Rooftop tents are a fun and safe way to experience the outdoors during camping trips. You stay elevated when sleeping - protecting you from dirt, mud, and insects. There's also the chance to take in gorgeous views of the local scenery perched atop your vehicle.
Rooftop tents are most commonly seen on larger vehicles such as trucks, SUVs, and Jeeps. That brings up the question, can you put a rooftop tent on a sedan?
The short answer is yes, but you'll need to find a compact, lightweight rooftop tent. You'll also want to ensure that it doesn't exceed your rooftop weight capacity. In general, most sedans have a weight capacity of around 165 pounds, but it's essential to check your manual for specifics on your car. A bulky rooftop tent will affect the aerodynamics of your sedan, so it's best to stick to the smaller models.
If you want to learn more about using rooftop tents on sedans, you're in the right place. Read on to discover some best-selling rooftop tents that work with smaller cars.
FrontRunner Feather-Lite Rooftop Tent
The FrontRunner Feather-Lite on amazon is only 330mm high during transport - which is the lowest profile of any rooftop tent on the market. As such, you won't experience too much wind resistance when carrying it on your sedan, which is a plus.
Despite its compact size, it expands into a tent that's 8.2 feet long when inflated. It can comfortably sleep two full-sized adults and has unobstructed views from each window.
It's perfect for setting up on the beach to take in gorgeous water views while you stay protected from the sun.
The tent cover consists of extra-durable 1,000D PVC to protect it whenever it's not in use. The entire tent contains a waterproof coating and 400D Oxford tent fabric. Even if it's storming outside, this tent will keep you safe and dry.
Other features include:
- A comfortable mattress
- Opens in one fluid motion for a seamless setup and breakdown
- Loose tent rails that will work on any roof rack system
- A roof ventilator to provide adequate airflow
- Mosquito screen to keep the bugs away
The FrontRunner Feather-Lite is a fantastic choice for sedans, cars, vans, and smaller SUVs. It's effective at staying out of the way during the ride but expands into a spacious, comfortable tent.
Campoint 2 Person Lite Rooftop Tent
The Campoint Lite Rooftop Tent on amazon weighs 120 pounds, which is within the roof capacity of most sedans. It's also effective at keeping a low profile during the drive, and it works with most roof racks. It can accommodate two full-sized adults and comes with an extra-large rainfly.
This rooftop tent is ideal for taking on camping trips to rainy areas. Besides the rainfly, it has a 600D heavy-duty waterproof top. When the rain clears up, there's a vented sunroof for taking in scenic views of the area. There's also plenty of mosquito netting to keep the bugs out of your face while you're inside.
The mattress is impressively large, coming in at 92" x 55" with 2.5-inch thick high-density foam. It's more than large enough for two adults and one small child.
Other features include:
- 661-pound max load capacity
- Telescoping tubular ladder
- Extra mosquito netting on the front and back entrances
- Four side windows for taking in the local scenery
Check your vehicle's manual to ensure that it can withstand 120 pounds on the roof. If your OEM roof rack isn't strong enough, you can add a stronger one from a third party.
Thule Tepui Explorer Ayer 2 Rooftop Tent
The Thule Tepui Explorer on amazon is the ideal rooftop tent for smaller vehicles. From crossovers to sedans, it's lightweight, compact, and easy to transport. Whenever it's packed in its travel case, it doesn't add much density to the vehicle's roof, which is a plus.
At only 115 pounds, it's one of the most lightweight rooftop tents available today.
As with the other models, it can sleep two adults and comes with a high-density foam mattress. The fabric is UV-resistant and can withstand harsh sunlight. It's an excellent tent for virtually any season, as it also has a waterproof coating and durable materials.
Other features include:
- Mesh panels for ventilation
- Four storage pockets inside for shoes, tools, gear, and more
- Telescoping ladder
- Annex room accessory is available
- Compact travel cover
Whether you're heading to the beach or a rainy swamp, this rooftop tent will keep you protected, dry, and comfortable.
Related: How Many People Can Be In a Rooftop Tent
Closing Thoughts: Can You Put a Rooftop Tent on a Sedan?
Rooftop tents are versatile enough to fit just about any type of vehicle. Yet, if you have a smaller sedan or crossover - you need to pay special attention to the size and weight of the tent you choose.
Make sure to consult with your vehicle's manual to learn the exact weight requirements for your car. Also, you may need to invest in a third-party roof rack to make a rooftop tent work for a sedan.