all about car tents NimbleCamper - Car, roof & tailgate tents for car camping: why, where and top picks

Car, roof & tailgate tents for car camping: why, where and top picks

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All the info you want (or didn’t know you need) about car tents (SUV tents, tailgate tents, rooftop tents or hatchback tents and awnings). This will help you decide whether you need one, what to look out for and what type is best for your needs. Plus some of my top picks to save you time searching and comparing.

Types of car / SUV tents that attach to cars

You might come across several variations of an SUV tent/hatchback tent – some attach to the car at the back, some at the side, others cover only the boot opening and don’t touch the floor and some are just awnings to give you rain and sun cover. The most frequently used types of car/suv tents are:

suv tent boot - Car, roof & tailgate tents for car camping: why, where and top picks

Tailgate car tents
(hatchback/boot tents)

Here you can find either big tents that cover the boot opening + create additional space behind the car (freestanding) – or – smaller boot tents that don’t touch the ground, just extend the boot opening area a big + protect it against rain or mosquitoes.
Typical price range: 50 – 800 EUR

suv tents awnings - Car, roof & tailgate tents for car camping: why, where and top picks

Awnings

Protecting you from the sun or easy rain, these don’t do much for sleeping or additional floor space, just add more shaded area. They come usually in three versions: rear (boot), side door and 270 degrees (rear & side door).
Typical price range: 30 – 150 EUR (cheaper Amazon ones) or 150 – 2000 EUR bigger and higher quality ones

side door SUV tent - Car, roof & tailgate tents for car camping: why, where and top picks

Side door car tents

These tend to be bigger and made for Multivan and bigger type vans. But sometimes they fit cars with sliding doors – like the VW Caddy, VW Sharan, Citroen Berlingo and similar. And most should fit a tailgate too, but always check the opening height!
Typical price range: 150 – 2500 EUR
+ depending on type and features

rooftop suv tent - Car, roof & tailgate tents for car camping: why, where and top picks

Rooftop tents

Move your bedroom to the roof… Handy if you don’t have any sleeping room in the back of your car, or you need it for storage, or you want to sleep more than two people in a small car. On the other hand – you need to climb the ladder each time you want something from there. Great for sleeping (higher up, safer, more room, additional features like a solar-powered fan), but quite expensive. They increase the total height of your vehicle, potentially limiting your car park selection options.
Typical price range: 500 – 4000 EUR

Each one of these SUV / car tent types has its benefits and disadvantages – it all depends on what type of car you have, whether you have a roof rack, whether you want to have easy access from the ground or don’t mind climbing up and what is your budget.

Benefits and disadvantages of roof tents

Roof tents offer the most comfortable area for sleeping, but they don’t serve well for daily use. You have to climb up a ladder each time, which isn’t something you want to do with a cup of tea.

Car roof tents typically have a collapsible design that allows them to be folded up and stored on the roof of a vehicle while driving. When you reach your camping or outdoor destination, you can set up the tent by unfolding it and attaching it to the roof of your vehicle using mounting brackets or a roof rack. Car tents usually come with a ladder for easy access and provide a comfortable sleeping space above ground, away from rocks, insects, and other potential hazards.

They are best used as a bedroom, to free up space in the boot for a kitchen or storage.

Most roof tents come with a comfortable mattress that can remain inside, even when driving.

They are very fast to put up and take down – usually in a couple of minutes. You will find hard-top and soft-shell roof tents, the latter being much cheaper.

Some roof tents allow you to leave your bedding inside when driving, mostly the hard-top ones.

They are the most expensive type of car tent.

As they remain on your roof, they increase your car’s consumption on average by approximately 10% to 20%.

The additional weight of the rooftop tent and the wind resistance it creates can affect your vehicle’s aerodynamics, resulting in increased drag and reduced fuel efficiency. Additionally, the added weight on the roof of the vehicle can increase the overall weight of the vehicle, which may result in higher fuel consumption, especially during highway driving or when driving uphill.

