Durability: This is usually what price reflects most. High-quality fabrics are more durable but inevitably cost more. Even if you're a first-timer, it pays to invest in a top-quality roof tent. You'll ultimately have a better experience, which counts for a lot. Plus, if you decide to sell it down the line, you'll get a reasonable second-hand price for it. To test these roof tents, we hit up a series of (legally approved) wild parking spots across the UK and pitched in a range of weather conditions – from high summer to late autumn. We wouldn't recommend most roof tents for winter camping.

The speed of pitching is one of the best things about roof tent camping! It’s easy to pitch the Vertex Lite in a matter of minutes. How do I pitch the OEX Vertex Lite roof tent? The OEX Vertex Lite is the perfect no-nonsense adventure tent - simply pull the car over and pop the tent up. The OEX Vertex Lite is the perfect no-nonsense two person adventure tent - simply pull the car over and pop the tent up. Roof load limit: Vehicle roofs all have a dynamic roof load limit. You need to know what this is before putting any significant weight on your car roof. Specifically, the dynamic roof load limit refers to the maximum weight a roof can bear while being driven. When parked, the load limit is several times higher. Installation: Though roof tents try to be as light as possible, they also have to balance that with durability. Therefore, they tend to weigh between 45 and 70 kilograms. You're not going to want a roof tent permanently affixed to your roof, so bear in mind you'll want a helping hand getting these things on and off your car.

What to look for in a roof tent

The first thing to note about the Vertex is that it weighs just 37.5 kg, which includes its telescopic ladder. It is extremely lightweight Vs other roof tents on the market. Despite its low weight, we recommend that the lifting part of the installation process is carried out by at least two people or by using a hoist. Once the roof tent is correctly positioned on the vehicles roof bars the installation process is a matter of correctly installing and tightening a handful of bolts. No tools are required. How do I install the roof tent? It’s also important to consider the firmness of the ground you’re parking on, and whether the ground is level and dry. This will be important for the stability of the ladder – setting up on overly soft ground will ultimately affect the level of support of your roof tent. Read our complete guide to installing and pitching the OEX Vertex Lite, including vehicle and roof bar compatibility. Size: Rooftop tents vary in size, and some are suitable for bigger vehicles only. Roof tents that have folding bases can often be fitted to small cars, while single-piece roof tents might require at least a medium-sized car.

Mounting system: Most roof tents must sit on lateral roof bars (not just factory-fitted side rails!), so you'll need these too. It's easy to find the correct ones for your car by using the online search filters provided by retailers like Halfords. Another trusted retailer would be Autodoc. Access: Roof tents come supplied with a telescopic ladder that allow you to easily and safely access the tent. Though, if you're climbing and descending in the dark, you might want a head torch. How we tested these roof tents Dynamic load” is the maximum weight that can be carried by the roof bars when the vehicle is driven. The number is purposely low because of the additional forces applied to the vehicle by breaking, cornering and bumps in the road. We recommend that your roof bars and/or roof rails should have a minimum dynamic load of 50Kg. 2. Roof Bar Static Load Rating: Once you’ve ensured your vehicle’s roof bars [1] are secure and parallel, the Vertex Lite should be lifted by two people (or a hoist) and slid on from the side, onto the roof bars. Ensure it sits in line with the centre of your car so not to obstruct the boot (tailgate) when opened. Spacious for one and snugger for two, the tent has three windows offering a commanding 360-degree view from your Vertex Lite when the door is open. The built-in 3-inch foam mattress offers high levels of comfort after a long day on the hill.Hard or soft shell: Roof tents that collapse down into a sleek hard shell are more aerodynamic and aesthetically satisfying than those that sit under a heavy-duty soft cover. The latter will also save you a little bit on fuel too, but they cost more to buy. Simply pull down on the now fully extended ladder to unfold the base and in turn unfurl the roof tent. Introducing a first from OEX, the Vertex Lite roof tent. Designed to attach securely to the top of your vehicle, this comfortable off-ground sleeping area can be set up in seconds making overnight camping missions a breeze. Made from strong and lightweight aluminium, it features an easy-to-unfold five-pole frame. Its hardy 3000mm HH Oxford ripstop outer, finished with double silver treatment, provides thermal insulation and dependable protection from the elements. Position the ladder at a 75-degree angle to ensure maximum support and stability. Ensure the ladder is supporting the load and that the tents base is flat, not hyperextended. Note: The Ladder is also a support for the tent overhang, so ensure it is firmly in place. Internal space: Roof tents tend to have about the same bedroom space as a two-person hiking tent, give or take a few centimetres. Some models have extra niceties like skylights too.