Car camping has taken social media by storm, allowing people the opportunity to escape from home and explore Britain and Europe without expense or extensive planning. Simply pack up the car, hit the road and enjoy a weekend or longer away, resting your head wherever you see fit, with some beautiful backdrops along the way.

This movement isn’t just about travel; it’s about a lifestyle—one that prioritises simplicity, connection with nature, and the thrill of exploration. As these trends continue to grow, we’re seeing a wide range of vehicles being adapted for life on the move.

This got us thinking: are classic cars suitable candidates for a rooftop tent? Can we combine our passion for classic vehicles with our desire to be outside exploring? If you’ve wondered the same thing, read on as we consider all the important factors to assess whether your vintage ride is up for the challenge.

Knowing Your Car’s Weight Limits

So, you’re thinking about adding a rooftop tent to your classic car—exciting, right? But before you delve in, there’s something important to consider: your car’s weight limits. Classic cars weren’t exactly built with rooftop tents in mind, so you’ll need to get familiar with both the dynamic and static weight limits.

First up is the dynamic weight limit. This is the maximum weight your car can safely carry on the roof while you’re cruising down the road. If you exceed this limit, you might end up messing with your car’s handling and safety. It’s likely that the manual has gone AWOL with older cars, but don’t worry. You can usually track down this info on the internet.

Next, there’s the static weight limit. This is how much weight your car can handle when it’s parked—i.e. when your tent is all setup and you’re ready to kick back and relax. You need to make sure that the combined weight of your tent and roof bars doesn’t exceed the static weight limit for your vehicle

Assessing Your Classic Car’s Suitability

Before you get too excited about adding a rooftop tent to your classic car, it’s important to take a step back and assess whether your vehicle is really up to the task. Not every classic car is a great candidate for this kind of adventure.

First off, think about your car’s rarity and value. If you’ve got a rare or highly valuable classic, you might want to think twice about making any modifications, like installing a roof rack. The last thing you want is to risk damaging your prized possession!

Also, keep in mind that older cars weren’t designed with modern accessories like roof racks in mind. They might not have the necessary attachment points. Forcing a rack on could lead to some serious damage. So, make sure your classic can handle the load before making any adaptations.

Choosing the Right Tent

If you’ve determined that your classic car is up to the task of hosting a rooftop tent, congrats! Now comes the fun part—finding the perfect tent to match your ride. But before you go all in, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure you’re making the right choice.

First, you’ll want to double-check that the tent’s weight, along with the roof bars, falls within your car’s dynamic weight limit. The last thing you want is to overload your classic beauty and compromise its performance or safety.

Next, think about the style and size of the tent. Does it fit the vibe of your car? Is it spacious enough for your camping crew? Whether you’re planning solo trips or family adventures, picking a tent that complements both your car’s look and your travel needs is key.

Finally, don’t forget about practicality—how easy is it to set up and pack down? The right tent should make your road trips more enjoyable, not stressful. So, take your time, do your research, and choose a tent that makes your classic car camping experience go as smoothly as possible.

Consider Your Camping Destinations

Classic cars are often treated like the treasures they are, so taking them into harsh environments might not be the best idea. Picture this: sandy beaches, rough off-road trails, or dusty gravel roads. While they might sound like fun, these places can be tough on your vintage car. Ask yourself if your camping spot is really the best match for your classic car. If not, you might want to stick to a more traditional tent setup or consider using a different vehicle for those more rugged adventures. After all, keeping your classic car in tip-top shape is just as important as enjoying your time in nature!

Final Thoughts

Camping with a classic car and a rooftop tent sounds like a dream, right? But before you jump in, make sure you have fully thought it through and weighed up your options. Can you fit a rooftop tent to a classic car? Yes, in theory, providing the car can handle the weight and the terrain of the places you plan to visit. Only you can decide whether this is the right thing for you and your car; if you do decide to give it a whirl – Happy camping!