Rooftop tent suggestions

The Bronco only has a dynamic roof weight rating of 110 lbs. There aren't very many rooftop tents (RTT) that will work. The higher quality tents weigh more than 110 lbs. Given the static weight rating is 450 lbs., that means the weight of the tent, you and your wife, need to be less than 450 lbs. So, if you have a 150 lbs. tent, then you and your wife need to be less than 300 lbs. combined. That doesn't leave a lot of wiggle room for most couples.

Regardless of the above, I think Tepui (Thule) is one of the best RTT https://tepui.com/collections/ruggedized-roof-top-tents/3-person . I'd opt for a 4-season/ruggedized tent for the wet weather, but that's just me. Unfortunately, the Tepui is heavier than the Bronco is rated to carry, so it won't work within the Bronco's weight rating. Although they make RTT that weigh less than 110 lbs., I haven't found a RTT I'd buy that is within the Bronco's specs.

AcesandEights

The Bronco only has a dynamic roof weight rating of 110 lbs. There aren't very many rooftop tents (RTT) that will work. The higher quality tents weigh more than 110 lbs. Given the static weight rating is 450 lbs., that means the weight of the tent, you and your wife, need to be less than 450 lbs. So, if you have a 150 lbs. tent, then you and your wife need to be less than 300 lbs. combined. That doesn't leave a lot of wiggle room for most couples.

Regardless of the above, I think Tepui (Thule) is one of the best RTT https://tepui.com/collections/ruggedized-roof-top-tents/3-person . I'd opt for a 4-season/ruggedized tent for the wet weather, but that's just me. Unfortunately, the Tepui is heavier than the Bronco is rated to carry, so it won't work within the Bronco's weight rating. Although they make RTT that weigh less than 110 lbs., I haven't found a RTT I'd buy that is within the Bronco's specs.

Gotcha! Thank you for the info.
I guess we will just buy a ground tent and campthe old school way.
Plus a good ground tent is a lot cheaper!
Once we can utilize more too weight, I’ll look into the tent you recommended.
Thanks again!

Not sure where you plan to camp. Here in New England, many of the state parks have shelters you can rent for tent camping. The pictures below were taken at a state park in Vermont. If you get a ground tent you like, you can pitch it in the lean-to. A buddy bought a used 3-person ground tent for $45.00!

If you are not well versed in using a tarp to create your all-weather kitchen, just eat P&Js in the Bronco.

You may not need to spend a lot of money to enjoy camping. As you spend more nights out, you can always upgrade your gear as you learn what works and what does not.

Camp with some friends who use roof top tents. Watch how they are used, setup, leveling, ladder, tent height...

I am sure you will develop a strong opinion quickly.

simadownow6988

Gotcha! Thank you for the info.
I guess we will just buy a ground tent and campthe old school way.
Plus a good ground tent is a lot cheaper!
Once we can utilize more too weight, I’ll look into the tent you recommended.
Thanks again!

Just a few thoughts to consider prior to buying a ground tent. Are you best served with a free-standing tent? Will you prefer having a vestibule? Maybe multiple vestibules? Do you anticipate having the rain fly separate from the sleeping structure? Will you be using a footprint under your tent?

I have had the luxury of tent camping for many years and my gear has evolved as I attempted to get better at this sport. The terms expressed above are concepts you will learn as time permits. Circle back if questions arise.

I thought I would move this post from an overlanding topic to this one as it's a pretty good match...
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Yeah, as @AcesandEights and @simadownow6988 mention, the 110 lbs. is challenging! I started combing through products for potential rooftop options. I had about half a dozen I was investigating, but then the number plummeted when I found out that the dynamic load was 110 lbs. I was honing in on hardshell-style tents rather than the typical "all fabric" tent configuration for ease of set-up and teardown while camping. Most of what I found was 125 lbs. or more.

Anyway, here are the choices I found that would make a hardshell-style tent work within the specs are:

• GFC (Go Fast Campers) SUPERLITE - This clamshell-style tent is only 80 lbs. There is a mattress available but is not part of this weight. They also show a photoshopped image of the Bronco with it on the roof - https://gofastcampers.com/pages/superlite
• SMITTYBILT OVERLANDER HARDSHELL TENT - This is a four-corner pop-up with a hardshell is 104 lbs. with a mattress and only 95 lbs. without the ladder - https://www.smittybilt.com/overlander_hardshell_tent

Because these are lighter units, there aren't any T-Slot sides to mount other gear, solar panel recesses, or other storage options (however the Superlite states rooftop storage as "surfboard compatible").

