Cheapest Roof Top Tents (Fun Camping in 2023)
If you love getting off the beaten track and spending nights in nature under the stars, you have probably considered getting a rooftop tent.
Rooftop tents take the hassle out of camping. There is no need to find a level campsite with soft enough ground, no grubby assemblies, and what’s more, you get to sleep on a comfy mattress, safely tucked way above the ground, hoizatonal in luxury. What’s more, all your sleeping gear sits on the roof of your car leaving a load of extra storage space in your trunk.
Our Top Picks
The one major factor holding most people back from owning a rooftop tent is the cost. They are a rather expensive investment which is why we are here to look at the cheapest rooftop tents on the market so you can find a quality roof tent that doesn’t burn a huge hole in your wallet.
Top Product Overview
 | Best Of The Best
| SEE ON AMAZON → |
 | Best Allrounder
| SEE ON AMAZON → |
 | best budget roof top tent
| SEE ON AMAZON → |
 |
| SEE ON AMAZON → |
 |
| SEE ON AMAZON → |
 |
| SEE ON AMAZON → |
 |
| SEE ON AMAZON → |
 |
| SEE ON AMAZON → |
Cheapest Roof Top Tents
Overland Vehicle Systems Nomadic 2 Roof Top Tent
The Overland Vehicle Systems Nomadic 2 Roof Top Tent isn’t the cheapest one out there but it’s not far off and in our eyes bridges the gap between affordability and quality down to a T.
The tent is made from a blend of waterproof, marine-grade 600D polyester and canvas along with a 420D waterproof polyester oxford rain fly.
If you know your Denier ratings, then you’ll know just how durable and weatherproof this roof top tent is, if not, trust us, this tent is going to last and keep you dry in any weather conditions.
It’s a simple roof top tent to install, set up, and take down. Once up there is a ladder for easy access, ample space for two people, a gear loft for storage, an LED light strip for reading, and you’ll be comfy as can be on the memory foam mattresses and pillows.
This roof top tent also breathes well and there is even a skylight for extra ventilation and so that you can stare at the stars.
It’s a hard roof top tent to beat for the price, just remember to tighten all the bolts before you install it.
Pros
- Great weatherproofing
- Easy to install/setup/takedown
- Highly protective cover
- Excellent internal storage options
- Super durable and long-lasting
- Includes a skylight
- Comfy memory foam mattresses and pillows
Cons
- Bolts need tightening on delivery
- More expensive than others
- Heavy and reduces miles per gallon
Product Information
- Type: Softshell
- Floor Area: 54 x 122 inches
- Max Height: 51 inches
- Weight: 150 lbs
- Sleeps: 2
Smittybilt Overlander Tent
The Smittybilt Overlander Tent is another great quality but affordable roof top tent that will have you sleeping in comfort no matter where you pull up.
Designed for two people there is ample room for 2 adults and with a height of 51 inches, you can’t stand in the tent unless you open up the sunroof, but both of you can sit up with ease.
Inside you’ll also find a 2-inch mattress, 4 storage pockets, an external shoe storage bag, an LED light strip, and even a 12 V charger you can plug into your car.
The roof top tent is made from a waterproof 600D Heavy-duty ripstop polyester with a 1500mm 420D Oxford flysheet. This fabric is not only super tough but will keep the rain and wind out even in torrential downpours.
There is also a sunroof for extra ventilation and so you can see the stars, plus it comes with mosquito netting so you can let the air in but keep the bugs out.
Installing Smittybilt roof top tent isn’t so easy as the instructions are pretty awful but setting it up for a night’s sleep is pretty simple.
One thing to watch out for is that the rainfly holds water, so you’ll want to bump it off before exiting the tent or you might have a surprise morning shower.
Pros
- Weatherproofed for use in all seasons
- PVC cover protects from UV & moisture
- Super tough and durable build
- Includes an HDF comfy mattress
- Easy universal install & set up
- Good storage, lighting, and 12V power
- Sunroof for excellent ventilation
Cons
- Not the best install instructions
- Rainfly can hold water
Product Information
- Type: Softshell
- Floor Area: 95 x 56 inches
- Max Height: 51 inches
- Weight: 116.5 lbs
- Sleeps: 2-3
Raptor Series Offgrid Voyager Roof Top Tent
The Raptor Series Offgrid Voyager Roof Top Tent is one of the most affordable roof top tents on the market and despite the lower price, it still comes with a quality build.
