Ultimate Roof Top Tent Buyer’s Guide for Jeep Gladiator Owners
Choosing the right roof top tent for your Jeep Gladiator is essential for off-road adventures, weekend overlanding, and boondocking with comfort and convenience.
With so many options available, this guide breaks down what to look for, why RTTs make sense for Gladiator builds, and how a truck cap can elevate your camping setup.
Why Choose a Roof Top Tent for Your Jeep Gladiator?
A roof top tent (RTT) transforms your Gladiator into a fully capable adventure rig. RTTs:
Mount securely to your Gladiator’s roof rack or truck cap rack
Provide elevated sleeping space away from dirt, critters, and uneven ground
Offer quick setup and breakdown — perfect for weekend trips
Fit two to four people depending on size and design
Whether you’re hitting desert trails, coastal campgrounds, or mountain backcountry, an RTT maximizes comfort without sacrificing storage or capability.
Key Factors to Consider Before Buying
🧭 Size & Sleeping Capacity
Choose a tent that matches your crew size:
Compact (1–2 person): Easier to install on a truck cap rack
Mid-size (2–3 person): Sweet spot for comfort and storage
Large (3–4 person): Best for families or extended trips
Ensure your truck cap’s rack and payload ratings support the tent weight.
🔧 Weight & Payload Limits
Your Jeep Gladiator and the associated truck cap have roof and rack payload limits. Before buying:
Check the combined weight of truck cap rack, RTT, mattress, and accessories
Verify that your Gladiator’s payload rating accommodates the total
Balancing weight ensures safe handling and off-road performance.
🌦️ Weather Protection
Look for RTTs with:
Waterproof seams and rainfly
Heavy-duty canvas or rip-stop fabric
Reinforced zippers and storm flaps
These features keep you dry and comfortable in rain, wind, or snow.
🛠️ Ease of Setup
A major benefit of RTTs is fast deployment. Look for:
Gas-strut assisted opening
Quick-attach ladder systems
Integrated mattress included
Pairing the tent with a well-designed truck cap rack speeds setup even more.
Top Roof Top Tent Brands for the Jeep Gladiator
Below are two leading RTT brands featured at GladiatorOffroad.com, each with unique advantages for Gladiator owners who also plan to use a truck cap mounting system:
Rough Country Roof Top Tents
Rough Country RTTs deliver rugged performance and outstanding value. Benefits include:
Durable waterproof materials
Comfortable internal mattress
Quick setup and secure mounting
Excellent compatibility with Gladiator cap racks
Rough Country tents are ideal when you want strong performance without overpaying.
Best for: First-time RTT buyers, budget-conscious adventures, weekend warriors
Overland Vehicle Systems (OVS) Roof Top Tents
OVS RTTs are premium quality and engineered for serious overlanders. Benefits include:
High-strength ripstop canvas and reinforced frames
Superior weather sealing and ventilation
Comfortable mattress and interior design
Excellent long-term durability
Pairing an OVS tent with a heavy-duty truck cap rack creates an adventure setup that’s ready for anything.
Best for: Frequent campers, four-season expeditions, serious overlanding
Truck Cap & RTT Mounting Tips
To maximize your setup:
Choose a compatible truck cap: One designed for Gladiator bed dimensions and weight
Install a robust rack: Cap racks with crossbars or load bars help support the RTT
Balance the load: Distribute weight between rack, tent, and stored gear
Practice setup: Install and remove your RTT at home before heading out
Proper integration between your truck cap and RTT makes setup faster and safer on the trail.
Roof Top Tent Accessories Worth Considering
Upgrade your Gladiator RTT experience with:
RTT awnings for shade and rain cover
Insulated tent liners for cold weather
Annex rooms for extra living or storage space
LED lighting kits and cargo organizers
Accessories enhance comfort and make your Gladiator adventure rig even more capable.
Final Tips for Gladiator Roof Top Tent Buyers
✔ Confirm truck cap rack and Gladiator payload ratings
✔ Match tent size to your adventure style
✔ Compare Rough Country vs. OVS features side-by-side
✔ Add accessories that improve comfort and practicality
Why a Truck Cap Is a Smart Mounting Option
Mounting a roof top tent on a truck cap for your Jeep Gladiator offers several advantages:
✅ Stronger support: A quality truck cap with a robust rack system can handle heavier RTTs and gear loads more reliably than some roof rails.
✅ Added weather protection: The enclosed space beneath the cap keeps gear dry and secure.
✅ Extra storage space: Store backpacks, camp gear, and accessories out of sight — freeing up bed space.
✅ Integrated mounting: Many caps come with or accept aftermarket roof racks designed specifically for RTTs.
By combining a truck cap with your RTT, you get the best of both worlds: elevated sleeping quarters and expanded secure cargo space below.
Buy your Roof Top Tent or Truck Cap now at Truckcaps.com