HOW TO: INSTALL & USE
YOUR LATITUDE TENT
So long as your vehicle can have roof bars fitted, you can work out how to install a rooftop tent and start your adventure. We know almost all cars, vans and trucks can do this, so whether you have a VW Beetle to a BMW, a modern Mercedes to a classic Mini, there's a Latitude roof tent to fit.
We've broken down the criteria below to help explain it all in a little more detail.
1. FIND ROOF BARS
You can get roof bars for your vehicle, even if it’s not obvious how they would be mounted. Our roof tents can also be mounted to roof racks.
The three styles are shown below:
SIDE RAILS
These are elevated profiles running down either side of the vehicle. Some are raised from the roof, others are flush with the roof. Some are universal in profile, but it is worth checking first in case you need specific roof bars.
MOUNTING POINTS
Like a plain style roof, but with discrete fixing points often hidden within vehicle trim or under small flaps.
PLAIN ROOF
A smooth-looking roof with no obvious mounting points. There are still plenty of roof bar options.
ROOF BAR LOAD LIMITS
The roof load limit can be a confusing subject, as many vehicles and roof bar limits are around 75kgs. “but the weight of the roof tent plus me and any others inside will be much more than this” we hear you say.
However, don’t worry!
These weight limits are dynamic load ratings. This means it’s the weight limit when the vehicle is in motion, so when you and others are inside the roof tent when it’s stationary, this figure isn’t relevant and the static load rating is substantially higher and not an issue.
The forces applied whilst the vehicle is moving, such as air resistance at speed, braking, cornering etc are far more than when you're stationary and inside the roof tent.
The weight limit inside our roof tents when open is 300kgs.
WHERE TO PURCHASE YOUR ROOF BARS
There are a number of places to get the roof bars required for your vehicle.
Depending on the popularity of the car, van or 4x4 you drive, some places may have them in stock. Or you may have to order them online.
Here are some good places to start - roofbox.co.uk & Halfords
If you would like some help don’t hesitate to get in touch - or contact your local OEM car garage.
2. INSTALLING YOUR LATITUDE TENT
We've made it simple to install a roof tent on any vehicle. All you need is a set of roof bars and a short space of time and you'll be ready to go!
The roof tents mount using secure hardware supplied with the tent. Once installed it can remain on your car, truck, or van for as long as you wish for those spontaneous adventures. Or it can easily be removed for the off-season.
All Latitude roof tents come with easy to follow installation and usage manuals, plus we've created these video guides below to help explain it in person.
OR
Alternatively, we offer free fittings at our HQ in Frome Somerset, where our expert team will fit your new Roof Tent for you and show you how it all works.
Check out our Roof Tent Installation Guides
Pioneer & Pioneer XL
Scout
Explorer
Wingman Awnings
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Most vehicles can fit a roof tent as long as they can have roof bars installed. The key thing to check is your roof bar system's dynamic load rating, this needs to exceed the weight of the tent (55kg for the Pioneer, 70kg for the Pioneer XL). If you're unsure, check with your roof bar supplier or get in touch and we can help.
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It depends on your vehicle and how you adventure. The Scout is ideal for smaller cars and solo or duo travellers. The Pioneer suits most vehicles and is a great all-rounder for two. The Pioneer XL is better for vans, 4x4s, and families. The Explorer is our hard shell model, it opens in seconds and is built for serious overland use. You're welcome to visit our showroom in Frome, Somerset to see them all in person.
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Yes - all Latitude roof tents come with step-by-step installation guides, and we have video walkthroughs for every model. Most people have their tent fitted in around an hour. If you'd prefer, we also offer a free fitting service at our HQ in Frome, Somerset.
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Yes - arguably more comfortable than a traditional ground tent. You're also off the ground, away from rocks, mud, insects, and animals, with better ventilation and airflow than camping at ground level.
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You need roof bars fitted to your vehicle, but not necessarily a full roof rack. Most cars can have roof bars installed regardless of roof type, whether you have side rails, mounting points, or a plain roof. The key requirement is that your roof bar system has a dynamic load rating that meets or exceeds the weight of the tent. We recommend checking with your roof bar supplier if you're unsure - Halfords and Roofbox.co.uk are good starting points.
Questions? Let us help.
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![A blue SUV parked on grassy hills with a rooftop tent and a ladder leading up to it, in a rural landscape with open fields and distant hills under a cloudy sky.]()
ROOF TENTS
Explore our range of roof tents designed for quick setup, comfort & dependable performance in all conditions -
![A black off-road vehicle with an extended rooftop tent and an awning setup, parked in a field of fallen autumn leaves with trees in the background.]()
CAR AWNINGS
Explore our range of camping awnings designed to add quick, reliable cover wherever you stop -
![Off-road vehicle with a rooftop tent, ladder, and mud-covered tires parked on a grassy field with trees and hills in the background.]()
ROOF TENT ACCESSORIES
Explore our range of roof tent accessories designed to make every trip more comfortable, practical and ready for the road -
![Two paint cans, one green and one blue, are placed side by side on a wooden surface with a rough, rustic tree bark background.]()
CAMPING MERCH
Explore our range of camping merch designed for everyday wear and adventure-inspired living
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