It’s important to note that these figures are approximate and can vary depending on the specific factors mentioned above. Monitoring your fuel consumption with a rooftop tent installed and adjusting your driving habits accordingly, such as driving at moderate speeds and avoiding excessive idling, can help mitigate the impact on fuel efficiency.

Yes, it is possible to sleep in a rooftop tent during winter, but there are some important considerations to keep in mind to ensure comfort and safety in cold weather conditions.

  1. Insulation: Look for a rooftop tent that offers good insulation to keep you warm during winter nights. Tents with thick, insulated walls, floors, and roofs can help trap heat inside and keep cold air out. Some rooftop tents may also come with additional accessories like insulating liners or thermal covers to enhance insulation.
  2. Ventilation: While insulation is crucial for warmth, proper ventilation is equally important to reduce condensation and prevent moisture buildup inside the tent. Look for a rooftop tent with adequate ventilation options, such as mesh windows, vents, or awnings that can be partially opened to allow airflow while keeping out cold drafts.
  3. Cold-weather rated materials: Check the materials used in the construction of the rooftop tent for their cold-weather performance. Look for tents made from durable, weather-resistant materials that can withstand low temperatures, high winds, and potential snow loads.
  4. Sleeping gear: Be prepared with appropriate cold-weather sleeping gear such as insulated sleeping bags, sleeping pads, and warm clothing. Using a quality cold-weather sleeping bag rated for the expected temperature range can help keep you warm and comfortable during winter camping trips.
  5. Heat source: Consider bringing a reliable heat source, such as a hot water bottle, to provide additional warmth inside the rooftop tent. However, always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and use any heating devices safely and responsibly, taking into consideration ventilation and carbon monoxide risks.
  6. Site selection: Choose a campsite that offers shelter from wind and exposure to the elements. Consider setting up your rooftop tent in a location that provides natural windbreaks, such as trees or rock formations, to reduce heat loss and exposure to cold winds.
  7. Snow removal: If camping in snowy conditions, be prepared to regularly remove snow from the rooftop tent’s rainfly or cover to prevent excessive weight buildup and potential collapse.

Rooftop tents can produce some noise when erect (not driving) during windy conditions, particularly if they are not properly installed or secured. The noise level can vary depending on the design and quality of the rooftop tent, the strength of the wind, and the specific installation on your vehicle. However, modern rooftop tents are typically designed with aerodynamics and noise reduction in mind, and many reputable brands offer models with features to minimize noise.

Some common noise reduction features found in rooftop tents include:

  1. Wind-resistant design: Many rooftop tents are designed with aerodynamics in mind to reduce wind resistance and minimize noise. Sleek and streamlined designs, low-profile shapes, and wind-resistant materials can help reduce noise caused by wind buffeting against the tent.
  2. Rainfly or cover: Rooftop tents often come with a rainfly or cover that can help reduce noise caused by rain, wind, and other environmental factors. A rainfly is an additional layer of fabric that can be installed over the tent to provide additional protection and minimize noise.
  3. Quality installation: Proper installation of the rooftop tent is crucial to minimize noise. Make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully and securely attach the tent to your vehicle’s roof rack to prevent any rattling or movement that can cause noise while driving.
  4. Insulation: Some rooftop tents come with built-in insulation or noise-reducing materials that can help dampen noise from outside sources.
  5. Maintenance: Regular maintenance, such as tightening bolts and checking for loose parts, can help minimize noise caused by loose or rattling components.

Rooftop tents can also increase wind drag and noise during driving. They are generally designed to be stable and secure while driving, and noise levels can vary depending on factors such as the design, installation, and driving conditions. In general, rooftop tents should not produce excessive noise while driving, as they are typically aerodynamically designed to minimize wind resistance and noise.

However, it’s important to keep in mind that some noise may be experienced while driving with a rooftop tent, especially at higher speeds or in windy conditions.

