The perfect car roof tent for your vehicle
Discover all roof tentsWe are the test winner! ‘Convincing in terms of features, functionality, size, price and workmanship: With the best overall package, the GRP roof tent from Horntools deserves the test victory and a clear recommendation to buy.’
The roof tent comparison
An overview of the horntools models
Are you still unsure which horntools model is right for you? Here you will find the most important information about our roof tents summarized in a clear comparison.
Folding roof tent
Hard shell roof tent
Folding roof tent
320 x 140 / 165 / 220 x 130 cm
220 x 150 x 30 cm
320 x 140 / 165 / 220 x 130 cm
2 to 4 persons
(= 2 adults and 2 children)
depending on model
2 persons
1 person up to 4 persons
(= 2 adults and 2 children)
depending on model
63 - 92 kg
depending on model
70 kg
45,5 - 78 kg
depending on model
2,290 - 3,590 €
2,890 €
1,490 - 2,990 €
Navy blue (Ocean) or gray (Stone)
Grey
Sand
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
300g/m² Canvas with PU coating, 35% Cotton, 65% Polyester (Water column: 2000 mm)
Cotton, Canvas with PU coating (Water column: 2000 mm)
280 g Ripstop Canvas, 65 % Polyester, 35 % Cotton (Water column: 2000 mm)
15 min
3 min
15 min
✓
✖
✖
✓
✖
✓
✓
✖
✖
- Roof tent with cover
- Rain cover
- Black telescopic ladder
- LED lights
- Mattress (8 cm cold foam)
- Roof tent with hard shell
- Shoe bag
- Organizer bag
- Telescopic ladder with bag
- Mattress (7 cm cold foam)
Roof tent with cover
Rain cover
Aluminum ladder
Mattress (8 cm cold foam)
*all roof tents are supplied with a ladder, mattress and the necessary fastening material and tools
Ocean & Stone
Elements
The brand new Elements roof tent combines our many years of experience in the roof tent sector. It comes in the versions “Ocean” (navy blue) & “Stone” (grey) and has some exciting features.
Discover our Elements (Ocean)Desert
The folding tent for all areas of use. Loved and optimized for years. A compact tent in many sizes, for all vehicles.
Discover our DesertThémis Gen II
The new hard shell car tent from horntools. Set up in under three minutes, it offers plenty of space and comes with all the necessary accessories.
Discover our ThemisOur roof tents in use
Johanna B.
Roof tent Desert
We used the roof tent on a Mitsubishi Outlander, 2 adults + dog. Setting up and taking down is simple and logical. The roof tent made us very flexible, everything was quickly packed up and ready for the onward journey. The annex room was easy to assemble and made it possible to sit together nicely, even in bad weather.
toit_aventure
Hard shell tent Themis
We decided on this roof tent a few months ago after very intensive testing, advice etc. from x different brands. We are completely satisfied and can recommend it to anyone who wants a hard shell roof tent. The on-site advice and installation was also highly professional.
Stéfanie M.
Testimonials
Après plusieurs jours de recherche, nous avons opté pour les Elements bleus en 140 cm. Principalement à cause de la marque et des nouvelles fonctionnalités. Commandé en mars et j'y ai déjà passé cinq nuits. Je dois dire... Finition TOP et super confortable. L'échelle est très pratique et la tente se monte en quelques minutes seulement. Nous attendons avec impatience le printemps et avons hâte d'aller bientôt en Espagne !!
Éric P.
Roof tent Desert 220
We opted for the Desert 220. It offers more than enough space for 2 adults and two children aged 3 and 7. It was mounted on an Isuzu DMAX and a Horntools Navis was also installed as the base carrier. The first night even brought pouring rain, we all stayed dry and the accessories supplied are also great! We are looking forward to the coming adventures!
Type of roof tent
Folding tent or hard shell roof tent - which one is better?
The choice between a folding and hard shell roof tent depends on your personal usage requirements, preferences and budget.
The advantages of a hard shell roof tent
✅ Fixed shell construction: This makes the roof tent flatter and more aerodynamic on the roof.
✅ Resistant hard shell: This protects you from any weather and makes you feel particularly safe.
