Roof top tents are becoming increasingly popular among outdoor enthusiasts because of their convenience, comfort, and safety. The success of major roof top tent brands (Roofnest, TentBox, Decathlon, etc.) has attracted some people who want to start an Overlanding business and consider how to find a trustworthy rooftop tent manufacturer. However, finding a trusted manufacturer that can fit your business needs with many manufacturers in the roof top tent marketplace is daunting.
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This article will help you find a trustworthy rooftop tent manufacturer and outline some key factors to consider.
You can ask yourself the following questions before starting to find a manufacturer:
After answering these questions, you can better understand your requirements and make wiser choices in selecting the right manufacturers.
Search Engine:
You can type in the keyword &#;rooftop tent manufacturer&#; on search engines like Google and Bing, and then there will be hundreds, even thousands, of results about what you want to know. Click on the link you are interested in and go to the website. After roughly browsing for 3 to 5 minutes, you can learn the manufacturer&#;s basic information, such as location, product types, production lines, and other necessary services you may need.
Social Media:
Social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn, are vital in finding a dependable rooftop tent factory. In the same way, you can first put relevant keywords in the search box, then click the username and view the account profile. According to the post content and frequency, you can tell if it&#;s a rooftop tent manufacturer, what they specialize in, where they are, and what their product features are.
B2B Platforms:
Searching on B2B platforms is how many business green fingers choose since these platforms were established by global brands for many years, which means reliability and time-economic. Alibaba.com is one of the most well-known B2B platforms worldwide. Others, like HKTDC.com, europages.com, and tradekey.com, are good channels to learn a new rooftop tent supplier.
You can visit trade shows or expos related to outdoor and camping gear. These events allow viewing products in person and asking manufacturers questions about their companies and products directly.
Here are some large-scale outdoor industry exhibitions:
When choosing a rooftop tent manufacturer, there are several important considerations about the products they can provide:
Reputable rooftop tent manufacturers will also emphasize product testing and certification to ensure their products meet industry standards. For example, to prove the fabric used on roof top tents is not liable to mildew, manufacturers may show the mold resistance test report on their website. The result evaluation of the mold resistance test has 0~5 levels. The smaller the level number, the better the anti-mildew performance of the fabric. If you worry about the roof tent getting mildewed after being used on rainy days, the fabric with zero-level mold resistance tents can meet your needs. Other fabric features like water resistance, color fastness to light performance, and UV protection can also be tested by authorities, and you can ask manufacturers to provide test reports.
Considering the qualifications and capabilities of a rooftop tent manufacturer is an indispensable step. It relates to the security of your investment, the quality of the products, and the duration of cooperation. The following are the factors to consider when you are evaluating a company&#;s qualifications and capabilities:
The authenticity of a company refers to whether the enterprise or brand genuinely exists or whether the company has any false claims.
To confirm the authenticity of a company or brand:
If you are considering importing products from other countries, please ensure the manufacturer has the legal qualifications for import and export trades. Industry certifications are crucial to proving that the enterprise has a specific management and production technology level. Such certifications include design patents, ISO, BSCI, CE, etc.
Verifying whether this company is a trader or manufacturer would be best. Traders don&#;t handle production; they just wholesale products from manufacturers and resell them to retailers. In contrast, manufacturers have their production lines and workers; they usually operate on a larger scale and control the entire production process to offer lower prices than traders. Cooperating with a manufacturer is more convenient and efficient because you will collaborate with people with clear information about production and transportation processes.
Quality Control (QC) is done by training personnel, creating benchmarks for product quality, and testing products to check for statistically significant variations.
It is essential for a company with a Research and Development department or team since it means the capability to design new products and improve older ones. It also symbolizes the company&#;s competition and reliability in innovation and services.
Take the manufacturer Teehoo as an example. It has its R&D team and acts as a solution provider when cooperating with clients. When customers only have an idea about the rooftop tent function or structure, the team will put it into reality and offer a complete plan, including the appearance design, structure feasibility, materials performance, specifications, and others like where to print your logo, what kind of color would be better.
Besides that, if you are doing business with rooftop tents and confronted with product problems, such as product over-weight, fabric leakage and molds, and so on, the team will also give their plans, probably changing materials or optimizing structure or any ways could be possible to solve problems.
Based on the above two solutions, the R&D team also provides you with more than one choice given the time and money cost so that you can get what you want in a short time and at a lower price.
