Used Roof Tents Guide UK | How to Buy a Second-Hand Roof Tent Safely

Used Roof Tents Guide UK

Buying a used roof tent can be a smart way to save money, especially if you are new to roof tent camping and do not want to spend £1,000–£3,000+ on your first setup.

But a second-hand roof tent is not like buying a used camping chair or a basic ground tent. It is a large, heavy item that mounts to your vehicle, relies on strong fabric, hinges, ladders, fixings, bars and waterproofing, and may already have been exposed to rain, mud, UV, salt, storage damp and repeated packing away.

A good used roof tent can be a bargain.

A bad one can be expensive, unsafe, mouldy, incomplete or completely wrong for your car.

This guide explains how to buy a used roof tent in the UK, what to check before viewing, how to inspect one properly, what questions to ask the seller and when to walk away.

Quick Answer: Is Buying a Used Roof Tent a Good Idea?

Yes, buying a used roof tent can be a good idea if:

The tent is from a known brand.
It has been stored dry.
The fabric, shell, mattress, ladder, hinges and mounting parts are in good condition.
It comes with the correct brackets and fixings.
It suits your vehicle and roof bars.
The price reflects its age and condition.
You can inspect it in person before paying.

However, you should avoid a used roof tent if:

It smells damp or mouldy.
The seller cannot show it fully opened.
Key mounting parts are missing.
The shell is cracked.
The ladder is damaged.
The fabric is torn, perished or badly faded.
The tent has been stored wet.
The seller pressures you to pay before viewing.
You cannot confirm whether it will fit your vehicle.

The most important rule is simple:

Do not buy a used roof tent until you have checked both the tent condition and your vehicle compatibility.

Before Looking at Used Roof Tents: Check Your Car First

Before searching Facebook Marketplace, eBay, Gumtree or roof tent groups, check whether your car can actually carry a roof tent.

A roof tent must be suitable for:

Your vehicle roof load limit
Your roof bars or roof rack
Your vehicle roof type
Your roof bar spacing
Your insurance position
Your ability to lift, fit, store and remove it

Thule explains that roof tent compatibility depends on roof load capacity, vehicle roof design and roof rack compatibility, and that the tent plus roof racks must stay within the vehicle’s dynamic roof load limit while driving. (Thule)

The RAC also advises drivers to understand vehicle roof weight limits and follow manufacturer guidance when carrying roof loads. (RAC)

Basic Used Roof Tent Compatibility Formula

Use this before buying:

Used roof tent weight + roof bars/rack weight + mounting hardware = total roof load while driving

Then compare that total with:

Your vehicle dynamic roof load limit
Your roof bar or roof rack rating
The roof tent manufacturer’s fitting guidance

If you cannot confirm the weight of the used tent, be cautious. Older models may not have obvious specification labels, and sellers may guess.

Where to Buy Used Roof Tents in the UK

Used roof tents commonly appear on:

Facebook Marketplace
eBay
Gumtree
Specialist camping groups
Overlanding forums
Roof tent Facebook groups
Campervan and 4×4 groups
Local classified ads
Occasionally from dealers selling ex-display or returned stock

The safest used purchase is usually from a reputable retailer selling an ex-display, refurbished or returned tent with some form of written description, invoice and return policy.

Private sales can offer better prices, but they usually carry more risk. Second-hand private sale rights are more limited than buying from a trader; private sellers are generally expected to make sure the item matches the description, but you do not usually get the same protection as when buying from a business. (Saga)

Used Roof Tent Buyer’s Checklist

Before arranging a viewing, ask the seller for:

If the seller is vague, evasive or refuses to show detailed photos, move on.

Questions to Ask Before Viewing

Ask these questions before travelling:

About the tent

What brand and model is it?
How old is it?
Are you the original owner?
Do you have the receipt?
Has it ever leaked?
Has it ever been repaired?
Has it ever been stored wet?
Is there any mould or damp smell?
Are there any tears, cracks or broken parts?
Are all brackets, bolts and mounting rails included?

About use and storage

How many times has it been used?
Was it mainly used in summer or year-round?
Has it been used near the coast?
Has it been kept on the vehicle permanently?
Has it been stored in a garage, shed, loft or outside?
Has it been cleaned and dried before storage?

About fitting

What vehicle was it fitted to?
What roof bars or rack was it fitted to?
Are the original mounting brackets included?
Do you have the fitting instructions?
Can it be opened during viewing?
Can you help load it if I buy it?

About payment

Will you accept payment after inspection?
Can I collect from your home address?
Can you provide a written receipt?
Is the item fully paid for and owned by you?