✅ Time-saving: The horntools hard shell roof tent can be set up in under three minutes. You can save extra time by stowing your bedding in the roof tent when it is folded down.
✅ Convenient size: The roof tent usually does not exceed the side mirrors of your vehicle, so you can easily spend the night almost anywhere.
The advantages of a folding tent
✅ Less expensive: You need a little more time to set it up.
✅ Low weight: Ideal for vehicles with a low roof load.
✅ Very spacious: If you are traveling with child(ren), a folding tent offers you enough space.
✅ Overlapping surface provides a shaded area: you usually don't need an additional awning.
The pop-up tent is mounted on an aluminum plate, is set up by folding out the plate and is protected by a rubber cover when closed. When closed, it is around 10 cm higher than the hard shell roof tent.
In summary, there is no such thing as THE roof tent variant that has more advantages than the other. It is important to look at your own needs and to match these with the pros and cons of the respective roof tent variant. Here is another comparison between folding tents and hard shell tents to help you make your decision:
In our ADVENTURER magazine you will also find an article with a detailed comparison between folding tents and hard shell tents.
How much does a roof tent cost?
Folding tents are generally cheaper than hard shell roof tents. Depending on the size, the Desert folding tent is between 1,490 and 2,990 euros and the new Elements roof tent in the colors Ocean & Stone is between 2,290 and 3,590 euros. The tried and tested Themis hard shell tent costs 2,890 euros.
How much space does a roof tent offer?
Depending on the model, roof tents offer space for up to 4 people (2 adults and 2 children). Generally speaking, the 140 cm mattress is designed for two adults, the 165 cm mattress for two adults + one child and the 220 cm mattress for two adults + two children.
Which roof tent is suitable for 4 people?
The Elements roof tents in the colors Ocean and Stone as well as the Desert 220 version are particularly suitable for 4 people or families. These versions come with two separate ladders and a partition wall. The car roof tent is divided into two separate rooms and thus offers ideal accommodation for 4 people. The partition wall is attached using Velcro and can also be removed if necessary. The length of the sleeping area is always around 230 cm.
Montage et stockage de tente de toit
Which car fits a roof tent?
In general, you can mount a roof tent on any car, provided a roof rack is attached to your car roof. It does not matter whether it is two cross struts as a carrier or a roof rack platform. It is important that the width and length of the car roof offers sufficient space for the roof tent and that the width of the roof rack is compatible with the roof tent bracket. In addition, the permissible roof load specified by the car manufacturer for the installation of the roof rack and roof tent must be observed. This can normally be found in the car manual or can be obtained directly from the manufacturer. Folding tents with less weight are therefore recommended for smaller vehicles with a lower permissible roof load.
What does roof load mean?
The roof load that the vehicle manufacturer refers to in the manual is the dynamic roof load. This is the permitted load that you are allowed to carry on the roof of your vehicle while travelling. For example, if you have specified a roof load of 80 kg for your vehicle, your roof tent + roof rack may weigh a maximum of 80 kg. When stationary, you can then sleep in the roof tent without any concerns.
Translated with DeepL.com (free version)
What roof load do I need for a roof tent?
There is no standard roof load for a roof tent. This always depends on the individual weight of the roof tent. For example, if a roof tent weighs 50 kg, a maximum permissible roof load of 70 kg specified by the vehicle manufacturer including roof rack may be sufficient. However, if the roof tent weighs 70 kg, for example, you will obviously need a higher roof load on your vehicle.
Do I need a special roof rack for a roof tent?
A roof rack is always a prerequisite for fitting a roof tent. As long as the width of the carrier is compatible with the roof tent bracket, you can mount a roof tent on any roof rack.
💡Tip: Don't have a suitable roof rack yet? Then take a look at our brackets - these can be flexibly adjusted in width as required and can therefore be optimally adapted to your vehicle model.
How do I install my roof tent?
To install the roof tent, you must lift it onto your roof racks. This is best done with the help of two to four people. The roof tent is then screwed onto the roof rack at four points using screws and counter plates. All fastening material and tools are supplied with our roof tents.
How long does it take to set up the roof tent?
