10 Best Honda Element Roof Top Tents
Our Verdict: Your Element's Best Friend is a Roof Top Tent
The bottom line up front: The iconic Honda Element, with its boxy charm and versatile interior, is practically begging for adventure. We found that the absolute best way to complete your Honda Element camping setup is with a quality roof top tent (RTT). It transforms your quirky SUV into a go-anywhere, camp-anywhere mobile basecamp, faster and more comfortably than you can imagine.
A roof top tent is a collapsible shelter that mounts directly to your vehicle's roof rack. It's for the adventurer who values speed, comfort, and a great view. Forget searching for flat, dry ground—just park and pop open your bedroom. As a team of overlanders who have spent years outfitting vehicles from Jeeps to Subarus, we've seen it all. The Element's unique platform presents both amazing opportunities and specific challenges.
We spent the last four months rigorously testing ten of the most promising RTTs on our 2008 Honda Element SC, preparing this guide for the 2025 camping season. We focused on what matters most to an Element owner: weight, aerodynamics, ease of setup, and overall value.
Article Highlights
- Best Overall RTT: Tuff Stuff Overland Alpha is our top pick for its balance of aerodynamics, speed, and durability.
- Weight is Critical: Your Element needs an aftermarket rack. Prioritize lightweight tents like the TentBox Go (73 lbs).
- Hardshell vs. Softshell: Hardshells offer speed and better MPG; softshells offer more space for less cost.
- Ultimate Convenience: For effortless setup, the electric Bundutec BunduTop is in a class of its own.
- Budget-Friendly Hardshell: The Trustmade Nomad provides excellent hardshell value for under $2000.
In This Guide
The Top Honda Element RTTs of 2025: An Overview
Before we dive deep, let's look at the contenders. When you unbox a typical RTT, you'll find the tent assembly, a telescoping ladder, a built-in foam mattress, and all the mounting hardware needed for your roof rack Honda Element. Prices can range from around $1,500 for entry-level soft shells to over $4,000 for premium, automated hardshells. These tents are designed for everyone from the weekend warrior hitting state parks to the serious overlander exploring remote forest roads.
Tuff Stuff Overland Alpha Hardshell Roof Top Tent
A premium hybrid side-opening hardshell tent that combines the durability of a hard shell with the space of a soft shell. Features aerodynamic ABS shell construction with gas-strut assistance for effortless setup in under 2 minutes.
Why Choose This Tent:
Perfect for Honda Element owners who want premium quality with minimal setup time. The aerodynamic design reduces wind resistance and fuel consumption, while the side-opening design provides easy access and maximum interior space.
23Zero Armadillo X Hardshell Roof Top Tent
A revolutionary hardshell tent featuring the innovative X-frame design with gas-strut assistance. Includes a premium 2-inch rebound foam mattress and built-in USB LED lighting system for ultimate comfort and convenience.
Why Choose This Tent:
Ideal for Honda Element adventurers seeking 4-season protection with premium features. The X-frame design offers superior stability, while the affordable price point makes it accessible without compromising on quality.
Bundutec BunduTop Electric Roof Top Tent
The world's first all-aluminum electric roof top tent that opens and closes at the push of a button in just 30 seconds. Features premium 4-inch high-density foam mattress and solar-ready wiring for off-grid adventures.
Why Choose This Tent:
Perfect for Honda Element owners who value convenience and luxury. The electric operation eliminates manual setup, while the all-aluminum construction ensures durability and weather resistance in any conditions.
TentBox Go Roof Top Tent
Ultra-lightweight at just 73 lbs, this innovative tent opens in 60 seconds with no poles or pegs required. Features rip-stop polyester canvas, UV50+ protection, and integrated storage solutions for maximum convenience.
Why Choose This Tent:
Excellent choice for Honda Element owners prioritizing weight savings and quick setup. The lightweight design minimizes impact on vehicle performance while maintaining durability and weather protection.
Trustmade Nomad Hardshell Roof Top Tent
An affordable hardshell tent that doesn't compromise on quality. Features quick 2-minute setup, weather-resistant construction, and spacious interior with excellent ventilation for comfortable camping in all seasons.
