ikamper rooftop tent on a jeep

Best Rooftop Tent for Jeep Wrangler in 2025: Top Picks, Buyer’s Guide & FAQs

If you drive a Jeep Wrangler, chances are you didn’t buy it just to run errands around town. Wranglers were made for trails, mountain passes, and those “let’s see where this dirt road goes” moments. But after a long day of wheeling, the last thing you want is to crawl into a cramped ground tent or sleep in your front seat.

That’s where a rooftop tent changes everything. Mounted safely on your Jeep, it gives you an elevated, weatherproof, and comfortable home on wheels. You won't have to worry about roots digging into your back, muddy floors, or critters sneaking in at night.

In this guide, we’ll break down the best rooftop tents for Jeep Wrangler, compare the top models, and help you to figure out which one fits your Jeep lifestyle best.
For a deeper dive into Jeep camping accessories, check out our Jeep Overlanding: Gear and Accessories Guide.

Best Rooftop Tents for Jeep Wrangler Comparison Guide

Rooftop TentTypeSleepsWeightProsCons
iKamper Skycamp 3.0Hard shell4165 lbsSpacious, luxury build, fits 4 adults, fast setupPricey, requires strong rack
Thule Tepui Explorer Kukenam 3Soft shell3132 lbsAffordable, durable, proven reliabilityBulkier than hardshells, longer setup
Sanhima Hotham Lite Hard ShellHard shell2–3134.5 lbsLow-profile, aerodynamic, quick setup, weatherproofLess interior height
Yakima SkyRise HDSoft shell2115 lbsLightweight, easy to mount, budget-friendlySmaller capacity
Naturnest Hard Shell TentHard shell2–3140 lbsWeatherproof, affordable hard shell optionLess brand recognition

Best Rooftop Tents for Jeep Wrangler

iKamper Skycamp 3.0 – Best Overall

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The iKamper Skycamp 3.0 is one of the most beloved rooftop tent models It’s not cheap, but it’s worth every penny for Wrangler owners who take overlanding seriously. With room for up to four adults, a plush king-size mattress, and a setup time of under a minute, it’s hard to beat.

Specs

✅ Sleeps 4

✅ Weight 165 lbs

✅ Hard shell

✅ Waterproof poly-cotton canvas

Pros

✅ Huge sleeping space

✅ Excellent build quality

✅ Ultra-fast setup

Cons

❌ Expensive

❌ Requires heavy-duty roof rack

If you want the most comfortable rooftop tent for family or group trips, this is it.

Check current price on Amazon

Thule Tepui Explorer Kukenam 3 – Best Soft-Shell

thule tepui kukeman rooftop tent

Thule has been a trusted name in rooftop gear for a long time, and the Tepui Explorer Kukenam 3 is a favorite among Jeep Wrangler owners. It’s a soft-shell tent that sleeps three, made with rugged ripstop fabric designed to handle everything from desert dust to alpine snow.

Specs

✅ Sleeps 3

✅ Weight 132 lbs

✅ Soft shell

✅ 600D ripstop blend

Pros

✅ Proven durability

✅ Affordable price point

✅ Plenty of ventilation

Cons

❌ Bulkier on top

❌ Slower setup than a hard shell

For Wrangler owners who want a reliable tent without breaking the bank, this is a great pick.

Check current price on Amazon

Sanhima Hotham Lite Hard Shell – Best Low-Profile Hard Shell

Sanhima Hotham Lite Hard Shell rooftop tent

If you hate wind and road noise, the Sanhima Hotham Lite Hard Shell is a great choice. This slim hard shell tent sits just a few inches above your roofline, creating the aerodynamic that is perfect for daily drivers. It sleeps 2–3 comfortably and sets up in under a minute.

Specs

✅ Sleeps 2–3

✅ Weight 134.5 lbs

✅ Hard shell

✅ Waterproof fabric

Pros

✅ Super slim profile

✅ Rugged build

✅ Very quick setup

✅ Savings on fuel compared to other hard shells

Cons

❌ Interior height is lower than box-style tents

Great for Jeep owners who daily drive and still want weekend adventure capability.

Check current price on Amazon

Yakima SkyRise HD – Best Compact Option

Yakima-SkyRise-HD rooftop tent for Jeep

The Yakima SkyRise HD 2 is a lightweight soft-shell rooftop tent that works beautifully on two-door Wranglers or owners who don’t need a ton of sleeping space. With a weight of just 115 lbs, it won’t overload your roof rack, and it’s easy to mount and remove. For guidance on how to select a roof rack, check out top roof rack picks for Jeep Wrangler!

