The Fundamentals of Choosing a Roof Tent: A Specialist Explains Everything from Vehicle Types, Load Capacity, Height, and Racks to Installation 🚙
🏕 Imagine what kind of scenery you want to see with your beloved car equipped with a rooftop tent.
A beautiful sunrise, elevated slightly from the ground.
An ocean that's a little further off the beaten path.
Nights spent thinking about where to stay, rather than when to return home.
Weekends where even the moment of opening the tent becomes enjoyable.
The appeal of a rooftop tent isn't just about having an extra sleeping space.
It's about changing how you spend your holidays.
It's about changing the meaning of your car.
And it's about your everyday car becoming the base for your next adventure.
To make that excitement a reality with your own car.
We've organized everything on this page: compatibility with different car models, load capacity, height restrictions, and differences between types.
As a specialist rooftop tent store, we can state this clearly:
This page is your bible for rooftop tent selection, a guide to return to whenever you're unsure.
Table of Contents 🔎
- Basic Knowledge for Choosing a Rooftop Tent
- 1. What kind of trip do you want to have?
- 2. Check the manufacturer's official load capacity
- 3. Calculate the total height with the tent installed
- Dealing with height restrictions
- How rack selection affects installation and overall height
- Basic installation structure
- How car shape affects usability
- Hawks Nest and Crows Nest
- New Zealand and Japanese environments
- Rain, humidity, and mold prevention
- Organize which type suits you
- Lexus Outdoor Concept Example
- Support system for long-term use after purchase
- For those who want to watch videos
- For those who want to know more
- Frequently Asked Questions
- What to know before consulting
Basic Knowledge for Choosing a Rooftop Tent 🚙⛺
When you first consider getting a rooftop tent, your immediate thought is probably,
"Can I install one on my car?"
Here are the first three things you should look at:
- What kind of trip do you want to have?
- Does it match your car model's official manufacturer load capacity?
- Does the total height with the tent installed suit your usual usage?
If you can sort out these three points, choosing a rooftop tent will become much clearer.
If you're unsure, don't feel pressured to decide here. If you know your car's model, year, rack type, and parking height, we can help you verify.
1. What kind of trip do you want to have? 🌿
The first thing to consider isn't specs, but what kind of trip you want to have.
Height and load capacity are, of course, important. However, some people might change their parking situation for the sake of a trip. Some have a separate car for leisure, apart from their daily driver. Conversely, for those who use the same car for daily commutes and shopping, height restrictions might be the top priority.
So, the first thing to look at is:
What kind of holiday do you want to create?
This is where it starts.
The Hawks Nest is suited for journeys involving frequent travel 🦅
The Hawks Nest is ideal for trips where you stop, open, rest, and then head to the next location.
Its quick setup and takedown are appealing, as they minimize disruption to your travel pace.
This rooftop tent is well-suited for scenarios like driving along the coast, setting it up briefly in the evening, and then packing it up quickly in the morning to head to the next scenic spot.
The Hawks Nest also becomes a viable option for those who want to keep the height low or prioritize a balance with daily use.
The Crows Nest is for those who want to fully immerse themselves in camping time 🪶
The Crows Nest is for people who want to enjoy the entire process, including the time it takes to set up the tent.
Removing the cover, extending the ladder, and watching the tent unfold – that slight effort acts as a switch, drawing you into the camping experience.
The extended type adds approximately 70cm of rain catchment around the entrance, making it easy to enter and exit even on rainy or snowy days.
The net under the tent can be used to hang lights with carabiners, hang clothes hangers or camping rolls, or even dry wet wetsuits.
When you consider the Crows Nest not just as a place to sleep, but as a tool to create a living space around your car, its advantages become quite clear.
2. Check your car model's official manufacturer load capacity ⚖️
Next, let's look at the vehicle's load capacity.
It's important not to judge solely based on SNS examples or appearances.
Even with what appears to be the same car model, conditions vary depending on the year, grade, presence of roof rails, and type of rack.
The first thing to check is the roof load capacity specified by the vehicle manufacturer.
