Setting up an inflatable rooftop tent is significantly faster than a traditional fold-out model, but there's a process to follow — especially the first time. This guide covers setup, inflation, and tips that make the process smoother from your very first trip.
What You'll Need
Before setup, have these ready: your inflatable rooftop tent (pre-mounted on the roof rack), the included dual-function pump with pressure gauge, bedding (the air mattress is usually integrated and inflates with the tent), and your telescopic ladder.
Most inflatable rooftop tents should be pre-mounted to your roof rack before your first trip. If yours isn't installed yet, follow the mounting hardware guide included in the tent package and set it up at home before heading out.
Step 1: Position Your Vehicle on Level Ground
Park on the flattest surface available. Most rooftop tents are stable on slight inclines, but a level position means the integrated air mattress lies flat — important for comfortable sleeping and for keeping items inside the tent from sliding overnight.
Step 2: Remove or Unzip the Outer Cover
Inflatable rooftop tents store inside a carry bag or fitted outer cover attached to the roof rack. Depending on your model, this is either a separate carry bag you remove entirely (store it in the vehicle while camping) or a fitted cover that unzips and folds back. Check your specific tent's instructions for whether the cover stays on the rack or comes off.
Step 3: Locate All Inflation Valves
Before pumping, locate all inflation valves. Most models have one main valve that inflates all air columns via an internal distribution system, but some have separate valves per column. Connect the pump hose to the main valve — usually a Schrader valve similar to a bicycle tyre valve.
Step 4: Inflate to Correct Pressure
Use the dual-function pump with the built-in pressure gauge. Inflate slowly and steadily, watching the gauge. Recommended pressure is typically 6–9 PSI depending on the tent model — check your tent's manual for the specific target. At correct pressure, the air columns should feel firm with almost no flex when pushed. Underinflated columns flex in wind; overinflated columns stress the seams.
Step 5: Deploy the Telescopic Ladder
The telescopic ladder connects to the tent's entry point via a hooked bracket or clip. Extend it to a comfortable angle — roughly 65–70 degrees from horizontal. Often Outdoors ladders adjust from 70cm to 230cm; set the height to comfortably reach your tent's floor height.
Step 6: Load Bedding and Move In
The integrated air mattress inflates with the tent structure. Lay out your sleeping bag or blankets, load overnight gear up the ladder, and you're done. Total time from opening the cover to sleeping-ready: 5–7 minutes for most first-timers, typically under 5 minutes after a few trips.
Pack-Down Process
Pack-down is the reverse of setup. Deflate the air columns using the pump's deflation function (or the tent's separate deflation valve). Allow 3–5 minutes for full deflation — don't force the tent flat while columns are partially inflated. Fold and compress the tent body following the fold guide for your model, pack into the carry bag, and return to the roof rack.
The first pack-down takes longer — understanding the correct fold pattern for your tent makes all future pack-downs much faster. Practice the fold in your driveway before your first trip.
Tips for First-Time Rooftop Tent Campers
Do a practice setup at home before your first trip — work out the fold pattern and ladder attachment without the pressure of arriving at camp in fading light. Check your vehicle's tyre pressure after permanently mounting the tent: the extra roof weight affects handling. Keep the pump accessible in your vehicle's cab for the first few trips in case pressure top-ups are needed after overnight temperature drops.
Browse the Often Outdoors inflatable rooftop tent range at NG Mobility. Free shipping Australia-wide.
