Frequently Asked Questions

A roof tent, or roof-top tent (RTT), is a type of camping tent that’s mounted on the roof of a vehicle, such as a car, SUV, truck or van. Instead of setting up a tent on the ground, you fold it out from the top of your vehicle, giving you an elevated sleeping space that keeps you away from dirt, mud, insects, and even small animals. Roof tents can be hard shell, with a solid cover that opens like a clamshell, or soft shell, made of traditional canvas folded inside a protective case. Coming with a built-in foam mattress making setup quick and convenient, and some even include annex rooms underneath for extra space or privacy. They feature a ladder for climbing in and out, and because they travel with your vehicle, they’re ideal for road trips or overlanding adventures. The main advantages include quick setup, a safer sleeping area off the ground, and saving interior vehicle space. Essentially, a roof tent is a convenient way to camp while being closer to the stars, travelling light, and keeping your campsite off the ground.

Roof tents, also called roof-top tents, were first invented in the mid-20th century, around the 1950s–1960s. The earliest commercially successful versions came from Europe, especially in Germany and South Africa, where overlanding and safari-style travel were popular. They were designed to give travelers a quick, elevated camping setup, keeping them off the ground and away from wildlife or uneven terrain.

The concept became more widespread in the 1980s and 1990s as 4x4 vehicles and overlanding gained popularity worldwide. Modern roof tents are much more advanced, with lightweight materials, integrated mattresses, and foldable designs meaning they can fit a wider array of vehicles.

Latitude Tents makes some of the best roof tents out there, and we’re proud to see more and more people discovering them. We love being part of the rooftop tent community, but we’re especially excited to show what makes our tents different. They’re built tough, super convenient, and come with a 2-year warranty you can count on. Plus, our customer service isn’t just a help line—it’s real people who actually use these tents every weekend, and a supportive community of Latitude Tents fans ready to share tips and stories.

We love all our models equally, but everyone’s lifestyle is different—which is why we’ve designed a tent for every person and every adventure.

The Pioneer
Our most popular model for a reason! The Pioneer is incredibly versatile, comfortably fitting 2–3 people. It features a cover over the ladder and plenty of accessory options, making it perfect for campers who want to make the most of every adventure. It fits most vehicles too.

The Pioneer XL
All the benefits of the Pioneer—just bigger! This model fits up to 4 people, making it ideal for families or longer trips with larger vehicles.

The Scout
The Scout is our “quick-and-light” option. Offering the same comfort as the Pioneer but with a faster setup, its window poles simply pop up—so you can spend less time setting up and more time exploring.

The Explorer
Our hard-shell roof tent with hydraulic-assisted setup, designed for 4x4 & van life enthusiasts. Its streamlined, robust design includes extras like a built-in anti-condensation mattress and interior lighting, making it ready for serious adventures.

Have questions? Team Latitude is always ready to help. Reach out via our Contact Us page for the best advice on choosing the perfect tent for you.

Our roof tents range from 45 kg to 75 kg, offering options for every adventure. The Scout is the lightest at 45 kg, making it easy to handle, while the Pioneer and Pioneer XL step up to 54 kg and 67 kg, providing extra space and comfort. The Explorer is our hard-shell roof tent, weighing 75 kg. Each weight has its own advantages, so there’s a perfect tent for every type of journey.

Yes. Latitude roof tents are designed to be waterproof and weather-resistant, thanks to their heavy-duty rip-stop poly-cotton fabric with a waterproof and UV-resistant coating. Rainfly panels and other treated materials help keep the interior dry Every model has a hydrostatic head rating of 3000 mm, meaning the fabric can handle heavy rain. Construction details like double-stitched seams with silicone backing and durable travel covers further protect against water intrusion while in transit or during storms.

Yes. We can proudly say our Roof Tents are made for the British weather with a wind rating to Gale Force 8, so you can be cosy even when it’s windy.

One of the biggest advantages of a roof tent is its incredible ease of use. They can be set up and packed away in just a few minutes, making them perfect for quick getaways. Models like the Latitude Explorer even feature a gas-assisted opening system, allowing the tent to pop open in seconds.

Yes. You can leave your bedding—sleeping bags, duvets, and pillows—inside while it’s closed. This not only saves valuable space in your vehicle but also makes setting up camp a breeze, since your bed is already made and ready to go. There is a limit and this come down to bedding thickness and how it is laid out when folding the roof tent away.

Yes. All our roof tents include a built-in mattress that stays inside the tent at all times. Our mattresses are made from high-density foam, providing the most comfortable camping experience you will ever have.

Yes. All our Roof Tents come with ladders. The standard ladder is 2.3m. We also offer extra height ladders for higher vehicles.

The maximum recommended driving speed is 70mph. Always follow the tent manufacturer's recommendations and any local laws, regulations and speed limits.

Yes you can leave our Roof Tents on all year round, alternatively you can store it flat or up on its side somewhere dry.

Yes, we use PayPal!

Pay in 3 is a buy now, pay later option that lets you split a purchase into three interest-free payments instead of paying the full amount upfront. When you choose PayPal at checkout and select Pay in 3, the total cost is divided into three equal payments: the first is charged immediately, and the second and third are automatically charged every 30 days.

PayPal Credit also offers longer term options.

Latitude provides a 2-year manufacturer’s warranty on all materials, craftsmanship, and components. This covers manufacturing defects and does not extend to normal wear and tear or cosmetic blemishes sustained during use or damage caused by improper use, improper cleaning, or improper storage. Latitude will repair or replace (at our discretion) defective items.