Frequently Asked Questions

Roof-Top Tents: Rentals

Yes. We require a 50% deposit when you book, with the balance due no later than seven days before your travel date. Click here for our r ental terms and conditions.

Yes, we require a $250 damage deposit hold on your credit card for the duration of your rental. The hold gets released when you return the tent to us in the same condition you received it. If the tent has any new damage, the deposit will not be returned. VIRTT reserves the right to determine damages. Click here for our rental terms and conditions. 

Absolutely! Click here for a blog on travelling with children from our sister company, FarOut Wilderness. 

No. We encourage you to travel with your four-legged friends, but they are not allowed in our roof-top tents. We hope they’ll be able to sleep comfortably in the back seat of your vehicle. 

Our rental tents are housed at Elite Self Storage in Langford, where we also have a custom-built winch system to help us fit your tent to your vehicle quickly and easily. Feel free to contact us for a quote if you need your tent to be handed over at another location,

Roof-Top Tents: Sales

Roof-top tents are designed for mounting on most vehicle types. Your roof rack and crossbar types will determine how large a tent your vehicle can hold. 

Roof-top tents are designed to be mounted on standard roof racks, with two normal crossbars made by aftermarket brands such as Yakima, Thule etc. Check these specs to determine what tent type will fit your vehicle: 

  • Vehicle Owner’s Manual: roof’s dynamic weight limit is at least 165 lbs. (75 kg) 
  • Roof Rack and Crossbars: dynamic weight limit is at least 165 lbs. (75 kg) for larger tents or 125 lbs. (57 kg) for smaller tents. 
  • Crossbars: must be at least 30 inches apart for larger tents, or 22 inches apart for
    smaller tents
      

Haha – yes!

Dynamic weight load is the weight that can be absorbed by your roof rack and crossbars while your vehicle is in motion. Your static weight load, when you’re parked, is much higher.
 

Mostly, it depends on your roof rack and crossbars. Most roof-top tent brands can hold about 900 lbs. (400 kg), while the ladders are safe for up to 330 lbs. (150kgs).  

It’s very easy, as long as you have enough hands on deck!

Our winch system makes mounting and unmounting a breeze. Contact us if you need our assistance. If you want to do a load or unload yourself, two or three people should be able to handle the job. As for equipment, you won’t need more than a single wrench. The Treeline brand is even easier, thanks to handles on their screws.
 

Yes. All roof-top tent purchases include mounting brackets. The type of bracket you’ll need depends on your crossbar type. Feel free to contact us with your specs, and we can give you more details.

Yes. Please check your tent’s dimensions and mounting instructions to ensure compatibility. 

If you’re in Greater Victoria, we’ll come to you! We’ll arrive at your doorstep in our vehicle, pre-fitted with a roof-top tent, along with any other gear that interests you. Click here to book a free roof-top tent demo.

Managing Tent Condensation

Yes, it happens. While your roof-top tent is made of breathable canvas, the rainfly is waterproof polyester. That keeps the wet weather out but can cause condensation to naturally form within. Proper ventilation is your best defense. Otherwise, mold can form.

Your body heat makes the air inside your tent warmer and more humid than what’s outside Moisture droplets form when that warm air makes contact with the cooler fabric of the tent. 

  • Proper ventilation is key. Maintain good airflow to help humidity escape from the tent. We also recommend removing your mattress when you can, to allow the base of the tent and underside of the mattress to dry. Eliminate built-up condensation as soon as possible by setting up your tent in the sun. 
  • Some camping locations are more prone to high humidity, which can be traps for condensation. Wherever possible, avoid setting up your tent in wet or marshy areas, or near streams, lakes or ponds. 
  • Don’t keep wet items in your tent. Whether it’s raingear, towels, or sweaty socks, let them dry in outside in the sun or inside your vehicle. Anywhere but inside your tent!