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How to Pay for a Rooftop Tent

How to · Auto

How to Pay for a Rooftop Tent

Upgrade your camp setup without blowing your budget by timing your buy and pacing your payments.

VoAtlas editorial Updated · 3 min read
Typical cost $1,800 before anything else
Across the 0% window $120.00/mo 15 months, no interest

How we got that: $1,800 spread evenly across the 15-month introductory window on the Discover it® Cash Back. Checked · at the bank Carry a balance past the window and the standard APR applies to what is left.

A rooftop tent turns your vehicle into a basecamp, but the upfront cost is a gut punch. You’re looking at about $1800 for a solid setup before you add accessories or mounting gear.

Wait for the winter months when camping demand drops and retailers clear out inventory to make space for next year's models. This is your best window to find a deal on the tent itself.

The 0% intro APR is a tool to spread out your cost, not free money. If you have any balance left after the 15 months are up, you will start paying interest on whatever remains, so stay on schedule with your monthly payments.

The steps

  1. 01

    Shop in winter

    Wait until the off-season to hunt for sales. Manufacturers and outdoor retailers often drop prices between December and February to move old stock. Check local overlanding forums for used gear that people are offloading before the spring season.

  2. 02

    Check your mounting system

    Don't forget the cost of crossbars or a rack if your car doesn't have them yet. Make sure your vehicle's roof weight rating can handle the tent plus the people sleeping in it. Factor these extras into your $1800 total budget.

  3. 03

    Use your 0% window

    If you use the Discover it® Cash Back, you get 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers. This gives you a 15-month window to pay off the $1800 without interest charges. If you divide the cost, you are looking at $120.00 per month.

  4. 04

    Verify your install

    Most shops charge extra for professional installation, which can be pricey. If you have a friend and a socket set, you can usually do it yourself in an afternoon. Watch a few install videos for your specific rack system first.

  5. 05

    Test your setup

    Set the tent up in your driveway or a local park before heading into the woods. You need to make sure all the hardware is tight and you know exactly how to deploy the rainfly. It’s better to find a missing bolt at home than in the middle of a forest.

  6. 06

    Check the card terms before you commit

    Every figure we publish for the Discover it® Cash Back carries the date a person verified it against Discover and a link to where they checked. Intro windows and APRs change without notice, so confirm the current terms before applying.

    See Discover it® Cash Back terms →

Common questions

Do I really need a professional to install the tent?

Not usually. Most rooftop tents use universal mounting brackets that clamp onto existing crossbars. It is heavy, so you will need a second person to help you lift it onto the roof.

What happens if I miss a monthly payment?

Missing a payment can end your 0% intro APR offer early. Always set up an automatic payment for at least the minimum amount due to keep your account in good standing.

Is a cheaper tent worth it?

Entry-level tents are fine for occasional use, but the zippers and fabric quality usually suffer. If you plan on camping every weekend, it is often cheaper in the long run to buy a higher-quality tent once.

Does a rooftop tent hurt my gas mileage?

Yes. It adds wind resistance and weight, which will lower your fuel efficiency. Expect to lose a few miles per gallon even when the tent is closed.