Citizens Advice recommends viewing used items such as cars in daylight and, where possible, meeting a private seller at their home so you have a record of the address if something goes wrong. That same practical caution is sensible when buying a high-value used roof tent. (Citizens Advice)

What to Inspect When Buying a Used Roof Tent

Always inspect a used roof tent fully opened and fully closed.

Do not buy one from photos alone unless it is from a trusted business seller with clear returns and written condition notes.

1. Smell Test

This is one of the quickest checks.

Open the tent and smell the fabric, mattress and interior.

Walk away if it smells strongly of:

Damp
Mould
Mildew
Rot
Stale water
Chemical masking sprays

A little camping smell is normal. A deep damp smell is not.

Mould can be difficult to remove and may indicate the tent was packed away wet or stored badly.

2. Canvas and Fabric Check

Inspect the fabric carefully.

Look for:

Tears
Pinholes
Heavy fading
Stretched seams
Frayed edges
Mould spots
Black staining
UV damage
Worn corners
Damaged windows
Broken mesh
Failed waterproof coating

Pay close attention to corners, seams and areas that fold repeatedly. These areas take the most stress.

Minor marks may be acceptable on a used tent. Torn fabric, failed seams or widespread mould should reduce the price heavily or make it a no-buy.

3. Waterproofing and Seams

Ask whether the tent has ever leaked.

Then inspect:

Main roof seams
Window stitching
Door stitching
Corners
Zip covers
Awning sections
Floor edges
Any previous repair patches

Signs of water staining inside the tent may suggest leaks or poor storage.

A used roof tent may need reproofing, but it should not be actively leaking, rotten or badly stained.

4. Mattress Check

The mattress is easy to overlook, but it matters.

Check for:

Damp smell
Mould spots
Staining
Sagging
Tears in the cover
Compressed foam
Missing anti-condensation mat
Signs of pets or smoke

A replacement mattress or anti-condensation mat may be possible, but factor that into the price.

If the mattress smells damp, assume the inside of the tent may also have been stored badly.

5. Ladder Check

The ladder is a safety-critical part of the roof tent.

Check:

All rungs are secure
It extends and retracts properly
Locking clips work
Feet are not badly worn
Hinges are secure
There are no cracks or bends
It attaches correctly to the tent
It is the correct ladder for that model

Do not ignore ladder damage. A roof tent ladder is not just an accessory; it supports entry, exit and stability when in use.

6. Hinges, Struts and Opening Mechanism

For hard shell and pop-up roof tents, check:

Gas struts
Hinges
Shell alignment
Latches
Locks
Handles
Internal frame
Rivets and fixings
Opening speed
Closing resistance

The tent should open smoothly and close properly without forcing.

If one side lifts unevenly, the shell does not align, or the struts feel weak, budget for repair or walk away.

7. Hard Shell Condition

For hard shell roof tents, inspect the outer shell carefully.

Look for:

Cracks
Deep scratches
Impact damage
Warping
Poor repairs
Loose seals
Broken latches
Damaged locks
Water trapped inside the shell
Separation around edges

A scratched hard shell may be cosmetic. A cracked or warped shell can be much more serious.

8. Soft Shell Cover Condition

For soft shell roof tents, the travel cover is very important.

Check:

Zip condition
Buckles
Straps
PVC cracking
Holes
UV damage
Loose stitching
Fit around the tent
Whether water can enter while driving

A damaged travel cover can let water into the packed tent, especially during motorway driving in rain.

9. Mounting Rails and Brackets

This is one of the most important checks.

Look underneath the tent and check:

Mounting rails are straight
Rails are not cracked or badly corroded
Bolts are not rounded
Brackets are included
Plates are included
Nuts and washers are included
Rubber protection pieces are included, if required
Threads are not stripped
There are no signs of bodged drilling

If mounting parts are missing, the tent may still be usable, but only if replacements are available from the manufacturer.

Do not improvise unsafe mounting hardware just to save money.

10. Zips, Windows and Mesh

Open and close every zip.

Check:

Door zips
Window zips
Mesh panels
Rainfly zips
Cover zips
Zip pulls
Stitching around zip tracks

A broken zip can be annoying, expensive and difficult to repair.

If one zip is stiff, it may need cleaning or lubrication. If teeth are missing or the zip separates, negotiate hard or walk away.

Used Roof Tent Red Flags

Walk away if you notice any of the following:

Seller refuses to open the tent
Seller only uses catalogue photos
Strong mould or damp smell
Missing mounting brackets
Cracked hard shell
Bent ladder
Rotten fabric
Heavy seam damage
Large unrepaired tears
Seller wants a deposit before viewing
Seller will not provide an address
Price seems suspiciously low
Seller cannot explain where it came from
The tent appears much older than described
Locks are missing and seller has no keys
The brand/model cannot be identified
The tent does not match the advert

A bargain is only a bargain if it is complete, safe and suitable for your vehicle.