In the intensely competitive rooftop tent market, a forward-thinking manufacturer needs to provide comprehensive, professional services to attract and retain customers. We can divide the cooperation into three periods:
During this period, the most important thing is to know what the manufacturer can support in selling and logistics and how professional they are in products and customized services. Besides that, the sample policy should be noticed.
Suppose you plan to build a business in rooftop tents in a few months. In that case, it is vital that the chosen manufacturer can provide you with detailed product information, like catalogs, installation guides, product features, and pictures or videos to help you grow sales revenue.
Communication and updates: Keep the customers informed about the progress of their orders. Provide regular updates, including any potential delays or issues that may arise. Transparency is critical to maintaining customer satisfaction.
Warranty and After-Sales Support: Inquire about the warranty offered by the manufacturer. A reasonable warranty period indicates the manufacturer&#;s confidence in their product. Also, please consider the availability and quality of after-sales support, such as customer service and spare parts availability.
Compare prices from different manufacturers to find a rooftop tent that fits your budget. However, it is essential not to compromise on quality for a lower price. Consider the overall value of money, considering the manufacturer&#;s quality, features, craftsmanship, and reputation.
Let&#;s take the rooftop tent base as an example. We can classify the shell materials into three types: aluminum honeycomb shells, plastic honeycomb shells, and aluminum tubes with fabric. The aluminum honeycomb features a sturdy, smooth surface with shiny layers, bringing a more comfortable experience but at a higher cost.
The aluminum tube with fabric is much cheaper, but when people sleep on a rooftop tent made of this material, they might feel unsafe, cold, and uncomfortable.
The price speaks to the quality. It&#;s best only when it fits you.
Investing in a rooftop tent is a significant decision for outdoor and off-road enthusiasts. The points mentioned in this article, including product types, quality, performance, prices, and the company&#;s qualifications, production capabilities, and service levels, all need to be considered carefully. When evaluating rooftop tent manufacturers, we hope these suggestions will help you invest in high-quality products that meet your needs and achieve success.
Teehoo is a Chinese rooftop tent manufacturer with over seven years of experience, specializing in Overlanding products, including roof tents, free-standing awnings, car side awnings, and other accessories. We have established long-term collaborations with over 20 outdoor camping & off-road brands from the USA, Australia, the UK, Germany, and more. Adhering to a &#;product is the king&#; core value, and we use environmentally friendly materials in production and strictly control product quality. Our factory spans 8,400 square meters and employs over 80 experienced workers, ensuring prompt production. We prioritize customer satisfaction and exhibit professionalism in every interaction with our clients. OEM/ODM are welcomed. Get a quote!
Whether you&#;re looking for roof top tent and additional accessories for your next adventure or a reliable supplier for your business needs, Teehoo is here to help you achieve your goals.
Take the first step towards a successful partnership by contacting us today!
(Almost) everything you ever wanted to ask about Rooftop Tents but were too afraid to ask!
It&#;s fair to say Rooftop Tents (RTTs from here out for brevity!) have seen an explosion of interest over the last year or so. There are plenty of good reasons that explain this &#;trend&#;, for a start, they&#;re suddenly all over social media, as they&#;re photogenic as hell! Besides that, they are easy to set up and pack down; don&#;t take up valuable space in your car; keep you away from the ground (great in wet British summers and killer-insect-ridden Australia alike); and afford you incredible views when you wake up!
Our Soft-Shell RTT on our Defender 90, Waffle.
BUT, that explosion in popularity has seen the market flooded with new models, from the outstanding, to the&#; leaky.
Using our now somewhat extensive knowledge of the state of the UK market (believe me when I say I&#;ve looked at more tents than I thought possible over the last few months!), we&#;ve put together some &#;top tips&#; to help you choose the right tent for you!
The intention of this article is not to push you towards, or away from, any particular brand, so we will not be mentioning any names, in the interests of neutrality. We have our preferences, but they won&#;t influence this piece.
Soft-shell or hard-shell:
The first decision to make is perhaps the most important, as there are two &#;tribes&#; in the rooftop tent world. (OK, technically hybrids exist too, and we&#;ll cover - pun intended &#; those later, but I think they can still be squished into one of the two tribes). Choosing your side really depends on a few factors:
- Speed of set up
- Space
- Vehicle aerodynamics (less important on Landys and the like, which are about as aerodynamic as a shed&#;)
- What you think looks cooler!
