Best Land Rover Roof Tents
Land Rovers, armoured with rooftop tents, are more than vehicles; they're champions of liberty, exploration, and ease in the wild. They paint a trailblazer's journey with a comfort-laden brush, allowing us to unearth unseen wonders, find solace in remote territories, and savour the tranquillity of sleeping beneath a sky with stars.
Can you put a Roof Tent on a Land Rover?
The short answer is, absolutely! One of the significant factors in deciding on a rooftop tent is if it can fit onto your car. Most roof tents are designed to fit many models of cars. When it comes to models like Land Rovers, many people wonder if this car can handle a roof tent. If you are unsure where to begin, later on on this article is a helpful breakdown of buying a roof tent for a Land Rover.
Quick Links
Jump to what you are looking for.
Best Roof Tent Land Rover Builds for Inspiration
In our quest, we've discovered some impressive Land Rover rooftop tent builds online. These build's varied forms and functions echo a captivating narrative of innovative craftsmanship and imagination. Keep reading to find out our top 5 picks. Not into DIY? No worries; we provide you with great ready-made solutions from trusted brands.
Two Person Hardshell Land Rover Build
Hardshell Roof Tent for Land Rover Defender
Shop the Land Rover Defender Build
Quick setup and pack up
When it comes to adventure, flexibility, and utility, the Offtrackfamily decided there was only one vehicle for them - the Land Rover Defender.
However, they wanted to enhance their travelling experience and maximize the utility of the vehicle, which is where their pop-top roof comes into play.
They document their upgrade on their YouTube channel. The result – a roof tent installed in just over 30 seconds, transforms the vehicle into a mobile home, creating ample living space and a comfortable sleeping area within the vehicle.
A true testament to quality and comfort, the roof tent is fitted with large screens for an expansive view, making the vehicle a real home on wheels which you can see on Offtrackfamily’s Instagram page.
If you don't have the time to commit to a long project like Offtrackfamily then we suggest getting a roof rack with a roof tent like the TentBox Cargo
- Sleeping Capacity 2 People
- Body Fabric 260 gram Teflon-coated Polyester Ripstop Material
- Body Frame Lightweight Aluminum
- Mattress 3" Thick Laminated Mattress
- Mounting Rails 4
- Mounting Hardware Set Yes
- Power Supply 12V Power Supply Socket with Supply Cord
- Weight 175 lbs
- Closed Footprint 87” L x 57” W
- Super quick set up in 30 seconds
- Can carry sports equipment on top
- Durable hardshell material
- Space only for two people
- Clamshell design lacks head room
Two Person Roof Tent for Land Rover
Two Person Softshell Roof Tent for Land Rover
View Two Person Softshell Build
Space for 2-3 people
Featured on Us and the Landy, the remarkable 1984 Land Rover 110 camper conversion project began in November 2018. Despite its poor initial condition and extensive rust, the Land Rover held potential, thanks to its solid Defender 200Tdi engine and drivetrain.
The ambitious owners undertook a comprehensive renovation that involved stripping the decades-old interior, tackling the rust issues, and insulating the vehicle for sound and thermal purposes.
The next step involved careful interior construction. From meticulous measurements to organizing a jumble of electrical wires, their hard work resulted in an elegant, efficient living space. They capped off the project by installing gear on the roof rack, including a rooftop tent and side awning.
Still, the building process was quite a rollercoaster for them, and in case you’re embarking on a similar adventure and want quick results with the roof tent, you can check out our ARB Simpson 3 Soft-Shell Rooftop Tent.
- Sleeping Capacity 2-3 People
- Mattress High-Density 63.5mm Bonded Chip Foam Mattress
- Weight 81kg
- Dimensions 1400mm (W) x 2400mm (L) x 1300mm (H)
- Closed Dimensions 1400mm (W) x 1400mm (L) x 300mm (H)
- Ladder Sturdy retractable anodised aluminium ladder
- 2-3 Person size
- Perfect for a couple and & child
- Lightweight
- Longer set up time 5mins
- Less durable than hardshells
Four Person Roof Tent for Land Rover
Four Person Hardshell Roof Tent for Land Rover
View Four Person Hardshell Build
Perfect for couples or a small family
Zach (scout_the_defender on Instagram) is always out for an adventure with his Land Rover that fits perfectly in the imagery of the Lake District and Scotland's rugged terrains like a well-designed set piece. His Land Rover is a vehicle of action, a contrast of polished metal and splashes from ponds and streams from his latest wild exploits.