This roof top tent is made from thick waterproof nylon that does a great job of keeping you warm and dry in heavy weather.
There is also a great ventilation system to keep you cool in the summer and stop any internal moisture build-up.
The rainfly isn’t full coverage though, so you might want to add some waterproofing spray to the outside bits that are missed.
Inside you’ll find a 78 x 48-inch mattress giving just enough space for two adults to sleep. The mattress is pretty comfy, some choose to add a topper though as the mattress is quite hard.
The best thing about this roof top tent is how easy it is to set up. the folding design means you can have it ready for bed within a minute and the same goes for packing it away.
One thing to be wary of is that the rainfly collects water so be sure to give it a shake before you step down the ladder in the morning.
Overall, for the price, this is a great roof top tent but it’s missing some of the features you get when you spend a little more.
Pros
- Set up takes less than 1 minute
- Easy to mount and install
- Durable and long-lasting
- Handles wind and rain well
- Very affordable
- Good ventilation
Cons
- The awning sags and collects water
- Not a full-coverage rainfly
- Not much storage space
Product Information
- Type: Softshell
- Floor Area: 78 x 48 inches
- Max Height: 50 inches
- Weight: 159 lbs
- Sleeps: 2
Front Runner Roof Top Tent
The Front Runner Roof Top Tent isn’t the cheapest roof top tent around but it’s not bad and the extra you’ll spend on it, you’ll save it gas hauling it around.
This roof top tent has the lowest profile on the market at just 7.78 inches and it’s incredibly light weighing 93 lbs, a good 50 lbs less than the competition.
This means more gallons per mile so it might cost you a few hundred extra bucks upfront but you’re saving in the long run.
The roof top tent is made from an aluminum baseplate and poles along with a 400D oxford body and 200D oxford rainfly, both of which are waterproofed to keep you dry.
The install is quite simple, setup is easy, and once inside there is a comfy mattress plus a window in every direction for amazing views and great ventilation, plus a sunroof to let any hot air out.
The interior is spacious enough for two adults to sleep comfortably and you can even squeeze a kid in there along with you.
The one issue this rooftop tent has is the cover’s zipper. It’s catchy and after a while, it can wear out, so bear that in mind.
Pros
- Lightweight with a low profile
- Great mesh windows for views and venting
- Sunroof mesh for star gazing and a breeze
- Super durable and handles the weather well
- Easy to install and set up
- Spacious and comfy for 2 adults
Cons
- A little expensive
- The cover's zipper is catchy
Product Information
- Type: Softshell
- Floor Area: 51 x 93 inches
- Max Height: 46 inches
- Weight: 93 lbs
- Sleeps: 2
Thule Tepui Kukenam 3 Roof Top Tent
The Thule Tepui Kukenam 3 Roof Top Tent is a tad more expensive than the other roof top tents featured so far but it is a lot more spacious and can fit up to 3 adults in it, just about.
The tent is built from a light aluminum structure with a 600D poly-cotton base and rainfly that is waterproof and designed to handle camping in every season and last a long time.
Setting it up is easy with the telescoping ladder and once up you have mesh windows in every direction each with its own awnings so you can keep them open, even when it’s raining, for excellent ventilation.
The rooftop tent also comes with a comfy mattress, so all you need to add are pillows and a duvet. Inside you’ll also find 4 storage pockets for any camping supplies and valuables.
This roof top tent is easy to install but it is heavy to get into the roof of your car. You’ll also have to buy an aftermarket roof rack to mount it as it’s too heavy for the ones that come with your car – adding to the already expensive costs.
Overall, if you’re prepared to spend a bit more, you get a top-quality roof top tent with a load of space that is going to last.