How Much Should You Pay for a Used Roof Tent?

Used roof tent prices vary depending on brand, age, condition, season and demand.

As a rough guide:

Condition	Sensible Used Price Guide
Nearly new, excellent condition	70–85% of current new price
Good condition, lightly used	55–70% of current new price
Average condition, visible use	40–55% of current new price
Needs cleaning, parts or reproofing	25–40% of current new price
Mouldy, damaged or incomplete	Usually avoid unless very cheap and repairable

A used tent is not automatically worth 80% of its original price just because the seller says it has “only been used twice”.

Check:

Current new price
Current sale price
Warranty transferability
Condition
Missing accessories
Age
Brand support
Replacement part availability
Whether you need roof bars as well

If a new version is on sale for £1,200, paying £1,000 for a used one may make little sense.

The Best Time to Buy a Used Roof Tent

Used roof tent prices often depend on season.

You may find better deals:

Late autumn
Winter
After summer holidays
After festival season
When people sell unused lockdown-era camping gear
When owners change vehicles
When families upgrade to a larger tent

Prices are usually stronger in:

Spring
Early summer
Before bank holidays
Before school holidays
During heatwaves
Before major camping season

If you are not in a rush, buying out of season can save money.

Should You Buy Used from a Private Seller or Retailer?

Private Seller

Advantages

Usually cheaper
More room to negotiate
Local collection may be possible
Some tents have barely been used

Disadvantages

Fewer buyer protections
No warranty in many cases
Harder to return
More risk of missing parts
More risk if condition is misdescribed

Retailer, Dealer or Ex-Display Sale

Advantages

Clearer condition description
Possible warranty
Possible return policy
Better paperwork
May include fitting advice
Less risk than a private sale

Disadvantages

Usually more expensive
Less room to negotiate
Limited stock
May still have display wear

Consumer rights are generally stronger when buying from a trader than from a private seller. The Consumer Rights Act includes rights around goods being of satisfactory quality, fit for purpose and as described when supplied by traders. (Legislation.gov.uk)

Payment Safety Tips

When buying a used roof tent privately:

Inspect before paying.
Avoid paying large deposits to strangers.
Be wary of courier-only sales.
Avoid bank transfer before viewing.
Keep screenshots of the advert.
Keep messages with the seller.
Ask for a written receipt.
Record the seller’s name and address.
Check the tent matches the description.
Do not be rushed.

A simple receipt should include:

Date of sale
Seller name
Buyer name
Brand and model
Serial number, if available
Price paid
Condition notes
List of included parts
Seller signature

Used Roof Tent Viewing Checklist

Take this with you.

Bring

Tape measure
Torch
Phone camera
Notepad
Gloves
Roof bar measurements
Vehicle roof load information
A second person to help lift
Screenshots of the advert
List of included parts

Check Open

Check Closed

Confirm Before Paying

What Missing Parts Matter Most?

Some missing parts are minor. Others are serious.

Usually manageable if replacements are available

Mattress cover
Storage bag
Pegs
Guy ropes
Internal LED light
Shoe bag
Minor trim pieces

More serious

Ladder
Mounting brackets
Mounting rails
Locking keys
Travel cover
Gas struts
Hinges
Hard shell latches
Main mattress
Rainfly poles
Manufacturer-specific bolts

Before buying an incomplete tent, check whether the manufacturer still sells spares.

If the brand no longer exists or parts are unavailable, be cautious.

Should You Buy a Used Roof Tent Without Roof Bars?

Yes, but only if you budget for suitable new roof bars or a rack.

In many cases, buying the tent separately and fitting new vehicle-specific bars is safer than trying to reuse the seller’s old roof bars.

Roof bars must suit:

Your exact vehicle
Your roof type
Your roof load limit
The tent mounting system
The required bar spacing
The total weight being carried

Thule explains that roof racks create the secure interface between the vehicle and rooftop tent, and that rack systems must match the roof type, support the combined weight and provide proper spacing and stability. (Thule)

Can You Reproof a Used Roof Tent?

Yes, many fabric roof tents can be cleaned and reproofed, depending on condition.

A used roof tent may benefit from:

Gentle cleaning
Drying fully
Seam inspection
Fabric reproofing
Zip cleaning
Mould treatment
Mattress airing
Anti-condensation mat
Replacement cover
New bolts or fixings

But reproofing is not a cure for everything.