Nestled atop his faithful Land Rover is a convenient rooftop tent. This contraption pops right out of the roof and is set up instantly. Talk about loving the great outdoors!
But as beautiful as the Scottish landscape is, it tends to leave its mark in the form of good old-fashioned dirt. That's why we recommend a rooftop tent that's easy to clean and maintain, allowing Zach to focus more on his adventures and less on the upkeep.
And speaking of the tent's aesthetics, matching the tent's tone with the Land Rover could make for an even more harmonious fusion of machine and nature.
Finally, while the rooftop tent already looks incredible, we can't help but think that larger windows would do justice to the breathtaking landscapes of Scotland that Zach explores.
We felt the Femkes Khosi Family Hard-Shell Rooftop Tent would be a great addition to Zach’s adventures.
So, here's to Zach, AKA scout_the_defender, ever ready to pop up his tent and embrace the rugged beauty of the wild. We're eager to see where his next journey takes him, hopefully with a tent that gives an even grander view of his extraordinary escapades!
- Sleeping Capacity 4 People
- Body Fabric 200g polyester cotton
- Water Resistance 3000mm HH Rating
- Mattress 4cm High-Density Foam + 1cm Anti-condesation matt
- Closed Dimensions 190 x 140 x 33cm (L x W x H)
- Open Dimensions 180 x 215 x 120cm (L x W x H)
- Sleeping Area 180 x 215 cm
- Weight 70kg
- Ladder 2.3m Telescopic Ladder (2.6m option available)
- Large sleeping capacity for a family
- 4 Person size
- Premium material used
- Quick set up time
- Typically more expensive than softshells
Four Person Softshell Roof Tent for Land Rovers
Four Person Softshell Land Rover Build
View Four Person Softshell Build
Perfect for families and groups of friends.
If you're looking to go camping with the family and want a comfy mattress then the TentBox Lite XL is a great choice. The space is greater than a super king sized bed so if you can fit your family on there you'll be good to go with the XL.
Great materials, great water proofing, double skylight and good storage from one of the UKs biggest roof tent brand. It is a safe bet.
Protection from the sun
All fabric used in the TentBox Lite XL includes UV50+ protection, ensuring that you stay safe and protected from harmful UV rays while camping.
Perfectly sized for Four people
The TentBox Lite XL folds out into a great space for four people to sleep in comfortably. This is ideal for a family of four or 3 adults who really like their space!
With an internal mattress size of 183cm x 240cm (A Super King Sized Bed is typically 180cm x 200cm). So see if you can get your family to all fit on a super king sized bed and you'll have more than enough room in the TentBox XL.
Despite it being such a large size due to the foldable design it has a much smaller form factor when the roof tent is packed away. Folding away into a dimension of 183cm x 120cm x 25cm it's perfect for the majority of cars. So as long as your dynamic limits allow this will be a good choice.
- Sleeping Capacity 4 People
- Water Resistance 3000mm (inner pod) and 5000mm (rainfly)
- Mattress 8cm Dual Layer Mattress
- Open Dimensions 183cm (W) x 240cm (L) x 115cm (H)
- Closed Dimensions 183cm (W) x 120cm (L) x 25cm (H)
- Internal Weight Limit 300kgs
- Weight 62kg
- Large sleeping capacity for 4 people
- Comfortable 8cm dual layer mattress
- Great water resistance up to 5000mm HH Rating
- Double Skylight for views
- Heavy to move and set up
- Set up time roughly 5+ mins
Two Person Roof Tent with Awning for Land Rover
Hardshell for Land Rover with Awning
View Roof Tent & Awning Land Rover Build
Extended cover with an awning
Adventurous, bold, and resourceful – the team at Expedition Rove embodies the true spirit of exploration. They completely overhauled their camper, turning a simple vehicle into a fully equipped mobile home for an expedition stretching from the Arctic to Turkey.
Most impressively, they accomplished this transformation on the road, picking up skills and improvising as their journey progressed which you can check out on their jaw-dropping Instagram page.
Their first modification was the addition of ample storage. Realising the necessity for a well-organised and accessible storage system, they ingeniously integrated storage compartments for boxes and backpacks.
This not only streamlined the process of unpacking and setting up camp but also made their daily life on the road significantly more comfortable.
Their next adaptation was the installation of awnings on all sides of the vehicle. The team also decided to increase the camper's height.