On average, a well-maintained rooftop tent can last anywhere from 5 to 10 years or even longer, but this can vary depending on the specific brand, model, and usage patterns. It is recommended to inspect it regularly and make sure all bolts and moving parts work well.

Almost any car is the short answer – but you need to make sure the roof of your car can handle the weight of all the people sleeping in the tent + the tent. See this awning guide from tentandrail.com for more info.

All you need is a set of roof bars (rails) or, for bigger tents, you can install a roof rack. Most rooftop tents come equipped with all the materials and tools you need to install them. So if you can fit roof bars on top of your car, you should be able to fit a rooftop tent too.

Benefits and disadvantages of tailgate/side-door tents

Tailgate or side-door car tents offer the most versatile use – you can use them as a living room, bedroom, kitchen, for storage or as just a shaded area next to your car.

There are car tents manufactured specifically for cars, but you can also use many standard, bigger tents with cars. You can find examples of both at the end of this page or in our Car Tent category.

They are usually just a shelter, without anything inside, except windows with (preferably) mosquito nets.

They serve well (especially when equipped with mosquito nets) to let air into your car, especially at night, without letting any insects in. You can sleep with your tailgate open.

They are usually the cheapest type of car tent.

They can be freestanding or attached to the car using a rail. Some freestanding ones have a tarp that stretches over your car to protect from rain dripping into your open car door/tailgate.

They are a good entry-level option if you want to try camping with your car, before you invest in a roof tent.

As you carry them in your boot, they don’t increase your consumption (like roof tents do).

Generally, as long as the tent is tall enough to be joined with your car above the car door or its tailgate, the answer is yes – you can use any tent like that with a car. The idea is to have a shelter connected to your car, so you don’t have to worry about rain, mud, or dirty shoes before you enter the car, extend your usable space around the car – for storage, a kitchen or an additional bedroom.

Inflatable tents tend to cost more and you need to carry a pump with you. But they offer the most convenient and fastest way to put them up and as many campers already carry a pump with them (for a stand-up paddle for example), they are a very good option. But if you don’t carry a pump in your car and don’t want to pay more, then standard tents with poles are always a good fallback option. They take a bit longer to put up but are cheaper, so you can spend that money on a good drink or a meal as a reward after putting them up :).

Benefits and disadvantages of car awnings

Awnings don’t offer much wind or side-rain protection, no insect protection or privacy, they are mostly there to provide shade and protect from direct sunlight.

They either attach to the car or are freestanding, the latter being the cheapest option.

I would recommend buying a car tent/tailgate tent with windows and nets rather than an awning – it will serve more purposes and costs about the same. Or, don’t buy an awning as your first choice – buy it as an accessory to your car tent (be it a roof tent or a tailgate/side-door tent).

Often, you can accomplish the same result by just stretching a tarp from your car to a tree or a pole you carry.

Tailgate or Side Door Tent for Camping: Exploring Your Options

When it comes to camping with your vehicle, having the right tent can make all the difference in your outdoor experience. The camping community seems to be in two minds about whether a tailgate or side door tent is the better option.

Campers from various forums have shared their insights on whether a tailgate or side door tent is the better choice. Let’s dive into their comments and explore the pros and cons of each option.

Tailgate Tents: Quick and Convenient

Tailgate tents, like the ones designed to attach to the rear of your vehicle, offer a range of benefits, as noted by the campers:

  • Solo Setup: Many campers appreciate the ease of setting up tailgate tents by themselves. This feature is especially handy for those who prefer solo adventures.
  • Space Efficiency: These tents are often praised for their compactness and efficient use of space. They provide a covered area that can be used for cooking, dining, or simply enjoying the outdoors.
  • Quick Assembly: Tailgate tents tend to be quick to set up and take down, making them ideal for short camping trips or frequent moves.
  • Weather Versatility: Some tailgate tents, like the Vango Airgate Tailhub Busvorzelt, can be positioned both at the rear and on the side of the vehicle, offering flexibility in different weather conditions.

