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Roof Top Tent Requirement

Roof Top Tent Requirement/ Cheap Uganda Self Drive

Roof Top Tent Requirement, Rooftop Tents are the more affordable and safer Camping option for travelers on road trips. Interestingly, rooftop tents are incredibly easy to use (unfolding and securing on the vehicle’s roof rack) compared to the traditional ground tents that can take up to two hours to set up and tear down, and it is even worse when it's your first time to use. Rooftop Camping is considerably secure, especially if you are staying in National Parks where animals roam freely. However, before you hit the road, here are the most crucial rooftop Tent requirements;

The Mounting system | Roof Top Tent Requirement

Before anything else, make sure that you have a good mounting system (or a flat roof rack) where your rooftop Tent will sit. Remember that most safari vehicles can only handle so much weight without the mounting system, hence make sure that you have a strong one. The point to note is that the majority of the rooftop tents have a weight limit (some 75 kilograms, others up to 100 kilograms) or have a specific requirement for the nature of the rack that they need. For this reason, ensure that the rooftop tent chosen matches the right mounting system/roof rack.

Understand the type of the Car Roof| Roof Top Tent Requirement

Another important rooftop Tent requirement is knowing the specific roof rack system that the car needs. For instance, there is a specific one for SUVs and another that is perfect for small cars. If you have used an SUV before, then you might have noticed that it already has a roof rack system in place. The small cars have smooth roof surfaces with no racks installed hence you will need to add a specific rack system to protect the Car’s roof from bends/dents or even damages.

Common types of roofs

The common types of roofs you will possibly come across are the “Gutters” that are on the edges of car roofs and found on safari vans. You will also come across the “Bare roofs” which means there is nothing on top of the Car to support the roof rack hence you will need a specific roof rack for the vehicle. “Flushed Rails” without space between the roof and rail while the “raised Rails” on SUVS make it possible to connect the required cross-bars. “Roof racks” are the exact opposite of rails and make it possible to slide the roof rack right into the track provided. Interestingly, if you don’t know the type of roof rack required, this information can be provided in the Car Rental Company form hence enabling you to get the right roof rack.

Poles

Rooftop tent camping also requires support poles that will help you stay dry during bad weather (especially during rains). Additionally, your Tent’s canopy can be supported by these poles hence reducing chances of sagging or collapsing during windy conditions.

Roof Top Tent Requirement

A rainfly

A rainfly is also essential for rooftop camping for a number of reasons. One, it helps to provide extra
protection from bad weather (especially rain), helps to keep your tent clean and free from leaves or
debris and also provides ultimate privacy during your Camping adventure hence you go about your
personal business without  left in the open.

Guy Lines

Another important Rooftop Tent requirement is the Guy Lines for holding the Tent in place as well as providing more support during high winds. The majority of the Guy Lines you will come across are made from either Polyester or Nylon and can either be staked into the ground (the most secure option, but challenging to adjust its tension) or simply attached to the Tent.

Stakes

In addition to Guy lines, stakes are very important rooftop Tent requirements, to provide additional support to the guy lines or ropes connected to the rooftop tent. While using stake lines, it is advisable to opt for the heavy-duty ones because they won’t easily be pulled out of the ground. Just like any other Tent, stakes can be plastic, metal, or wood, and if you are able to connect it to the tent lines and properly secure it to the ground, then you are good to go. Don’t forget to carry a rubber mallet because staking tents to the ground isn’t easy with bare hands yet opting for a rock isn’t always the safest thing to do.

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