Car Tent: The Ultimate Camping Upgrade for Your Vehicle

Looking for a car tent that offers comfort, speed, and off-grid freedom? Explore the best rooftop tents for cars and essential accessories for the perfect setup.

What Is a Car Tent?

A car tent — more accurately, a rooftop tent — mounts to your vehicle’s roof bars or rack and unfolds into a full sleeping space above ground. Unlike ground tents, car tents keep you elevated, dry, and away from uneven or muddy surfaces.

Escapade’s range of rooftop tents is specifically designed for UK conditions, making car camping faster, easier, and far more comfortable.

How Does a Rooftop Car Tent Work?

1. Mount the tent to your car’s roof bars or rack system

2. When parked, unlatch the case and unfold or pop open the tent

3. Extend the ladder, climb up, and your camp is ready in under 60 seconds

Car tents are ideal for hatchbacks, estates, crossovers, and SUVs. Just check your car's roof load limits (typically 50–75kg dynamic).

Best Rooftop Car Tents from Escapade

🧭 THRE360 Tent

• Lightweight hardshell

• Aerodynamic and sleek

• Fast setup with gas struts

• Ideal for smaller vehicles or solo campers

🔝 Horizon Rooftop Tent

• Softshell side-fold design

• Built-in blackout lining and mattress

• Powder-coated aluminium frame

• Great for couples and longer trips

🧱 Discovery Rooftop Tent

• Rugged clamshell with integrated roof bars

• Rapid deployment and compact footprint

• Excellent for all-weather touring

What You Need to Mount a Car Tent

To install a rooftop tent, your vehicle must have:

• Roof bars or a platform rack

• A dynamic roof load rating of at least 50–75kg

• A static roof load rating of 200kg or more

Once fitted, the tent can remain on the car full-time or be removed between trips, depending on your needs.

Best Accessories for Car Tent Camping

Enhance your experience and comfort with these highly recommended add-ons:

🌧️ 270° Awning

Wraps around your vehicle to create instant shade and shelter.

🛖 Awning Walls Kit

Transforms your awning into a private, weatherproof room.

🚿 Shower Tent

Pop-up privacy shelter ideal for washing or changing.

🔥 Shower Heater

Enjoy portable hot water on demand — perfect for off-grid trips.

🚽 Lootoo Toilet System

Compact, hygienic, and odour-free waste solution for discreet camping.

❓FAQs

Can I put a rooftop tent on a small car?

Yes — the THRE360 Tent and Aero™ Swing-Away Tent are both suitable for smaller vehicles, provided your roof can support the load.

Are car tents waterproof?

Yes. All Escapade tents are waterproof and built for UK weather, with sealed seams, quality zips, and insulated interiors.

How many people can sleep in a rooftop tent?

Most models sleep 2 adults comfortably. Larger tents like the Horizon offer additional space for a child or dog.

A car tent gives you the freedom to travel and camp wherever the road leads — in total comfort and convenience. With the right rooftop tent and accessories, your vehicle becomes more than just transport. It becomes your home on wheels.