Introduction
So many great sites in WA and Australia can only be fully experienced by camping with your trusty tent, like Honeymoon Pools near Collie or Shelley Beach in Albany. But, there’s an even better option available that still lets you enjoy these picturesque locations. Hiring a 4WD with a rooftop tent for your next adventure has such a huge range of benefits you won’t even look twice at your old tent.
Here’s why we recommend a 4WD with a roof tent over a ground tent:
Portability and space efficiency
Depending on the size of your ground tent, it can take up a lot of precious room in the back of your car. Ground tents can also be very heavy, making them hard to lift in and out of your car. When your car is fully loaded with a fridge, cooking equipment, tables, chairs, fishing rods, clothing, games and everything else you need to pack, a ground tent takes up that precious space. A rooftop tent saves space in your 4WD’s boot and cab by utilising unused roof space.
Ease of setup and pack-up
Rooftop tents take literal seconds to set up. Just attach the ladder, release the latches and let the hydraulic arms do all the work. Pack down is just as easy, simply pull the tent down, relatch it and pack the ladder away. Ground tents, on the other hand, can be a lengthy process to set up. Ground tents require you to wrestle with tent poles, attach the fly, untangle guy ropes and peg everything down – then do it all in reverse again when it’s time to pack up. A lengthy set-up after a long day when all you want to do is relax with a drink is the last thing you want. With a rooftop tent on your 4WD, you can fully pack up in minutes, meaning you can make the most of your day exploring the beautiful landscape.
Comfort and safety
Rooftop tents come with a foam mattress so you don’t have to worry about your inflatable mattress going down during the night. Since you are elevated, rooftop tents also provide protection from puddles/flooding, rough terrain and crawling insects. With a ground tent, the bed is not included. You need to pack an inflatable mattress, a 12v air pump, a patching kit for any leaks or punctures, or a stretcher. These take up even more space in your 4×4. Another benefit of rooftop tents is they keep you away from wildlife such as snakes or dingos.
Weather Protection
Rooftop tents offer better protection from harsh weather conditions compared to ground tents. Elevated above the ground, you avoid issues like water pooling during rainstorms or the risk of mud entering your sleeping space. The durable construction of rooftop tents also makes them more resistant to high winds and extreme temperatures, providing a safer and more comfortable shelter in unpredictable weather conditions.
Increased Security
Camping in a rooftop tent offers increased security, both in terms of personal safety and your belongings. Being elevated reduces the risk of encounters with wildlife, and having your tent mounted directly to your vehicle provides an added sense of security while sleeping. It also reduces the risk of theft, as your gear remains out of easy reach and visibility from the tent.
Scenic views
With a rooftop tent, you can get some fantastic views. Imagine sitting in bed with your morning coffee enjoying picturesque panoramic views. With a rooftop tent, you have the benefit of being up high – something you can’t get with a regular ground tent.
Want to hire a 4WD with a rooftop tent? Red Dirt Rentals has you covered. The ultimate way to explore even the remotest parts of Australia, our vehicles come fully equipped with navigation and recovery equipment, a fridge/freezer and cooking equipment, table and chairs and the reliable rooftop tent with a comfy mattress. Ready to start your adventure? Get a quote here.