This was a more challenging task that required intricate planning and execution. It, however, paid off by providing more headroom, significantly enhancing comfort during extended periods inside the camper.
Look for an easy solution to the build? Check out the Tent & Trail Adventure Series.
- Sleeping Capacity 2 People
- Body Fabric 260 gram Teflon-coated Polyester Ripstop Material
- Body Frame Lightweight Aluminum
- Mattress 3" Thick Laminated Mattress
- Mounting Rails 4
- Mounting Hardware Set Yes
- Power Supply 12V Power Supply Socket with Supply Cord
- Weight 175 lbs
- Closed Footprint 87” L x 57” W
- Quick set up time
- Space for two
- Awning included
- Skylight for stargazing
- Smaller space than softshell roof tents
Will a Roof Tent fit my Land Rover?
The short answer is, absolutely! Many brands of rooftop tents will easily fit onto your Land Rover.
But before installing a roof tent on your Land Rover, there are a few crucial considerations to keep in mind.
1. Roof Load Capacity
Land Rovers come with specific roof load capacity guidelines. It is essential to check your vehicle's manual or consult with the manufacturer to ensure that the weight of the roof tent, occupants, and any additional gear does not exceed the recommended limit. Exceeding the roof load capacity can lead to safety hazards and damage to your vehicle.
2. Vehicle Dimensions
The dimensions of your Land Rover, including its length, width, and height, will determine the size of the roof tent that can be accommodated. Measure the available space on your vehicle's roof and compare it with the dimensions provided by the roof tent manufacturer to ensure a proper fit.
3. Roof Rack Compatibility
Roof tents are typically installed on roof racks or roof bars. Check if your Land Rover is equipped with a roof rack or if one can be installed. Ensure that the roof rack is compatible with the chosen roof tent model and can support its weight.
4. Installation Process
Consider the ease of installation and removal of the roof tent. Some roof tents require additional tools and multiple people for installation, while others offer a more straightforward and user-friendly setup. Choose a roof tent that suits your preferences and skill level.
Pros & Cons of creating your own Land Rover Build
Pros of Building Your Own Roof Tent
-
Cost Savings: Building your own roof tent can be a more budget-friendly option compared to purchasing a pre-made one. By sourcing materials and using DIY skills, you can significantly reduce the overall cost of the project.
-
Customisation: Building your own roof tent allows for complete customisation according to your preferences. You can tailor the design, features, and materials to meet your specific needs, ensuring a personalised camping experience.
-
Satisfaction of Creation: Constructing your own roof tent can be a fulfilling and rewarding project. It provides a sense of accomplishment and allows you to showcase your craftsmanship and creativity.
-
Learning Experience: Building a roof tent from scratch offers an opportunity to enhance your DIY skills and expand your knowledge. It allows you to gain insights into structural design, material selection, and practical considerations.
Cons of Building Your Own Roof Tent
1. Time and Effort
Building a roof tent requires significant time and effort, especially if you have limited experience in DIY projects. The process involves designing, sourcing materials, and constructing the tent, which can be time-consuming and labor-intensive.
2. Skill and Expertise
Building a roof tent demands a certain level of skill and expertise in carpentry, sewing, and other relevant areas. If you lack these skills, you may face challenges during the construction process.
3. Safety Concerns
Constructing a roof tent involves ensuring structural stability, waterproofing, and proper attachment to the roof rack. If not done correctly, it can pose safety risks, compromising the integrity of the tent and potentially endangering the occupants.
4. Warranty and Support
When building your own roof tent, you won't have the warranty and support provided by manufacturers of pre-made tents. If any issues arise or modifications are needed, you will have to address them independently.
5. Insurability of your vehicle
This is particularly true if you make modifications to your Land Rover by cutting into it or drilling holes. You may invalidate the insurance of your vehicle and if you've purchased your Land Rover brand new you may invalidate the warranty too.
6. Insurability of your vehicle
This is particularly true if you make modifications to your Land Rover by cutting into it or drilling holes. You may invalidate the insurance of your vehicle and if you've purchased your Land Rover brand new you may invalidate the warranty too.
7. Sell-on value of your Land Rover
When you have made modification to your vehicle you have to consider your sell-on value whenever you decide to sell it in the future. Potential buyers may not want the same build you have made and just want to purchase a unmodified vehicle so the buyers market will be smaller
Understanding your Car’s Weight Limits
Some cars offer enough space for all your baggage. But when passenger space is more important, you will have to consider the roof for all the travel gear.
