Everything you need to know before buying your first RTT
Featuring 23Zero and Inspired Overland – available at Snowys Outdoors
There’s a moment every touring camper knows. It’s been a long day of exploring and the late afternoon light is throwing long shadows as you pull into a campsite. Someone nearby clicks open some latches and a rooftop tent unfolds in seconds – elevated, comfy, ready for rest. Meanwhile, you’re still pegging down guy ropes.
Rooftop tents have changed the game for Aussie campers. They’re fast to set up, very comfortable, and they keep you off the ground. But with so many brands and variations the choice is daunting, and they all claim to be the best.
This guide covers everything a first-time buyer needs to know – from tent style to vehicle compatibility we’ll help you find the models that suits how you camp. We’re not here to tell you which brand is best as they all have their merits, but we will reiterate that the old saying ‘you get what you pay for’ is as relevant as it’s always been. At Snowys, we’ve curated our range predominantly with two brands, 23Zero and Inspired Overland, to ensure our range is easy to digest and covers all budgets and vehicle types… not just 4WD’s. More on why we’ve chosen these brands later in the article, but for now let’s get into what we’re here for.
Why Choose a Rooftop Tent?
Before spending a few thousand dollars, it’s worth understanding the benefits you’re paying for.
Fast setup speed. Most rooftop tents are easily pitched in under 5 minutes; many are even quicker. Compare that to pitching a ground tent in fading light after a long drive.
Superior sleep comfort. You’ll have a comfortable mattress generally 7cm+. No need to clear sticks and rocks before pitching your tent, and you’re off the ground if it’s wet.
A compact campsite. You can camp wherever you can park your vehicle level, regardless of whether it’s gravel, rock or lumpy terrain. Even if the ground is uneven, you can use wheel chocks to level things out.
Leave bedding inside. Many models have enough space to store bedding inside, making setup and pack down a breeze.
Types of Rooftop Tents: Hard Shell vs Soft Shell
This is the first decision every buyer faces. The choice may come down to how or where you want to mount your tent, or the type of vehicle you have.
Hard Shell Rooftop Tents Have all the Bells and Whistles
Hard shell RTTs have a rigid outer shell – usually aluminium, carbon or ABS – this protects the tent when packed and forms part of the weatherproof upper when setup. Most hard-shell rooftops are single hinge full-length, low-profile units that suit a longer roof. The primary benefit of a hardshell rooftop tent is setup speed and the ability to add roof rails to the shell to carry light items like solar panels, recovery tracks or surfboards.
Hardshell rooftop tents are generally more expensive than their soft-shell cousins, with higher prices seemingly directly proportional to more interior space.
Best for: Weekend warriors, long-distance tourers, anyone who values fast setup and a low-profile look.
Soft Shell Rooftop Tents are a Simplistic and Affordable Choice
Most soft shell rooftop tents fold in half and open to offer generous interior space. These models pen over the side of the vehicle creating further sheltered space outside of the tent.
These rooftop tents have a smaller footprint making them suitable for short roofs or tub racks, but their fold-in-half configuration means they sit higher on your roof. These models are generally more affordable but usually don’t accommodate the storage of bedding inside.
Best for: Base camp setups, families, campers seeking value for money.
Hybrid Rooftop Tent Styles Suit Users With Specific Requirements
In the quest to suit more budgets and vehicle types many rooftop tents inherit both soft-shell and hard-shell features. 23Zero’s Panther Horizon and Yowie AX for example have hard shells that will accommodate roof rails whilst a fold-out tent section makes for a compact footprint when packed. Inspired Overland’s Lightweight rooftops are affordable full-length low-profile soft-shell models ideal for users that don’t need roof rails. Side opening models like the Inspired Overland Trailpeak offer the interior space of a soft-shell offering with a full-length, low-profile packed configuration.
Best for: Users with specific mounting restrictions on their vehicle.
📋 Note on choosing a style: Being prepared with exactly what your vehicle can legally carry, along with details on exactly how and where you want to install it on your vehicle i.e. tub rack, roof, or trailer, and roof rack type, will quickly help to refine your choice.
What to Consider Before You Buy
- Check your dynamic roof load rating before anything else – and remember it includes your rack, not just the tent.
This is one of the most misunderstood aspects of buying an RTT. Your vehicle’s dynamic roof load rating is the maximum weight it can carry while moving, and that figure almost always includes the weight of your roof rack system on top of the tent itself. We’ve included more vehicle-specific details later in this guide. - How often you camp should drive your decision — frequent campers can justify comfort and features; occasional campers should think carefully about daily compromises.