The basic principle for judgment is this:
Vehicle dynamic load capacity - Rack or crossbar weight = Remaining weight available for the rooftop tent body
For example, confirm whether the rooftop tent you are considering fits within the remaining weight after subtracting the weight of the rack or crossbars from the vehicle's load capacity.
It's crucial not to look solely at the rack. If the rack is strong but exceeds the vehicle's official manufacturer load capacity, it's not a safe decision.
Rooftop tents are exposed to wind and vibration while driving. Therefore, we first consider the weight that can be safely carried while driving, not just when parked.
If you're considering a mini-vehicle or compact car, this check is especially important.
We've also organized load capacity checks for mini-vehicles and Jimny-type vehicles in this article:
Can Rooftop Tents be Mounted on Mini Vehicles? Jimny, Taft, Hustler, N-BOX Load Capacity Check
3. Calculate the total height with the tent installed 📏
Just as important as load capacity is the total height after installation.
Can you get into your usual multi-story car park after installing the rooftop tent? Will it fit in your apartment building's parking lot? Can you enter facilities you frequently visit for shopping? Are there any height restrictions on the road to the campsite?
These are practical considerations.
First, measure your car's current height. Then, add the height of the rack and the tent to estimate the total height after installation.
The guideline is based on this idea:
Vehicle height + Rack height (approx. 10-15cm) + Rooftop tent storage height = Approximate total height after installation
For Feldon Shelter, the approximate figures are as follows:
| Model | Height Consideration |
|---|---|
| Hawks Nest Low-Pro | Add approximately 17cm |
| Hawks Nest Standard / Wide | Add approximately 21cm |
| Crows Nest | Add approximately 45cm |
Considering the Hawks Nest Low-Pro at approximately 17cm and the Standard / Wide at approximately 21cm is to provide a little more leeway than the official figures and avoid making judgments based solely on precise numbers.
The height of the rack varies by type. It can be kept low with crossbars, or it can increase with flat racks or cargo racks.
Therefore, ultimately, you need to consider your current car height, the rack you'll use, the tent you choose, and the height of your usual parking space—all four together.
Height restrictions are easier to understand when considered at 2.1m, 2.2m, and 2.3m 🚧
If you're concerned about height restrictions, first check the height of the places you use frequently.
As a guideline, 2.1m, 2.2m, and 2.3m are major benchmarks.
| Height Restriction | Consideration |
|---|---|
| 2.1m | Quite critical. Requires careful selection of car model, rack, and tent. |
| 2.2m | Realistic for some car models. Check including rack height. |
| 2.3m | A common benchmark seen in commercial facilities. Offers wider options. |
| 2.5m | Unless it's a lifted vehicle, most configurations allow for ample clearance. |
Especially when aiming for a 2.1m restriction, it's safer not to decide based solely on theoretical calculations.
We had a case where a customer with a Delica combined it with a Hawks Nest Low-Pro, and we checked together, assuming a 2.1m restriction.
In this instance, we carefully monitored the height after tent installation, using the actual measurements from the previous rack installation as a baseline.
As a result, we confirmed that the actual measurements were approximately 2085mm at the front and 2095mm at the rear, fitting within 2.1m.
Since even a few millimeters could change the outcome, the final decision was made with the understanding that on-site verification with the actual vehicle was essential.
In this way, even with height restrictions, by organizing combinations and measurement methods, you can specifically determine how realistic it is.
How to achieve the ideal height 🧰
If you want to keep the height as low as possible, there are several methods you can consider:
- Lowering the rack
- Reducing the tent's stored height
- Checking for protrusions from ladders or accessories
- Separating usage periods when not camping
- Re-evaluating the vehicle's specifications
Of course, not all cars can implement all these options.
Nevertheless, if you're determined to install one, you can organize your choices one by one.
For instance, you could store the ladder separately when not camping, or consider options that involve the vehicle's specifications.
However, the more you try to minimize height, the less safety margin you'll have. Will you aim for 2.1m, can you tolerate 2.2m, or are you willing to accept up to 2.3m?