Side Door Tents: Versatility and Accessibility

On the other hand, side door tents have their own set of advantages:

  • Multiple Entry Points: Campers appreciate tents with side doors because they provide multiple entry and exit points. This can be especially useful for avoiding dirt inside the tent or finding a convenient exit for different needs.
  • Unrestricted Access: These tents don’t obstruct the rear of your vehicle, allowing you to access the tailgate without interference. This can be essential for cooking or retrieving gear during rainy weather.
  • Independence: Side door tents, like the Decathlon Arpenaz mentioned, can stand independently from the vehicle. This means you can use them as standalone shelters, providing extra versatility.

Choosing the Right Tent for You

Key Considerations:

  1. Weatherproofing: It’s essential to consider how the tent fares in the rain. Some tents may allow water in when the entrance is opened during rainfall, which is something to be aware of.
  2. Ease of Setup: For solo travelers, ease of setup is a prime concern. Air tents, in general, are seen to be easier to pitch than their counterparts.
  3. Versatility: Some tents offer multiple attachment points, making them adaptable to different car models and configurations.
  4. Tailgate Accessibility: Rolf Schmidt brings up a valid point that one should consider if they want to close the car’s tailgate while the tent is attached. Some tents may not allow for this.

Ultimately, the choice between a tailgate and side door tent depends on your specific needs and preferences. Here are some factors to consider:

  • Weather Conditions: If you frequently camp in windy or rainy conditions, a tailgate tent with proper anchoring might be more stable. However, side door tents can offer more versatility for different setups.
  • Vehicle Type: Consider the design of your vehicle. Some tents may be better suited for certain vehicle models or sizes.
  • Solo or Group Camping: If you often camp alone, a tent that’s easy to set up solo, as mentioned for tailgate tents, might be ideal. For group camping, prioritize space and multiple entry points.
  • Budget: Compare prices and features to find a tent that fits your budget while meeting your camping needs.
  • Personal Preferences: Read reviews, ask for recommendations, and try to see the tents in person if possible. Your personal preferences play a significant role in making the right choice.

In conclusion, both tailgate and side door tents have their merits, and the best choice depends on your individual requirements. Whether you prioritize ease of setup, weather versatility, or multiple entry points, there’s a tent out there that can enhance your camping adventures.

How to choose a good car tent?

  • Decide which type of car tent is best for you – a roof tent, a tightly fitting (purpose-made) tailgate tent or a generic tent/awning that fits the car well enough. Do you want to sleep in the tent or in the boot of your car, and the tent is for day use (a kitchen or storage)?
  • does it fit your car well? Make sure it will fit your car’s boot opening (or side door) and also its height. For example, there are awnings made for VW T5 / T6 (Multivan etc), that have adjustable height – 180cm – 210cm or similar. A VW Caddy is just above 180cm, and Sharan is 172cm high (more with a rack) – you probably can fit it there too, but any lower than that might be a problem (i.e. water accumulating when it rains or not fitting properly and water leaking into the tent/car).
  • does it need a rail to be attached or is it the “over van” type (you pull a sheet over your entire car and fix it into the ground on the other side of the car). The ones with a rail are more difficult to fit on a car without a rail.
  • build strength – will a gust of wind send it across the field or break its supports? Low price is always welcome, but at a certain level, corners have to be cut somewhere – usually the quality of materials and build strength.
  • Is it freestanding? Not having a freestanding car tent means that you can’t drive the car away when the tent is attached to it. It is much more useful to have a freestanding car tent and be able to take the car for a day trip or to the shop, without having to dismantle the tent.
  • fabric quality and attributes – is it waterproof? tearproof? Is it a material you don’t like/prefer? (Polyester, nylon, cotton – each has its own benefits and disadvantages.
  • ventilation – enough windows to let light and air in, preferably with nets to stop mosquitoes from getting in.
  • make sure there’s a groundsheet included in the package (or that you are aware that you’re buying it without and need to get one)
  • mosquito nets – any tent without mosquito nets is basically an awning and you won’t enjoy their benefits as much. Definitely get one with mosquito nets.
  • weight and size when packed – this also depends on your car size, but usually, the lighter and smaller, the better. If you have more than enough storage space in your car, don’t worry about its weight or size when packed – your car can carry it, focus on other, more practical features you will use when camping.
  • Inflatable or pole support? Inflatable tents are very easy to set up, but you do have to carry a pump with you.
  • How often are you going to use it? It doesn’t make sense to buy an expensive tent if you are only going to use it a couple of times a year.