Weekend warriors and full-time tourers will get real value from space and features — comfort pays off when you’re living in the thing. But if you’re an occasional camper with a daily driver, that tent sits on your roof 365 days a year, adding weight and drag to every commute. A lightweight, easily removable or low-profile model could save you real money at the bowser. - Width of the sleeping area, and factor in your height — it may change the style of tent you need.
RTTs are typically rated for two people, with some larger models accommodating three or more. The number in a tent’s name generally represents its width: a ‘1300’ is roughly a double bed, while a ‘1500’ aligns closer to a queen. If you’re tall, pay attention to tent style — full-length single-hinge rooftops taper to a wedge at the foot end, reducing usable length. If your height is close to the tent’s total length, consider an x-hinge model, a side-opening style with near-vertical walls, or a fold-in-half design. - Don’t overlook the mattress – it makes a bigger difference than most buyers expect, and it’s where cheaper tents cut corners.
Higher quality brands offer firmer, dual-density or memory foam options, or include self-inflating mattresses. Almost all rooftop tents also include an anti-condensation layer under the mattress to help manage moisture build-up between your body heat and the cold floor. - Prioritise crossflow ventilation regardless of material — then choose between polycotton’s durability or polyester’s weight savings based on your use case.
Polycotton canvas offers excellent strength and UV resistance, while high-quality polyester saves weight and packs down smaller. 23Zero’s LST coating goes further by blocking light for a darker interior. On the frame side, Inspired Overland uses carbon fibre elements and lightweight aluminium extrusions for a weight-focused build, while 23Zero uses heavier-duty TIG-welded aluminium and heavy-duty components for maximum durability where weight isn’t a constraint. - Most RTTs will fit standard crossbar setups, but check your specific model’s requirements — some need three bars, and overhang matters for lighter tents.
Most RTTs use T-slot rails and pre-fitted hardware to suit standard roof rack crossbars, though fitments vary and extra bolts or fittings may be needed. Two crossbars spaced to distribute weight evenly is usually sufficient, but some models require three. For lightweight models, pay attention to how much weight is applied to any overhanging sections. - Decide whether you want to leave bedding inside — if yes, you’ll need a bulkier tent; if you’re happy to pack it away, go slim and save weight.
Lightweight RTT models are designed to be stripped bare before driving to keep roof load down. If leaving bulky bedding inside is important to your setup, you’ll need a tent built to accommodate that. Happy to stash it in the car? Go slim and save on fuel and weight. - Think ahead about what you’ll add — the ability to attach awnings, solar, and extra cargo on top varies significantly.
Consider what you might want later: awnings, extra lighting, and solar panels. Some models can facilitate the mounting of awnings, an roof bars for for solar panels and recovery gear, and some models feature integrated 12V power hubs with USB-A, USB-C, and cigarette lighter sockets built in.
Vehicle Roof Load Ratings
Before you purchase any RTT, the single most important number you need is your vehicle’s dynamic roof load rating. Roof rack manufacturers also specify maximum weights for their products; the number you’re limited by is the lesser of the two. This is the maximum combined weight your roof can safely carry while driving – and it includes the weight of your roof rack, not just the tent.
Dynamic load rating: Maximum weight while driving. This is the figure that really matters.
Static load rating: Maximum weight while stationary (e.g. sleeping in the tent). Typically, 5–10x the dynamic rating – rarely the limiting factor.
Off-road rating: Most manufacturers and rack brands reduce the allowable load by 30–50% on unsealed roads due to corrugations and impacts. An exact figure here can be hard to come by.
GVM: We aren’t going to get into GVM details in this article, but we will mention that you also need to ensure that your total vehicle weight remains in check. It’s important to note that while a GVM upgrade can legally increase load carrying capacity (payload) of your vehicle, it does not increase the roof load rating.
⚠️ Ratings can vary significantly by vehicle variant and year, always consult vehicle’s owner manual or enquire with the manufacturer to confirm your specific vehicles limitations.
Sedans & Wagons: Limited Capacity, Choose Carefully
Sedans and wagons sit at the most restricted end of the rooftop tent spectrum. Dynamic roof load ratings for this category typically range sit around 75 kg with few offering more than this. With most lightweight roof rack setups adding 10–30 kg alone, the window for a viable rooftop tent is narrow, which is why you rarely see this combination on the road. That said, the arrival of sub-40 kg rooftop tents from Inspired Overland has opened the door for sedan and wagon owners — particularly for those happy to remove the tent between trips rather than leaving it on permanently.
