Roof Top Tents
Roof Top Tents: Hard Shell, Soft Shell & Hybrid RTTs for Trucks, SUVs & Cars
A roof top tent lets you camp comfortably anywhere you can park. No need to find a flat, debris-free clearing like you would with a ground tent. You deploy your tent on top of your vehicle, climb the ladder, and sleep elevated off the ground with better views, improved airflow, and protection from ground moisture, mud, and crawling insects. Roof top tents have transformed overlanding from a niche hobby into one of the fastest-growing segments of outdoor adventure, and we carry the largest selection of roof top tents for sale online from brands like iKamper, Tuff Stuff, OVS, Eezi-Awn, FSR, 23Zero, Thule, Smittybilt, Alu-Cab, and more.
Whether you are shopping for hard shell roof top tents that deploy in under a minute, soft shell roof top tents that give you room for the whole family, or pop up roof top tents and clamshell roof top tents with a slim profile for highway driving, you will find every type here. We carry roof top tents for trucks (Tacoma, Tundra, F150, Gladiator, Colorado), roof top tents for SUV and smaller SUVs (4Runner, Subaru Outback, RAV4, Bronco), jeep roof top tents (Wrangler, Gladiator), and car roof top tents for adventurers who want to elevate their camping without a big rig. Every tent ships free.
📞 Not sure which roof top tent is right for you? Call us at 844-200-3979. Tell us your vehicle, how many people need to sleep in it, and your budget. We will match you with the right tent from our lineup of 50+ models.
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Top Rated Roof Top Tents
These are eight of the best roof top tents we sell, chosen across every price range, style, and brand. From a $999 budget soft shell to a $4,999 expedition-grade hard shell, here are the top roof top tents that our community of adventurers purchase, recommend, and bring back for their second rig.
Guana Equipment Wanaka 55"
Price: $1,500.00
Type: Soft shell | Capacity: 2-3 person
Annex: XL included | Load: 770 lbs
Our number one selling roof top tent. The Guana Equipment Wanaka comes with an XL annex included at a price most brands charge for the tent alone. 4-season capable with rugged ripstop canvas, 60mm high-density foam mattress, mesh windows on all four sides, skyview window, and LED light strip. Available in three sizes (55", 64", 72"). The best soft shell roof top tent for value-conscious campers who want room to store gear, bedding, and bags in the annex below. Fits trucks, SUVs, Jeeps, and even smaller SUVs like Subaru Outback with a capable roof rack.
iKamper Skycamp 3.0
Price: $4,595.00
Type: Hard shell clamshell | Capacity: 4 person
Setup: Under 1 minute | Skyview: Panoramic
The iKamper Skycamp 3.0 is the most popular hard shell roof top tent in the world, and for good reason. It sleeps up to 4 people on a king-size mattress, deploys in under 60 seconds with gas struts, and features iKamper's signature panoramic skyview window for stargazing. The hard shell is engineered for durability and quick setup while the expanded interior gives families real space to camp comfortably. Premium quality, built to last, and backed by one of the strongest brands in the overlanding community. The best hard shell roof top tent for families who want the fastest setup and the most room.
OVS TMBK 3-Person RTT
Price: $999.99
Type: Soft shell | Capacity: 3 person
Warranty: 4-year | Best For: Budget entry
The cheapest quality roof top tent we sell with a 4-year warranty to back it up. The OVS TMBK gives you a capable 3-person soft shell tent under $1,000. Durable ripstop fabric, foam mattress, telescoping ladder, and mesh windows. Fits most vehicles with a set of cross bars or a roof rack. When people ask us "are roof top tents worth it?" we point them to the TMBK. It gets you off the ground, into the stars, and on the road with minimal investment. The best cheap roof top tent that does not sacrifice on quality.
OVS Mamba 3 Hard Shell
Price: $2,399.99
Type: Hard shell clamshell | Capacity: 3 person
Setup: Under 1 minute | Warranty: 4-year
The OVS Mamba 3 is the best value hard shell roof top tent on the market. Aircraft-grade aluminum clamshell with a slim, aerodynamic profile that creates minimal wind drag. 600D ripstop canvas, 2" high-density foam mattress with anti-condensation mat, nitrogen gas struts for quick setup, military-grade waterproof seals, and a 4-year warranty. When closed, the Mamba sits low and quiet on your roof rack with virtually no impact on gas mileage. The hardshell roof top tent that delivers premium features at a mid-range price for trucks and SUVs.