Are car tents any good? What are their benefits?

You don’t need a car tent to do car camping or sleep in your car. It will come in handy, if your car is too small, or you don’t want to/can’t convert it to a camper, or you have a bigger family to accommodate, you want to have a stand-up kitchen area. I see their main benefits as follows:

  • they extend your floor space – add shaded + closed space to leave stuff in or to sleep in, have a picnic, rest – it can get hot in a car during a summer day, so a tent/awning will get more air, more headroom and you’ll be closer to the ground (cooler). Or at least you’ll get a space you can walk around barefoot, leave your shoes in – before you enter your car. You’ll have a bedroom (the car) + a lounge (the tent).
  • headroom – you will be able to stand up yet still be “inside” – great for changing or rainy days
  • storage – you’ll appreciate this, especially during longer stays – leaving things you use daily in the tent without having to pack them into boxes in the car or roof storage. Especially when you fit them out with some foldable storage shelves.
  • shade/rain cover – even if you can’t store stuff in there safely (in case you get an awning), it’s still good to have a shaded area everywhere you go, no matter the time of day.
  • ventilation – you can leave the boot or car windows open letting more cold air in during hot summer nights or during rain (not something easily done without a tent)
  • mosquito protection – ventilation without mosquitoes getting in, as the tent works as a mosquito net
  • car use without packing everything away – if you are in an official camping area, you can put your stuff inside the tent, close it up and take the car for a day trip – no need to pack everything into the car every time you take it somewhere.
  • go and camp anywhere – you can take any 4×4 (4WD/AWD) and set up camp – even if it’s a smaller car, making the world your oyster :).
  • elevated sleeping: Roof tents provide an elevated sleeping platform, keeping you off the ground and away from potential moisture, insects, and wildlife. This elevated position can also offer better views and added security.

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Where to buy an SUV / car/tailgate tent

In EU🇪🇺/UK🇬🇧, I still think you will get the best price-to-performance ratio at Decathlon. Their tents are well built, fit many cars and are cheaper than other companies. See which Decathlon car tents I recommend in our shop. If you’re from Germany🇩🇪, you might want to check out VerticalExtreme.de – they offer a good selection of Vaude car tents – a bit more expensive, but they are purpose-made to fit a car and their build quality is better. In the UK, GoOutdoors.co.uk offers a similar selection.

In the US🇺🇸, NapierOutdoors has a good selection, iKamper has everything for car camping and Rei.com has the biggest selection. There are also many car tents on Amazon.com.

Most websites only recommend tents available at Amazon. It’s mainly because it’s the easiest affiliate program you can use (i.e. the websites get rewarded if you buy from Amazon). Nothing wrong with that except it creates a bottleneck – the top 5 “suv tent” search results (blog posts) all recommend the same 5 tents on Amazon – but there are many more and better tents available, even at better prices.