TOP: Hard-Shell RTT closed, BOTTOM: Soft-Shell RTT folded
Previously cost would have been a factor here, but with the new models on the market each category has options that span the budget ranges.
Before we get into the above, a quick 101 on the two types: Soft-shell tents are akin to most ground tents, a tubular frame with canvas (or other materials) bodies that unfold into a somewhat-recognisable &#;tent shape&#;. Hard-shell tents differ in that, as the name suggests, they have a solid top (think roof-box) that &#;pops&#; up on gas struts or hinges creating a &#;box&#; with fabric walls but a hard roof.
Speed of set up: As a general rule, hard-shells are quicker to set up, requiring little to no &#;work&#; beyond raising the lid. Set up times are often claimed in seconds, but bare in mind most do not allow storage of bedding etc (which soft-shells do), so adding time for that, and setting up windows etc makes that&#;questionable. Soft-shell set up is more involved, though far from strenuous (we&#;ve managed in under 3 minutes between the two of us, yes we can provide video evidence :P). Usually the process involves unzipping and peeling back a fabric cover, extending a ladder, unfolding, then fitting window poles, and sometimes canopy poles. Again, soft shells can store bedding when folded, so with some practice we reckon you can go from closed to &#;ready for bed&#; in about similar times with practice, but from closed to open only, hard-shells are certainly the lower-effort option!
Space: Soft-shell tents tent to be larger internally, as they hinge open, to the rear or side of the vehicle, effectively doubling the floor space when open, where-as hard-shells are limited to the closed body length/width dimensions.
With the hinging of a soft-shell, you also get the bonus of immediate shelter (from sun, or rain!) under the overhang, and many come with, optional-extra or included, &#;annexe rooms&#;, that enclose this space, essentially giving another room, some of which are large enough for a few camp beds.
Vehicle Aerodynamics: As a rule of thumb, when closed hard-shells are sleeker, lower, and wedge-shaped, whereas soft-shells are bulkier, boxy bodies. If you&#;re planning on doing long distance journeys at speed, this might be worth taking into consideration, especially on smaller vehicles. Ditto with electric vehicles, while both will likely impact range, a soft-shell is likely to reduce it more, especially on a Tesla with their super-low Drag Coefficients, messing with that will be noticeable.
MATERIALS (and waterproofing)
Materials have come on a long way from &#;old-fashioned&#; tent canvas (which still has it&#;s place, for sure), and RTTs come in a wide variety!
While this section is probably more relevant to soft-shells, for obvious reasons (hard-shells have a solid, therefore inherently waterproof roof, for those asleep!), the side walls of hard-shells are also worth considering, rain doesn&#;t always come down straight, especially in the UK&#; The variety of materials used can seem dizzying, especially when brand names and trademarked versions of the same fabric come into play, and we won&#;t bore you with the full array. To simplify things, there are a few important specs to look for (or ask the manufacturer for, some aren&#;t upfront, for reasons which I&#;ll leave it to you to divine).
Key among this is the Hydrostatic Head rating, or HH rating. Put simply, the HH rating, measured in millimetres, indicates the height of a column of water which a material can withstand before it leaks. For example, a HH rating of 150mm means a material can support a water column about the height of a pint-glass before it is penetrated. Now, while it&#;s unlikely your RTT will be engulfed in water the depth of a pint of Guinness on all sides, the HH rating is a great overall indicator of weather-resistance.
The MOD, for example, considers a HH of 800mm to be &#;waterproof&#;, although it is widely accepted that a rating of at least mm should be the minimum for use in Northern European climates, and higher than that if you expect to be out in a storm.
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Other material specs to look for are UV resistance, cover material, mould-resistance, and fabric weight (which especially for a large soft-shell, will heavily influence overall weight, which may be a factor for your vehicle. More below). Things like taped/double stitched seams can also be key to keeping water out, and should be required for those likely to camp in the rain.
Another material concern (pun intended, again) is wind resistance. While this shouldn't be an issue for the majority of good tents, we have heard disaster stories of hard-shells being blown shut (closing you in like a coffin), or soft-shells with fabric that sounds like an aircraft taking off in a slight breeze. Many manufacturers will list wind-tunnel ratings (though many are strangely claiming the exact same, despite major design differences, make of that what you will...), and it's worth considering this specification.
