
Which Roof Tent Brand is Right for You? A Practical Guide to Thule, TentBox & Fiamma
If you’re thinking about getting a roof tent, you’re already halfway to more freedom, adventure, and spontaneous trips!
But which brand is best?
At MyRoofTent.co.uk, we specialise in three leading brands: Thule, TentBox, and Fiamma. Each offers something unique, and the right choice depends on how you travel.
Below, we break down what makes them different, who they’re best for (solo, couple, family / short trips vs. long trips), and share real tips for owning and caring for your rooftop tent.
Plus: We’ll link to official manuals and guides so you know exactly what to expect.
⭐ Thule – For Year-Round Reliability & Serious Adventures
Best For:
✔️ Couples and families
✔️ Long trips / multi-stop overlanding
✔️ All-season use, including winter
Thule’s Scandinavian heritage shows in their rooftop tents—they’re built for wind, rain, and cold, with clever details like skylights and gas-strut openings.
Popular Models:
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Thule Approach (S/M/L): Hard-shell, opens in seconds, panoramic windows, 4-season ready.
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Thule Foothill: Compact soft-shell with innovative side-fold design.
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Thule Basin: Converts to a roof box for off-season utility.
Why Choose Thule:
✅ Premium quality, global support
✅ Extremely fast setup (especially Approach & Basin)
✅ Great for frequent trips and tough weather
🏕️ Best For These Travellers
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Couples or small families wanting room to sleep comfortably
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Longer road trips with multiple stops
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Year-round adventurers who want reliability in any weather
⭐ TentBox – UK-Friendly, Quick & Fun for Short Breaks
Best For:
✔️ Solo travellers or couples
✔️ Weekend getaways
✔️ Everyday cars and small vans
TentBox was born in the UK, so its range is tailored for British roads, weather, and vehicles. They’re all about simplicity and quick getaways—even if you’re new to roof tents.
Popular Models:
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TentBox Lite 2.0: Affordable, soft-shell, easy for small cars.
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TentBox Classic: Hard-shell with gas struts, open in ~30 seconds.
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TentBox Cargo: Expedition-ready with roof-rack compatibility.
Why Choose TentBox:
✅ Designed for UK conditions
✅ Super-fast setup (especially Classic & Cargo)
✅ Excellent value for money
✅ UK-based customer support
🏕️ Best For These Travellers
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Solo or couple weekend campers
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New roof tent owners
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People with smaller cars or vans
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Festival-goers wanting easy setup
⭐ Fiamma – Classic Fold-Out Comfort for Touring & Campervans
Best For:
✔️ Families and groups
✔️ Longer single-site stays
✔️ Campervan conversions
Fiamma is a legendary Italian brand known for campervan gear. Their rooftop tents offer traditional canvas comfort with large interiors—ideal if you’re touring at a slower pace.
Popular Model:
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Fiamma Roof Tent: Fold-out soft-shell with classic styling.
Why Choose Fiamma:
✅ Spacious interiors for families
✅ Familiar, traditional camping vibe
✅ Great with annexes for extra living space
🏕️ Best For These Travellers
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Families needing space
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Campervan owners wanting classic canvas style
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People who stay longer at one site
✅ Roof Tent Care Tips for Any Brand
Your rooftop tent is an investment in years of adventure. A few simple habits will keep it going strong:
✅ Dry it out after rain—never pack away wet for long periods.
✅ Brush off sand, mud, leaves before folding.
✅ Check bolts and brackets before long trips.
✅ Lubricate hinges on hard-shells if recommended in the manual.
✅ Store indoors or under cover if off the car for long periods.
✅ Use recommended cleaners for canvas to avoid mildew.
Bonus Tip: Soft-shell tents love sun—but UV breaks down fabric over time. Consider using a cover or shade when parked for days.
✅ Which Roof Tent is Best for YOU?
Still wondering which to choose? Here’s a quick reference:
Best For... | Thule | TentBox | Fiamma |
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Quick weekend getaways | ⚪️ Good (Foothill) | ✅ Excellent (Lite/Classic) | ⚪️ Slower setup |
Long, multi-stop trips | ✅ Excellent (Approach/Basin) | ⚪️ Good (Cargo) | ✅ Great (classic touring) |
Solo travellers | ⚪️ Very good | ✅ Best options (Lite) | ⚪️ Better for 2+ |
Couples | ✅ Excellent | ✅ Excellent | ✅ Excellent |
Families with kids | ✅ Larger Approach sizes | ⚪️ Lite good for 2 | ✅ Best (spacious fold-out) |
All-weather, 4-season camping | ✅ Top choice | ⚪️ Good with Cargo/Classic | ⚪️ Better for mild conditions |
Campervan conversions | ⚪️ Great on roof racks | ⚪️ Great on vans | ✅ Made for campervans |
Final Thought
We don’t just sell these tents—we use them ourselves. Each brand on our site is chosen because it’s genuinely good for UK adventures.
If you want fast trips with zero fuss, go TentBox.
If you need year-round reliability, go Thule.
If you want classic canvas touring comfort, go Fiamma.
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We’re always happy to help you pick the perfect roof tent for your travels.