Which Toyota Tacoma rooftop tent is best?

If you’re into off-roading, camping, and overlanding, then the thought of adding a roof tent for your Tacoma has probably crossed your mind (if you don’t already have one). However, which one is best? How do you even begin to choose the right one for your camping adventures? Toyota of Orlando is here with answers.

What is a rooftop tent?

If you’re new to the game, we’ll give you a crash course before we jump in. A rooftop tent is exactly what it sounds like – a tent that’s mounted to the roof of your vehicle (or bed racks if you have a pickup truck). It’s like having a small home away from home that’s easily transported from spot to spot.

Why should you consider a Tacoma rooftop tent?

Here are some of the perks of adding a Tacoma rooftop tent:

• They’re quick and easy to pack away – no messing around with poles and lines every time you stop to camp. You can simply pop the tent up and down in a matter of minutes.
• They’re more affordable than a camper or RV.
• They’re also a lot more portable than a camper or RV – you can still handle off-road terrain and tight spaces without worrying about how your truck + what you’re towing will make it through.
• They’re comfortable – most of them come with a built-in pad or blow-up mattress for you to sleep on, which also means one less thing to bring along for the ride when it comes to your pack list.
• They get you off the ground. Camping in a normal ground tent can be a great experience, but rooftop tents keep you dry, away from mud, snow, and wet ground. They’re also a good way to ward off bugs, snakes, and other pests that might make their way into a ground tent.
• They’re durable. Rooftop tents are built to withstand the elements, and will often last longer than a traditional ground tent.

Plus, the view you get is a lot better – you’re lifted off the ground for a higher viewpoint. Isn’t that what camping’s all about?

There are two main types of rooftop tents – fold-out and pop-up. Both do exactly what their name denotes. Pop-up tents usually come in a hard shell. You’ll also have size options – these tents can sleep anywhere from one to four people comfortably.

There are cons to roof top tents; they’re more expensive than a normal ground tent, and the initial install isn’t a simple process. However, it’s up to you to decide if it’s worth it.

How fast can you assemble a rooftop tent?

When you open and assemble your Tacoma rooftop tent, you can count on a quick setup. Most rooftop tents take 3-6 minutes, depending on the type of tent you have and whether or not you use a rainfly.

How do you choose a Tacoma roof top tent?

Now let’s get into the grit of how to choose the right roof tent for your Tacoma. Here are some things to keep in mind:

Size. How many people will sleep in your Tacoma roof top tent? This will help you narrow your options (and we recommend measuring carefully to make sure the sleeping arrangements will be comfortable).

Weight and rack compatibility. You’ll need to figure out how much weight your roof racks or bed racks can carry, as well as how much overall weight your car or truck can handle. You can check your owner’s manual for this one, as well as the manual for your racks. Be sure to figure in the weight of the tent itself as well as the number of people sleeping in it. Further, make sure that the tent you choose is compatible with the racks you have.

Additional living space. Do you want more living space than just a sleeping area? Some Tacoma rooftop tents offer additional awnings and rooms, or add-ons for later. This can come in handy, especially if you want a changing area or place to set up storage while you’re camping.

Hard top or fabric. Do you want a roof tent with a hard shell, or a lighter fabric one? It’s a personal choice, but it’s good to keep in mind that hard-top tents do offer more durability and longevity as the shell protects your tent from the elements more.

Shipping costs. Because they’re large and heavy, shipping can be pricier for a roof tent. You may want to look for a tent that you can pick up locally if you want to save some money.

The best Tacoma rooftop tents

So, which Tacoma rooftop tents are the best? Here are our top brands to explore:

• ARB
• FreeSpirit
• iKamper
• Overland Vehicle Systems
• Roam Adventure Co.

These are just a few of our faves. There are endless options out there, and it really boils down to which Tacoma roof top tent meets your needs for your next overland adventure.

Need help choosing your next Tacoma rooftop tent? Call Toyota of Orlando today. We’re open seven days a week at (407) 298-4500; you can also stop by and see us at 3575 Vineland Road, just off I-4 near the Millenia Mall.

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