A rooftop tent road trip: where do you start?

Start with a weekend.

Renting lets you find out how a rooftop tent works for you. You'll discover what matters: room in bed, climbing the ladder and how much gear you want nearby. Practise packing up and closing the tent together too.

For your first trip, choose a campsite that's easy to access. You won't have to figure out the tent and where you're allowed to sleep at the same time. A few nights can teach you more than another twenty comparison videos.

Look beyond the tent's photo.

Try lying in the tent at a rental company or shop. Is the mattress long and wide enough? Can you both get in easily? How will you get out while the other person sleeps? Ask for a setup and closing demonstration, then try it yourself.

Have the combination of car, roof bars and tent checked. The permitted roof load while driving differs from the load when parked and sleeping in the tent. Check the manuals for the car, bars and tent, and ask a manufacturer or rental company to confirm compatibility. The weight of the bars counts towards the load while driving.

Consider ventilation, where to keep your shoes and what to do with wet gear. Those details matter on a rainy evening.

Leave room between the places you want to see.

A rooftop tent makes every stop seem easy. Moving still takes time: tidying, packing, driving and finding a new place. First mark the places you really want to visit on a map, then decide which to skip this time.

Want to drive out from your campsite? You'll need to close the tent first. Keep that in mind when choosing your base. A walk from the campsite or a village within walking distance can be ideal for a day when you want to stay put.

Agree on how much driving feels comfortable. An extra night in one place leaves time for a walk, a leisurely breakfast or a day of poor weather.

Where will you park for the night?

A rooftop tent doesn't mean you may sleep anywhere. Check the rules for the country and location, and ask permission where needed. A car park with a view isn't automatically a campsite.

Before a driving day, find a place to stay and a backup. Check opening hours, arrival times and whether rooftop tents are allowed. On arrival, check the ground, space for the ladder and the forecast. In poor weather, follow the tent manufacturer's guidance and keep another sleeping option available.

Renting a rooftop tent at your destination.

You can also fly and rent a car with a rooftop tent locally. Before booking, ask which vehicle and tent you'll receive, what camping equipment is included and which roads the rental terms permit. Check insurance, the excess and breakdown assistance too.

Choosing a rental car and planning a route are separate questions. VIA-J helps you discuss your route, pace and overnight ideas. Ask the rental company technical questions about the vehicle or tent.