Like most people, you probably use your rooftop tent for camping trips and other outdoor activities if you're like most people. But what would you do if your RTT was stolen? How much would that set you back?
It's essential to take preventative measures to ensure that your rooftop tent stays secure from thieves.
In this blog post, we will discuss six ways that you can protect your RTT from theft.
Locking bars are one way you can secure your rooftop tent from thefts. They are easy to install and remove and provide an extra layer of security for your tent. Locking nuts can also be used to secure your tent. They offer a more permanent solution but can be more challenging to remove if you need to take your tent down. Locking straps are another option for securing your tent. They are less permanent than locking nuts but can still provide a good amount of security for your tent.
Rooftop tents are expensive, and it makes sense if you want to keep them safe. The preventative measures listed above have been tested and proven to work. This article will expound on the preventive measures listed and provide you with some tips that'll help you keep your rooftop tent safe.
Why do rooftop tents get stolen?
Property theft is quite common, especially for campers. Most people steal valuable, carryable property, and rooftop tents are not exempt. Rooftop tents are pretty expensive, making them valuable and thus, a target for theft. In addition, the tents are easy to steak since they can be easily detached from the vehicle.
The tents are big and weigh between 100 to 200 pounds. In addition, all accessories stored in RTT make them heavier. However, their bulkiness makes them hard to steal; this isn't problematic for determined thieves. Plus, most campers and off-roaders often find themselves parked in unsecured locations like the open road, parking lots, and national parks, making it harder to protect their RTT even through the buddy system.
How to secure your rooftop tent
Preventing the theft of your Roof Top Tent is better than searching for and taking the thief through the justice system. However, you should be aware that you are responsible for preventing property theft, even though it's a shame that it happens in the first place. Follow one or a combination of the steps outlined below to reduce the chances of your rooftop theft.
Install locking nuts
Some rooftop tents come with locknuts, which assure you of a perfect fit. The locknuts tighten the RTT to your vehicle's roof rack's metal frame. This helps secure the RTT to the roof, making it harder for someone to steal it.
Tents that don't come with locknuts can always be modified to make them more secure. You can pick all necessary tools from your local hardware store or purchase them on the internet. First, however, you have to choose the correct sizes that fit your tent's bolts.
Use locking bars
You can also use locking bars that act as straps to securely hold your RTT. The bars go over your RTT and attach to brackets below your tent. However, one downside to this system is that it only secures your RTT when it's closed and placed away in its case.
It would be best to use durable, secure, rust-resistant locking bars to prevent damage to your rooftop tent. Ensure you close your tent and lock it down in the case, then place the locking bars on top before securing them to the brackets and locking them up.
Use locking straps
You could use nylon straps to secure your tent to your vehicle's rooftop; however, locking straps are better since they are more durable and can't be cut. In addition, they are made from stainless steel materials that cannot be cut even by the most rigid knives.
The locking straps are available in varying lengths and colors you can choose from. You should buy a set of locking straps that you can use to secure your RTT to your vehicle's roof and lock it with a key for the ultimate peace of mind.
Install an alarm
Most vehicle alarms can be set off by the simple action of thieves trying to steal your rooftop tent from the vehicle's roof. The alarm's loud sound and the likelihood of creating unwanted attention are enough to scare away someone planning to steal your rooftop tent.
Most vehicles have standard car alarms; however, you could still install an alarm if your car doesn't have one. You can do this at home or take it to a professional and explain your intended results. For example, it would be best to inform them that you have a rooftop tent and want an alarm to alert you whenever someone tries to steal it.
Install a security camera
The security camera isn't designed to prevent theft. Instead, it's meant to help you find out who stole your property and provide evidence that you can use to recover it. The camera is simple enough to install and user-friendly enough that most people can install it if they are a little technologically inclined.
You can still take it to a professional if you aren't comfortable with installing it by yourself. Most cameras have software that you can use to monitor your property from any location using a smartphone. You can record and access the footage anywhere, anytime. You can also use one that has a motion sensor feature.
The buddy system
Camping and off-roading with your friends are fun. Often, it's a group gathering of people who share like-minded ideas, enjoy nature, and look to make lots of memories. Camping with friends has lots of benefits, like the buddy system.
For instance, you can organize a team to watch the camp while other people are out enjoying nature. If you arent camping with a group of friends, you can ask if a family member is willing to stay behind and watch your property while you leave the camp.
Pack up and remove your tent when not in use
It would be best to pack up your tent whenever you aren't using it, especially during the day. Rooftop tents are hard to set up; however, leaving them up increases the chances of someone trying to steal the RTT or other property.
You can also remove your tent altogether whenever you aren't using it. This is important if you frequently park your vehicle in open spaces. It will help keep your tent safe from thieves and even protect it from the elements.
Conclusion
Your rooftop tent is your home. It's an investment that you'd want to keep as safe as possible. But sometimes, nothing you do will keep it secure. In this case, you should have your rooftop tent covered by insurance if it gets stolen. This isn't theft prevention; however, it can help you get a new tent quicker with less cost.