For loading the gear without compromising road safety and risking vehicle damage, it is important to understand the weight limits of your car.
If you are using a car roof for camping, you need to know the static weight limit of your vehicle. But if you are travelling with luggage and weight on the roof, a dynamic weight limit instead will apply.
Static Weight Limit
Static weight limit is the load weight a car can safely hold when it is stationary.
The static weight rating is much higher than the dynamic weight limit.
Other frequently used terms for Static Weight Limit:
-
Gross Vehicle Weight Restriction
-
Gross Vehicle Weight Limit
-
Total Permissible Vehicle Weight
Dynamic Roof Weight Limit
Dynamic weight limit is the weight the roof of a vehicle can safely carry while moving.
When calculating the weight of the belongings to go on the roof, don’t forget to include the weight of the cross bars and racks.
Other frequently used terms for Dynamic Roof Weight Limit:
-
Roof Load
-
Dynamic Roof Capacity
-
Permissible Roof Load
-
Dynamic roof weight rating
Roof Rack and Rooftop Tent Weight Limits
When looking at how much weight can a car hold, it is important to note the weight ratings of the roof rack and the rooftop tents.
At first this can be tricky to understand but once you get it, you get it.
These are the main pieces of information you'll need:
-
The Dynamic Roof Weight Limit of your car
-
The Dynamic Weight Limit of your roof bars or roof rack
-
The weight of your roof bars or roof racks
-
The weight of your Rooftop Tent
-
The weight of any additional car roof items
-
The Static Weight Limit of the car
Using the above we are going check the following weight calculations:
For your roof bars make sure the:
Rooftop Tent Weight + Additional car roof items
is less than
Dynamic Weight Limit of the Roof Rack
For your car roof load make sure the:
Rooftop Tent Weight + Roof Rack Weight + Additional car roof items
is less than
Dynamic Roof Weight Limit
For your Static Weight Limit make sure the:
Gross vehicle weight + Roof Tent + Roof Rack + Additional car roof items + Luggage + Passengers
is less than
If you're still a bit confused and you wish to go through a step by step example then continue reading below:
Let's get calculating!
We'll get calculating step by step with examples.
-
What's the Dynamic Roof Weight Limit of your car
After you've lookup it up in the car manual then we know the weight limit budget we are working towards.
Example:
That means we've got 70kg to play with for the entirety of the items on the roof.
If you're looking to carry items on your roof you will need to plan in advance the items you will be carrying.
This could be your luggage, sports equipment or a rooftop tent to sleep in.
And you'll definitely need roof bars or roof racks to hold these in place.
-
The Dynamic Weight Limit of your roof bars or roof rack
When purchasing your roof bars it's important to understand the dynamic weight limit of the roof bars itself.
This is because the total weight of what you wish to carry must be within this limit.
Example:
This means that your weight budget is 60kg to carry items on the roof bars. So if you're thinking about purchasing a rooftop tent then the weight of the roof tent must be below 60kg.
Let's say you choose the Latitude Pioneer Green as your rooftop tent which is 54kg
This satisfies the following calculation:
For your roof rack or roof bars:
-
The weight of your roof bars or roof racks
Now let's quickly check the weight of the roof bars you've chosen.
Example:
The weight of the roof bars are 8kg
Excellent news. We know that the weight of our rooftop tent is 54kg and the weight of the roof racks are 8kg.
This satisfies the following calculation:
For your dynamic roof weight limit of your car:
-
The Static Weight Limit of your car
We're almost there!
Finally, we need to know the Static Weight Limit of your car which could be phrased as Gross Vehicle Weight Restriction or Gross Vehicle Weight Limit.
Remember, this is the total weight limit of the empty car plus any additional load.
Therefore, we need to know a rough estimate of the weight of your luggage, passenger weight and any additional roof items to add to the rooftop tent and roof rack.
Example:
-
The Static Weight Limit is 3,000kg
-
The weight your luggage is 20kg
-
The weight of a passenger is 70kg and there are four passengers
Perfect!