MY TOP BUDGET CAR TENT – Decathlon Arpenaz Base M

I have this unintended car tent personally + it’s recommended by many users in the car camping community (FB groups like Berlingo campers only, Small Vehicle Campers etc). See my review for some of their testimonials. These groups are also good to verify whether the tent will fit your car – just join and ask! Why unintended? Because Decathlon didn’t make it for cars, but it fits really well. 🙂

Decathlon Arpenaz Base M

Lukas Cech – Nimblecamper.com

arpenaz base m berlingo2 - Car, roof & tailgate tents for car camping: why, where and top picks
MY TOP BUDGET CAR TENT
If you don’t mind it’s not meant to be used as a car tent – but it actually can do the job pretty well, you’re in for a treat – at only 129.99 GBP / 139.99 EUR, you will get a pretty good tailgate tent – or a side door tent, you can make it fit both. Better for cars like Caddy, Berlingo, Sharan etc – with lower height compared to a Multivan (as most car awnings are made for those). Confirmed to fit most MPVs, barn doors as well. (see images below)
+ Very cheap!!
+ Height : 2.15 m | Floor area: 6.25 m2 | Comfortable for 6 people
+ Openings on 3 sides | 3 mosquito nets
+ Waterproof (200L per hour per m2)
+ Packed size – rectangular cover | 57 x 18 cm | 18 litres
+ Weight 8kg
+ Easy set-up with a free-standing structure | Fibreglass poles
+ The fabric filters UV radiation with a UPF of 30
+ Withstands force 6 winds – around 50 km/h | Wind tunnel test
+ Doesn’t need a rail to be attached
– Will not fit exactly as it’s not meant to be used with a car, but should do the trick – the opening is high enough for the tailgate or most barn doors + the sheet will protect from rain.

129.99 GBP / 139.99 EUR

I haven’t seen a tailgate tent in this price range that works better. Easy to carry, easy to erect and does the job perfectly – you gain a lot of storage space / living room with mosquito nets and window covers for privacy / cover during the rain. Add a tarp to cover the tailgate for extra rain protection and there’s not much missing from this (unintentional) car tent. If you are considering trying car camping with a car tent, this is the one to try. And you may never need another one, unless your family starts to grow 🙂

Available at any Decathlon website for your country.

4.9

There are three ways how you can fit it over your tailgate or side door:

Touran image source: rjrdaydreamer.com

second image thanks to: WILL WALKLEY OUTDOORS, third image: Sweeper Liam

Or Arpenaz Base M’s bigger and more comfortable version:

Inflatable car tent – Inflatable Camping Shelter – Air Seconds Base Connect car tent

INFLATABLE CAR – TAILGATE TENT – Air Seconds Base Connect Fresh

Lukas Cech – Nimblecamper.com

Air Seconds Base Connect car tent 1 - Car, roof & tailgate tents for car camping: why, where and top picks
Don’t like fiddling around with poles? This inflatable car tent might be the right choice for you then (note that it does require a separate pump). It’s made to connect to cars and vans, you can also buy an additional bedroom section to put inside. This looks like Decathlon’s first venture into real car tents (as so far, it was unintended – they built tents that happened to fit cars too). It’s also 10cm taller than the Arpenaz Base M. The sheet + poles make joining it to your car even more flexible. Unfortunately, the opening is much wider than an MPV, so you will have two big gaps on the sides, requiring further insulation during rain or against bugs. It has two large openings on opposite ends, giving you a choice of which side you’ll attach to the car. It fits really well from the side of the car – even on a Multivan.
– Average price
– Height: 2.25 m (opening for tailgate 175cm) | Floor area: 6.25 m2 | Comfortable for 6 people
– Openings on 4 sides (2 suitable for a car) | but only 1 mosquito net
– Waterproof – Water column (Schmerber): Flysheet >2000 mm rating Groundsheet >2400 mm rating
– Rectangular cover | 77 x 29 x 29 cm | 64 litres | Removable groundsheet
– Weight 13kg
– Easy installation: Extremely quick pitching thanks to its all-in-one inflatable structure (requires a separate pump though)
– The fabric filters UV rays with an UPF of 50+
– Withstands force 7 winds – around 60 km/h | Wind tunnel test
– Car connection/fit: doesn’t need a rail to be attached
– Car connection/fit: will not fit exactly as it’s not meant to be used with a car, but the opening is high enough for the tailgate, albeit a bit too wide. Will fit the side door well too.

~300 GBP / 320 EUR

Available at any Decathlon website or store in your country.