If in doubt with any material spec, it's worth contacting the retailer/manufacturer for proof of their claims. Honest ones will be able to easily provide certification details that they may not have thought to put online, others may give you the run around. It can be a decent way to sort the good from the not-so-good.
MOUNTING
To be clear: rooftop tents mount on roof racks or roof bars. You&#;re going to need them, full stop. Beyond that, considering the load rating of your vehicle, and bars/rack, is very important.
NEVER exceed these stated load ratings, as it may cause injury or death.
With that in mind, your vehicle handbook (or the web, more likely) will give you two distinct load ratings: Static and Dynamic Load. Simplified (my Mech-Eng hat is staying off), static load is the weight limit the vehicle can withstand when at rest, and dynamic load is the weight limit the vehicle can withstand when in motion.
Most vehicles static load well exceeds what you will need for an RTT plus occupants, but dynamic loads may not. This is important to consider, as loading your roof with extra weight changes the vehicle&#;s handling characteristics by raising the centre of gravity, and will introduce pitch (roll), and if too high can in extreme circumstances end up with your car upside down in a ditch: not ideal.
ALWAYS ensure the dynamic load rating is HIGHER than the sum of your RTT, contents, roof rack/bars/rails and any extra cargo. Similarly, ensure your static load rating (and load rating of rack/bars) is higher than the sum of the RTT, occupants, and cargo.
Luckily, RTTs vary greatly in weight, with new &#;lightweight&#; models catering to all but the tiniest of soft-top cars!
While mentioning mounting, it probably shouldn&#;t come as a surprise to find, with their weight and bulk, mounting an RTT is rarely a one man job. Many suppliers will fit your tent at their store, or failing that, bribe a few mates to help with a BBQ. It&#;s not a hard task, but it can be a heavy one.
ALWAYS FOLLOW VEHICLE & RTT INSTRUCTIONS WHEN MOUNTING.
A Hard-Shell RTT on a Jeep - Andrew Hoyle/CNET
PRICE
To be blunt, rooftop tents, in general, do not come cheap. Materials, manufacture, R&D, and shipping add up, so most RTTs will exceed the cost of most equivalent ground tents (though demand has pushed ground tent prices up recently). BUT, they do offer a unique camping experience, that we firmly believe worth it, IF you can make it fit your budget.
New, most RTTs in the range from ~£900 all the way up to more than £ at the top end. Part of the reason for writing this blog is because now a lot of £900 RTTs look very similar to tents closer to the top of that price range, and so understanding exactly what makes them cheap or expensive is extra important. The market has seen a glut of &#;white-label&#; copies of established brands, manufactured cheaply (often with dubious &#;designed in the UK&#; claims), with lesser quality materials sold very cheaply this year. While this is not necessarily bad, not everyone needs or wants top spec, it should be understood that though some of these claim to be &#;the best rooftop tent&#;, there are reasons they are cheap.
We suggest it is a case of deciding what specs are important to you, and finding the closest product that matches those in your budget, rather than basing it all on cost alone.
That said, the second-hand market for RTTs can get you some great deals. Frankly, RTTs are not for everyone, and it&#;s not uncommon to see almost brand new tents sold simply because the owner realises they don&#;t like the experience (if only there was a company where you could rent an RTT equipped vehicle to try before you buy&#;cough).
HYBRIDS
OK, we said up top that there were two &#;tribes&#;, hard-shell and soft-shell, but that hybrids also exist. What gives?
A few companies are innovating in the space with what they dub &#;hybrid&#; RTTs. These include inflatable RTTs, soft-shells with &#;harder&#; covers with cargo capacity, etc. Some of these are genuinely awesome products, and well worth exploring (though all at the top end of the pricing bracket), but we&#;d argue still fall under into the soft-shell or hard-shell categories in reality, based on the very obvious meanings of those two names&#;
We hope that this serves as a decent &#;primer&#; to the somewhat confusing world of RTTs! We are always happy to answer questions you might have (or at least try to!), either in the comment section below, through DMs to our Instagram @LandyCampers, or via our contact form on our website.
If this blog has helped you kit out your own camper, or make purchasing decisions, we'd be extremely grateful if you'd consider a small token of thanks via our Buy Me A Coffee page. Hours, days, weeks and months of research, trade shows, discussions with manufacturers etc go into making our decisions and ultimately recommendations (and indeed agreeing discounts for our readers!) - we've opted not to paywall the content, but if you're in the position we'd be incredibly appreciative of the support! Thank you - Max & Bela
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