Not every car is suitable for mounting a rooftop tent, but the vast majority of models available on the Polish market do not have this problem. The existence of factory mounting points for crossbars and adequate roof structure strength are key. SUVs, station wagons, vans, off-road vehicles, and most larger passenger cars work best. Very small city cars, models with a panoramic roof made of thin glass without supports, and some electric versions with a weakened roof structure are problematic. The most important thing is that the car's documentation specifies the permissible roof load capacity, which allows for choosing the appropriate type of crossbars and the correct rooftop tent model.

The roof load capacity is divided into two values that work in parallel. The first is the dynamic load capacity, which is the maximum load while driving. This number is always lower and usually ranges from fifty to one hundred kilograms, as it is intended to protect the car's structure during braking and sudden maneuvers. The second value is the static load capacity, which is the roof's strength when stationary. This value is significantly higher, most often reaching two hundred to three hundred kilograms, and in large SUVs, even four hundred. This is the value we take into account when two or three people are going to sleep in the tent. To correctly calculate whether a given tent will be suitable, you need to sum the weight of the tent, the crossbars, and the predicted user load and compare it with the static load capacity. However, while driving, only the weight of the tent and the crossbars matters, as this must fit within the dynamic load capacity.

Sleeping in a rooftop tent is safe even in heavy rain and moderately strong winds, provided that a good quality model is used and the entire structure is properly set up. Rooftop tents are designed to withstand high-intensity rain and wind gusts of about sixty kilometers per hour. In practice, this means that during most trips in Europe, there is no need to worry about the weather deteriorating. In more demanding conditions, such as gales, it is most sensible to position the car sideways or with its rear facing the direction of the wind, which naturally reduces the force hitting the tent. The tent structure itself is waterproof, and the flysheet and impregnation effectively protect against leaks. In extreme situations, such as hurricane-force gusts, it is safer to move inside the car, although this scenario is very rare in normal use.

Self-assembly of a rooftop tent is possible, especially if one has experience mounting roof racks and knows how to work with tools, but for a beginner, it can be a stressful task. The installation primarily involves properly selecting the roof crossbars, precisely setting the brackets, and maintaining the correct spacing between them so that the entire structure is stable and evenly loaded. Properly tightening the screws with the correct torque is also crucial, which many people are unaware of. Overtightened screws can damage the brackets, while undertightened ones can lead to the dangerous shifting of the tent while driving. After assembly, a short test drive is also recommended, followed by rechecking all fastenings after about fifty kilometers. In practice, the safest solution is installation at a professional service center, especially when the tent is expensive and the car is of high value.

A rooftop tent impacts fuel consumption, but the scale of this change primarily depends on the aerodynamics of the specific model and the driver's driving style. Foldable models, known as soft-shell tents, create more air resistance, which usually increases fuel consumption by about one to one and a half liters per one hundred kilometers. Hard-shell aerodynamic tents are more streamlined, so the difference in fuel consumption is smaller and usually falls within the range of half a liter to one liter per one hundred kilometers. The biggest impact on increased fuel consumption is felt at highway speeds above one hundred and twenty kilometers per hour and when driving into strong crosswinds. At touring speeds, particularly in the range of ninety to one hundred kilometers per hour, the difference is small and almost unnoticeable to many drivers.

The choice between a hard-shell and a soft-shell tent primarily depends on the travel style and expected comfort. Hard-shell tents are the best solution for people who plan long trips across Europe, frequent travel, and overnight stays in variable weather conditions. They set up instantly, are very resistant to wind and rain, and their aerodynamic shape results in a smaller impact on fuel consumption. Soft-shell tents, on the other hand, are a great choice for people just starting their adventure with rooftop tents, looking for a budget solution, or needing a large amount of space when unfolded. They are lighter and easier to remove from the car, but they take longer to set up and are more sensitive to strong wind. Both types will work well for travel within Poland, but in mountainous or coastal areas where the weather is more demanding, it is better to choose a hard-shell model.