Best 3-Person Roof Top Tents For Sale
If you are looking for the best 3-person roof top tent to buy, you have come to the right place.
***Want to skip the review and just see the products? Here they are!***
3-person roof top tents occupy a bit of a middle zone. Basically, as soon as a tent is wider than 48", most companies say it can sleep up to three. We think that's right if the third is a child.
But for this guide, we're being sticklers and showing only tents that are 60-70" wide - a true 3-person size. Which means we don't have as many options as in most of our guides.
If you'd like to see additional roof top tents, here are some other recs:
- Best 2-person roof top tents: If your group of three includes a child or smaller adults.
- Best 4-person roof top tents: If your group of three includes larger adults or you just want more space.
- Best hard shell roof top tents: If you want a broader lay of the land on the best hard shell roof top tents.
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Best soft shell roof top tents: If you want a broader lay of the land on the best soft shell roof top tents.
And if you think 3-person is right for you, we've got great tents below, as well as a comparison chart, and answers to frequently asked questions about 3-person roof top tents. So read on!
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Premium design, recent upgrades, lots of options.
The Condor 2 XL by Roofnest is one of the highest quality and most functional roof top tents on the market.
First and foremost, the Roofnest Condor 2 XL has plenty of sleeping space for 3.
As for materials, it is made of 320 GSM poly-cotton canvas, has a 3000mm waterproof poly-oxford rainfly, and has an ASA/ABS plastic shell.
Additional upgrades include 2 HVAC ports for climate or cord control, 3 dimmable LEDs (interior and exterior), a six pocket gear-grid, updated 3-way windows, and heavy duty lockable latches.
The Condor 2 XL is compatible with Roofnest's 6 Channel Crossbars, which attach directly to the shell for easily mounting more gear.
And if you need extra space or a private room, the Roofnest Condor 2 XL offers the option to add Roofnest's modular Awnex: Awning + Annex system. The Awnex can be configured in multiple ways - with its awning, wall, and floor kits - to offer optimal protection from the elements.
An ideal companion to any vehicle, the Roofnest Condor 2 XL includes everything you need for adventures in any environment.
Pros
- Large sleeping area with the option of adding extra space if needed via the modular Awnex system.
- Setup and takedown are really simple.
- Body construction is extremely tough.
- The optional crossbars ensure you can take all the gear you need.
Cons
- The tent is on the heavier end of 3-person at 180 lbs.
Includes 3-months Subscription to onX Maps
Tough tent at a great price.
Real talk for one second: One of the most humble things in all of roof top tent world is that OVS calls this the Bushveld II and markets it as a 2-person tent.
It is significantly bigger than every 2-person tent on the market, and at 64" wide is very comfortably a 3-person tent by anyone's definition.
The OVS Bushveld II hard shell roof top tent features 600D ripstop body material with a 420-oxford ripstop waterproof rain fly.
The hard shell cover is constructed from a single-piece polymer that is designed to last, with latches and hardware made of marine grade stainless steel, and a military grade weatherproof seal.
The base of the Bushveld 2 is insulated and has a built-in anti-condensation layer, along with a black aluminum diamond plate underside.
And if you need more room or a private space, the Bushveld II hard shell tent offers an optional annex that is large enough to sleep another person. It also features a built-in PVC floor with a 100% waterproof body fabric.
Thanks to the innovative nitrogen gas strut design, you can set up and take down the Bushveld hard shell roof top tent in under 30 seconds.
Pros
- Large sleeping area with the option of adding an extra room if needed.
- Setup and takedown are simple and quick.
- Body construction is extremely tough.
- Anti-condensation mat keeps moisture from accumulating beneath the mattress.
Cons
- The mattress is surprisingly thin compared to other tents.
Includes 3-months Subscription to onX Maps
Strong materials, great mattress, unbeatable price.
The number one question we get from potential Nomadic 3 owners is: Why is this tent so inexpensive - seems too good to be true?
Well, good news: It's not! The features and value that the Nomadic 3 extended roof top tent provide are unbeatable.
The Nomadic 3 roof top tent is big enough to sleep 3 people comfortably, and the 3" memory foam mattress is so nice you're going to wish you had it on your bed at home.
The 600D body construction and 420D rainfly of the Nomadic 3 RTT will help you stay warm and comfortable in even the harshest of weather conditions.
And a skylight window is built into the roof which makes the tent even more amazing at night.
Plus, you can add a massive annex to it for even more indoor space - perfect for having a comfortable place to change, or even to sleep additional people or pets.
Easy to install, easy to set up and break down, and very easy to sleep in, the Nomadic 3 extended is a great 3-person roof top tent.
Pros
- The best value 3-person tent on the market.
- 3" mattress makes you feel like you're at home.
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Setup and takedown are straightforward.
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Skylight is great for views and star gazing.
Cons
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At 62" wide and 165 lbs it's somehow thinner and heavier than the Bushveld.
Includes 3-months Subscription to onX Maps
HONORABLE MENTION: Best Soft Shell 3-Person Tent
Overland Junction Labrador
$1,799
High quality and super lightweight 3-person tent.