You can extend it with an internal bedroom section made specifically for this tent – keep the mozzies out easier and have more privacy. A changing/privacy shelter during the day, bedroom at night. See images below.

I recommend buying this foldable table + 4 chairs too – good ratings, price and takes up almost no space.

4.3

There are at least two ways how to fit the Air Seconds Base Connect tent over your car

MY TOP MID-RANGE CAR TENT:
Vaude Drive Van

5 stars – based on 1 review(s)
5 / 5 stars ( 1 star = worst)
The Vaude Drive Van is an excellent car tent. It fits all everyday cars – MPVs like the Caddy, Berlingo or NV200 or bigger vans like the Multivan. It has plenty of space for all of my camping gear and is easier to set up than the Arpenaz Base M. The quality of the materials is impressive, and it feels very durable.
  • Dimensions Length 350 cm, width 335 cm, height 225 cm
  • Side and rear windows with mosquito nets and a wide front opening with a double zipper, allowing the door to be collected at the top
  • Freestanding – drive-away (leave the car tent standing when you drive your car away)
  • Waterproof sealed entrance zip
  • Size when packed 60 cm x 20 cm
  • Weight 7.1 kg
  • Colour Sand (beige)
  • VAUDE is a top brand when it comes to tents
  • free-standing tent construction for docking on the sides and back of cars
  • fits standard vans up to a height of 2.15 m
  • excellent air circulation through mesh windows and vents
  • inner tent available separately
  • guy line collector and clamp in one
  • PVC-free material: Flysheet: 100% Polyester; 75 D Polyurethane coated 3.000 mm.

SEE IT IN ACTION:

MY TOP VERSATILE CAR TENT: Dometic HUB Inflatable Modular Shelter 2021

Dometic HUB Inflatable Modular Shelter 2021 (awning + tent in one)

Lukas Cech – Nimblecamper.com

dometic 1 - Car, roof & tailgate tents for car camping: why, where and top picks
Very cool design and I love the versatility – fits SUVs, MPVs, and campervans. You can pitch it freestanding on the beach, on-site with your campervan or as valuable shelter when off-roading with your 4×4 or motorhome.
The best feature is the ability to REMOVE (unzip) ALL 4 WALLS – making it an awning + tent in one!
– Width:230x230cm Depth:230cm
– all walls removable
– Single Point Inflation AIR Frame
– weight: 13.8kg
– Weathershield™ Pro
– Quickpitch™ Guying System
– doesn’t need a rail to be attached
– fits tailgate as well as side door, MPV, SUV, Multivan (attachment Height: 160-210cm)
– windows have mosquito nets

574GBP / 564 EUR

4.9

SEE IT IN ACTION:

decathlon car tents2 - Car, roof & tailgate tents for car camping: why, where and top picks

Car roof tents & tailgate tents at Decathlon

Aside from the selection of standard car tents that also happen to fit cars well, like the Arpenaz Base M above or more in our shop, Decathlon recently expanded their offer by car rooftop tents, starting at 599.99 GBP.

gooutdoorsUK car tents - Car, roof & tailgate tents for car camping: why, where and top picks

Car tents at GoOutdoors.co.uk

Over 180 tents, many will fit over a tailgate at a good price range: 99 – 1600 GBP / 115 – 1850 EUR

Car roof tents at Roofbunk

Choose between a hard shell (£1,749) or soft shell (£1,049) car roof tent from Roofbunk. UK and EU delivery.

- Car, roof & tailgate tents for car camping: why, where and top picks

Post author:

Lukas

Founder of NimbleCamper.com, avid traveler and outdoor enthusiast. Car camping and microcamping allows me to keep traveling and exploring with a much greater level of freedom & privacy – to go anywhere and sleep anywhere. I didn’t have 30K to buy a VW Multivan, so found my way to the world of everyday car camping conversions. Here I share my experiences and what I learn.

Check out my thoughts on a balanced life: sensimism.com

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