This satisfies the following calculation:
Gross vehicle weight + Roof Tent + Roof Rack + Additional car roof items + Luggage + Passengers < Static Weight Limit the Car
Gross vehicle weight (2,000kg)
+ Roof Tent (54kg)
+ Roof Rack (8kg)
+ Additional car roof items (0kg)
+ Luggage (20kg)
+ Carrying Four Passengers (4 x 70kg = 280kg)
= 2,362 kg
< Static Weight Limit the Car (3,000kg)
We're all set! Now you can get going picking out your roof bars and rooftop tents understanding the weight limits of your car.
If you add all the items up on the left side of the calculations then you've exceeded the maximum load or carrying capacity of your vehicle where we highly recommend you to reduce the amount of weight you carry.
One final tip:
It is important to increase the tire pressure on all four wheels when carrying a heavy load. This information should be found in the car owners manual. You adjust the air tyre pressure at most petrol stations across the UK.
Once you're not carrying a heavy load remember to reduce your tyre pressure back to the normal recommended level.
Should I Get Roof Bars or a Roof Rack for My Land Rover?
1. Understanding Roof Bars
Roof bars, also known as crossbars, are horizontal bars that are attached to the roof of your Land Rover. They provide a sturdy base for securing various items using straps or clamps. Roof bars are typically made of durable materials such as aluminium or steel and are available in different lengths to accommodate different cargo sizes.
2. Advantages of Roof Bars
Roof bars offer several advantages, including:
-
Versatility: Roof bars allow you to transport a wide range of items, from luggage and sporting equipment to DIY supplies and oversized cargo.
-
Easy Installation: They can be easily installed and removed as needed, providing flexibility when you don't require additional storage space.
-
Improved Aerodynamics: Some roof bars are designed to reduce wind resistance and minimise drag, which can result in improved fuel efficiency.
3. Types of Roof Bars
There are two main types of roof bars:
-
Raised Roof Bars: These roof bars are compatible with Land Rovers that have raised roof rails already installed. They attach to the rails, providing a secure mounting point for your cargo.
-
Flush Roof Bars: If your Land Rover doesn't have raised roof rails, you can opt for flush roof bars. These bars are mounted directly to the roof using specialised fitting kits.
4. Things to Consider When Choosing Roof Bars
Before purchasing roof bars for your Land Rover, consider the following factors:
-
Weight Capacity: Ensure that the roof bars have a weight capacity that can accommodate your intended cargo. It's crucial to check your vehicle's manufacturer specifications to determine the maximum weight limit for your Land Rover.
-
Compatibility: Verify that the roof bars you choose are compatible with your specific Land Rover model. Consider factors such as roof shape, attachment points, and existing roof rails.
-
Durability: Look for roof bars made from high-quality materials that can withstand various weather conditions and provide long-lasting durability.
5. Understanding Roof Racks
While roof bars provide a solid base for securing items, roof racks offer a more comprehensive storage solution. A roof rack consists of bars and a platform or basket that provides a larger storage area compared to roof bars alone. Roof racks are particularly suitable for carrying bulky items like kayaks, canoes, or camping gear.
6. Advantages of Roof Racks
Roof racks provide additional advantages:
-
Increased Storage Space: The larger platform or basket of a roof rack allows you to carry bulkier items that may not fit on roof bars alone.
-
Improved Organisation: Roof racks often come with integrated tie-down points, making it easier to secure your cargo and keep it organised during transportation.
-
Dedicated Mounting Systems: Some roof racks have specialised mounting systems for specific equipment, such as bike carriers or ski holders, offering added convenience and stability.
7. Types of Roof Racks
There are different types of roof racks available for Land Rovers, including:
-
Full-Length Roof Racks: These roof racks extend the entire length of your Land Rover's roof, providing ample space for large and bulky items.
-
Half-Length Roof Racks: Half-length roof racks offer a compromise between storage capacity and retaining some space for other accessories like a sunroof or roof tent.
-
Modular Roof Racks: Modular roof racks consist of various components that can be customised and adjusted to suit your specific needs and cargo requirements.
8. Things to Consider When Choosing Roof Racks
When deciding on a roof rack for your Land Rover, take the following factors into account:
-
Weight Capacity: Ensure that the roof rack can handle the weight of your intended cargo. Check the manufacturer's guidelines to determine the maximum weight limit.
-
Compatibility: Verify that the roof rack you choose is compatible with your Land Rover model, taking into consideration factors such as roof shape, attachment points, and existing roof rails.
-
Access: Consider how easy it is to access your cargo once the roof rack is installed. Some roof racks offer swing-away or fold-down features for convenient access to the rear of your Land Rover.