Tuff Stuff Alpha II
Price: $3,245.00
Type: Hard shell side-opening | Capacity: 2 person
Shell: ABS with FRP | Insulation: Honeycomb aluminum
The Tuff Stuff Alpha II is a rugged side-opening hard shell roof top tent built for 4-season overlanding trips. ABS plastic shell with FRP reinforcement, heavy-duty honeycomb aluminum insulated floor, 280g poly-cotton ripstop canvas, and a 210D poly-oxford rainfly. Compact enough to bolt onto a truck bed rack or even the cab of a double cab pick up truck. The Alpha II is what we call a true overlanding tent, engineered to serve adventurers who camp in every season and every weather condition. Also available in a 4 person roof top tent version.
Eezi-Awn Blade Hard Shell
Price: $3,495.00
Type: Aluminum clamshell | Capacity: 2 person
Origin: South Africa | Cross Bars: Optional on top
The Eezi-Awn Blade is an expedition-grade aluminum hard shell roof top tent from South Africa. The aluminum clamshell gives you the option of adding cross bars to the top shell to carry boards, kayaks, fishing gear, or camping stuff on top of your tent. 3" thick mattress, premium ripstop poly-cotton canvas, 12v power supply socket, LED light, lockable stainless steel latches, and storage pockets inside. This is a big, heavy, durable tent designed for full size trucks and rugged overlanding rigs that need a tent built to last decades in the backcountry.
FSR Kali King Hybrid
Price: $4,095.00
Type: Hybrid foldout | Capacity: 3-4 person
Fabric: Tri-Layer technology | Mattress: King-size Air-Core
The FSR Kali King is a premium hybrid foldout roof top tent from Freespirit Recreation. It combines a hard shell top with a foldout design that creates a king-size sleeping area. FSR's proprietary Tri-Layer fabric technology provides insulation for year-round comfort. Air-Core hybrid mattress. Built in Colorado by a company with a decade of overlanding expertise. The Kali King is the tent for couples and families who prefer a large roof top tent with premium quality materials and the best sleeping experience you can get above your vehicle.
Alu-Cab Gen 3-R Expedition
Price: $4,999.99
Type: Premium hard shell | Capacity: 2-3 person
Features: 270° awning, drop-down table | Built: South Africa
The Alu-Cab Gen 3-R Expedition is designed for durability and includes features like a 270-degree awning and a drop-down interior table, making it suitable for long-term overlanding trips. This is the tent you purchase when you plan to live out of your rig for weeks or months at a time. Built in South Africa to the same standards that serve African safari guides crossing the most demanding terrain on earth. Premium aluminum construction, integrated accessories, and a level of build quality that no other tent in this price range can match.
Types of Roof Top Tents
Roof top tents can be categorized into soft shell and hard shell types, each offering distinct advantages and disadvantages. Understanding the different styles helps you pick the right tent for your vehicle, your camping style, and your budget.
Hard Shell Roof Top Tents
Hard shell rooftop tents open and close using a rigid top and bottom shell, making them fast, simple, and incredibly durable. Hard shell roof top tents typically offer quicker setup times, often allowing for deployment in under a minute using gas struts. When closed, everything stores inside the shell automatically, keeping your bedding, pillows, and sleeping bag dry and protected without a cover to fuss with. Hard shell models include clamshell roof top tents (hinged on one side, the shell flips open), pop up roof top tents (the shell lifts straight up on all four sides), side-opening tents (the shell opens laterally with a fold-out floor extension for more room), and wedge-style roof top tents designed for aerodynamics and quick setup. Hard top roof tents and hardshell roof top tents are known for their weather resistance and durability, though they typically cost more and offer less interior space per dollar than soft shells. Best hard shell roof top tents we carry: iKamper Skycamp 3.0, OVS Mamba 3, Tuff Stuff Alpha II, Eezi-Awn Blade, FSR Odyssey V2, and Alu-Cab Gen 3-R.
