FAQs

It mostly comes down to how many people are sleeping up top and how quickly you want to set up:

• THRE360: a softshell tent with a hard aluminium top and base. It's our quickest to put up (under a minute) and sleeps two.
• Summit: a king-size 160 x 240cm sleeping area that sleeps three adults, with a 60mm memory foam mattress.
• Horizon: a full aluminium hardshell for two people, with gas-strut opening and a roof rack on top that carries up to 100kg.
• Discovery: a hybrid hard-and-softshell design with our largest sleeping space. It sleeps two adults and one child.

Still not sure? Try our Find Your Tent quiz or book a demo at our Swindon HQ.

A hardshell (like the Horizon) opens vertically between two rigid shells. It's very quick to open, very weatherproof and good for carrying kit on top. A softshell folds out to give you a bigger sleeping area for the size and weight. The THRE360 sits between the two: it's a softshell, but it closes between a hard aluminium top and base, so the canvas and mattress are protected while you drive.

THRE360: 2 adults. Horizon: up to 2 people. Discovery: 2 adults plus 1 child. Summit: 3 adults.

The THRE360 opens in under a minute and the Summit in under two. The Horizon and Discovery open in a few minutes with gas-strut assistance. No guy ropes, no groundsheet and no poles to thread.

Yes. Our tents are on display at our HQ at 7-8 Westerngate, Swindon SN5 5WN, just off junction 16 of the M4. Book a demo so we can have the tent you're interested in ready to look at.

Most likely. Our tents fit hatchbacks, estates, SUVs, vans and pickups, not just 4x4s. If your car can take roof bars or a roof rack, it can usually take a roof tent. Use our free Car Check to check your vehicle in seconds.

Yes, you need either two good-quality roof bars or a full roof rack. The THRE360, for example, needs either a full roof rack or two standard roof bars. Don't have any yet? Get in touch and we'll recommend the right option. You can also see our UK-made Escapade Roof Rack.

The dynamic roof load is the maximum weight your roof can carry while the vehicle is moving. The tent plus your bars or rack must come in under it. You'll find the figure in your vehicle handbook or from the manufacturer. Your roof bars also have their own limit. When parked, the roof can take much more weight, which is how it supports you sleeping in the tent. Read our guide to dynamic roof load limits.

Yes. We fit roof tents free of charge at our Swindon HQ, just off junction 16 of the M4. Everything is prepared before you arrive. Fitting typically takes around 30 minutes, and you can wait in our waiting room with TV and Wi-Fi. Choose collection at checkout and we'll contact you to book a fitting date.

Yes. Every tent comes with mounting hardware and instructions. Before you buy, check that your vehicle and roof bars or rack can take the tent's weight. Roof tents are heavy, so you'll need at least two people to lift one safely onto the vehicle.

Undo the mounting brackets and lift the tent off with at least two people. Store it flat and somewhere dry. Make sure it's completely dry before you put it into storage.

Yes. The tent bodies use 320gsm ripstop recycled polyester. On the Horizon and Discovery, the rain fly is 600D Oxford polyester with a PU coating, rated to 5,000mm waterproof and UV50+. The aluminium shells and triple seals keep the inside dry while you drive.

Yes. Our tents are built for UK conditions. The blackout interiors, memory foam mattresses and anti-condensation layers under the mattress keep them comfortable outside summer too. In colder weather, good bedding and ventilation make the biggest difference.

The memory foam mattress stays inside every one of our tents. On the THRE360 and Summit you can usually leave light bedding inside too. Just make sure the tent closes properly without forcing it.

Each tent has mesh windows and vents. Open a couple of them even on cold nights so moist air can escape. The condensation layer under the mattress stops moisture from building up underneath it.

Yes, many customers keep theirs fitted all season. Remember the extra height for car parks and garages. Expect some increase in fuel use and wind noise compared with driving with nothing on the roof.

Brush off dirt and leaves, keep the seals clean, and wipe the shell and fabric with mild soapy water. Never store the tent wet. If you have to pack it away damp, open it up to dry within a day or two to prevent mildew. Avoid automatic car washes while the tent is fitted.

• 270° Awning: a self-supporting awning that wraps around the side and rear of your vehicle, with built-in weather-sealed LED strips. It's our largest covered space.
• Discovery Awning and Discovery Annex Room: designed to attach to the Discovery roof tent.
• Summit Awning Room: designed for the Summit roof tent.
• Roof Tent Lightweight Awning: fits the THRE360, Summit and Horizon roof tents and attaches with no tools.
• Large Channel Rail Awning: slots into our Awning Rail, which you can fit to a roof rack, roof bars or your vehicle roof.

The 270° Awning mounts to Escapade roof racks or any standard T-slot system. It's self-supporting, so you can set it up in minutes without pegging out poles.

Yes, it has built-in, weather-sealed LED light strips. Connect any 12V power supply to light them. Power packs aren't included.

Yes. Modular side walls zip onto the awning, and you can add or remove each section individually. They're available in Moss Green and Grey.

Yes. The 270° Awning fits any vehicle with Escapade roof racks or a T-slot system. The Large Channel Rail Awning fits our Awning Rail, which you can bolt, bond, clamp or rivet to a roof rack, roof bars or directly to your vehicle roof.

The Lightweight Awning and Large Channel Rail Awning fit with zero tools. The Lightweight Awning attaches to your THRE360, Summit or Horizon roof tent, and the Large Channel Rail Awning slides into our Awning Rail, so you only bring them when you need them. The 270° Awning bolts to your rack or T-slot once, then opens and closes in minutes.

Delivery to mainland UK addresses:

• THRE360, THRE360 clearance and Summit: free UK delivery
• 270° Awning: free UK delivery (Northern Ireland £65)
• Horizon: £175
• Discovery: £199
• Most accessories: from £4.99

Collection from our Swindon HQ is always free, and so is fitting when you collect.

In-stock items normally ship within 1–3 working days. Roof tents travel by specialist courier, and we'll be in touch to arrange delivery.

Yes. Choose collection at checkout and we'll contact you to arrange a time at 7-8 Westerngate, Swindon SN5 5WN. If you're collecting a tent, we'll fit it for free at the same time.

Roof tents and awnings are delivered within the UK only. For international enquiries, email info@escapade4x4.co.uk. Any customs duties or import charges are the buyer's responsibility.

Yes. Pay with Klarna at checkout and spread the cost over up to 24 months interest-free, with no hidden fees. See our finance options for details. Klarna finance is subject to status.

Offers change through the year, for example a free awning with selected tents. The current offer is always shown on each product page. Sign up to our emails to hear about new offers first.

All Escapade products have a 1-year warranty from the date of purchase or delivery. Roof tents get an extra 2 years on the opening-system components. That extended cover is for the supply of the replacement part; fitting and shipping are charged separately. Normal wear and tear and misuse aren't covered. See full warranty terms.

Email warranty@escapade4x4.co.uk with your order number, the tent's serial number (on the label on the inner band of the tent door) and photos of the issue.

You can return unused items in their original packaging within 30 days of delivery. Roof tent returns carry a £50 restocking fee, and return shipping is at your cost unless the product is faulty. We can't accept returns on tents that have been used or installed unless there's a manufacturing defect. See our returns policy.

Email info@escapade4x4.co.uk within 7 days of delivery with photos. We'll arrange a repair, replacement or full refund.