Specs

✅  Sleeps 2

✅ Weight 115 lbs

✅ Soft shell

✅ 600D polyester with rainfly

Pros

✅ Lightweight

✅ Easy to mount

✅ Affordable

Cons

❌ Smaller size

❌ Limited headroom

If you want a solid tent that won’t bog down your rig, this one’s a smart choice.

Check current price on Amazon

Naturnest Hard Shell Rooftop Tent – Best Budget Hard Shell

Naturnest Rooftop Tent Hard Shell rooftop tent

For those who want the durability and convenience of a hard shell tent, but at affordable price, the Naturnest Hard Shell is a fantastic alternative. It sleeps 2–3, opens in seconds, and offers excellent waterproofing.

Specs

✅ Sleeps 2–3

✅ Weight 180 lbs

✅ Hard shell

✅ Aluminum frame

Pros

✅ Affordable

✅ Quick setup

✅ Strong weather protection

✅ Blackout material

Cons

❌ Less brand recognition

❌ Slightly smaller interior

❌ Heavier than premium hard shell tents

A budget-friendly way to step into the hard shell tent world.

Check current price on Amazon

Rooftop Tent Guide

Considerations when choosing the Best Rooftop Tent for Jeep Wrangler

1. Weight & Rack Compatibility

Wranglers have a roof load limit of around 165–176 lbs (dynamic). Always check both your roof rack and tent weight. Heavy tents like the Skycamp 3.0 need a heavy-duty rack system.

2. Setup Time

Hard shells (iKamper, Roofnest, Naturnest) set up in under a minute. Soft shell tents (Thule, Yakima) require a little longer, but are usually lighter and cheaper.

3. Weatherproofing

Look for 600D+ fabrics, waterproof coatings, and zippers that last. If you plan to camp in all seasons, ventilation and condensation control matter just as much.

4. Sleeping Capacity

Most Jeep rooftop tents sleep 2–3 people, though the iKamper Skycamp is one of the few that fits four adults comfortably.

5. Budget

Expect to spend*:

✅ $1,200–$1,800 for soft shell models.

✅ $2,500–$4,000 for premium hard shells.

✅ Around $1,800–$2,200 for entry-level hard shells like Naturnest.

*Price range is determined at the time of writing this article

FAQs: Best Rooftop Tent for Jeep Wrangler

Can you put a rooftop tent on a Jeep Wrangler soft top?

Yes—but only with the right rack system. The tent mounts to the rack, not the soft top itself. You’ll need a strong roof rack or exoskeleton-style rack.

How much weight can a Jeep Wrangler roof handle?

Around 165–176 lbs dynamic (while driving). Static capacity (when parked) is much higher, usually 600+ lbs.

Do rooftop tents hurt gas mileage?

Yes, especially bulky soft-shell tents. Low-profile hardshells like the Roofnest Falcon help to minimize drag.

Can you daily drive with a rooftop tent installed?

Absolutely. Just be mindful of added height and garage clearance. Hard shells are easier for daily drivers

Do rooftop tents fit all Jeep Wrangler models?

Yes, but check rack compatibility. Two-door Wranglers may be better suited to lighter or smaller tents like the Yakima SkyRise HD 2.

POPULAR

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Best Overall –
iKamper Skycamp 3.0

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Naturnest Rooftop Tent Hard Shell.jpg__PID:0bd7153e-4b69-44c4-a9d1-f606121bfd7c

Best Budget-Friendly – Naturnest Hard Shell Rooftop Tent

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Best Soft-Shell – Thule Tepui Explorer Kukenam 3

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Best Slim Hard Shell – Sanhima Hotham Lite Hard Shell

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Best Compact Option – Yakima SkyRise HD 2

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Turn the Roof Into a Campsite

A rooftop tent transforms your Jeep Wrangler from a trail rig into a true overlanding machine. Whether you’re after the luxury and space of the iKamper Skycamp 3.0, the affordable reliability of the Thule Tepui Kukenam 3, or the low-profile convenience of the Roofnest Falcon 3, there’s a rooftop tent that fits your style of adventure.

Ready to gear up your Wrangler? Start with a tent that matches your budget and travel needs.

Check current rooftop tent deals on Amazon

And while you’re at it, don’t forget the finishing touches—like a custom Jeep tire cover to protect your spare and add some personality to your ride.
If you’re new to rooftop camping, REI’s rooftop tent guide breaks down mounting types, weight limits, and how to choose the right tent for your vehicle.