Electric vehicles (EVs) are creeping into campgrounds everywhere across Australia, and so are rooftop tents. Put the two together and it looks like a match made in adventure heaven — quiet cruising, instant torque, comfy sleep setup on top. Here’s the catch: EVs aren’t just petrol cars without the fuel tank. They’re heavier, more sensitive to airflow, and packed with tech that wasn’t designed with camping gear bolted on as an afterthought. That means the old rules for rooftop tents don’t automatically apply.
In this blog you’ll find what actually matters when pairing a rooftop tent with an EV, from roof load limits and aerodynamics to glass roofs and insurance fine print. With these tips in mind, you can choose a setup that works in the real world, not just in the spec sheet. Because the best camping rig is the one that gets you there relaxed, charged up, and still excited to roll out the ladder at the end of the day.
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Why EVs make rooftop tent choice more complicated
With a petrol SUV, the biggest downside of a rooftop tent is fuel consumption and wind noise. With an EV, there’s a bit more going on.
The main challenges:
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Weight adds up fast: EVs already carry hundreds of kilos of batteries. Add a heavy tent, racks and gear and you can get close to axle and tyre limits quicker than you’d expect.
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Aerodynamics matter more than anything: Range loss on an electric vehicle isn’t theoretical. A tall or boxy rooftop tent can realistically take 15–25% off highway range on Aussie roads.
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Glass roofs aren’t load friendly: Many EVs feature panoramic glass roofs. They’re great for views, but not all mounting systems are suitable and clamping in the wrong place can get expensive.
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Sensors live on the roof: Antennas, GPS modules, cameras and radar units often sit up top. Block them and you may lose driver assist features or end up with warning lights on the dash.
EV roof load ratings and the numbers that matter
Likely the most important tip is that dynamic roof load is the critical number for EVs and rooftop tents.
Roof load terms made simple:
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Dynamic roof load: The maximum weight the roof can safely carry while driving. This includes the tent, roof rack and anything stored inside the tent. Many EVs sit between 50–100kg dynamic load.
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Static roof load: What the roof supports when parked — tent, people, bedding, everything. This is often much higher than dynamic load, which is why sleeping up top is usually fine once you’ve stopped.
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Total system weight: Tent + racks + awnings + accessories. This must always stay under the dynamic limit when the wheels are turning.
In simple terms, EV rooftop tent compatibility is limited by dynamic roof load — not how strong the rack looks or how much the roof can hold while parked. Use our rooftop calculators below to help you determine your overall dynamic and static weights.
Dynamic load calculator
Static load calculator
(e.g. 15kg)
(e.g. 54kg)
E.g. awning (e.g. 12kg). Enter 0 if none.
E.g. bedding (e.g. 8kg). Enter 0 if none.
(e.g. 150kg for two adults)
Submit
EV rooftop tent options
After crossing your t’s and dotting your i’s, the next step is to choose a rooftop tent that best suits your EV. BCF has many options, but here are our lightest EV rooftop tent recommendations:
1. XTM Lightweight Hardtop Roof Top Tent
The XTM Lightweight Hardtop Roof Top Tent is tough, lightweight and packed with clever features. Built with a robust powder coated aluminium honeycomb base, this rooftop tent delivers durability without unnecessary weight.
XTM Lightweight Hardtop Roof Top Tent
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Weight The number you’ll need for dynamic load rating. |
54.3kg (excluding roof rack) *Note: the ladder weight is 6kg and stored separately to the tent. |
| Weight capacity The weight the tent can handle while static/stopped — this is not the rating your roof can handle. |
300kg |
| Closed dimensions | 217(L) x 133(W) x 16.50(H)cm |
| Open dimensions | 217(L) x 133(W) x 157(H)cm |
2. XTM Air Cruiser Inflatable Roof Top Tent
The XTM Air Cruiser Inflatable Roof Top Tent is a ripper option for those chasing a lighter setup without sacrificing usability. The ultra-sturdy inflatable air tube structure makes setup quick and simple.
XTM Air Cruiser Inflatable Roof Top Tent
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Weight The number you’ll need for dynamic load rating. |
55kg (excluding roof rack) *Note: the ladder is attached to the tent therefore included in the weight. |
| Weight capacity The weight the tent can handle while static/stopped — this is not the rating your roof can handle. |
200kg |
| Closed dimensions | 139(L) x 98(W) x 36(H)cm |
| Open dimensions | 205(L) x 135(W) x 145(H)cm |
If these don’t spark any interest, check out the full range here. But be sure to keep those calculations handy when choosing!
Why strong roof racks don’t increase EV roof ratings
Aftermarket roof racks can be physically capable of carrying more weight, but the vehicle manufacturer’s roof rating still applies. Go over it and you’re outside factory specs, no matter how beefy the rack looks.