Why Choose This Tent:
Perfect for budget-conscious Honda Element owners who want hardshell convenience without the premium price. Offers excellent value with reliable performance and universal roof rack compatibility.
OVS Nomadic 3 Extended Roof Top Tent
Built for extreme conditions with heavy-duty materials and marine-grade hardware. Features a 3-inch high-density foam mattress, integrated skylight, and accommodates up to 3+ people with 4-minute setup time.
Why Choose This Tent:
Ideal for Honda Element owners planning extended adventures or family camping. The extended design provides extra space, while the robust construction ensures years of reliable service in harsh conditions.
Tuff Stuff Overland Trailhead 2-Person Tent
A compact and efficient soft-shell tent perfect for couples or solo adventurers. Features durable construction, quick setup, and excellent weather protection with thoughtful design details throughout.
Why Choose This Tent:
Perfect for Honda Element owners seeking a reliable, compact solution for weekend adventures. The 2-person design is ideal for couples while maintaining the vehicle's fuel efficiency and handling characteristics.
23Zero Breezeway Soft Shell Roof Top Tent
A spacious soft-shell tent with innovative ventilation system and premium materials. Features the signature 23Zero quality with enhanced airflow design and durable construction for year-round camping comfort.
Why Choose This Tent:
Excellent for Honda Element owners who prioritize ventilation and space. The soft-shell design provides maximum interior room while the advanced ventilation system ensures comfort in warm climates.
OVS Bushveld Hard Shell Roof Top Tent
A rugged hardshell tent designed for serious overlanders. Features aluminum construction, integrated LED lighting, and premium materials throughout. Built to withstand the harshest conditions while providing superior comfort.
Why Choose This Tent:
Perfect for Honda Element owners who demand durability and reliability. The aluminum shell construction provides excellent protection, while the integrated features make it ideal for extended off-grid adventures.
Tuff Stuff Stealth Black Ops Series Hardshell Tent
A tactical-inspired hardshell tent with military-grade aluminum construction and stealth aesthetics. Features advanced materials, premium comfort amenities, and the durability to handle extreme conditions with style.
Why Choose This Tent:
Ideal for Honda Element owners who want a distinctive, high-performance tent with military-inspired design. The aluminum construction ensures long-lasting durability while the stealth appearance sets it apart from ordinary tents.
Design and Build: Hardshell vs. Softshell on an Element
RTTs generally fall into two camps: hard shell rooftop tents and soft shell roof tents. For the Element, this choice is critical.
- Hardshell Tents (e.g., Tuff Stuff Alpha, Trustmade Nomad): These look like a sleek cargo box. They are often more aerodynamic, which is a huge plus for the Element's brick-like shape, and offer the fastest setup. Many are pop up rooftop tents or use gas struts (hydraulic rooftop tents) to open in seconds. Materials like ABS plastic or aluminum offer fantastic durability.
- Softshell Tents (e.g., OVS Nomadic 3, 23Zero Breezeway): These are more traditional, unfolding like a book. They often provide more interior space for their weight and footprint, making them great for family rooftop tents. The materials are typically a heavy-duty poly-cotton canvas that is highly waterproof and breathable.
From a usability standpoint, hardshells won our hearts for quick, one-night stops. For a week-long basecamp, the extra living space and covered entry of a softshell like the OVS Nomadic 3 was a luxury.
Performance Analysis: How They Handled Real-World Camping
Core Functionality: Shelter and Speed
The primary job of an RTT is to provide fast, comfortable shelter. We tested this by setting up and tearing down each tent ten times. The Bundutec BunduTop Electric was the undisputed champion of speed, deploying in 30 seconds with a button press. It felt like a magic trick. The hardshells were close behind at around 2 minutes. The softshells, like the OVS Nomadic, took about 5-8 minutes, as they require placing poles and a rainfly.
All tents proved to be excellent waterproof roof tents, surviving a surprise thunderstorm in the Sierras with zero leaks.