Where do you draw the line between travel and everyday life?
Deciding this will make your selection much more practical.
If you're unsure, tell us your car's height, parking space height, the tent you're considering, and the type of rack. We can help you sort it out.
Rack selection changes installation and overall height 🚙🧰
A rooftop tent isn't solely determined by the tent body itself.
The rack positioned between the car and the tent affects ease of installation, overall height, and appearance.
Key points to check include:
- Is the rack suitable for your car model?
- Is the rack's load capacity sufficient?
- How much height will be added, including the rack?
- Should you choose crossbars or a flat rack?
- Can the tent be properly secured?
Choosing the wrong rack can lead to difficulties with mounting conditions or height, even if the tent itself is good.
The differences between crossbars, flat racks, and cargo racks are thoroughly explained in a separate article:
How to choose a roof rack for a rooftop tent | Crossbar, flat rack, cargo rack comparison
Knowing the basic installation structure beforehand brings peace of mind 🔧
A rooftop tent isn't just placed on top of a car.
Most rooftop tents use mounting channels located under the tent to secure it to crossbars or a rack.
Basically, the structure involves fixing the mounting channels under the tent perpendicular to the crossbars.
Understanding this will help you determine if the rack's bar positions are suitable, whether to shift the tent forward or backward, whether to open it from the rear or the side, if it will obstruct access to the rear hatch or luggage, and how much the overall height will increase after installation.
At REGRESS, we also explain installation methods in detail on YouTube. If you find it difficult to visualize from text alone, watching the video beforehand will help you grasp the overall picture of the installation process.
Additionally, a "Pre-Installation Check Guide" and a simple PDF will be added later. These will be compiled into an easy-to-read format to serve as an entry point for verifying car model, rack, and tent combinations, even before purchase.
Formal installation procedures and detailed fastening methods may vary depending on the model and installation conditions. Always refer to the latest instruction manual for the relevant model before actual installation.
The car's shape changes the usability of a rooftop tent 🚙
Even with the same rooftop tent, its usability varies depending on the car it's mounted on.
Here, we consider the car's shape, not just its model name.
For SUVs and Crossovers 🚙
SUVs like the RAV4, Land Cruiser, Prado, Lexus GX, Lexus LX, Defender, and G-Class are relatively easy to imagine pairing with a rooftop tent.
The car's character often aligns well with the idea of venturing into nature, and the overall aesthetic with a rooftop tent tends to be cohesive.
However, since SUVs often have a high ride height to begin with, attention must be paid to height restrictions.
Especially for those who use multi-story car parks, be sure to check the total height, including not just the tent body but also the rack.
For box-type vehicles and minivans 🚐
Box-type vehicles and minivans like the Hiace, Caravan, Delica D:5, Granace, and V-Class are excellent candidates for rooftop tents due to their ample cargo space and roomy interiors.
For box-type vehicles in particular, how you use the rear hatch area is crucial.
Taking out luggage. Changing clothes. Putting on shoes. Organizing children's belongings.
The usability on-site will change depending on whether these movements are obstructed.
Choosing a side-opening type can sometimes help preserve the usability of the space under the rear hatch.
The concept of pairing a Hawks Nest V2 SIDE with a box-type vehicle is further explained in a separate article:
For Kei cars and compact cars 🚙
When considering kei cars or compact cars like the Jimny, Taft, Hustler, or N-BOX, checking the load capacity is especially important.
Even if it looks like it can be mounted, you need to consider the vehicle's official manufacturer load capacity, the weight of the rack, and the weight of the tent body combined.
Additionally, kei cars have limited width and roof length, so attention must be paid to the tent's size and opening direction.
More details are organized in the article on load capacity checks for kei cars.
Can Rooftop Tents be Mounted on Mini Vehicles? Jimny, Taft, Hustler, N-BOX Load Capacity Check
For pickup trucks 🛻
Pickup trucks like the Hilux, Triton, Tacoma, and Gladiator offer significant flexibility when combining them with rooftop tents.
