Using a rooftop tent with your Defender

Rooftop tents have surged in popularity among the 4x4 community, offering an affordable way to add some extra living space without the need to have a caravan or similar in tow. In fact, searches for these handy tent boxes have soared in recent months, reflecting the growing appetite for flexibility when travelling. According to car insurance provider Tempcover, internet searches for rooftop tents have increased by 164% in the past three months!

However, before you strap a rooftop tent on to your Defender, it’s worth being aware of the potential issues that could arise. From added weight and changes in handling, to wind resistance, fuel economy, and even weather safety, there are several things to bear in mind if you want your tent-top trip to run smoothly…

Weight limits

Every vehicle has a roof load limit, and this includes the combined weight of the roof bars, the tent itself, and anything you store inside. Exceeding this limit can put unnecessary strain on your car’s structure and suspension, affect its handling, and may even make your insurance void.

It’s also important to distinguish between a car’s static weight limit (when stationary) and dynamic weight limit (when driving). The latter is usually much lower, and it’s the figure you need to stick to when you’re on the move - you might find it leaves surprisingly little room once you account for racks and fittings.

If you’re also towing a caravan or trailer, you’re already putting your vehicle under extra strain. Staying within the manufacturer’s recommended limits is therefore pretty essential for safety and peace of mind.

Aerodynamics and wind

Rooftop tents do tend to add bulk and height, making your Defender a bit less aerodynamic. On motorways or in exposed areas, you may notice the vehicle being buffeted more than usual, particularly in crosswinds. This can affect stability and also make towing feel heavier than normal.

To stay safe, keep your speed sensible, avoid any sharp manoeuvres and be sure to allow for extra braking distance. Your smooth, steady driving will make a noticeable difference to how your car handles, with the tent box as an addition.

Fuel efficiency

The extra drag caused by a rooftop tent can have a knock-on effect on your fuel consumption. While the difference may seem small on shorter journeys, over longer distances the additional cost could soon add up. Some studies suggest a reduction in efficiency of between 2–5%, which could mean spending extra pounds in fuel on a weekend trip.

To counter this, if you don’t plan on using the tent for every journey, consider removing it when it’s not needed. This not only saves you fuel but also reduces wear on your roof bars and fittings, too.

Height restrictions

When you add a rooftop tent to your Defender, the overall height of your vehicle obviously increases - sometimes much more than you realise! Low bridges, multi-storey car parks and items such as ferry ramps can all pose challenges.

It’s a good idea to measure the total height of your Defender with the tent installed and note it down somewhere visible, such as on your dashboard. That way, you’ll always know whether you can safely pass under height barriers without having to guess…

Handling and stability

Adding weight to the roof of your Defender raises its centre of gravity, which can have a noticeable impact on handling. You may find the car leans more in corners, feels less secure on uneven roads, and also reacts differently in emergency situations.

If you are also towing something (where stability is already a key consideration!) these changes become even more important. Always drive smoothly, avoid sudden swerves, and keep your speed under control to maintain your balance.

Weather considerations

Wind isn’t the only weather factor to think about. Heavy rain or snow adds extra weight to the tent, especially if it’s been left open and is now wet, while icy conditions can make access more slippery. Strong gusts of wind can also be a hazard when you’re in it, so always check the forecast before deciding whether to climb up into the tent for the night. In extreme weather - such as storms or high winds - it’s sometimes safer to avoid using the rooftop tent altogether, sadly - however in some weather it can be better than being in a ground tent as it keeps you off the damp ground.

Buy the best one you can find!

When purchasing one, look for one that has rugged, strong fabric, with decent flooring. Bear in mind that the softshell ones can be hard to close sometimes, especially with bulky items stored inside.

Some users mention that often the ladders on rooftop tents can hurt your bare feet, so take appropriate footwear for this purpose!

Make sure you know how you will change your bedding at roof height, too - you might find it’s easier to do a lot of that at ground level.

Some rooftop tents have the function of being able to attach a solar panel, which can be useful…

Make sure it’s secure!

It’s not just the driving conditions you need to think about. A rooftop tent must always be fitted securely, as any loose equipment can pose a serious danger to other road users especially if it comes flying out. In the UK, driving with insecure loads can result in fines, penalty points and potentially a prosecution for dangerous driving.

There’s also the risk of theft. Rooftop tents are valuable, and they can be attractive to opportunistic thieves, so it’s worth investing in some lockable fittings and security straps.

Remember that some campsites don’t allow you to camp at your vehicle, so do check before you pitch up.

And finally, remember to notify your insurer of any modifications. Adding a rooftop tent (and the roof bars to carry it) could affect your policy if it isn’t declared in advance.

A rooftop tent can be a brilliant way to expand your living space on the road, giving you the flexibility and the adventure of sleeping under canvas. But it’s not a case of simply strapping it on and heading off. From weight limits and handling changes to fuel economy, height awareness, and the effects of the weather, there are plenty of factors to keep in mind. Get it right, and a rooftop tent can transform your trips, though!

Have fun!