Pros
- Durable and long-lasting build
- Solid waterproofing keeps you dry
- Spacious for 2, a little tight for 3
- Great ventilation to reduce internal moisture
- Good internal storage pockets
- Easy to use telescoping ladder
Cons
- More expensive than others
- An aftermarket roof rack is required to mount
- Quite heavy
Product Information
- Type: Softshell
- Floor Area: 96 x 56 inches
- Max Height: 52 inches
- Weight: 131 lbs
- Sleeps: 3
LEER Gear Roof Top Tent
The LEER Gear Roof Top Tent is another more expensive but more spacious roof top tent option. This might cost a bit more but there is room enough for 3 or for 2 people to sleep in luxury.
Made from a blend of durable 260g polyester and cotton, the outer layer and rainfly are super tough and fully treated for excellent protection from the wind and rain.
Installing it is quite simple but it is heavy at 130 lbs so you might need a different roof rack to support it and two or three people to shift it up there.
Once installed, setting it up for the night is quick and easy, so it packing it away. When packed, the 1000g PVC cover protects the tent from everything.
Inside you’ll find a comfy mattress, storage pockets, 2 sky panels plus 4 windows with awnings. The views are awesome, you can stare at the stars at night, and you’ll have all the ventilation you need.
Pros
- Built from quality materials that last
- Spacious enough for 3 people
- 2 sky panels for star gazing/ventilation
- Excellent all-season weatherproofing
- Quick and simple to set up/pack away
- Great protective travel cover
Cons
- A bit expensive compared to others
- Heavy for gas mileage and installation
Product Information
- Type: Softshell
- Floor Area: 96 x 56 inches
- Max Height: 52 inches
- Weight: 130 lbs
- Sleeps: 3
Silverwing SWT80S Soft Roof Top Tent
The Silverwing SWT80S Soft Roof Top Tent is a very affordable roof top tent and it’s great quality too if you’re prepared to battle a little bit on the installation.
This roof top tent is made for 2 people and there is more than enough space for two adults to sleep comfortabaly. The interior height is a little short but for the price, we can let that go.
The tent body is made with a waterproof 600D fabric and comes with a waterproof 420D rainfly making it both super durable and excellent at stopping any rain from getting inside.
There are 3 windows all with mesh and full closures plus awnings so they can stay open in the rain. This gives you great views and great ventilation in the hot summer months.
Setting up takes about 5 minutes, the pack down is 10 minutes, and when stowed it’s fully protected under the 1000D PVC cover. It’s also super light at 90 lbs, so you’ll save a bit on gas too.
The installation is a pain, the instructions are terrible, and you’re best looking online for a how to video than reading them.
Pros
- Great price for the quality
- Easy to set up and pack away
- Comfy and spacious for 2 adults
- Durable materials with great weatherproofing
- Ample internal storage
- Lightweight for saving gas mileage
Cons
- Not easy to install
- The mattress is a little hard
Product Information
- Type: Softshell
- Floor Area: 95 x 48 inches
- Max Height: 40 inches
- Weight: 90 lbs
- Sleeps: 2
BZTANG Roof Top Tent
The last cheap roof top tent of the review is the BZTANG Roof Top Tent.
This is one of the most affordable roof top tents featured and it does a pretty good job for the price.
Made with a lightweight aluminum frame and 420D Oxford cloth with a PU coating, it has a durable build that’s made to last.
The Oxford material is waterproofed to up to 2000mm meaning it will handle some heavy rainfall with ease, especially with the rainfly.
Inside you’ll find 3 mesh windows, storage pockets, and there is even a rear panel so you can use the ladder within the tent, ideal when it’s raining.
There is more than enough space for two adults to sleep comfortably inside and the included mattress is ok, but you might want to add a topper for extra softness.
The main issue with this roof top tent is the installation. The instructions are terrible and it is a bit of a battle.
Pros
- Super affordable
- Made from durable materials
- Solid 1500mm-2000mm waterproofing
- Spacious enough for 2
- Easy to set up and pack away
Cons
- Installation instructions are awful
Product Information
- Type: Softshell
- Floor Area: 90 x 48 inches
- Max Height: 42 inches
- Weight: 115
- Sleeps: 2
What To Look For In The Cheapest Roof Top Tents
Type
There are two types of roof top tent to choose from, hardshell and softshell and the first decision you have to make is picking between them, or not when it comes to shopping on a budget.
Hardshell roof top tents are super expensive compared to softshell hence why there are only softshell featured in the reviews above. Softshells aren’t just more affordable, they have other benefits too.