Soft Shell Roof Top Tents
Soft shell rooftop tents fold out using a fabric body supported by poles and frames, offering more space options and better value for families or longer stays. Soft shell rooftop tents generally provide a larger sleeping area, accommodating more people compared to hard shell models. Soft shell tents often provide more interior space and ventilation options. They are generally lighter and more compact when closed, making them easier to transport and store. Soft shell roof top tents with annex capability give you covered storage or additional living areas beneath the tent. The trade-off is longer setup time (typically 3-10 minutes) and the need to pack and unpack a travel cover. Soft shell roof top tents are generally preferred for their affordability, spaciousness, and lighter weight, making them an excellent entry point for casual campers and families. Best soft shell roof top tents we carry: Guana Equipment Wanaka, Smittybilt Gen2 Overlander XL, OVS Nomadic 4 Extended, Tuff Stuff Ranger, and 23Zero Walkabout 72.
Hybrid & Specialty Roof Top Tents
Hybrid roof top tents combine a hard shell top with a foldout fabric body, giving you the durability and style of a hard shell with the spacious interior of a soft shell. The FSR Kali King and FSR Nova are excellent examples. Some roof top tents are designed to attach to various parts of a vehicle, such as the tailgate or bed of a pickup truck, allowing for more versatile camping setups. Truck bed tents like the OVS LD TACT bolt directly to your truck bed rack for a dedicated camping platform. Vehicle roof top tents come in every configuration imaginable, so no matter what you drive, there is a tent built for your rig.
Roof Top Tent Comparison
Compare our most popular roof top tent models side by side. Every model name links directly to the product page where you can view full specs, images, and purchase. RTTs can be expensive, often ranging from $1,000 to over $4,000, so use this table to compare options before making your decision.
| Model | Type | Capacity | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| OVS TMBK 3 | Soft shell | 3 person | $999.99 | Best budget tent, 4-year warranty |
| Front Runner Feather Lite | Soft shell | 2 person | $1,199 | Lightest weight, global brand |
| Smittybilt Overlander Gen1 | Soft shell | 2-3 person | $1,365.99 | Proven classic, budget family |
| Guana Wanaka 55" | Soft shell | 2-3 person | $1,500 | #1 seller, XL annex included |
| Tuff Stuff Ranger 65" | Soft shell | 3 person | $1,705 | Mid-range with annex included |
| OVS Nomadic 4 Extended | Soft shell | 4-5 person | $1,749.99 | Largest soft shell, families |
| Smittybilt Gen2 XL | Soft shell | 3-4 person | $1,949.99 | King-size budget, 4-season |
| OVS Mamba 3 | Hard shell | 3 person | $2,399.99 | Best value hard shell |
| Thule Basin | Hard shell | 2 person | $2,999.95 | Converts to cargo carrier |
| Tuff Stuff Alpha II | Hard shell | 2 person | $3,245 | 4-season, side-opening |
| FSR Odyssey Black Top | Hard shell | 2-3 person | $3,295 | 7" low profile, Tri-Layer fabric |
| Eezi-Awn Blade | Hard shell | 2 person | $3,495 | Expedition-grade, cross bars on top |
| FSR Kali King | Hybrid | 3-4 person | $4,095 | King-size hybrid, Tri-Layer |
| iKamper Skycamp 3.0 | Hard shell | 4 person | $4,595 | Most popular, king mattress |
| Alu-Cab Gen 3-R | Hard shell | 2-3 person | $4,999.99 | Ultimate expedition, 270° awning |
How to Choose the Right Roof Top Tent
Check Your Vehicle First
Most roof top tents weigh more than a hundred pounds, so it is essential to ensure that your vehicle's roof rack can support the weight before making a purchase. To determine if a roof top tent is compatible with your vehicle, check the load capacity of your roof rack and ensure it meets the requirements of the tent model you are considering. Dynamic weight capacity (the weight your roof can handle while driving) is typically between 100-200 lbs. Static weight capacity (when parked) is 3-4 times higher. Adding weight to the roof raises the vehicle's center of gravity, affecting vehicle stability and handling. A full size truck or mid size SUV can handle nearly any tent. Smaller SUVs and cars need lightweight models. We help customers confirm fitment every day, so call us if you are not sure what your rig can carry.
