Many Jeep models have a soft top. As a result, a lot of people seem to believe that you can’t put a rooftop tent on one. So, is this the case? Do you have to ditch the idea of a rooftop tent if you own a Jeep? Let’s take a look!
You absolutely can put a rooftop tent on a Jeep. This includes the soft top Jeeps. All you need to do is ensure that you have a secured roof rack. As long as there is a roof rack in place, then you should have absolutely no issues connecting that rooftop tent up safely.
Let’s go into a bit more depth on some of the more burning questions people have related to rooftop tents on Jeeps, shall we?
What You Need To Put a Rooftop Tent On a Jeep
Not much. You will need to have a roof rack installed. Most Jeep models should have a roof rack installed. After all, these have been designed to be practical vehicles.
That being said, we do suggest that you try and purchase a better roof rack. Not that there is anything wrong with the roof rack that you find installed on a Jeep. However, honestly, aftermarket roof racks tend to be a lot more stable. Since you are going to be relying on the roof rack to hold you in place while you sleep, you probably do want to have as much security as you possibly can get up there.
In terms of the rooftop tent, it doesn’t really matter what model you purchase. They are pretty universal and should fit on most roof racks. Your main job will be to try and work out which one is better for your travel needs.
For example, we are fans of hardshell rooftop tents due to the extra protection that they provide. However, we know that there are people that will enjoy slightly different options. Thankfully, there is a huge market out there, so you will almost certainly be able to find something that fits your needs.
Is It Dangerous To Put a Rooftop Tent On a Jeep?
Absolutely not.
As long as the roof rack is secure, then it is perfectly safe to be up there on your rooftop tent. There is very minimal danger, assuming everything is secured into place properly (make sure that you read that manual!)
The only issues we can really see when you are using a rooftop tent can occur when it gets a little bit too windy. Obviously, when you are on the roof of a vehicle, you become a lot more exposed. You may also find that the vehicle is more prone to bouncing from side to side. It isn’t drastically dangerous, but you will probably need to make a judgment call as to whether it is too windy.
Of course, a rooftop tent is also going to be a bit higher than your average tent. Several feet higher, in fact. This means that you will need to be a bit more careful when you are climbing in and out of your rooftop tent, particularly if you have children. We are sure that you don’t want to step out of your tent in the middle of the night and fall several feet!
Can a Family Fit In a Rooftop Tent On a Jeep?
It depends.
While there are some rooftop tents that are designed for families, you do have to bear in mind that they are still going to be rather small.
If you are a couple with some younger children (we are talking kids around the toddler age here), then you probably shouldn’t have that many problems putting them in a rooftop tent. It may be a tight squeeze, but it is going to work.
If you are a larger family and looking to take some teens out on a trip in the Jeep, then we would recommend that you stick to a normal tent. You will just have a whole lot more space like that.
There are some rooftop tents on the market that will have an annex on them, but even those are probably not going to give you that much extra space inside of the rooftop tent.
In our opinion, a rooftop tent is probably going to be the most ideal option for a solo traveler or a couple. Anything beyond that, and you are really pushing the space inside to its limit.
Can You Open The Roof Of a Soft Top Jeep With a Rooftop Tent Installed?
No.
Well, you may be able to, depending on your Jeep model. However, there will be a rooftop tent in the way. This means there probably isn’t going to be that much benefit to it.
The good news is that if you do have a Jeep with a rooftop tent, you do not have to worry about the rooftop tent damaging the cloth on the Jeep. As long as everything has been installed correctly, then the Jeep cloth should not come into contact with the rooftop tent at all. The tent is going to lay across the roof rack. It is the same as if you are carrying any sort of luggage.
There is no specific type of tent that you need to buy for a soft top Jeep. At the end of the day, they are all going to work in exactly the same way.
Closing Thoughts
You should have absolutely no issues putting a rooftop tent on a Jeep. In fact, a rooftop tent should be fine with almost all vehicles where you are able to install a roof rack.
There are no specific rooftop tents for Jeeps, as there are no specific rooftop tents for most models of vehicle. This means that you can choose the tent based on your needs (space requirements, season, etc.) as opposed to choosing a tent that fits your vehicle.
Do bear in mind that these tents will not have a huge amount of space in them.
Up Next:
What is the Best Roof Top Tent For a Jeep Gladiator?
How Much is a Hard Shell Roof Top Tent?
What is the Lightest Roof Top Tent?
What is the Most Affordable Roof Top Tent?
(featured image: overlandjunction.com)