Do you want to camp this summer and are hesitating between investing in a roof tent or a van? For your future road trip, both options present advantages and disadvantages and the ideal choice will therefore depend on your personal needs. Depending on your budget, your comfort criteria and your travel desires, you will not in fact select the same solution. To guide you in your decision, we present the main points to take into account for choose between a roof tent and a van.
A roof tent, an advantage for your budget
First essential point to take into account, your budget will be decisive in your choice. For your budget, the roof tent is clearly advantageous compared to the van. If you add a roof tent to your vehicle, the investment is incomparable compared to purchasing a converted van since you do not need to change cars.
Choosing your roof tent wisely
If you opt for a roof tent, we advise you to take your time to choose your equipment carefully. There are indeed roof tents at different prices, different sizes and different qualities. If you want to sleep more than a few nights in your cocoon, we recommend that you opt for a quality model where you can feel good and spend comfortable nights. For a high-end model, we suggest, for example, the Skycamp roof tent. Perfectly insulated, with a thick mattress and a solid canvas, it will offer you all the necessary comfort and essential protection for your nights on a road trip. If you are looking for a more affordable rooftop tent for your budget, you can look into Decathlon which offers starting prices around €1,500. In any case, measure your vehicle carefully to ensure that your roof tent is the right size and do not hesitate to invest a little more for your comfort. Sleeping well even in nature is in fact an essential element for a successful road trip.
A roof tent to move around more freely
Another advantage of the roof tentit will allow you to maintain the dimensions of your classic vehicle. If you want to include city visits in your summer road trip, you will be able to travel more easily everywhere with your roof tent folded. If you have ever driven a motorhome, you should know that many restrictions apply with this type of vehicle in tourist areas and large towns. The same goes for vans. As your roof tent is considered a roof box, you will not have not the height problem to park and you will be able to visit some busy places more easily. So think carefully about your visiting desires before investing in a roof tent or a van.
A van to offer you more comfort
On the other hand, a van has the advantage of offering more comfort. You will in fact have more space available in a van and you will be able to create a real little cocoon in your image. High-end roof tents offer the possibility of creating a small, comfortable space with storage and accessories, but you will always have less space and comfort than in a van. With a van, you will really have the possibility of converting it into a house on wheels if you are creative and handy. Kitchen, lounge area during the day, space for the night, decoration, you can feel at home even when you are in the heart of nature.
A roof tent for faster setup
If you want to go on a trip in a few days or weeks, a roof tent has the advantage of being set up very quickly. You will not have to make any adjustments like a van. All you need to do is learn more about roof top tents, measure your vehicle and select the right roof top tent for your needs. A van requires more preparations unless you buy a model already equipped. From electricity to water storage, you will need time to create a personalized interior. Note that if you are leaving for more than a few days with your roof tent, we still advise you to provide arrangements in your vehicle or to equip yourself correctly so that you can, for example, have sufficient energy, wash, cook or even store your food.
A roof tent for storage
Another criterion to take into account is the storage of your vehicle when you are not on a road trip. On this side, the folded roof tent is obviously much easier to store than a vehicle the size of a van.
Roof tent or van, advantages and disadvantages depending on your trip
Finally, the roof tent or van has advantages and disadvantages which will not be perceived the same depending on your trip. To choose wisely, we advise you to think about the type of road trip you want to do. Over a long period of time, we advise you, for example, to fit out a van. To visit tourist places or big cities, a roof tent will be perfect for your road trip.
Another criterion to take into account, the number of passengers during your trip will be decisive. A roof tent can accommodate a maximum of 4 people if you choose a large model, but most often it is comfortable for up to 2 people. Note that a roof tent can be installed on a van (but obviously without a lifting roof) to provide additional beds if you want to take great family trips.
To conclude, the main thing is to weigh the advantages and disadvantages of each solution according to your traveler profile. Don't hesitate to imagine yourself in a roof tent or in a van to discover the solution that you personally dream of the most. Do you want to get up high and sleep close to the stars in your roof tent or do you prefer to sleep in your van and open the door to a new landscape every morning?
