Did you know that you can also experience a great camping weekend with the Audi A3 without having to hang a camping trailer on the vehicle? You also no longer need your uncomfortable ground tent. The Audi A3 offers the possibility to mount a comfortable rooftop tent on the roof of the vehicle and thus set off on spontaneous camping trips.
A rooftop tent has many advantages over other types of camping. With a rooftop tent, you are very flexible and can also reach campgrounds that you could never reach with a large camping trailer or an RV. A rooftop tent also offers more protection, as you are safe from small and large animals due to the elevated position on the vehicle roof. You are also safe from water or rain that collects on the ground.
You can mount a two or three-person rooftop tent on the roof of the Audi A3. For example, you can set up a hard-shell or soft-shell rooftop tent. A hard-shell rooftop tent is generally easier to set up and take down but usually offers less interior space and features. With a soft-shell rooftop tent, erecting and dismantling takes a little longer, but the soft-shell tent offers more space and more features inside.
Further down on this page, you will also find an overview of the most popular rooftop tents.
All you need to mount a rooftop tent on the vehicle roof of the Audi A3 are the appropriate roof rails and roof crossbars. The roof rails are screwed firmly to the roof of the vehicle. For this purpose, the roof of the A3 has threads on the roof. Then the crossbars are connected to the roof rails and thus offer a stable platform for the assembly of the rooftop tent.
The rooftop tent is then attached to four mounting spots with the crossbars. However, some rooftop tents are also attached directly to the roof rails, this always depends on the respective rooftop tent model. The rooftop tent is thus securely and stably connected to the vehicle.
The additional weight from the rooftop tent and the people staying in the roof tent is optimally dissipated to the entire vehicle body via the roof rails. This will damage the roof and the body of the vehicle.
The registered permissible roof load of the Audi A3 is relatively low, but this always refers to the vehicle in motion. This is important if you want to transport a roof box or other loads on the vehicle roof, for example.
As soon as the vehicle is stationary (at the campground), the permissible roof load increases many times over. So you can stay in the rooftop tent with up to four people without any problems.
You must note that the rooftop tent mounted on the vehicle roof increases fuel consumption and reduces the maximum range. Driving behavior can also be negatively influenced, as the vehicle’s center of gravity shifts further upwards. So you should always drive very carefully and think about the higher fuel consumption. If possible, you should always dismantle the rooftop tent when you don’t need it and store it in the garage.
If you are looking for more information about rooftop tents or camping, you will find many other interesting articles on this website!
Happy Camping 😉
Table of Contents
Here we have listed the best roof top tents to make it easier for you to make the right purchase decision.
Thule Tepui Explorer Ayer 2 Rooftop Tent
Smittybilt Overlander Tent
- Standard size tent (sleeps 2-3) with high-density 92″ x 55″ foam double/full mattress and 661 lb. max load
- 600D heavy-duty waterproof top and rain fly; sunroof; side windows with mosquito netting; anodized aluminum tent frame poles; telescopic ladder; interior LED strips and many more features
- Easy to set up and take down; heavy duty PVC cover keeps tent dry and free from UV rays when not in use
- Smittybilt Tent Annex (sold separately #2788) with removeable floor can be attached with heavy duty zippers for privacy
- Tent also available in Size XL (sleeps 3-4 #2773). Ladder extension also available (#2785).Ladder capacity:265 lbs
- Mounting brackets included
Thule Tepui Low-Pro Rooftop Tent
- Can accommodate up to two people
- Ultra low profile design folds down to 7″ / 18 cm for better aerodynamics and vehicle fit
- Tent base is constructed of thermoplastic materials that are both durable and 100% recyclable
- Dome canopy is lightweight while still providing all-season protection
- Patented ZipperGimp easily attaches the canopy to the base of the tent
Thule Tepui Autana Rooftop Tent with Annex
- Can accommodate up to three people
- Includes an extended private canopy entrance with removable annex
- Diamond plate base for added protection and durability
- Constructed from high-quality 360g stitched fabric
- Includes an anti-condensation mat to keep moisture from building up under the mattress
Thule Tepui Autana Rooftop Tent with Annex
- Can accommodate up to four people
- Includes an extended private canopy entrance with removable annex
- Constructed from coated 600 denier and a 260g poly-cotton blend made to withstand the elements of any season
- Tent fabric is UV resistant and withstands the elements of any season
- Mesh panels offer plenty of ventilation and open for more airflow
- Four, large internal pockets for storing gear and camping accessories
- Includes a high-density foam mattress for added comfort
TMB Beige Pop Up Roof Overlanding Tent
- Fits most vehicles equipped with cross bars and roof rails, make your camping and overlanding adventures more comfortable and convenient
- 6-Month Warranty against Manufacturer defects
- Closes via snap straps, bungee net roof storage with side pouches, inner and outer zippers for easy closure
- Easy to open with shock assisted arms, stays securely open once fully extended, memory foam mattress pre-installed
- Includes: Ladder, extra storage bag, Closed Dimensions: 84″ x 49″ x 13″
Is it difficult to install a roof rack tent?
Is it difficult to clean the tent?
How many people can sleep on the roof of the car in the tent?
Everything there for assembly?
The Roof Rack Tents are mounted on the Roof Rack Crossbar of your car. You need these brackets for your car roof. If you don't have a roof retention system yet, you can find one with us! Just click HERE.