Now, the Yakima is a great tent, and whatever they make from my experience is great quality (101.4 lbs.). I also have a Yakima Skybox that is awesome, but for what I will normally do with this vehicle on weekends, etc. I may want the faster setup/teardown feature of the hardtop tent. All this being said, I am still deciding (I have time). Who knows, I may switch back to the Yakima. Ford made a good choice pairing with them on the RTT for a nice turnkey option from a great company.

The alternative to all the above is to wait for an aftermarket unit(s) that may have both a higher dynamic and static load capacity like other brand vehicles, or other lighter tents. It's all about center-of-gravity and where/how it's being driven.

Highly recommend shiftpod.com for ground tent/shelter

I have a Gazelle T4, great tent, but it doesn’t fit inside my Jeep properly, I have to angle it. A T3 would have probably been fine. Sets up in seconds.

I have a GFC Superlite on order for the Bronco.

I will be looking to an aftermarket rack to handle the extra weight for them both up top.

One of the beautiful things we will find that when camping or over landing in a group you can break down and assign different members of your gang to bring different items that can be shared by all, thus freeing up space and GVWR capacity for items specific to your needs. I think that as aftermarket products become available the opportunity for items such as recovery gear and Roof Top Tents to be explored more in depth will only improve and increase. I am seriously looking into a small overlanding trailer, such as Opus, Turtleback or Patriot Campers to name a few. I am also very intrigued by roof rack options, in particular ones that distribute the weight off of the roof and onto the body. Mix in any of the research posted by @BuzzyBud and we are way ahead of the game!(y)

AcesandEights

The Bronco only has a dynamic roof weight rating of 110 lbs. There aren't very many rooftop tents (RTT) that will work. The higher quality tents weigh more than 110 lbs. Given the static weight rating is 450 lbs., that means the weight of the tent, you and your wife, need to be less than 450 lbs. So, if you have a 150 lbs. tent, then you and your wife need to be less than 300 lbs. combined. That doesn't leave a lot of wiggle room for most couples.

Regardless of the above, I think Tepui (Thule) is one of the best RTT https://tepui.com/collections/ruggedized-roof-top-tents/3-person . I'd opt for a 4-season/ruggedized tent for the wet weather, but that's just me. Unfortunately, the Tepui is heavier than the Bronco is rated to carry, so it won't work within the Bronco's weight rating. Although they make RTT that weigh less than 110 lbs., I haven't found a RTT I'd buy that is within the Bronco's specs.

Yeah what's the weight if you and your wife make the tent move on the roof while in it? Asking for a friend.

simadownow6988

The wife and I love camping. We used to have a travel trailer but sold it due to us not using it as much as we should.
We have been discussing possibly buying a rooftop tent and using it during our outings this time around. We went to the OKC auto show and seen the Bronco there with the tent on top and that spurred our conversation.
Is there any benefit to a rooftop vs a ground tent or is it more of a hassle?
My wife had to have surgery on her knee when she was in the Navy but she gets around fine, so I wouldn’t think the ladder would be to terrible.
If y’all think the rooftop is the way to go, what brand should we look into?
Thanks in advance!

With the roof mount, it takes longer for the ground to come up and slap you in the face after slamming a 12 pack.
The roof mount is away from those critters that wander in the night, ticks, snakes. But if you have to answer the call of nature its a problem.Being away from the critters and insects is worth it in my opinion.

Ground tent (they're getting easier to set-up) and an army cot is what I use. I realize a RTT saves cargo space.

Padams7

I have a Gazelle T4, great tent, but it doesn’t fit inside my Jeep properly, I have to angle it. A T3 would have probably been fine. Sets up in seconds.

I have a GFC Superlite on order for the Bronco.

I will be looking to an aftermarket rack to handle the extra weight for them both up top.

Not sure if you saw this yet (from yesterday). This is the first I've heard of a new aftermarket rack up to this point. After looking at the mounting method and overall design, the one in this video (linked at 3:00) should definitely have a higher dynamic and static roof capacity (but still dependent upon center of gravity, etc.). At minimum, it should be able so squeeze more existing RTT options up there! BTW, they also discuss an upcoming Smittybilt RTT as well.