Before shopping for tents:
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Check your EV’s owner’s manual for roof load limits
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Cross-check with the tent manufacturer’s compatibility list
Expect real world range changes and test them
Rooftop tents change how an EV moves through the air, and onboard range estimates won’t always tell the full story.
Before committing to a big trip:
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Fit the tent
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Drive a short highway loop at your usual cruising speed
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Compare energy consumption to your normal setup
To minimise range loss:
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Choose the lowest profile tent you can
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Mount it towards the rear, within rack limits
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Ease off the speed slightly — EVs reward smooth, steady driving
With this bit of prep, it stops turning every charging stop into a maths exam.
Glass roofs, roof racks and not breaking anything expensive
EV roofs aren’t all created equal. Plenty rely heavily on glass, which means mounting mistakes are less forgiving.
Rooftop tent safety checklist for EVs:
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Before tightening a single bolt, confirm roof ratings for your exact model. Trim level and roof type (glass vs metal) matter.
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Weigh the full setup including racks, tent, accessories and anything stored up top.
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Use vehicle specific roof racks designed for your EV’s mounting points.
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Check sensor and antenna placement, making sure nothing is blocked once the tent is installed.
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Measure overall height so you’ll know if you fit into car parks, garages and under low branches.
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Check your bolts after the first 50km and inspect before big trips.
If your EV’s documentation restricts rooftop loads or excludes tents entirely, installing one could affect both warranty and insurance claims. Before heading bush, speak to your EV dealership and insurer — it’s a much easier conversation to have before anything goes wrong!
EV rooftop tent FAQ
1. Is it better to mount a rooftop tent on the roof of an EV or on the tub of a 4WD EV ute?
If you’ve got the option, a tub-mounted tent is usually the better choice on a 4x4 EV ute. Mounting a rooftop tent over the tub generally creates less aerodynamic drag, keeps the weight lower and more central, and results in smaller real world range losses on highway drives. It can also be easier to access and less affected by crosswinds. Roof mounting makes more sense when cargo space, versatility or vehicle design leaves you with limited alternatives.
2. How much driving range will I lose by adding a rooftop tent to my EV?
There’s no single number, but most EV owners see a noticeable reduction, especially at highway speeds. In real world Australian driving, expect around 10–15% range loss with a low profile, aerodynamic tent. Taller or wider tents can push losses closer to 20–25%, particularly in headwinds. Speed plays a big role. Slowing down slightly and choosing flatter routes can claw back some battery efficiency, but it’s best to plan trips assuming reduced range and more frequent charging.
3. Can I still use driver assist features with a rooftop tent on my EV?
In most cases, yes, but it depends on where everything is mounted. Many electric cars place GPS antennas, mobile connectivity modules and camera systems on or near the roof. If a rooftop tent or roof rack blocks these components, some driver assist features like adaptive cruise control, lane keeping or navigation accuracy may be limited or trigger warnings. The safest approach is to check your vehicle manual for sensor and antenna locations, test all driver assist systems after installing the tent, and avoid mounting setups that sit directly over roof antennas or camera housings.
4. How do I know if a rooftop tent will fit my EV?
A rooftop tent “fitting” isn’t just about physical size, it’s about weight, mounting and compatibility. To confirm fitment, check your EV’s maximum dynamic roof load in the owner’s manual, add up the full system weight (tent + racks + accessories), confirm the tent manufacturer lists your vehicle or roof type as compatible, and ensure the rack spacing, mounting style and roof type all align. If the vehicle manual or tent guide is unclear, that’s a sign to pause. A rooftop tent setup should be clearly supported by both the vehicle manufacturer and the tent brand.
5. Can I leave a rooftop tent permanently on my EV?
In short, yes — but expect ongoing range loss. The extra weight and aerodynamic drag affect efficiency on every drive, not just camping trips, especially at highway speeds. Because EV range is more sensitive to wind resistance than petrol or diesel vehicles, many owners remove the tent between trips to restore everyday efficiency. Leaving it on full time won’t cause damage if you stay within roof load limits, but it does mean accepting reduced range as the trade-off.
Running a rooftop tent on an EV isn’t about chasing a trend — it’s about getting the setup right so it behaves predictably on the road and at camp. When the tent, racks and vehicle specs all line up, the experience is smooth, quiet and genuinely enjoyable. The key is respecting the numbers, not just the hardware. Dynamic roof limits, total system weight and aerodynamics all matter more on an EV than they ever did on a fuel burner. Get that part right, and an EV with a rooftop tent stops being a compromise and starts being exactly what it should be: a comfortable, capable way to get yourself to the good places and sleep well when you arrive.
About the author
BCFing Experts
The BCFing Experts have done more than their fair share of boating, camping, fishing, hiking, four-wheel driving and much much more! Whether you're tackling tough tracks in Tassie or chasing big barra up North, the BCFing Experts have the know-how to make your next outdoor adventure a pearler
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