Decide on Capacity and Size
Roof top tents range from small roof top tents for solo campers to large roof top tents that sleep 5-6 people. A 2-person tent is perfect for couples. A 3-person tent fits a small family or a couple who wants extra room. 4 person roof top tents accommodate families with kids. If you camp with more than 4 people, consider a 5-person model like the Tuff Stuff Elite or pair two smaller tents on separate vehicles. When selecting a roof top tent, consider additional features such as annexes, tent durability, and ease of setup, as these can significantly enhance your camping experience.
Budget Tiers
Under $1,500: Quality soft shell tents from OVS, Smittybilt, Front Runner, and Guana Equipment. Ideal for weekend camping and getting started with overlanding. $1,500 - $2,500: Mid-range soft shells with premium fabrics and included annexes, plus entry-level hard shells like the OVS Mamba 3. Great for frequent campers. $2,500 - $4,000: Premium hard shells from Tuff Stuff, FSR, Eezi-Awn, and Thule. Built for 4-season use and serious overlanding. $4,000+: Top-tier models from iKamper, Alu-Cab, and FSR. These are the best roof top tents 2025 for adventurers who want the finest engineering, fastest setup, and most comfortable sleeping experience money can buy.
Roof Top Tent Pros & Cons
Why Overlanders Love Roof Top Tents
The elevation of RTTs allows for better views and ventilation compared to ground-level camping. Being off the ground provides protection from ground moisture, mud, and crawling insects. RTTs allow you to camp anywhere you can park, without needing a flat, debris-free clearing required for ground tents. Most premium RTTs include high-density foam mattresses for comfort, so you sleep better than you would on any sleeping pad in a ground tent. Your bedding stays inside the tent when folded for travel, which means you can pack up and deploy your entire sleeping setup in minutes rather than assembling tent poles, rolling out pads, and inflating mattresses every evening. It is easy to see why the overlanding community prefers roof top tents over ground tents for protection from the elements.
The Trade-offs to Know
The biggest drawback of RTTs is that you cannot drive your vehicle once the tent is deployed, requiring you to pack up your camp to break down and move. The extra weight and wind drag from RTTs can decrease fuel economy by 2 to 4 MPG depending on your rig and tent style. Getting in and out of RTTs requires climbing a ladder, which can pose challenges for pets or small children. RTTs can be expensive, often ranging from $1,000 to over $4,000, and usually require an additional heavy-duty roof rack if your vehicle does not already have one. These are real trade-offs that every buyer should consider, but for most overlanders and camping enthusiasts, the advantages of elevated, comfortable, deploy-anywhere camping far outweigh the drawbacks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are roof top tents worth it?
Yes, for most campers and overlanders. A roof top tent lets you camp anywhere you can park, sleep comfortably on a real mattress above the ground, and set up camp in minutes instead of wrestling with tent poles. You trade some fuel economy and the ability to drive with your tent deployed, but the convenience, comfort, and versatility make roof top tents worth it for anyone who camps regularly. If you camp fewer than 3-4 times a year, a quality ground tent may serve you just as well at a lower cost. If you camp frequently or value fast setup and a comfortable night, an RTT is one of the best investments in your overlanding setup.
How much do roof top tents weigh?
Most roof top tents weigh between 100 and 200 lbs. Lightweight soft shell models like the Front Runner Feather Lite and Tuff Stuff Trailhead weigh around 100-110 lbs. Mid-range soft shells typically weigh 120-145 lbs. Hard shell models range from 130-200+ lbs depending on shell material and size. The lightest roof top tents are small 2-person soft shells designed for vehicles with lower roof load capacities. Always check your vehicle's dynamic weight rating before purchasing to ensure safe handling on the road.
What is the best roof top tent?
It depends on your budget and needs. Our #1 seller is the Guana Equipment Wanaka ($1,500) for its combination of space, included annex, and value. For the best hard shell, the iKamper Skycamp 3.0 ($4,595) is the most popular premium tent with king-size sleeping and 60-second deployment. For best budget pick, the OVS TMBK ($999.99) delivers quality at the lowest price. For expedition use, the Alu-Cab Gen 3-R ($4,999.99) is the ultimate roof top tent with integrated features. Call us at 844-200-3979 and we will recommend the best roof top tent for your specific vehicle, camping style, and budget.