The Labrador is an ideal combination of lightweight, large, and luxurious.
Light: The Overland Junction Labrador weighs only 128 pounds - the lightest 3-person roof top tent on this list by a long shot.
That means you can put it on almost any vehicle roof rack, bed rack, or crossbars without worrying about weight capacity.
Large: Despite the light weight, the Labrador is still a large 63" wide and 94" long. It's a true 3-person size.
Luxurious: The foam mattress on the Overland Junction Labrador is 2.75" thick, ensuring you have a comfortable night sleep all night long.
The body fabric and rainfly are high quality and waterproof, and there are 2 massive skylights in the roof.
The zipper pulls are non-metal so there's no clanging in the wind.
There are two external shoe pouches and additional internal storage, and you can choose to add an annex or insulation if you want additional space and protection.
Plus, the Labrador Roof Top Tent was desiged and tested at 9,000' in the Colorado Rockies, and has proven it works great in snow, rain, and hot summer sun.
Pros
- High quality fabric, rainfly, zippers, skylights, and on and on
- The lightest tent on this list - BY FAR
- Large - a truly 3-person tent
- 2.75" mattress for total comfort
Cons
- The annex is harder to put on and smaller than others
Includes 3-months Subscription to onX Maps
3-Person Roof Top Tent Comparison
| 3-Person Tent |
Price | Weight (lbs) |
Shell Material |
Tent Fabric | Mattress Thickness | Sleeping Area Width |
Annex | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Roofnest Condor 2 XL | $3,845 | 180 |
Plastic |
320gsm | 2" | 68" | Optional | 2 years |
| $2,199 | 150 | Plastic |
600D | 1" | 64" | Optional | 4 years |
|
| OVS Nomadic 3 | $1,399 | 165 | Canvas |
600D | 3" | 62" | Optional |
4 years |
| Overland Junction Labrador | $1,799 | 128 | Canvas |
280g | 2.75" | 63" | Optional |
2 years |
3-Person Roof Top Tents FAQs
Will using a 3-person roof top tent damage my vehicle?
No, roof top tents do not damage the vehicle as long as the roof rack on the car or truck can handle the weight of the tent. Check your vehicle's dynamic weight capacity and compare it to the weight of the tent (you do not have to worry about static weight capacity or your weight).
Can my car handle a roof top tent?
That depends on your vehicle's roof rack weight capacity. In general, you will be able to mount most lighter roof top tents to most factory roof racks, as long as they have crossbars (the ones that run from one side of the vehicle to the other). Most factory roof racks have a dynamic weight capacity of 150-200 pounds, and the heaviest tent on our review here is 180 pounds. If your vehicle's dynamic weight capacity cannot handle the weight of the tent you want, you will have to get after-market cross bars, roof rack, or a bed rack, which we can help with.
How much does a 3-person roof top tent weigh?
The 3-person roof top tents in our review here range in weight from 128 pounds to 180 pounds. Soft shell tents are generally lighter than hard shell tents because they have a canvas cover instead of a plastic or aluminum cover.
What is the weight limit for a roof top tent?
The weight you need to worry about is really the dynamic roof rack weight. That's the one that gets tested when the car is speeding down the highway at 70mph and the wind is trying to rip the tent clean off the car. The weight limits for the tents in use start around 700 pounds and go up from there. When the tent is in use, the ladder and roof of the car all spread out the weight, so you rarely need to worry about tent weight limits.
Do these tents come with a ladder?
Yes, all of the roof top tents we carry come standard with a ladder. Almost all ladders are aluminum, retractable, and tall enough to accommodate any vehicle except the tallest vans.
Is it safe to sleep in a roof top tent?
Most people who have used roof top tents would argue that they are far safer to sleep in than ground tents. You are elevated off the ground, away from animals, critters, and bad weather, and you're warmer and more insulated than in a ground tent.
Is it a good idea to have a rooftop tent?
Well obviously we're bias, but heck yeah it's a good idea to have a rooftop tent! They are hands down the best way to camp. Since you don't have to carry the weight, you can maximize comfort and quality. Roof top tents are significantly warmer and more protected from the weather than ground tents, they have MUCH thicker mattresses, they incorporate LED lights, annexes, and other add-ons, they are way easier to set up and take down, and they give you the option for great views.
What do I need to install a 3-person roof top tent on my car?
You will need a roof rack or bed rack that has crossbars (the ones that run from one side of the car to the other) and that can handle the weight of the tent. All other equipment, including universal mounting brackets, will come with the purchase of the roof top tent.
The ones in our review range in width from 62" to 68". Most brands will call anything above 50" a 3-person or 2-3 person tent. We think that's right if one of the three people is a child. But for true 3-person tents, you want to be in the 60"+ range, which is what we've featured here. For comparison, a queen bed is 60" wide, a California King is 72" wide, and a full king is 76" wide.
Have Other Questions About 3-Person Roof Top Tents?
Overland Junction is here to help you locate the best 3-person roof top tent for your vehicle. If you have any questions or would want to learn more about any of our roof top tents before making a purchase, please browse our website, text or call us at 833-205-7703, or email us at support@overlandjunction.com.
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