There's no reason you can't go camping in your Toyota RAV4. While it's an SUV on the smaller side, it still has plenty of power and has excellent fuel economy.
That's why lots of campers choose to bring it on their adventures. It's also available with all-wheel drive, which is great for riding on rough terrain.
Yet, you'll probably want to take a rooftop tent with you when going camping. That brings up the question, "Can you put a rooftop tent on a RAV4?
The answer is yes, but with a small catch. If you want to use a rooftop tent, you'll need to swap out your OEM roof rack. That's because it's not strong enough to accommodate most rooftop tents - especially larger ones. As long as you replace the OEM rack with a sturdy aftermarket one, you'll be able to use a rooftop tent with ease .
You've come to the right place if you own a RAV4 and want to use a roof rack. Stay tuned to learn which rooftop tents will work best with your Toyota RAV4.
Thule Tepui Foothill Low-Profile Rooftop Tent
Are you on an intimate camping trip with someone special? If so, the cozy Thule Tepui Rooftop Tent on amazon is ideal. It comfortably fits two, and it keeps a very low profile. You won't even notice that it's attached when you're on the road - as it only mounts on one side of the vehicle.
The telescopic frame poles allow for effortless one-person setup and breakdown. The tent is collapsible and comes with a ladder.
This tent is also perfect for stargazers. It comes with a giant panoramic rear window explicitly designed for taking in the night sky. The dual skylights also ensure proper ventilation, granting you optimal airflow.
At 108 pounds, this tent is incredibly lightweight. Even so, you'll still want to use an aftermarket roof rack for your RAV4 to make sure no issues arise. Also, the mounting rails come pre-installed to make setup and breakdown even easier.
Smittybilt Overlander XL Rooftop Tent
If you're on a camping trip with up to four people, you'll want to go with the Smittybilt Overlander XL on amazon. It's an extra-large rooftop tent that can comfortably fit up to four people easily. It's far heavier than the Thule model, so you'll want to make sure you have an extra-sturdy aftermarket roof rack installed.
This tent is both waterproof and mosquito-proof. There are screens inside the entrance and windows that will keep unwanted critters outside.
This is the tent to have if you're going to a wet, rainy area to camp. Its waterproof material will keep you nice and dry so you can get a good night's sleep.
The 60mm high-density foam mattress will keep you and your guests very comfortable. There's also an LED strip interior light to see what you're doing at night. Despite its large size, the telescoping ladder and anodized frame poles make for easy setup and breakdown.
Trustmade Nomad Hardshell Rooftop Tent
Lastly, there's the Trustmade Nomad Hardshell Rooftop Tent on amazon. This tent has a hard shell instead of a softshell, as the name implies. While that means the space is limited (it fits 2), there are added security features. Its construction is also sturdier than soft shell tents, which is a plus if you're in an area with extreme weather.
A high-density mattress featuring 2" thick foam comes inside the tent.
It also has other amenities, such as:
- Mosquito screens
- A hydraulic lever for a speedy 2-minute installation
- A waterproof and UV-proof canvas
- A solar lantern that will burn all night
- Detachable storage pouches
As you can see, this rooftop tent has many accessories. If you're big on being as comfortable as possible when camping, you'll love it. Weighing in at 165 pounds, it's a happy medium between the other two models on this list. It fits any roof rack, including aftermarket RAV4 racks.
Related: Are Rooftop Tents Good for Families?
Closing Thoughts: Can You Put a Rooftop Tent on a RAV4?
If you want to go camping in your RAV4, any one of these rooftop tents will get the job done. If you're on an intimate journey with one other passenger, the Thule Tepui or Trustmade Nomad will suffice.
For larger camping groups, the Smittybilt Overlander XL is an excellent choice. Don't forget, the Toyota RAV4, by default, comes with a weak roof rack. Before setting out, you'll want to replace it with an aftermarket rack to ensure nothing goes wrong.