Installation methods broadly include mounting on the cabin, on the bed, on a canopy, using a bed rack kit, building a roll cage, or using a canopy-type universal rack.
Typically, it's often simpler to consolidate the tent and rack support points on the bed side.
However, hard-shell types like the Hawks Nest, which are longer, may not fit entirely within the bed and might extend slightly over the cabin.
For the Crows Nest as well, the approach to the cabin side and bed side varies depending on the installation method.
One thing to be careful about is configurations that span both the cabin and the bed.
Because pickup trucks have separate cabin and bed structures, their movements can slightly differ during driving or off-road travel. Therefore, fixing across both the cabin and bed might make the vehicle more susceptible to chassis torsion.
While the judgment varies depending on usage and terrain, the basic principle is to first consider where to consolidate the support base for installation.
Outdoor × Pickup Truck | Transformer Style Combining Rooftop Tents
Why FELDON SHELTER has two distinct directions 🌿
Feldon Shelter offers two significantly different approaches: the Hawks Nest and the Crows Nest.
This isn't merely to expand the product lineup.
It's because there isn't just one way to travel.
The Hawks Nest is a hard-shell type suited for journeys with frequent movement.
Stop, open, rest. In the morning, quickly pack up and head to the next location.
Its appeal lies in not disrupting the pace of travel.
The Crows Nest is a soft-shell type for those who want to take their time and enjoy the camping experience.
You can enjoy the time spent setting up, arranging gear, and relaxing under the tent.
Neither one is exclusively correct.
Do you view the tent merely as a place to sleep? Or as a tool to create a living space around your car? Do you want to move lightly? Or do you want to immerse yourself deeply in camping time?
Considering these points will naturally guide you to the type that suits you best.
Rooftop tents born in New Zealand, nurtured in the Japanese environment 🇳🇿🌿
Feldon Shelter is a rooftop tent brand born in New Zealand.
New Zealand experiences rain, wind, and snow. Some regions even have "four seasons in one day" due to rapidly changing weather.
Meanwhile, Japan also has four distinct seasons.
Spring, summer, autumn, winter. Rain, humidity, snow, strong sunlight. Especially in Japan, the humidity during the rainy season and the hot and humid summers cannot be overlooked.
New Zealand has strong UV radiation, requiring resistance to wind and changing weather. Japan requires consideration for humidity, the rainy season, and storage conditions.
The environments are not entirely identical. Nevertheless, the demands are different from equipment designed only for dry desert regions.
Feldon Shelter entered the Japanese market before rooftop tents became as common as they are today.
During this time, we have accumulated experience in model improvements and sales approaches, observing Japanese cars, Japanese parking lots, Japanese rain, Japanese humidity, and the usage patterns of Japanese customers.
This is a detail that might be overlooked when simply selling imported rooftop tents.
To enjoy using them comfortably in Japan, it's necessary to consider not only the product itself, but also its combination with cars, storage, installation, and maintenance.
See the difference between FELDON SHELTER and other products
Considering rain, humidity, and mold prevention ☔
A rooftop tent is a tool you want to use for a long time, not just something you buy in an instant.
You might use it on rainy days. It might get wet with morning dew. It might absorb moisture during the rainy season.
Therefore, proper drying and storage after use are crucial.
Leaving it closed while wet for too long can lead to mold and odors.
Unfold and dry it after rain. Air it out on sunny days. Don't leave bedding inside for too long. Use dehumidifiers during humid periods.
These small maintenance steps are effective for long-term, comfortable use.
Mold prevention during the rainy season is explained in detail in a separate article:
Tent Mold Prevention During Rainy Season
Once organized, the reasons for your choice become clear 🌿
Once you've organized everything, choosing a rooftop tent becomes quite simple.
- What kind of trip do you want to have?
- Does it match your car model's official manufacturer load capacity?
- Does the total height with the tent installed suit your usual usage?
After considering these three points, you can then decide between a Hawks Nest or a Crows Nest, or consider other combinations to suit your vehicle.
