Front Runner Roof Top Tent Review: Fast Camp, Anywhere
Up in two minutes, comfortable for two, and tough enough for washboard roads. A roof top tent that earns its place on the rack.
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A roof top tent changes the rhythm of a trip: you arrive, pop it open, and you're done. Owner reports from washboard tracks and windy ridgelines agree: the Front Runner holds up where it counts.
Setup and comfort
Two minutes from parked to pitched, and the built-in mattress is genuinely comfortable for two. Being up off the ground keeps you out of mud, puddles and the cold that radiates from bare earth.
Build and durability
It shrugged off rough roads without rattles or sag. The materials feel made for abuse, and the closed shell stayed dry through hard rain.
The catch
It's heavy, it costs you fuel, and you have to pack it up to drive anywhere. If you base in one spot for a few days, that's a non-issue. If you move daily, weigh it against a ground setup.
Full specifications
Front Runner Roof Top Tent
Pros
- Sets up and packs down in a couple of minutes
- Comfortable mattress sleeps two
- Sturdy build handles rough roads
- Gets you off uneven, wet or rocky ground
Cons
- Adds weight and hurts fuel economy
- You move the 'bedroom' every time you drive off
Frequently asked questions
- Does a roof top tent hurt fuel economy?
- Yes, noticeably. The added weight and aerodynamic drag typically cost a few miles per gallon at highway speeds. It's the main trade-off against the comfort and speed of setup.
About AWD Camper Team
AWD Camper Team researches car camping and EV gear the honest way: manufacturer specifications, long-running owner threads and retailer reviews, cross-checked against each other. Where gear has been used first-hand an article says so explicitly — where it hasn't, we don't pretend otherwise.