360-degree view of your surroundings. There are windows on all sides of this RTT which give you the ability to enjoy the panoramic view.
All of the mentioned window openings have a mesh on them to prevent any critters from getting inside your tent. However, this roof tent does not have a sky-view window like the previously mentioned ones. This is definitely not a tent for everyone as it is one of the most expensive roof top tents on the market. However, if you decide on it, it sure will be a great addition to your next off-road adventure.
Why do we like it?
Open: 82" x 53" x 39"
Closed: 82" x 53" x 12"
2 Years
As you can tell by the name this is one of the cheapest roof top tents on the market right now. It is a soft shell, 3-person roof tent made by Overland Vehicle Systems or OVS short. It has a universal mounting mechanism that allows this RTT to be installed on most of the OEM and aftermarket roof racks that are currently on the market. Setting up the tent takes less than 5 minutes.
Now lets talk about the tent build. Its body is made out of 600D waterproof rip-stop polyester cotton canvas and also comes with a 420D waterproof polyester oxford rainfly. This Jeep Wrangler tent is perhaps the lightest RTT on the market weighing only 100 lbs while having a weight capacity of 650 lbs. It also comes with a G PVC heavy-duty matt black travel cover which will protect your tent when youre not using it.
Thanks to the insulated base of this OVS roof top tent, you will stay warm even during the coldest of nights. The base itself has a sturdy aluminum insulated construction. Inside the tent, you will find a 2.5 thick high-density foam mattress that comes with its own washable cotton cover. There are windows on all sides of this soft shell roof top tent which have a 110g breathable environmental fadeless gaze and mesh which will keep all the insects out.
There is even a sky view window which will let the sun in during the day and is perfect for star gazing at night. Included with the tent is the 81 telescoping square ladder which will make getting in and out of the tent a breeze. This is one of the best budget-friendly Jeep Wrangler tents on the market right now and if you are somebody that is new to the off-road world and does not want to spend as much money on equipment this is the right roof tent for you. Feel free to check it out!
Why do we like it?
Open: 56.5 x 94.5 x 50.25
Closed: 57 x 49.5 x 11.5
2 Years
The Jeep Wrangler is an amazing off-road vehicle. Always have been and always will be. Now maybe sleeping inside your Jeep Wrangler is not a good idea because it may not be that comfortable. However, installing a roof top tent on your Jeep Wrangler is something that you should look into if you plan on using your vehicle for any overlanding adventures or just camping.
The answer to that is yes! All of the previously mentioned roof top tents in this article fit all of the Jeep Wrangler models. And of course, there are more roof top tents that werent mentioned here that could also be installed on it.
Well in order to install a roof top tent you will need to have a roof rack first. There are so many roof racks on the market right now and of course for your Jeep Wrangler you would need to look for the Jeep Wrangler roof rack. Without the roof rack, you wont have anything to secure your roof top tent to.
You can use any model of the Jeep Wrangler for camping. It completely depends on you and your needs. However, you should always look at the newer models as they have upgraded engines that can haul more weight as the roof top tent puts more weight on your vehicle.
The time that you spend installing the roof top tent on your roof rack varies depending on your skills and the tools you are using. But in general, you should be able to install a roof top tent in 30 minutes to about an hour. Opening it and closing it down however only takes a couple of minutes once the tent is securely installed.
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