Will a roof top tent fit on my truck or SUV?
Roof top tents fit on virtually any vehicle with a roof rack or truck bed rack that can support the tent's weight. Tacoma roof top tents, 4Runner roof top tents, Jeep Wrangler roof top tents, and roof top tents for Subaru Outback are among our most common setups. For trucks, you can mount a tent on your cab roof rack or on a truck bed rack for roof top tents. For SUVs and cars, a quality set of cross bars or a platform rack is all you need. We have helped customers mount tents on everything from a mid size truck to a Subaru to a Jeep to a full size truck. Call us to confirm fitment for your specific vehicle.
Hard shell or soft shell: which is better?
Hard shell roof top tents are better for quick setup (under 1 minute), durability, aerodynamics, and minimal maintenance. Soft shell roof top tents are better for sleeping space, budget, family camping, and annex capability. Hard shells tend to cost $2,000-$5,000+. Soft shells typically range from $900-$2,500. If you prefer a fast, simple deploy and camp multiple nights a week, go hard shell. If you prefer more room, lower cost, and the option to add an annex for extra living space, go soft shell. Both types work on most vehicles and both handle 4-season weather conditions when built with quality materials.
Do roof top tents affect fuel economy?
Yes. The extra weight and wind drag from RTTs can decrease fuel economy by 2 to 4 MPG depending on the tent style, vehicle, and driving speed. Hard shell tents with slim, aerodynamic profiles (like the OVS Mamba 3 or FSR Odyssey) have less impact on gas mileage than larger soft shell tents that sit higher on the rack. Wedge-style hard shells are designed specifically to minimize drag. The impact is most noticeable on highways at higher speeds. In everyday city driving the difference is smaller. Most overlanders consider the 2-4 MPG trade-off well worth the convenience of having a tent ready to deploy anywhere.
Can I use a roof top tent in winter?
Yes. Many roof top tents are rated for 4-season and winter camping. Hard shell tents with insulated floors and sealed canopies perform especially well in cold weather. Models like the Tuff Stuff Alpha II, FSR Evolution V2, iKamper Skycamp, and Eezi-Awn Blade are all engineered for winter conditions. For soft shells, the Smittybilt Gen2 and OVS Nomadic series with double-insulated bases handle cold temperatures well. Pair your tent with a winter-rated sleeping bag, quality bedding, and a high R-value mattress pad for comfortable winter camping at any campground or backcountry site.
Do you sell used roof top tents?
We sell new roof top tents only, backed by full manufacturer warranties. If you are looking for used roof top tents for sale, check overlanding forums, Facebook marketplace groups, and sites like Expedition Portal or Overland Bound. When buying used, inspect the fabric for UV damage and mold, test all zippers and latches, check the mattress condition, and ensure the mounting hardware is complete. For new roof top tents for sale with free shipping and full warranty coverage, browse our complete selection below or call 844-200-3979.
Why Buy Roof Top Tents from Off Road Tents
We carry 50+ roof top tent models from the most trusted brands in overlanding: iKamper, Tuff Stuff, OVS, Eezi-Awn, FSR (Freespirit Recreation), 23Zero, Thule (Tepui), Smittybilt, Alu-Cab, Guana Equipment, Front Runner, Rhino-Rack, C6 Outdoor, and more. Whether you are looking for tepui roof top tents, thule roof top tents, front runner roof top tents, or any other brand, we stock it. Every roof top tent ships free. Every tent is backed by the manufacturer's full warranty.
We sell truck roof top tents, suv roof top tents, jeep roof top tents for Jeeps and Wranglers, roof top tents for cars and crossovers, cheap roof top tents under $1,000, lightweight roof top tents for smaller vehicles, and the best jeep roof top tents for off road adventures. Roof top car tents, roof top camping tents, and camping roof top tents are all easy to find here because we organize by vehicle type, tent style, capacity, and price. When you call us, you talk to overlanders who have slept in these tents, mounted them on dozens of different vehicles, and helped thousands of customers find the right tent for their rig. We do not push the most expensive models. We push the right tent for your vehicle, your family, your camping style, and your budget. That is why our customers come back for their second and third rig.
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Shop All Roof Top Tents
50+ models. Hard shell, soft shell, hybrid. Every budget. Free shipping on every tent.