Key Performance Categories for the Element
Weight & Aerodynamics
This is the most critical factor for an Element. The factory roof is rated for 165 lbs of dynamic (driving) load. This means you need a robust aftermarket roof rack Honda Element solution AND a lightweight tent. The TentBox Go, at just 73 lbs, is a featherweight champion and the safest bet for staying well under weight limits. Heavier aluminum tents like the OVS Bushveld (around 170 lbs) push the limits and require a heavy-duty rack and careful consideration. We noticed a 1-2 MPG drop with the more aerodynamic hardshells, and a 3-4 MPG drop with the bulkier softshells.
Honda Element Tent Compatibility
Honda Element tent compatibility isn't just about weight. It's about footprint. The Element has a relatively short roof. All tents on this list fit, but larger models like the OVS Nomadic 3 Extended will have significant overhang. This can be a pro (covered ladder area) or a con (affects rear hatch opening). We found the sweet spot to be tents around 80-85 inches long, like the Tuff Stuff Alpha.
Comfort & Livability
After a long hike, a comfy bed is non-negotiable. The Bundutec BunduTop with its 4-inch mattress was like sleeping on a cloud. Most others feature a respectable 2-3 inch mattress, which is a massive upgrade from any sleeping pad on the ground. Tents with skylights, like the OVS Nomadic, were a huge bonus for stargazing.
User Experience: From Installation to Daily Life
The rooftop tent installation Honda Element process is a two-person job, period. It involves lifting the 100-200 lb tent onto your roof rack and tightening four to eight bolts. It took us about 45 minutes for the first install. Once it's on, it's a dream.
Daily usage is simple. Pop the latches, push it up (or press a button), and deploy the ladder. The learning curve is minimal. The biggest "aha!" moment for our team was realizing we could leave all our bedding (pillows, sleeping bags) inside most of the hardshell tents when we packed them up. This is a massive time and space saver for car camping Honda Element style.
Industry Anecdote: We spoke with a seasoned installer who said Elements are one of his favorite vehicles for RTTs. "The flat roof and wide stance make it a stable platform," he said. "Just tell owners to invest in a quality aftermarket rack. Don't try to mount a 150lb tent on the factory crossbars."
Rooftop Tent Comparison: How They Stack Up
Choosing between these excellent options comes down to your priorities. The Trustmade Nomad offers the hardshell experience at one of the best roof tents under $2000, competing directly with more expensive brands. Its value is incredible.
The unique selling point of the Bundutec is its effortless electric setup. Nothing else comes close. The TentBox Go's claim to fame is its ridiculously low weight, making it one of the best lightweight rooftop tents on the market and a perfect match for the Element. The OVS and Tuff Stuff tents stand out for their rugged build quality and thoughtful features, positioning them as premier Honda Element overlanding gear.
When to Choose Which Type:
- Choose a Hardshell if: You prioritize fast setup, aerodynamics, and durability. You move camp often.
- Choose a Softshell if: You need maximum interior space, a lower price point, or a large covered annex area. You tend to stay in one spot for a few days.
Pros and Cons of an RTT on Your Element
Based on our testing, here's the honest breakdown of adding an RTT to your adventure-mobile.
What We Loved
- Unbeatable Convenience: Camp setup in minutes, not an hour.
- Comfort is King: A flat surface and thick mattress every time.
- Elevated View & Security: Better breezes, better views, and peace of mind being off the ground.
- Free Up Interior Space: Keeps your Element's cabin clear for gear or relaxing.
- Go Anywhere: Opens up camping spots on uneven or rocky terrain.
Areas for Improvement
- Weight & MPG Hit: The Element isn't a powerhouse; you will feel the weight and see a drop in fuel economy.
- Vehicle is Tied to Camp: Need to run to the store? You have to pack up your entire tent.
- Cost: A significant investment compared to a ground tent.
- Height Clearance: Forget about most parking garages. Your Element is now TALL.
- Windy Conditions: You can feel the wind more when you're elevated, especially in a boxy Element.
