Van or roof tent, which to choose?

There are many ways to go on a road trip, and today we're going to help you choose between a van and a roof tent. Yes, because, as you can imagine, there's no universal answer to the question of what to choose between a van and a roof tent! It all depends on your tastes, your needs and the way you travel. Let's take a look at the pros and cons of a van and a roof tent.

The benefits van


More space

Let's start with the most obvious van advantage: space! Of course, you'll have more space in a van than in a van or a converted car. This is clearly its main advantage, allowing you to gain in comfort during your road trip. With more sleeping space, more storage space and even well-defined areas, you can practically say you've got a little house on wheels in a van.

Always ready to hit the road

Feel like taking a road trip on a whim? Pack your suitcase, fire up the engine and you're off in minutes! If you've got a van, you'll only need it for your vacation. So you don't need to do anything inside, it's always ready for you to go wherever and whenever you want.

A more functional kitchen area

Here again, it's thanks to its greater space that you can get a real small kitchen area. If being able to cook more comfortably on a road trip is an important criterion for you, then the van could be a good solution. You can even have hobs and a sink integrated into the worktop. In short, a real kitchen like at home, where you can prepare delicious meals. 

Disadvantages van


Greater consumption

Comparing the van and the roof tent, if you want to go on a road trip in a van, you'll have to expect a higher rating for fuel consumption. A van will consume more fuel than a car or van. Higher consumption also means a greater impact on the carbon footprint. 

A higher price

In addition to high fuel consumption, the purchase price of a van is also much higher than that of another vehicle with a roof tent. Equipment inside the van, such as the fitted kitchen, also requires a certain amount of money to increase comfort. So a van is not for everyone.

More difficult access to parking lots

A larger vehicle is more comfortable, but won't fit everywhere! This is the disadvantage of the van that can be most problematic on a road trip. Because of the height of the van, you may not be able to access many spaces and parking lots. This may mean that you have to plan where to bivouac in advance, or even book and pay for a place to sleep in your van.

Choose van or roof tent

The benefits of the roof tent


Plenty of optimized storage space

Although your van or car with roof tent may be less spacious, it can still hold a lot of highly optimized storage space with the Tchao Tchao roof tent kit. Your entire space is designed to optimize every nook and cranny of your vehicle. You'll even be able to take advantage of a small kitchenette, which you can take out whenever you need it and put away as soon as it's no longer needed, to save space.

A road trip for 4

What if we told you that you could go on a road trip with 4 people using just one vehicle? With a roof tent and a Tchao Tchao recreational vehicle kit, it's mission accomplished! You'll be able to go on a road trip with friends or family, with or without children, while enjoying two real beds.

No need for a car either

This is perhaps one of the most interesting advantages of a roof tent . No need to spend money on an extra vehicle and insurance, you can use your everyday car to go on holiday. It only takes a few minutes to convert your everyday vehicle into a vacation home on wheels. It's also a real plus if you only have a parking space available at home.

An attractive price

As we've seen, there's no need to buy an additional vehicle, which is already a big advantage of the roof tent VS the van. But a car or van will also be cheaper to buy than a van. So the roof tent is perfect for those on a budget. What's more, your roof-tent vehicle will consume less fuel on the road, so you'll have less to pay for fuel.

Less carbon footprint

Less fuel consumption means less carbon footprint - it makes sense! If your environmental impact is paramount in your travels, then it's best to opt for a smaller, more fuel-efficient vehicle. In the van vs . rooftop tent game, the rooftop tent wins here!

Easier access

Unlike a van, you'll be able to drive into any parking lot without difficulty. With a roof tent, you won't have to worry about not being able to get into a parking lot because of the height limit. It's a guarantee of comfort and peace of mind to be able to find a place to sleep in your car more easily, without the fear of having to opt for a worse location because other parking lots weren't suitable.

advantage roof tent

The disadvantages of the roof tent


Vehicle preparation

As your car is also used for your daily commute, you'll need to adapt it to transform it into a road trip vehicle. You'll need to install your roof rack and other equipment to optimize your car's space. But as this is a very quick installation, it doesn't prevent you from leaving at the last minute for a vanlife weekend if you so wish!

A smaller space

Of course, when it comes to choosing between a van and a roof tent, there's a difference in space between the two. Although a roof tent offers a pleasant sleeping area, it's still less spacious than a van. If you're a fan of minimalist travel, packing the bare essentials while retaining a certain level of comfort, then the roof tent remains an excellent option.

To be unfolded every morning and evening

Sure, the first few times you go on a roof-tent road trip, you have to get used to having to pack your roof-tent every night and put it away every morning! But once you've got the hang of it, it quickly becomes a regular part of your trip. 


To conclude on the choice between a van and a roof tent, the main advantage of the van is its spaciousness. On the other hand, you'll have to put more money in your wallet. The advantage of the roof tent will be its price: it's ideal for smaller budgets, for those who want minimalist holidays, or for those who can't afford more than one vehicle. You should also know that the larger your vehicle, the more space and comfort you'll gain, even with a roof tent! Could this be the ideal compromise?

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