2021 Ford Bronco 4WP Build Walk-Around | Bronco Nation

Promising aftermarket accessories! There will me more to come!

BroncoPA65

Not sure if you saw this yet (from yesterday). This is the first I've heard of a new aftermarket rack up to this point. After looking at the mounting method and overall design, the one in this video (linked at 3:00) should definitely have a higher dynamic and static roof capacity (but still dependent upon center of gravity, etc.). At minimum, it should be able so squeeze more existing RTT options up there! BTW, they also discuss an upcoming Smittybilt RTT as well.

2021 Ford Bronco 4WP Build Walk-Around | Bronco Nation

Promising aftermarket accessories! There will me more to come!

I like that rack. Hopefully works with MIC top

BroncoPA65

Not sure if you saw this yet (from yesterday). This is the first I've heard of a new aftermarket rack up to this point. After looking at the mounting method and overall design, the one in this video (linked at 3:00) should definitely have a higher dynamic and static roof capacity (but still dependent upon center of gravity, etc.). At minimum, it should be able so squeeze more existing RTT options up there! BTW, they also discuss an upcoming Smittybilt RTT as well.

2021 Ford Bronco 4WP Build Walk-Around | Bronco Nation

Promising aftermarket accessories! There will me more to come!

I did see that, and they said it works with both hard and soft tops, I’m curious as to what else is to come.

I do have the factory roof rails and cross bars, but I am going to want a heavier duty rack.

Padams7

BroncoPA65

Not sure if you saw this yet (from yesterday). This is the first I've heard of a new aftermarket rack up to this point. After looking at the mounting method and overall design, the one in this video (linked at 3:00) should definitely have a higher dynamic and static roof capacity (but still dependent upon center of gravity, etc.). At minimum, it should be able so squeeze more existing RTT options up there! BTW, they also discuss an upcoming Smittybilt RTT as well.

2021 Ford Bronco 4WP Build Walk-Around | Bronco Nation

Promising aftermarket accessories! There will me more to come!

I did see that, and they said it works with both hard and soft tops, I’m curious as to what else is to come.

I do have the factory roof rails and cross bars, but I am going to want a heavier duty rack.

I'm in the same boat as you are. Frankly, I'm surprised that the aftermarket accessories are ready. Between the production delay and lower production run for at least MY '21, I wasn't sure if they'd keep the more aggressive timetable.

That being said, it was known that there was a pretty good strategy by Ford to get the infrastructure in place ASAP to hit the ground running with this stuff.

Anyway, I'll also have the factory roof setup and rock rails. I can always change it later once seeing the options.

Padams7

I did see that, and they said it works with both hard and soft tops, I’m curious as to what else is to come.

I do have the factory roof rails and cross bars, but I am going to want a heavier duty rack.

Being able to take the weight off of the roof, any roof is huge

BroncoPA65

I'm in the same boat as you are. Frankly, I'm surprised that the aftermarket accessories are ready. Between the production delay and lower production run for at least MY '21, I wasn't sure if they'd keep the more aggressive timetable.

That being said, it was known that there was a pretty good strategy by Ford to get the infrastructure in place ASAP to hit the ground running with this stuff.

Anyway, I'll also have the factory roof setup and rock rails. I can always change it later once seeing the options.

It appears to me that in the case of the accessories they have hopefully gotten ahead of the game. I am encouraged so far. That could explain certain features and accessories not being available to all and the coy responses of “things to come”. Now if they could get the rollout of the actual vehicles lined up as ordered by the masses (in particular the FE people) that would be sweet. I hope they are continuing to work really, really hard for this outcome.

TK1215

It appears to me that in the case of the accessories they have hopefully gotten ahead of the game. I am encouraged so far. That could explain certain features and accessories not being available to all and the coy responses of “things to come”. Now if they could get the rollout of the actual vehicles lined up as ordered by the masses (in particular the FE people) that would be sweet. I hope they are continuing to work really, really hard for this outcome.

Right, more "things to come"... case in point, the ARB build and walk around video shows all sorts of other accessories. If you haven't seen it, check it out! Here is the link to the Bronco Nation YouTube video that came out just a few hours ago actually: