4WD CAMPING & CARAVANNING

The cost of installing a rooftop tent depends on your vehicle setup and whether you already have a roof rack system. If your vehicle is already fitted with compatible crossbars or a platform, installation is often straightforward and may not require professional help. However, if you need a full rack system, costs can increase due to additional mounting hardware and labour. Most rooftop tents are designed to be compatible with standard systems like the Birdsville rooftop tent, which can be installed securely with the right setup.For a full breakdown of what to consider before buying, see this rooftop tent guide.

The best roof top tent depends on how you travel and what you need from your setup. For those heading out on longer cross-country trips with the whole family, the Canning 1300 RTT offers a spacious, tough build that handles anything the Australian outback throws at it. If you want the full package, tent and extra living space in one, the Kakadu Birdsville Rooftop Tent & Annex is a great all-in-one option for serious tourers. For a detailed breakdown of every model's pros and cons, check out our guide to the best roof top tents.

Rooftop tents are a game-changer for 4WD and overland camping, but there are a few trade-offs worth knowing before you buy. First, weight and wind resistance: a tent mounted on your roof adds load and increases drag, which can affect fuel economy on long highway stretches. Second, once your tent is pitched, your vehicle is locked in place for the night, meaning you can't do a quick drive into town without packing everything up. Third, rooftop tents require a compatible roof rack rated to handle the tent's weight plus occupants, so you'll need to check your vehicle's roof load rating before purchasing.Finally, ladder access may not suit everyone. climbing in and out during the night can be a minor inconvenience, especially for young kids or older campers. That said, for most 4WD adventurers, the comfort, elevated sleeping position, and fast camp setup far outweigh these drawbacks.

Both styles have their strengths, and the right choice comes down to your travel style. Hard-shell tents open via gas struts in seconds, pack down to a slim aerodynamic profile on your roof rack, and offer excellent protection against the elements, ideal for travellers who move camp every day and want minimal fuss. Soft-shell tents, like the Tarkine 1400 RTT, use a classic fold-out design and are generally lighter and more affordable, making them a solid choice for smaller SUVs or first-time rooftop campers. They take a little more effort to set up but offer great ventilation and a more spacious feel once open.

A 4WD rooftop tent is a shelter that mounts directly onto your vehicle's roof rack, turning your 4WD into a fully self-contained sleeping platform. Rather than pitching a tent on the ground, you're elevated above the terrain, away from rocks, mud, water runoff, and insects, with a proper mattress and shelter ready to go wherever you park. They're especially popular with Australian overlanders and off-road travellers who cover remote terrain where flat, clear campsites aren't always available. Most models are built from heavy-duty ripstop canvas or polycotton and can handle extreme heat, rain, and corrugated tracks. If you're building out a full touring setup, have a read of our top caravan accessories every Aussie traveller should pack for ideas on rounding out your rig.