Rooftop tents are the core of overlanding. Quick to set up, off the ground, and they turn your vehicle into a mobile basecamp. However, even the best setup can benefit from a few smart upgrades.
After years on the trail, here are 10 rooftop tent mods that have made my camping experience smoother, easier, and more enjoyable.
1. Upgrade the Mattress
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Let’s be honest, the stock mattress is thin and uncomfortable. I added a 2-inch memory foam topper, cut it to size, and leave it in the tent. It folds down fine, and now I actually look forward to sleeping in it.
2. Better Lighting
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Built-in lights are usually harsh and poorly placed. I run a 33-foot USB rope light or a 9-foot actual rope light around the interior tent frame poles and secure it with Velcro ties. The light is warmer and softer, making the space feel more livable. Just make sure you get one with a solid USB connection. The cheap ones fall apart fast.
3. Glow-in-the-Dark Zippers
Tritium fobs from Glow Rhino go on every zipper – tent doors, windows, and gear bags. They glow 24/7 with no batteries and no charging. You’ll never fumble for a zipper in the dark again. These definitely make late-night exits a lot easier.
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4. Use Leveling Blocks
No more hauling heavy rocks to stack up to level your vehicle. RV leveling blocks are light, stackable, and easy to use. I carry two sets so I can level my vehicle in any direction. They make setup faster and sleep way more comfortable.
5. Paracord Rainfly Fix
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Sometimes rainfly poles don’t fit because your truck cab or awning is in the way. Instead of fighting with bent poles, I tie on paracord. It holds tension, weighs nothing, and gets around clearance issues completely.
6. Run Power the Simple Way
I made a USB cable bundle and run it from my power station in the cab up to my tent. It’s simple, fast, and affordable. Or use a small 250–300Wh compact power station inside the tent. Both work great and keep things simple.
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7. Cooling That Works
A clamp-on rechargeable fan goes a long way on hot nights. Mine lasts at least two nights per charge and moves plenty of air. Got a partner? Bring two. Trust me.
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8. Diesel Heater for Cold Nights
Cheap diesel heaters are more trouble than they are worth. LF Bros makes a solid and dependable unit that doesn’t leak fuel and keeps the tent warm even when it’s freezing. Once you try it, you’ll never winter camp without it.
9. Add Internal Bungees
If your tent doesn’t have bungees to pull the fabric in, add them. I used climbing anchors and a bungee cord. Makes teardown easier and gives you enough space to leave bedding inside.
10. Make a Front Porch
Lay down a waterproof mat, toss a chair next to it, and keep your shoes in a sealed MTM bin. No more trying to fish your shoes out of the shoe bag or balance on the ladder trying to get your shoes on.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve got your own rooftop tent mods, drop them in the comments. We’re always looking for new trail-tested ideas.
