Rooftop Tents in Newcastle

Your roof rack must be strong enough to support both the dynamic load (weight while driving) and static load (weight while stationary with people inside). Heavy-duty crossbars or a full-length roof platform are recommended. It’s crucial to ensure your rack is compatible with your tent’s mounting system and your vehicle’s roof rating. Many 4WD accessory centres offer roof rack installation to ensure a secure fit. Improperly mounted rooftop tents can cause damage to your vehicle and are a serious safety risk.

Rooftop tents typically weigh between 50kg and 100kg, depending on the style and materials. Hard-shell models are often heavier due to their casing and mechanisms, while soft-shell tents may weigh less but have larger packing dimensions. It’s important to consider both the tent’s weight and the weight of your roof rack to stay within your vehicle’s roof load capacity. Overloading can affect vehicle handling, fuel economy, and even cause damage to your roof structure or mounts—so always check your figures before installing.

Most rooftop tents are mounted with lockable brackets or bolts, making them difficult to remove quickly. However, like any accessory, they’re not completely theft-proof. Some owners add additional locking mechanisms or security cables for peace of mind, especially if leaving their vehicle unattended for extended periods. You can also choose to remove the tent between trips if security is a major concern. As with all gear, parking in safe, well-lit areas and keeping valuables inside the vehicle helps reduce risk.