Construction workers, road workers, and other trades require workers to work long days, often far from home, and they need a temporary place to stay. Serious campers and hikers sometimes need shelter in remote areas. When you attach a tent to your vehicle, it becomes the ultimate mobile home. Using roof top tents, camp sets up and breaks down in short order, leaving nature untouched. There are a number of roof top tent styles, including ones that straddle the roof or section off the back. You can also get an awning that extends from the back of your vehicle. Depending on need and utility, there’s a rooftop tent out there for everyone.
Freestanding vs. Jeep Tent
After a tiring day of rock climbing, hiking, swimming, fishing, or whatever activity you enjoy while camping, you want to be able to kick back and relax a bit at the campsite. It’s great to know that you can unzip the tent and plop down on a cot or comfortable mattress and catch a nap.
Once your tent is set up and your camping gear is unpacked, you’re pretty much set for a few days or however long you plan to stay. When you really only need a place to sleep and eat, it’s a little more work than you need to do. That’s the time that you want a camp set-up that goes up quickly and takes down even quicker. A roof top tent is ideal for such a purpose as long as your roof rack supports the model you like.
One of the benefits of a roof top tent is that you don’t even need a campsite. You can park your car almost anywhere, even in remote areas, and set up camp for the night. You can store your camp gear safely in the vehicle shelter and sleep outside, or sleep in the tent. After a good night’s sleep, take it down in minutes, pack up your gear and you’ll be on your way. Another great benefit is that it’s less expensive than a motel.
Fortunately, there are also other vehicles that tents are made of such as trucks. If you're interested check out this set of reviews from Rob to get the best rated one. Alternatively, if you have a sports utility vehicle (SUV) check out these SUV tent reviews.
Our Best Jeep Tents For Wrangler, Liberty and Cherokee Models Reviews
1. Smittybilt 2788 Tent Annex
Attach Smittybilt 2788 Tent Annex tent to the top and side of your Jeep with the sleeve.
Climb the ladder to sleep on top of your vehicle or drop an air mattress on the ground inside the end tent-space.
Make sure that your roof rack will support your weight. If it does, this model works great and you'll have a great time camping!
Things We Liked
Things We Didn't Like
Smittybilt Overlander Tent is more expensive that most, but campers love it for its heavy-duty fabric. It’s easy enough to set up, but the weight of it makes it a two-person job.
It unfolds with bedding in place, so it’s a time saver in getting beds set up.
The top of this rooftop tent is made of waterproof polyurethane, so it keeps you nice and dry at night time.
Things We Liked
Things We Didn't Like
In addition to the benefit of being attached to your vehicle, Jeep 82212604 Recreation Tent gives you all the space and ventilation of a freestanding tent. It fits 2008-2012 Jeep Compass, Grand Cherokee, Patriot, Wrangler, and Liberty.
It has two doors and three large mesh windows and gives you 10’ x 10’ of space. It has a 7’ x 6’ attached, floorless screen tent.
You also have the option of using it as a freestanding tent if you wish.
Things We Liked
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Smittybilt 56622424 GEAR Trail Shade is a nice awning that extends from your spare tire, up to 37”, and covers 10’ x 6 feet, giving you plenty of shade.
It’s made of a lightweight material and has nylon shock-coded cords and stakes. It comes in a PALS style backpack.
You can take it hiking with you and attach it to a tree or any other vertical support. It sets up quickly and can be taken down just as quickly.
Things We Liked
Things We Didn't Like
Connect Rightline Gear 110907 SUV Tent up to the back of your vehicle and sleep up off the ground, inside your vehicle. It has large mesh windows and the doors have storm covers that zip shut for privacy.
Store your camping gear in two interior pockets. You’ll be able to see the zippers at night because they glow in the dark. It’s a versatile tent that allows you to slip off the sleeve to detach the tent so you can take the vehicle out to run an errand.
When exploring your options for a Jeep tent, consider how you will use it. There are plenty of options for tents that attach to a vehicle that just provide sleeping space. Other roof top tents have an attached screen room. There are also options for attached awnings for those who just need some cover from the sun at affordable price.
Things We Liked
Things We Didn't Like