If you’ve been planning a camping trip but running out of room in your car, you might be wondering: Can I fit a tent in a roof box? It’s a smart question since roof boxes are excellent for adding extra storage space. They’re handy for all sorts of gear, but how well do they handle tents? Let’s look into whether your roof box can manage that job and what to consider before stuffing your camping gear up there.
Will Your Tent Fit in the Roof Box?
The main thing you’ve got to think about is the size of your tent and the dimensions of your roof box. Tents come in all shapes and sizes. Some small, one-person tents can be folded compactly and might fit in smaller roof boxes. But larger family tents or those with extra poles and stakes? They can be bulkier, and you may struggle with fitting them in there.
The average roof box has a length of around 56 inches and a height of 13 inches. If your tent packs smaller than those dimensions, you’re in luck. A typical two-person tent when packed measures around 60-70 cm in length, meaning it would easily fit in most roof boxes. However, a tent for four or more people might exceed the box’s limits, especially if it has extra parts.
How to Measure Your Tent and Roof Box
Before anything else, measure your tent when it’s packed. Get the dimensions of its bag, especially the length and width. Then compare that to the interior space of your roof box. Some roof boxes list only external dimensions, so be careful when checking these out. Interior space can be smaller than you expect.
If you’re using the box for more than just your tent, be sure to leave room for other camping gear. Tents, though compact, might compete with sleeping bags, cooking supplies, or extra shoes, depending on how much you’re carrying.
Weight Limits: Don’t Forget About This!
Even if the tent fits, there’s one other thing to keep in mind: weight. Most roof boxes have a weight limit – usually around 150 to 165 lbs. This includes the box itself and all the gear inside. A small tent might weigh 5 kg, while a large tent can weigh over 15 kg, especially if you’re carrying poles, stakes, and other equipment with it. If you overload the box, you risk damaging it or your car’s roof.
Always check the max load for both your roof box and the roof rack. Exceeding the weight limit can cause problems, like making your car unstable while driving, or worse, the roof box could come loose.
Packing Tips for Fitting a Tent
So you’ve checked the size and weight, and you’re sure your tent will fit in your roof box. Now, how should you pack it? You want to maximize space in your roof box so you can fit as much gear as possible. Here’s a strategy:
- Roll your tent tightly, as compact as possible. Some people use compression bags to squeeze out extra air.
- Remove any loose poles or stakes and store them separately.
- Place the tent in first, as it will likely be the bulkiest item, then pack other smaller items like sleeping bags or cooking supplies around it.
What Kind of Roof Box Do You Need?
Not all roof boxes are created equal. If you’re planning to use your roof box mainly for camping trips, look for one with more volume. A 400-500 liter roof box should handle a small-to-medium tent along with some other camping gear. Some people swear by the larger 600-liter boxes, which can handle almost everything for a weekend trip, but that’s if you’re dealing with a lot of stuff.
What If My Tent Doesn’t Fit?
Not everyone’s tent will fit into a roof box, and that’s okay. There are alternatives. You could always carry the tent in the car or strap it to the roof using a roof rack. Some people opt for roof bags, which are soft and more flexible than hard roof boxes, making them easier to pack bulky items like tents.
If you are having a difficult time fitting your tent in the roof box, get it packed it in a soft cargo bag strapped to the roof, as it would allow for more flexibility in storage.
Conclusion
So, can you fit a tent in a roof box? It depends on the size of your tent and the capacity of your roof box. Small to medium tents typically fit with no problem, but larger ones might need a bit more space than a standard roof box allows. Remember to always check the dimensions, weight limit, and weatherproofing features of your roof box before heading out on your trip. That way, your camping experience will be less stressful, and you’ll know exactly what to expect.
