Tents are useful for nomads, even those who live or camp primarily in their cars. When staying at campgrounds or camping away from campgrounds, a tent can give you a lot of added room without taking up a lot of room or weight while packed. There are tents available that connect to or attach to the top of your vehicle for added convenience.
Ground tents
A regular tent can be beneficial even when sleeping in your vehicle, since it adds extra room for storage or relaxation outside. It can also be used as a "decoy" tent at campgrounds where you are required to have a tent to stay, or where you want to have a tent to "save" your camp site and let others know that it's occupied.
Vehicle-attached tents
Vehicle-attached tents (commonly called SUV tents or tailgate tents) connect around the rear opening of an SUV, hatchback car, or pickup truck with a topper. They expand your vehicle space when camping at campgrounds. Learn more …
Rooftop tents
Rooftop tents (sometimes abbreviated as RTT) allow you to have a large flat sleeping area anywhere your vehicle will fit. They are significantly more expensive than most standard ground tents, offering some advantages. They are most commonly installed on SUVs but can be added to most trucks and some cars or other vehicles. Learn more …
Pop-up roof
A pop-up roof (or pop-top roof) is a vehicle feature to consider. Some offer an extra bed inside, and others are just a great way to get additional ceiling height and ventilation when parked.
Pop-up camper trailers
Pop-up camper trailers (or pop-up campers, sometimes abbreviated as "pups", or tent trailers) are so named because the top pops up off the bottom structure. The walls are made of canvas or other material with screens sewn in for ventilation. When closed up they are only a few feet tall.
Awnings
Awnings added to your your van or RV can give you more useable space in sunny or rainy weather. Some nomads report that it's the single greatest thing that they've ever added, while others have said that after adding it that they barely use it. Your mileage may vary. They do require some care and must be retracted in high winds.
Resources
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