ROOFTOP TENTS

1. What are the advantages of a rooftop tent?

Quick and easy to setup. Usually done within a minute.
Quick and easy to take down irrespective of it being wet or dry. The tent can be packed away within 2-3 minutes.
As all your bedding remains inside the tent, more storage space is available inside the vehicle.
Due to the tent being raised off the ground it stays much cleaner and dryer than a ground tent.
As it's bolted to the roof, it's much more secure than a standard tent.
Safeguards you from dangerous snakes, crocodiles and other wildlife.
Only occupies half your roof space, leaving sufficient room for additional storage i.e. a second spare wheel, etc. [top]

2. Can I fit this tent myself?

The Apex Leisure range of rooftop tents are all simple to fit, and in most cases you will be able to do this yourself without any additional help. Each tent comes supplied with a set of fitting instructions and a fitting kit which contains all the nuts, bolts and clamps required to fit the tent to your roof rack or roof bars. [top]

3. How does it fit to my vehicle?

All models of tents can be fitted to your vehicle. There are two main options:

(a) Roof Bars
This is the quickest and cheapest option. We recommend the Rhino or Rolla Rack commercial bar system. This system has specially designed feet to match your vehicle's gutters or roof mounting points. The cross bars fit to these feet. The tent mounts to these bars. All 1.22m and 1.4m wide tents require 2 roof bars. All larger size tents require 3 roof bars. If you want to fit a tent and awning to your vehicle, 3 roof bars are required.
For specific installation instructions, go to the webpage for each brand of tent. [top]

(b) Roof Rack.
All tents when closed only take up half the roof space, so leaving valuable space to carry other important accessories. This option enables you to use the roof of your vehicle to carry the tent and other equipment. Apex Leisure has a specifically designed powder coated steel roof rack. The back portion of the rack has a flat platform to house the tent. The front portion has a mesh floor and side rail (basket style) to house other equipment. [top]

3. Is my vehicle's roof strong enough?

The rooftop tents are mounted either to a roof rack or a set of roof bars such as Rhino bars. The tents weigh around 55kg (depending on the make and model) and are well within the load carrying capacity of most vehicles, roof racks and roof bars. If you are uncertain as to the application for your particular vehicle, we are able to provide you with specific recommendations tailored to your vehicle.

Vehicle manufactures and the manufacturers of roof racks and roof bars quote the dynamic weight limitations of their products (ie. when the vehicle is in motion). When the vehicle is stationary and the tent is being used, half the weight of the tent and its occupants is carried by the tent's ladder. Remember also that the roof of the vehicle is required to be strong enough to protect the occupants in the event of a rollover. As most vehicles weigh between 1000kg - 2000kg, they invariably are more than strong enough to support a rooftop tent and its occupants.

Apex Leisure can supply a range of mounting options for practically every vehicle. Speak to your local distributor for advice. [top]

4. How well do these rooftop tents stand up to high winds?

These tents are bolted to the roof of the vehicle, so they are inherently more secure than a tent, which is held in place with guy ropes and tent pegs. In very high winds we recommend that the vehicle and the tent are moved into a position so that the wind strikes the tent head on to reduce the buffeting and make it more comfortable for the occupants. [top]

5. What comes standard with my rooftop tent?

Each Rooftop tent comes standard with the following items:

Hi-density foam mattress covered in washable fabric (on some models the cover is removable)
Fully adjustable anodised aluminium ladder
Flysheet raised above the body of the tent for better ventilation
Spring steel stays to tension the flysheet and window awnings
Heavy duty reinforced PVC travel cover to provide both water and dust protection
Zip operated insect screens on all openings [top]

AWNINGS

1. Why a vehicle awning?

With an awning fitted to your vehicle, you have instant shade protection - ideal for the beach, roadside or for camping.

2. Do l have to store the arms separately?

No, all arms and legs fit neatly into a PVC bag.

3. Is the fabric waterproof?

Yes, on all models the awning fabric is waterproof and can be easily wiped down to avoid mould.

4. Do l need to peg or guy rope the awning into the ground?

In windy conditions we suggest the use of guy ropes. All awnings come complete with pegs and guy ropes.

5. Can l fit the awning myself?

Yes, please see your installation instructions. [top]