SUVs: Well Suited to Lightweight Models
While many SUV’s have a 75 kg rating, there are more options offering larger capacities up to 100 kg which opens up a solid range of rooftop tent. For most buyers in this category, a lightweight tent paired with roof bars is the most practical starting point, preserving as much of the roof load allowance as possible.
Dual Cab Ute? A Tub Rack Opens Up Your Options.
Dual cab ute owners have two installation options: the cab roof, or a rack mounted to the tray via a canopy or tub rack. The cab roof typically sits between 75–100 kg depending on the model, but a quality canopy or tub rack changes the equation significantly – purpose-built aluminium canopies commonly carry dynamic ratings of up to 200 kg, opening the full rooftop tent range. If you’re going the canopy route, be cautious of products without a published dynamic rating; many ABS and fibreglass canopies sit in the 50–100 kg range as standard, and off-road use can reduce effective ratings further.
Two rules apply across the board: your safe load limit is always the weakest link in the chain – canopy rating, rack system rating, and vehicle GVM all need to stack up – and your rooftop tent should never be installed in a way that bridges the cab roof and the canopy, as chassis flex between the two will cause damage over time. Always consult a qualified installer to confirm your setup is suitable before purchase.
4WDs: Compatible With the Full Range of Rooftop Tents
Purpose-built 4WDs are the natural home of the rooftop tent, and the roof load ratings reflect it – many popular models like the Nissan Patrol and Toyota LandCruiser sit between 100–150 kg, with the LandCruiser 200 Series reportedly standing out at an exceptional 200 kg. Don’t just assume that size and rugged looks mean there is plenty of load capacity on the vehicle, some models still only offer 75Kg capacity.
Calculating Your Available Load
Once you know your vehicle’s dynamic roof load rating, you can do some simple maths to work out what capacity you have left for your rooftop tent any anything else you want to add on top of your vehicle. Aluminium crossbar systems genrally weight 10–20kg whilst full platforms much more at 20–35kg. Steel racks: can exceed 45kg – a serious constraint on any vehicle.
Roof rating – Roof rack weight = Available load
Example: A vehicle with a roof load rating of 85kg with 2 bar roof rack weighing 10kg leaves 75kg for a rooftop tent and any extras.
Example: A vehicle with a roof load rating of 100Kg and a full-length platform rack weighing 30Kg has 60Kg remaining for a rooftop tent and any extras.
⚠️Your vehicle’s handling will change regardless of how much you put on your roof rack, always drive with consideration of the extra weight, wind resistance, and changes to centre of gravity.
Narrowing Your Rooftop Tent Choice
Once you know your available load, you can use the table below to start narrowing down your options. We’ve listed individual rooftop tent weights from our current range, and combined the weight of each with two common roof rack systems and their approximate weights – roof bars (5 kg per bar) and a roof platform (30 kg) — so you can see at a glance what you’d be putting on your roof. It’s also worth keeping in mind that if you’re planning to leave your rooftop tent on permanently, roof bars are worth a good look: at roughly a third of the weight of a platform rack, they can free up a meaningful chunk of your roof load allowance.
| Brand | Model | Tent only Weight | Tent + Roof Bars (~5 kg per bar) | Tent + Roof Platform (~30 kg) |
| Inspired Overland | Standard Lightweight Rooftop Tent | 34.5 kg | 44.5 kg (2 bars) | 64.5 kg |
| Inspired Overland | XL Lightweight Rooftop Tent | 39 kg | 49 kg (2 bars) | 69 kg |
| Inspired Overland | Trailpeak Rooftop Tent | 38 kg | 48 kg (2 bars) | 68 kg |
| Inspired Overland | Carbonlite Rooftop Tent | 36.3 kg | 46.3 kg (2 bars) | 66.3 kg |
| 23Zero | Dakota Super Lite Roof Top Tent | 41 kg | 51 kg (2 bars) | 71 kg |
| 23Zero | Dakota 1400 Series 4 Rooftop Tent with LST | 58.6 kg | 68.6 kg (2 bars) | 88.6 kg |
| 23Zero | Saber Vert-X 1450 Hard Shell Rooftop Tent | 89 kg | 99 kg (2 bars) | 119 kg |
| 23Zero | Onyx Triple X 1300 Hard Shell Rooftop Tent | 85 kg | 95 kg (2 bars) | 115 kg |
| 23Zero | Onyx Triple X 1450 Hard Shell Rooftop Tent | 90 kg | 100 kg (2 bars) | 120 kg |
| 23Zero | Onyx Triple X 1550 Hard Shell Rooftop Tent | 95 kg | 105 kg (2 bars) | 125 kg |
| 23Zero | Yowie AX Hard Shell Rooftop Tent | 101 kg | 111 kg (2 bars) | 131 kg |
| 23Zero | Panther Horizon 1600 Hard Shell Rooftop Tent | 84 kg | 94 kg (2 bars) | 114 kg |
| 23Zero | Panther Horizon 2000 Hard Shell Rooftop Tent | 99 kg | 109 kg (2 bars) | 129 kg |
| 23Zero | Saber Super Fly Lightweight Roof Top Tent | 53.4 kg | 68.4 kg (3 bars) | 83.4 kg |
