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How to Pay for a Hard-Shell Rooftop Tent

How to · Auto

How to Pay for a Hard-Shell Rooftop Tent

Upgrade your SUV for camping season by timing your purchase and spreading out the cost without paying interest.

VoAtlas editorial Updated · 3 min read
Typical cost $2,500 before anything else
Across the 0% window $138.89/mo 18 months, no interest

How we got that: $2,500 spread evenly across the 18-month introductory window on the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card. Checked · at the bank Carry a balance past the window and the standard APR applies to what is left.

A hard-shell rooftop tent turns your SUV into a basecamp on wheels. It is a heavy investment, usually running about $2500, but it saves you from fiddling with tent poles and pegs in the dark. Late winter is the best time to buy because outdoor retailers are clearing out last year's inventory before the spring rush.

You want to negotiate the price of the tent itself before talking about how to pay for it. Once you have your final out-the-door price, you can manage the cash flow using a card that offers 0% interest for 18 months on purchases and balance transfers from date of account opening.

Remember that this is a repayment plan, not free money. If you have any balance left after the 18 months, the bank will start charging interest on whatever remains, which can get expensive fast.

The steps

  1. 01

    Shop in late winter

    Retailers look to move old stock before the new season hits. Check for floor models or last year's colors to shave a few hundred dollars off that $2500 price tag.

  2. 02

    Negotiate the total

    Before you pull out a card, ask for a discount for paying in full or bundling the tent with mounting racks. Get the final price in writing before you move to payment.

  3. 03

    Use the 0% window

    The Citi Simplicity® Credit Card gives you 0% for 18 months on purchases and balance transfers from date of account opening. This lets you break that $2500 purchase into manageable chunks.

  4. 04

    Set your payment schedule

    Divide your total by 18 to find your magic number. For a $2500 tent, you need to pay $138.89 every month to clear the debt before the intro window expires.

  5. 05

    Automate the transfer

    Set up an automatic monthly payment in your bank account for your target amount. This ensures you never miss a deadline and stay on track to clear the balance.

  6. 06

    Check the card terms before you commit

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

    See Citi Simplicity® Credit Card terms →

Common questions

Will a rooftop tent fit my SUV?

It depends on your vehicle's roof rack weight limit. Check your owner's manual for the dynamic weight capacity, which is the limit while the car is moving.

What happens if I miss a payment?

Missing a payment can end your 0% deal early and ruin your credit score. Set up autopay to ensure you hit that $138.89 target every single month.

Are hard-shell tents worth the extra cost?

They are more expensive but set up in seconds compared to soft-shell versions. If you plan to move campsites often, the time saved is usually worth the premium.

Does the weight affect my gas mileage?

Yes, adding a rooftop tent increases drag and weight. Expect to see a slight dip in your fuel efficiency, especially at highway speeds.