Avoid buying if the fabric is rotten, heavily mouldy, badly torn or structurally damaged.

Should You Buy a Used Hard Shell or Soft Shell Roof Tent?

Used Hard Shell Roof Tents

Advantages

Usually quicker to open
Hard shell may protect the tent better while travelling
Often premium models
Good for regular use

Risks

Cracked shells can be expensive
Gas struts may weaken
Hinges and latches can wear
Repairs may be more specialist
Usually heavier and more expensive

Used Soft Shell Roof Tents

Advantages

Often cheaper
More choice used
Larger sleeping area for the money
Easier to inspect fabric condition
Good for families and occasional campers

Risks

Travel covers can crack or leak
Fabric may suffer if stored wet
Zips and seams take more stress
Pack-away wear is common
More risk of mould if badly stored

For first-time used buyers, a clean, complete, lightweight soft shell from a known brand may be the safest route. For regular road trippers, a well-kept hard shell may justify the extra cost.

Used Roof Tent Negotiation Tips

Use facts, not awkward haggling.

Good reasons to negotiate:

No receipt
Out of warranty
Missing brackets
Damaged travel cover
Weak gas struts
Stained mattress
Needs reproofing
Older model
Current new price has dropped
You need to buy new roof bars
Seller cannot confirm exact weight
Minor repairs needed

Example phrase:

“It looks like a good tent, but I’ll need to buy new mounting hardware and reproof it, so I’d be comfortable at £___.”

Do not insult the seller. Just explain the real costs.

After Buying: What to Do Before Your First Trip

Before sleeping in a used roof tent:

Clean it properly.
Air it fully.
Dry it completely.
Check every bolt.
Check the ladder.
Check the zips.
Reproof if needed.
Test open and close at home.
Fit it in daylight.
Recheck all mountings after the first drive.
Check your vehicle height.
Tell your insurer if required.
Try one local overnight trip before a long journey.

The first trip should be a test, not a remote adventure.

Used Roof Tent Final Verdict

A used roof tent can be an excellent buy if you choose carefully.

The best second-hand roof tent is:

Clean
Dry
Complete
Structurally sound
From a known brand
Still supported with spare parts
Correctly priced
Suitable for your vehicle
Supplied with proper mounting hardware
Inspected fully before payment

The worst used roof tent is:

Mouldy
Incomplete
Too heavy for your car
Badly stored
Missing brackets
Cracked or leaking
Sold by someone who refuses proper inspection

If in doubt, walk away. There will always be another used roof tent.

FAQ Section

Is it worth buying a used roof tent?

Yes, a used roof tent can be worth buying if it is clean, dry, complete, fairly priced and suitable for your vehicle. Avoid used tents with mould, missing brackets, cracked shells, damaged ladders or unclear history.

What should I check when buying a second-hand roof tent?

Check the fabric, mattress, ladder, zips, hinges, shell, travel cover, mounting rails, brackets, bolts, smell, signs of leaks and whether the tent can be opened fully before payment.

How much should I pay for a used roof tent?

A good used roof tent may sell for around 55–70% of its current new price, while nearly new examples may be higher. Tents needing cleaning, reproofing or parts should be much cheaper.

Should I buy a used roof tent from Facebook Marketplace?

You can, but inspect it in person before paying and be cautious. Private sales usually offer fewer protections than buying from a business, so keep screenshots, ask questions and get a written receipt.

Can a used roof tent leak?

Yes. Used roof tents can leak if seams, fabric, covers or shells are damaged. Always inspect for water staining, damp smells, mould and previous repairs.

Is mould in a roof tent a deal-breaker?

Heavy mould is usually a deal-breaker. Light surface marks may sometimes be cleaned, but strong damp smells or black mould suggest poor storage and possible deeper problems.

Can I use my old roof bars with a used roof tent?

Only if the bars are suitable for your exact vehicle and rated for the tent setup. You must include the weight of the tent, bars and mounting hardware when checking roof load.

Do used roof tents come with warranties?

Sometimes, but not always. Private-sale tents may have no transferable warranty. Retailer ex-display or refurbished tents may come with some form of written warranty or return policy.

Should I tell my insurer about a used roof tent?

Yes, it is sensible to contact your insurer before fitting any roof tent, whether new or used. Ask whether the roof tent, bars or rack need to be declared and whether theft or damage is covered.

Thinking of Buying a Used Roof Tent?

Start with compatibility first.

Check your vehicle roof load limit, roof bar rating and tent weight before arranging a viewing. Then use this inspection checklist to make sure the tent is clean, complete, safe and worth the money.

Used Roof Tents Guide UK | How to Buy a Second-Hand Roof Tent Safely