Softshell roof top tents can extend beyond the footprint of your vehicle’s roof making them far more spacious and you can affix annexes and awnings to them, so shopping for a cheaper roof top tent that’s a softshell isn’t a bad thing.
Sleeping Capacity
The next step is working out how many people you want to be able to sleep comfortably in your roof top tent. The larger the tent, the bigger the capacity, the more expensive they are so when shopping for a budget roof top tent, it’s best to stick around the 2-3 person capacity.
To give you an example, most of the affordable 2 person roof top tents are around $1000, go up to 3 and you’re looking at $1750 which is quite a jump.
Interior Space
As you will have noticed, under every one of the cheapest roof top tents review is their specs of floor space and max height. Floor space = mattress dimensions in the roof top tent world, so make sure to do some measuring in the lounge at home so you know how much sleeping space you have to work with. The more the better.
When it comes to max height, the taller the better too, and you’ll want to be able to at least situp without any issues, so measure that height too.
Some roof top tents come with sky panels, and when open you can fully stand up but obviously not when it’s raining.
Every roof top tent also comes with a mattress as standard. Some are more comfortable than others and it pays to read the reviews to see if you’ll need to add a topper for extra cushioning of added insulation.
Installation
One of the most important points to consider when buying a roof top tent is its installation. Roof top tents are heavy, some weigh up to 150lbs or more and will require an aftermarket roof rack to be able to hold them. Others can retrofit to a factory-installed roof rack.
It’s highly recommended to check if your roof rack can handle a heavy roof tent and if not, check the extra price of adding an after-market roof rack before buying your new roof top tent.
Durability & Weather Resistance
When it comes to the materials roof top tents are made from, you can rest easy. Almost all of them use materials with high denier counts that far surpass what normal tents use and their weatherproofing is pretty excellent too.
Go for tents that come with full coverage awnings if you can, as these allow excellent ventilation even when it’s raining. If you live or camp in very wet areas, a full-coverage rainfly is also worth having.
Our Favorite Cheapest Roof Top Tents
The best rooftop tent in the review is the Overland Vehicle Systems Nomadic 2 Roof Top Tent. Durable, spacious, comfy, and affordable with excellent weatherproofing it’s pretty hard to beat at the price point. The install is easy, the cover is tough as nails, and you won’t look back once you have this tent mounted on your rooftop.
- Features: Marine Grade 600D Rip-Stop Polyester Cotton Canvas Water Proof Body, 420D Polyester Oxford Waterproof Rain Fly, 110g Fade-less Gaze Breathable Windows, 3" High Density Foam Mattress with Quilted Cotton Cover, Insulated Base, Marine Grade Stainless Steel Hardware, 1000g Transportation Cover, Tubular Telescoping Ladder, Six Built In Storage Pockets, Storage Loft, Power Bank Pouch, Hand Held LED Light, LED Velcro Strip
- Body Material: 280G Poly Cotton Rip Stop Rainfly Material: 420D Polyester Oxford Waterproof Rainfly Travel Cover: 1000G PVC Heavy Duty Matt Black Travel Cover
The prize for the best all-around rooftop tent goes to the Smittybilt Overlander Tent. It’s a pleasure to sleep in with ample space and storage, great features like LED lights, 12V connection, and a sunroof made it luxurious, and it’s fully weatherproof for all-season use.
- Standard size tent (sleeps 2-3) with high-density 92" x 55" foam double/full mattress and 661 lb. max load
- 600D heavy-duty waterproof top and rain fly; sunroof; side windows with mosquito netting; anodized aluminum tent frame poles; telescopic ladder; interior LED strips and many more features
If you’re looking to spend as little a possible on a rooftop tent but still want one that works and lasts then the Raptor Series Offgrid Voyager Roof Top Tent is the one for you. Affordable with a quality long-lasting build, this tent is super easy to set up, pack away, and it’ll keep you warm and dry where ever you decide to stop for the night.
- Standard size tent (sleeps 2) with high-density 78 x 48in foam double/full mattress and 750 lb. max load
- Sets up and closes in seconds. Unique design eliminates need for additional setup. Heavy duty telescoping 8ft aluminum ladder
