If you want a tent, there are a lot of options. One style of tent that is becoming more common is the rooftop vehicle tent. These tents are designed to be set up on top of your truck or SUV. So is a vehicle rooftop tent the best option for you and your family? Consider these pros and cons to help you decide.

Pros of rooftop tents

You're safer up on the roof

When you set up a tent on top of your vehicle roof, you'll generally be safer than you'd be on the ground. Wildlife is less likely to access your tent. You won't have to be as worried about bears, wolves, and other animals. People passing by will have a harder time accessing your tent, too. 

You won't feel the cold ground beneath you

In the spring and fall, the ground can be pretty chilly. Even with a sleeping bag and an air mattress, this chilliness can radiate through your tent. A vehicle-top tent eliminates this worry. You'll be off the ground, which can keep your tent a little warmer. You can even turn your car on for a bit and let it heat up, and some of that heat will permeate through the tent.

You'll get a great view

From on top of your vehicle, you will get to look out over the landscape and enjoy a nice view. You'll be able to see any mountains or bodies of water off in the distance more clearly.

Cons of rooftop tents

Setting the tent up takes a little more finesse

Most vehicle-top tents are made to be as easy to assemble as possible. However, you do still have to set the tent up on top of your vehicle, which is inherently harder than setting up one on the ground. For most people, this is not a big deal, but if you have limited mobility or a fear of heights, a rooftop tent might not be right for you.

Rooftop tents cost more

Since ground tents have been around for so long, there are tons of brands and styles to choose from and a lot of lower-cost options. Rooftop tents are more specialized and tend to cost more. If you're on a tight budget, a ground tent might be more affordable.

If you're able to afford one and you don't mind setting one up, a rooftop tent can give you a convenient way to enjoy your camping trip.