How long it takes to set up the roof tent depends on the roof tent model, of course. In general, it can be said that setting up a hard-shell tent takes around 3 to 5 minutes and setting up a folding tent takes between 7 and 20 minutes. After setting it up 2-3 times and with a little practice, setting up the roof tent is generally very easy.
How do I store my roof tent?
If you do not use your roof tent or awning for a longer period of time, e.g. over the winter months, it makes sense to remove them. This not only protects and preserves the products, but also makes your vehicle more economical and safer to drive (without additional structures). The roof tent should only be assembled and closed when it is completely dry. Moisture could lead to mold growth in the long term.
Can you leave a roof tent on your car all year round?
Theoretically, you can leave the roof tent - whether it's a folding tent or a hard shell roof tent - on the car all year round. The rubber cover or the hard shell protects it well from all weather conditions. However, in order to reduce the overall weight of the vehicle and thus fuel consumption, it is worth removing the roof tent if it is not going to be used for a longer period of time.
Entretien de la tente de toit
Do I have to air the roof tent?
The secret to a long service life for your roof tent is: ventilate, ventilate, ventilate - even during use. Ventilate your roof tent regularly, even when traveling, ideally in sunny weather. It is best to open all the windows to allow as much air circulation as possible. We also recommend using a mattress pad to prevent moisture build-up.
How do I clean a roof tent?
The roof tent should only be cleaned with cold or lukewarm water and a soft brush. Do not use any chemicals, soaps or cleaning agents. The zippers will last the longest if you spray them with silicone spray. If mold forms, remove it with a sponge and then allow the tent to dry completely. It is then best to waterproof it again.
How do I maintain a roof tent?
To ensure the longevity of your roof tent even after purchase, there are a few recommended maintenance options. The seams of your roof tent are the heart of the tent and must be looked after with particular care. To ensure that they last a long time, they must not dry out completely, as this can lead to the seams breaking. We therefore recommend checking them regularly and treating them with a block of beeswax. This brings elasticity to the seams and promotes waterproofness. If the seams start to leak, you can remedy this with seam sealant. The zippers also need to be treated with silicone spray to ensure they work reliably.
Do I have to impregnate a roof tent?
You haven't used your roof tent yet? Or have you just cleaned it thoroughly and are planning to store it for a longer period of time? Then this is the ideal time for a (fresh) waterproofing treatment. You can repeat this every one to two years, depending on use. It's best to use a high-quality product or waterproofing spray from a specialist tent or outdoor retailer - this provides waterproofing and UV protection.
En déplacement avec la tente de toit
Where can I stay overnight with a roof tent? The legal situation of camping away from known campsites
Wild camping, i.e. spending the night at undesignated campsites, is legally regulated or even prohibited in many regions. Austria and Germany in particular have strict regulations on this. The following always applies: designated nature conservation areas are taboo for overnight camping. Private land and private forests offer a good alternative - wild camping is possible here with the express permission of the owner. Spending the night in (rest) areas is generally prohibited unless it is to restore your own fitness to drive.
However, every country has different laws! Sweden, Norway and Finland are considered an absolute paradise for wild campers, whereas the west of Europe is rather difficult. In any case, find out about legal wild camping options and, if in doubt, ask the relevant municipality or local police station.
Do I need a sleeping bag for the roof tent?
All of our roof tents are equipped with a comfortable mattress that is at least 7 cm thick. Most people use a sleeping bag to sleep in a rooftop tent. Of course, this also depends on the temperature. In cooler temperatures it definitely makes sense to use a functional sleeping bag. Attention : even on summer days it can cool down significantly at night in some regions. We have a 3-season sleeping bag in our range, with good moisture regulation and water-repellent synthetic fiber insulation. Thanks to the synthetic filling, this sleeping bag is very easy to care for and is ideal for spending the night in a roof tent.
À quelle vitesse puis-je rouler avec la tente de toit ?
Une vitesse maximale de 100 à 130 km/h est généralement recommandée, selon le modèle de véhicule. Veuillez noter que la hauteur supplémentaire de la tente de toit peut affecter la hauteur totale du véhicule et donc également le comportement de conduite. Ceci est particulièrement important en cas de vent fort.