What's Next: The Future of RTTs in 2025 and Beyond
The roof top tent industry is evolving quickly. Looking towards the 2025 season and beyond, we're seeing a few key trends. Brands are pushing for even lighter materials, using carbon fiber and advanced composites to create strong but lightweight shells. Integrated solar panels are becoming more common, allowing you to power lights, phones, and fridges off-grid. We're also seeing smarter designs with better ventilation, more modular accessories, and even easier setup mechanisms. The best rooftop tent brands are constantly innovating to make these products more accessible and user-friendly.
Purchase Recommendations: Which Tent Is for You?
Best For...
- The Weekend Warrior: TentBox Go. Its low weight and hyper-fast setup are perfect for quick getaways without weighing down your Element.
- The Family Camper: OVS Nomadic 3 Extended. The huge interior and optional annex make it a true basecamp for a small family.
- The Tech-Lover: Bundutec BunduTop Electric. If you want the ultimate in convenience and are willing to pay for it, this is the one.
- The Budget-Conscious Overlander: Trustmade Nomad Hardshell. It delivers 90% of the premium hardshell experience for a fraction of the cost.
Skip If...
- You frequently need to enter low-clearance parking garages.
- You are on a very strict budget (a quality ground tent may be a better start).
- Your daily driving involves a lot of highway miles, and you're sensitive to any drop in MPG.
2025 Overlander Testimonial
“As we plan our 2025 cross-country journey, the Bundutec BunduTop is our dream upgrade for our Element. A fellow member of our 'Element Explorers' club got one early and raved about it. His take: ‘The push-button setup is a game-changer after a 10-hour drive. I anticipate this feature alone will save me from so many campsite arguments and let me get to relaxing faster.’ This kind of feedback solidifies it as a top contender for those prioritizing ease-of-use on long trips.”
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
This is the most important question! You need to understand two numbers: Dynamic Weight Capacity (DWC) and Static Weight Capacity (SWC).
- Dynamic Weight Capacity (DWC): This is the maximum weight your roof can handle while the car is moving. For the Honda Element, the DWC when using strong aftermarket racks is generally considered to be around 165 lbs. This limit is about safety and vehicle stability (rollover risk) as much as structural strength. The weight of your tent and the rack itself should not exceed this.
- Static Weight Capacity (SWC): This is the weight the roof can support when the car is parked. This number is much higher because it doesn't have to account for forces like wind, cornering, and bumps. The SWC for an Element is estimated to be around 600 lbs or more, which is more than enough to support the tent, two adults, and bedding.
Yes, absolutely. The factory Honda Element roof rack has a very low load rating (around 75 lbs) and is not designed for the weight or forces of a rooftop tent. You MUST upgrade to a quality aftermarket roof rack system from brands like Sherpa, upTop Overland, or a full platform rack that mounts to the Element's fixed points. This is critical for safety and to properly support the tent.
You should expect a noticeable drop in your MPG. The boxy shape of the Element is already not very aerodynamic, and adding a tent creates more wind resistance. The impact varies, but a drop of 1-3 MPG is a reasonable expectation for a sleek hardshell tent. Bulkier softshell tents could cause a more significant drop, potentially up to 5 MPG, depending on your driving speed and conditions. Choosing an aerodynamic hardshell model can help minimize this effect.
Generally, no. Most roof top tent installations will cover the rear sunroof, preventing it from opening. Some creative users have found ways to fully detach the sunroof glass panel for access when camped, but you cannot operate it normally with the tent mounted overhead. If sunroof access is a non-negotiable feature for you, a roof top tent is likely not the right choice, and you might look into a specialized conversion like an E-Camper instead.
Initial installation requires at least two strong people and takes about 45-90 minutes. It involves lifting the tent (which can weigh 100-200 lbs) onto your crossbars and tightening the mounting hardware. Taking it on and off is not something you'd want to do every weekend. Most users install it at the beginning of the camping season and remove it at the end. The quick setup and takedown (1-5 minutes) refers to opening and closing the tent at the campsite, not the installation on the vehicle.
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