The choice becomes clear.
| Usage | Suitable Type |
|---|---|
| Want to travel with frequent movement | Hawks Nest |
| Want to keep the height low | Hawks Nest Low-Pro |
| Want to enjoy camping time at a leisurely pace | Crows Nest |
| Want to use the space under the tent too | Crows Nest Extended |
| Box-type car, want to utilize the rear hatch | Hawks Nest V2 SIDE |
| Want to use it comfortably with family | Larger size / Family-friendly configuration |
| Considering for a kei car or compact car | Prioritize checking load capacity and rack conditions |
This table is merely an introduction.
In reality, the decision changes depending on the car model, rack, parking environment, number of users, and desired destinations.
Proven track record, also adopted for Lexus's outdoor concept 🚙
Feldon Shelter has a proven track record, having been adopted for LEXUS's outdoor concept.
At the Tokyo Outdoor Show, LEXUS's outdoor concept featured a Feldon Shelter rooftop tent as one of the pieces of equipment connecting the vehicle with nature.
This was not merely an exhibition of a tent placed on top of a car.
It was a proposal about what kind of equipment suits a car that travels between city and nature. How one can spend time in nature without compromising the car's design and worldview.
A rooftop tent was integrated into such a proposal.
More details are introduced in the LEXUS OUTDOOR CONCEPT article.
LEXUS OUTDOOR CONCEPT × FELDON SHELTER
Support system for long-term use after purchase 🛠️
A rooftop tent is a tool you want to choose with consideration for the entire period of use, not just the moment of purchase.
FELDON SHELTER rooftop tents are designed for long-term use, and we can discuss replacement parts for certain repairs.
We accept consultations for replacement and repair of mattresses, rain flies, soft covers, ladders, tent fabric parts, etc., depending on the usage conditions and model.
FELDON SHELTER JAPAN will guide you on the compatibility, feasibility of replacement, and pricing of repair parts after checking the product's condition.
For used or transferred products, consultations are also possible after checking the model and condition. However, the treatment may differ from the preferential treatment and warranty for regular purchasers.
If significant repairs are needed, it may be better to consider a new product or an exhibition model.
Consult about rooftop tent repair parts
For those who want to watch videos ▶️
Sometimes, it's hard to grasp the movement and size of a rooftop tent from text alone.
In such cases, watching actual setup and installation processes on YouTube is recommended.
REGRESS offers videos on rooftop tent installation methods, size differences, how to use family sizes, and detailed interior equipment.
Start by watching what interests you most.
- How to Install a Rooftop Tent
- Differences between Crows Nest Regular and Extended
- Family Size Introduction
- Rooftop Tent Interior Introduction
For those who want to know more 🔎
You don't have to decide everything about choosing a rooftop tent at once.
By checking the points that concern you, you'll naturally find the right fit.
For those unsure about rack selection
Crossbars, flat racks, and cargo racks differ in weight, height, and appearance.
How to choose a roof rack for a rooftop tent
For those considering kei cars or Jimny-type vehicles
For Jimny, Taft, Hustler, N-BOX, etc., first organize your understanding of load capacity.
Can rooftop tents be mounted on mini vehicles?
For those considering box-type cars or Hiace-type vehicles
If you want to utilize the rear hatch and luggage access, checking compatibility with side-opening types can help you decide.
Box-type car × HAWK’S NEST V2 SIDE
For those who want to use it with a pickup truck
If you want to consider configurations that utilize the bed for vehicles like the Hilux, Triton, Tacoma, and Gladiator, please refer to this.
Outdoor × Pickup Truck | Transformer Style Combining Rooftop Tents
For those who want to use it with family
Considering space, entry/exit, luggage placement, and ease of use with children will make it easier to choose.
Feldon Shelter's most popular product is the extra-large family size
For those concerned about rain and humidity
Drying after rain, during the rainy season, and mold prevention are crucial for long-term use.
Tent Mold Prevention During Rainy Season
For those who want to see a real-world example with Lexus
If you want to see a real-world example of the relationship between an SUV that travels between the city and nature and a rooftop tent, please refer to this.