| 23Zero | Saber Super Lite Hard Shell Roof Top Tent | 64.5 kg | 79.5 kg (3 bars) | 94.5 kg |
| 23Zero | Saber Max Hard Shell Rooftop Tent | 99 kg | 109 kg (2 bars) | 129 kg |
| 23Zero | Saber Lite Paw Hard Shell Rooftop Tent | 94 kg | 104 kg (2 bars) | 124 kg |
| 23Zero | Saber Pro Z 1400 Hard Shell Rooftop Tent | 89 kg | 99 kg (2 bars) | 119 kg |
Why Snowys Stocks 23Zero and Inspired Overland
Our stance is that every brand has its own merits, regardless of whether or not it forms part of our range. The brand we choose to align with are chosen as they reflect the Snowys ethos of delivering reliable quality backed by exceptional experiences for our customers, from the moment they start researching through to purchase and the support that comes after. While we have other brands in our range that reflect this ethos, 23Zero and Inspired Overland meet that standard in droves. They build quality products, stand behind them, and are genuinely easy to work with when our customers need help. The product range across these two brands ensures there is a rooftop tent to suit almost any vehicle, and a price that doesn’t sacrifice quality to suit any budget.
23Zero
23Zero are always innovating – and what sets them apart is that their innovation is driven by the people actually using their gear. They listen to customer feedback and make real changes accordingly, and it shows across every generation of product. Their continual innovation means there is always something new and updated on the horizon, but working closely with the designers means our team genuinely understands the range and can give customers confident, informed advice.
In terms of what they cover in our range, 23Zero sit in the mid-weight to heavy-duty end of the spectrum – with a model to suit almost every vehicle. From the Dakota Super Lite at ~41kg for SUV owners watching their roof load, through to the robust Saber Pro Z with its generous interior space for serious 4WD touring, the range has genuine breadth without compromising on quality.
Inspired Overland
Inspired Overland takes a different approach – one that’s squarely focused on lightweight construction. That focus opens rooftop tent camping to a wider audience, from vehicle owners with lower roof load ratings who’ve traditionally been locked out of the RTT market to fully equipped touring builds who are looking for opportunities to trim weight. The stripped-down construction of some models also creates more affordable entry points for buyers who want a high-quality tent without paying for features they’ll never use.
They’re innovators in the truest sense – utilising materials like carbon fibre and lightweight soft-shell fabrics to keep weight down without compromising strength or durability. The Stargazer Duo is the clearest expression of that philosophy: a full acrylic roof, carbon fibre and aluminium construction, and just over 42kg on the scales. It’s a tent that does something genuinely different, built by a brand that keeps pushing what’s possible.
Matching your vehicle
In addition to the weight of the rooftop tent, you will need to consider how the tent will sit on your vehicle, see below for considerations for each vehicle type.
Sedan or small SUV
Given the low roof ratings and close nature by which the roof rails will likely be mounted, your best choice is likely a lightweight folding rooftop tent with a compact footprint.
If your roof bars are far enough apart, a lightweight full length model will also be suitable.
- Any of the Inspired Overland range
- 23Zero Saber Super Fly
- 23Zero Saber Super Lite (may be pushing weight limits)
Medium to large SUV
The longer roof space opens more full-length models but you may still be limited by roof weight limits.
- Any of the Inspired Overland range
- 23Zero Saber Super Fly
- 23Zero Saber Super Lite (may be pushing weight limits)
Dual cab mounting on cabin roof
While your vehicle can carry loads of weight, the roof space on these can be limiting in both weight ratings and the distance in which the roof racks are spaced, you may end up with too much overhang if you are mounting a full-length version, meaning a folding option could be the best choice.
- 23Zero Dakota Super Lite
- 23Zero Dakota 1400
- Any of the Inspired Overland range but be mindful of rack spacing and overhang
Dual cab with tub rack mounting at roof height
This is the ideal way to mount a rooftop tent on a dual cab when placing it at roof height. The tub rack usually rated well above the cab roof meaning you can mount almost any rooftop tent you want; the choice comes down to how you want to set things up. A fold-in-half models will open to the side to create shelter, while a full-length model can look very tidy fitting neatly within the edges of your tub and slightly overhand the front cab.
