Here Are Three Rooftop Tents Under $2,000 to Consider for Your 2021 Road Trips

So, you want a rooftop tent, understandable. With the level of outdoor exposure they can offer, it’s almost a miracle not everyone owns one. To help bring this wonderful tool to your attention, and possibly into your life, I've chosen three rooftop tents, that should give you an idea of what’s available on a budget. One thing to consider when looking for an accessory like this is that you’ll need a mount onto which it is placed. You’ll have to do that bit on your own.

Front Runner

First on the list is the Roof Top Tent from Front Runner. Coming in with a price tag of $1,146, it’s the least expensive option I'll be presenting. As it sits closed, this tent comes in with a width of 1.3 m (51.2 inches) and a “super-low” profile of just 330 mm (12.99 in). Once opened, it boasts 2.4 m (94.5 in) of length.

The base is completed from aluminum sheeting and side rails with foam core insulation, while the cover is 650g heavy duty PVC coated nylon. With a 2.25-inch-thich (5.71-centimeter) mattress made of high-density PU (polyurethane) foam, water repellant tent body, and waterproof rainfly, sounds like you should be set against the elements of nature.

As it stands, the tent comes in with a weight of just 43 kg (94.8 lb) and includes universal mounting plates for a quick and simple setup. Speaking of quick, this tent deploys in one motion for ease of use, while the ladder holds up to 180 kg (396 lb) of weight.

Inside, two guests can sleep comfortably, while the skylight vent and side windows allow for viewing even if you are stuck inside during the rain. A couple of hanging pockets provide storage for goods while inside. If you want anything else, Front Runner includes an annex as well, going for $279.

ARB Accessories

Here we have the ARB Simpson III rooftop tent. With a price tag of $1,537 including tent and annex, it might already start catching your eye, if the “ARB” didn’t. Closed, this tent is 57 in (1.44 m) wide, length of 49 in (1.24 m), and only 15 in (381 mm) high. Once open, all that changes a bit; 94 in (2.38 m) of length and 51 in (1.29 m) of height complete the tent. However, this bad boy weighs in with a weight of 171 lbs (77.5 kg), a bit more than the Front Runner.

A waterproof poly/cotton ripstop canvas with fire retardant properties and all-weather entry door make up the exterior of the tent, while fine insect screens allow for fresh air to come in through the windows, but none of the tiny and flying uninvited guests.

This tent includes a 2.5-in (6.35-cm), high density, bonded chip foam mattress with a removable cover and doesn’t need to be taken out of the tent when you’re ready to travel. This frees up precious cargo space on your vehicle. Even though ARB doesn’t specify the exact number of people able to sleep here, two inhabitants is the usual industry standard.

Tuff Stuff

The final tent on this list is known as the Ranger rooftop tent from Tuff Stuff 4X4/Overland. With a price tag of $1,799, add the annex and this rooftop tent fills the cup with a price of $1,980.

However, for that sort of cash, the Ranger can fit two to three adults, and a child: it’s a full family tent. Closed, it stands with a length of 65 in (1.65 m), width of 48 in (1.21 m), and height of 15 in (381 mm), making it the largest of the three. Open, with the overhang, 132 in (3.35 m) of width, and 52 in (1.32 m) of height create your living space.

An aluminum and fiberglass floor, poly/cotton ripstop, and 420D polyester/Oxford PU coated rainfly make up the structure. Three windows with mesh screens are available to see the world from a 2.75-in-thick (6.98-cm) mattress. With a weight of 164 lbs (74 kg) and load limit of 800 lbs (362 kg), enjoy your trip and even get a little crazy. Don't worry, it’ll take quite a bit to phase this rooftop tent.

Afterthought

Here you’ll find only three designs from the countless manufacturers and options currently on the market, but the purpose here was just to show you one way you can spice up your next road trip even if you’re on a tight budget.