LEXUS OUTDOOR CONCEPT × FELDON SHELTER
For those who want to compare with camper vans or ground tents
If you want to compare the differences between rooftop tents, camper vans, and ground tents, please refer to this.
Camper Van vs. Camping vs. Rooftop Tent | Which is the optimal solution for free travel?
For those unsure between Hawks Nest and Crows Nest
If you want to choose based on structural differences, weight, and usage, please refer to this.
For those who want to check about warranty and shipping
Please check the warranty period for rooftop tents and the shipping methods/costs for large items here before purchasing.
View Roof Tent Product Warranty
View Shipping Policy and Fees
Frequently Asked Questions ❓
Q. I'm not sure if I can install a roof tent on my car.
It will be easier to determine if you know your car make and model, year, trim level, the rack you plan to install, and the roof tent you are considering. If you are unsure, please consult us with at least your car make and model first.
Q. Is it okay if the rack is strong enough?
You cannot judge by the rack alone. You need to check the official roof load capacity from the vehicle manufacturer, the weight of the rack, and the weight of the roof tent itself.
Q. Can I enter a multi-story car park?
Check by adding the vehicle height, rack height, and tent storage height. If you're aiming for the 2.1m limit, it's quite strict, so it's safer to assume actual measurements.
Q. Is 2.3m a convenient height?
2.3m is a common height limit seen in commercial facilities and elsewhere. However, it doesn't mean you can enter all places, so please check the height of the parking lots and facilities you usually use.
Q. Which is better, Hawk's Nest or Crow's Nest?
If you prioritize frequent travel and quick setup/teardown, Hawk's Nest is suitable. If you want to take your time and enjoy camping, Crow's Nest is a better fit.
Q. Can it be installed on a kei car (mini car)?
This needs to be checked for each car model. In particular, please first confirm the official manufacturer's load capacity, rack weight, and tent body weight.
Q. Can I use it on a rainy day?
While use is possible, you need to consider the amount of rain, wind, and drying after use. It's important not to leave it closed for a long time while wet.
Q. Can I install it myself?
This varies depending on the combination of car model, rack, and tent. We also introduce the installation process on YouTube, but if you are unsure, do not make a judgment on your own; please consult us in advance.
Q. Is there an installation manual in PDF?
There is an official manual. We also plan to prepare a simplified pre-installation check guide PDF that is easy to check before purchase. Once available, it will be accessible from this page.
Q. Can I consult about repair parts after purchase?
Yes. For FELDON SHELTER roof tents, you can consult about some repair parts such as mattresses, rainflies, soft covers, ladders, and tent fabric. FELDON SHELTER JAPAN will provide guidance on compatibility, possibility of replacement, and pricing after checking the product condition and model.
Q. I am considering purchasing a used FELDON SHELTER roof tent. Can I receive support?
Even for used or transferred items, you can consult about repair parts and the possibility of replacement after checking the model and condition. However, the treatment may differ from the preferential treatment and warranty for official purchasers. FELDON SHELTER JAPAN will provide guidance after checking condition photos, model name, and purchase channel.
Q. Are the prices for repair parts listed?
Prices for repair parts may vary depending on the product condition, model, and replacement content, so we do not publish a uniform price list on the public page. FELDON SHELTER JAPAN will provide individual guidance after checking the condition.
Q. Can I purchase replacement parts for frames and skeletal structures?
Structural components such as frames and skeletal structures, which are related to safety, are not available for general sale. For malfunctions of new purchasers, etc., individual confirmation will be made depending on the situation, so please consult FELDON SHELTER JAPAN first.
Frequently asked questions about rooftop tents in general are also summarized here.
To get quick answers, please provide these 5 points before consulting 📩
If you want to confirm the compatibility of a roof tent, it will be easier to determine if you have the following 5 points:
- Car make and model
- Year
- Trim level
- Part number of the rack you plan to install
- Name of the roof tent you are considering
It's okay if you don't know all of them. Please consult us with what you know first.
