Rooftop Tent Ladder Length and Adjustability

What ladder length means on a rooftop tent listing

When you read a rooftop tent listing, the ladder is often described by its length, such as a 10.5 foot ladder, or by its adjustability, such as a telescopic ladder. The length tells you how far the ladder can extend from the tent's entry point to the ground. The adjustability tells you how much you can change that length to fit your vehicle and the campsite.

A ladder that is too short will not reach the ground, leaving you to climb down from a height. A ladder that is too long may sit at a steep angle, making the rungs harder to use. The goal is a ladder that reaches the ground with a comfortable angle for your entry and exit. For more on ladder angle, see ladder angle adjustment.

• Length is usually stated in feet or inches on a listing.
• Adjustability is often described with words like telescopic, adjustable, or multi-position.
• The ladder's range is the shortest and longest length it can be set to.

Matching the ladder to your vehicle height

Your vehicle's roof height determines how long the ladder needs to be. A taller vehicle, such as a truck with a cap, will need a longer ladder than a lower SUV. The ladder's length range should cover the distance from the tent's entry point to the ground when the tent is mounted.

Because the tent sits on the roof, the entry point is higher than the roof itself. The ladder must reach from that point to the ground. A ladder with a generous range gives you room to adjust for different vehicles or for changes in load, such as a loaded roof rack. The hard shell buying guide lists tents with various ladder lengths.

The maker's instructions and the vehicle manual will tell you the mounting height and any limits. The ladder's adjustability lets you fine-tune the length once the tent is mounted.

Adjusting for terrain slope

Campsites are rarely perfectly flat. A slope can make a fixed-length ladder sit at an awkward angle, with one side higher than the other. An adjustable ladder lets you set each side to a different length, so the ladder rests evenly on the ground.

Some ladders have independent adjustment on each side, while others adjust as a single unit. Independent adjustment is useful on uneven ground because it lets you level the ladder. For more on ladder width, see ladder width comparison. A ladder that cannot adjust may leave one side floating or force the tent to sit at an angle.

When you set up on a slope, check that the ladder's feet are firmly on the ground. The maker's instructions will describe how to adjust the ladder safely.

Ladder types and features in listings

Rooftop tent ladders come in a few common types. A telescopic ladder extends and locks at the length you choose. A fixed ladder has a set length and may not adjust. Some ladders are described as covered, meaning the rungs have a coating that may feel more comfortable underfoot.

The material is often aluminum, which is a common choice for rooftop tent ladders. Aluminum is a lightweight metal, though the site does not compare weights. The ladder's hinge type, such as aluminum or steel, may appear in a listing, but the maker's pages are the place to read about the ladder's construction. The soft shell buying guide includes tents with different ladder styles.

A ladder that is included with the tent is a feature to look for. Some listings state the ladder's length, such as a 10.5 foot ladder. Others may not state the length, in which case you can ask the seller or read the maker's specifications.

What to ask the maker or seller

If a listing does not state the ladder's length or adjustability, you can ask the seller or read the maker's official pages. Questions to ask include:

What is the ladder's minimum and maximum length?

Does the ladder adjust on each side independently?

What is the ladder made of?

Is the ladder included with the tent or sold separately?

What do the maker's instructions say about adjusting the ladder on slopes?

The maker's instructions and the vehicle manual are the final word on how to mount and use the ladder. A qualified installer can answer questions about fitting the tent to your vehicle.

How ladder length affects stability

A ladder that is set to the correct length will have a stable angle. If the ladder is too long, it may sit at a shallow angle, which can make the rungs harder to climb. If it is too short, it may sit at a steep angle, which can feel unstable.

The ladder's feet should rest flat on the ground. On soft ground, the feet may sink, so you might need to adjust the length again. On hard ground, the feet should sit firmly.

The site compares tents on stated details, not on performance. The ladder's length and adjustability are stated details you can compare between listings. The main rooftop tent guide explains how to read these details.

Ladder accessories and replacements

Some makers sell ladders separately, such as a 10.5 foot ladder from Overland Vehicle Systems. This can be useful if you need a longer ladder or a replacement. A ladder extension is an accessory that adds length to an existing ladder, though the site does not compare fit or compatibility.

When you buy a ladder separately, check the maker's specifications for the length and the mounting method. The maker's instructions will tell you how to attach it to the tent. The 2 person tent guide lists tents that often include a ladder.

The site's guides compare tents on stated details, including the ladder when it is listed. The guides do not rank ladders by performance.

What to pick for your situation

For a first rooftop tent, look for a tent that includes a telescopic ladder with a wide length range. This gives you flexibility for different vehicles and campsites. For a family, a ladder with a covered or wider rung may be more comfortable, but the site does not compare comfort.

For a longer trip, a ladder that adjusts on each side independently is useful for uneven terrain. For a solo traveler, a simple telescopic ladder may be enough. The 4 person tent guide shows tents with various ladder setups.

The guides below compare tents on stated details, including the ladder when it is listed. Use them to build a shortlist, then read the maker's pages for the ladder's full specifications.

What to pick for your situation

Questions

How do I know what ladder length I need?

Measure the distance from the tent's entry point to the ground when the tent is mounted on your vehicle. The ladder's length range should cover that distance. The maker's instructions and the vehicle manual will help you determine the mounting height.

What does a telescopic ladder mean?

A telescopic ladder extends and locks at the length you choose. This lets you adjust the ladder to match your vehicle's height and the terrain. Some telescopic ladders adjust on each side independently, which helps on slopes.

Can I use a ladder that is too long?

A ladder that is too long may sit at a shallow angle, which can make climbing less stable. It is better to choose a ladder with a length range that fits your vehicle. The maker's instructions will describe the safe setup.

Are ladders included with rooftop tents?

Many rooftop tents include a ladder, but not all listings state it. Check the listing for the ladder's length or adjustability. If it is not stated, ask the seller or read the maker's specifications.

Can I buy a replacement ladder?

Some makers sell ladders separately, such as a 10.5 foot ladder from Overland Vehicle Systems. Check the maker's pages for the ladder's specifications and compatibility with your tent.