Dual cab mounting lower than roof height
If you want to mount your rooftop in the tub such that the top of your rooftop tent to sit close to the height of your cab roof, you’ll need to make sure the tent can be setup without fouling against the cab. You may also need to sacrifice the use of one of the window awnings. Furthermore, you will likely need a model with a smaller footprint, so it doesn’t overhang at the rear.
Mounting on a trailer
Limitations here are specific to your trailer. It’s likely you have plenty of available capacity, and the choice really comes down to how you configure your trailer. You may need to think about how it is mounted given it may be that you aren’t using traditional roof bars.
4WD
For a 4WD with plenty of available load capacity, go for comfort and style, 23Zero offer this in spades.
Dual hinged for internal space
Classic single hinge models
X-hinge for extra foot space
- 23Zero Vert-X 1450
- 23Zero Saber Max
- 23Zero Onyx 1300, 1450 & 1550
Weight saving options
Mounting and Setup: What You Need to Know
Roof Racks
You’ll need a roof rack system before mounting any RTT. Most tents require a pair of crossbars with a minimum spread – typically 600–900mm depending on the model. Popular systems like Rhino-Rack, Thule, and Yakima are generally compatible with the T-slot mounting hardware used across the 23Zero and Inspired Overland ranges.
Mounting Hardware
Both brands come with T-slot mounting brackets and clamps that attach to your crossbars. The process is straightforward: position the tent on the crossbars, drop the T-bolts into the slots, tighten the clamps. Refer to the installation guide for your specific model.
📋 Pro tip: Have a second person help with installation – even a sub 40kg tent is awkward to lift solo. A rubber mat or moving blanket across your roof panel prevents scratches during the lift.
Ladder Setup
Most RTTs include a telescopic aluminium ladder which is integrated into some models, whilst others, particularly the lightweight models, have a removable ladder that is stored separately to the tent to keep vehicle weight down.
Weight Distribution
Position the tent as close to centre over your crossbars as the model allows. When installing lightweight model be conscious of the overhanging section where you will be sitting/climbing in and out of the tent, too much overhang here could cause structural damage to the tent once you add bodyweight.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I leave the RTT on my car permanently?
Yes, and most owners do. Hard shell RTTs are designed as a permanent installation – they’re weatherproofed when closed and sit low enough to not cause major clearance issues in most situations (though check height clearances in multi-storey car parks, typically 2.0–2.1m). Models with a slim profile i.e Inspired Overland are more convenient when it comes to fitting your car in a small garage.
Do I need to air the fabric out?
Yes – If you pack up while the fabric is damp, open it again within a day or two to dry properly. Packing away consistently wet fabric can lead to mildew.
How do I manage condensation inside?
Condensation happens in any enclosed sleeping space, and it is one of the most common complaints with rooftop tents. Anti-condensation mats (included in almost all models) help to manage the condensation that builds on the floor, but doesn’t stop it completely, if it’s cold night, you’ll almost certainly get some condensation. Cracking vents and windows open for airflow overnight makes the single biggest difference, and have a listen to our podcast discussion on the topic here >.
What’s a realistic budget for a quality first RTT?
For a quality hard shell with all the bells and whistles including, integrated lighting, power, roof rails and heavy-duty materials, budget from around $3,500 upward. For $2000-$3000 you can get yourself a quality lightweight model that does away with bells and whistles and strips out unnecessary features in favour of weight saving, 23Zero’s Superlight and Superfly and Inspired Overlands Lightweight and TrailPeak models are good examples of this.
Finding the Right Tent for You
Buying an RTT is one of those purchases that genuinely changes how you camp. Once you’ve slept elevated with a proper mattress and a sky window overhead, a regular tent starts to feel like a step backwards.
23Zero covers almost every type of buyer – from the weight-conscious first timer on a smaller SUV through to the serious overlander who wants a hand-built hard shell with genuine interior volume. Inspired Overland offer true lightweight innovation and stripped-down offerings that suit a wider range of vehicles.
At Snowys, every RTT in this range is one we’d stand behind – and our store and online teams know these tents inside out. If you’d rather talk it through in person before committing, come in and we’ll help you match a tent to your rig.
Shop the full rooftop tent range at Snowys →
Trekker, surfer, climber, mountain biker, runner, camper. Participator in most things… master of none.