The roof top tent accessories worth buying are bedding that fits when the lid shuts, a way to stop condensation, a fan for hot nights, and an awning for shade. A ladder, mattress and solar panel may already be in the box, so check before you buy.
The Nomad 1.4M closes to 18 cm high, so anything you leave inside while driving has to be thin. That is the limit behind most of the advice below.
What Comes With the Nomad 1.4M Already?
The Nomad 1.4M comes with a lot of the gear people usually add later, so check the list before you shop. These are the RIGDUP specs for the tent:
| Already included | Detail |
|---|---|
| Mattress | 70mm memory foam |
| Ladder | 2.6 m ladder |
| Solar | 255W solar panel included |
| Power | USB-C, USB-A and 12V socket |
| Cross bars | In the box |
| Canvas | 320gsm ripstop poly-cotton, PU3000mm, UV50+ |
| Shell and base | Aluminium shell, aluminium honeycomb base, gas struts |
| Warranty | 2 years |
So you do not need to buy a ladder, a base mattress or a solar panel to start. Bedding, a fan or a condensation mat are up to you. If you are still choosing a tent, see the RIGDUP Nomad 1.4M roof top tent page for the full list. Other RIGDUP tents list their own extras on their product pages.
Which Roof Top Tent Accessories Are Worth Buying?
Buy the ones that fix a problem you have actually had, and leave the rest. Bedding and condensation control come first for most people, because sleep and a dry tent decide whether you enjoy it. Shade and airflow come next, and everything else is about taste and budget.
| Accessory | Why you might want it | Guide |
|---|---|---|
| Bedding | Sheets, doona and pillows that fit when the lid closes | Roof top tent bedding |
| Mattress topper | Extra comfort on top of the foam | Roof top tent mattress |
| Condensation mat | Airflow under the mattress to cut damp | Stopping condensation and mould |
| Fan | Move air on hot, still nights | Rooftop tent fan |
| Battery | Power for a fan after dark, since a panel alone does not store power | Roof top tent with solar panel |
| Ladder bag or cover | Keep the ladder clean and stop it rattling or marking other gear | Ladder for roof top tent |
| Headlamp or LED strip | Hands-free light for getting in and out at night (check what your tent includes) | What to pack for a 4WD trip |
| Small broom and brush | Sweep sand and dirt off the floor before you pack up | How to clean a canvas roof top tent |
| Awning | Shade and shelter beside the vehicle | Car awning guide |
| Cleaning kit | A soft brush, mild soap and a dry day to air the canvas | How to clean a canvas roof top tent |
What Bedding and Mattress Add-Ons Do You Need?
Use a fitted sheet on the memory foam, a light doona and flat pillows. Fold them once before you close the lid and check the lid shuts without force. Because the tent has its own mattress, the question is only what goes on top of it.
The key limit is the closed lid. A hardshell packs flat, so thick pillows and a heavy doona may stop it shutting. Test the lid with your bedding inside before the first trip. If you plan to leave bedding in while driving, that matters even more. Our guide on roof top tent bedding covers what fits and how to keep it dry.
A topper adds comfort but also thickness. Check how it sits on the 70mm foam and whether the lid still closes. The roof top tent mattress guide covers thickness, foam and toppers in more detail.
How Do You Stop Condensation in a Roof Top Tent?
You stop it with airflow and by keeping moisture out, and a condensation mat is one tool among several. Check the maker's page for what your tent includes before you buy one.
The habits that help most are:
- Leave vents and windows open a little, even when it is cool.
- Air the mattress and bedding on dry mornings before you pack up.
- Never close the tent damp for long storage.
- Lift the mattress now and then to check for damp underneath.
See our full guide to stopping condensation and mould in a roof top tent.
Do You Need a Fan or Solar Power for a Roof Top Tent?
You do not need either to camp, but a small fan helps on hot nights and solar keeps things charged. The Nomad 1.4M has a 255W solar panel and USB-C, USB-A and 12V outlets, so you can charge phones and run a small 12V fan from the tent. A solar panel alone does not store power, so add a battery if you want power after dark.
A fan is the add-on to think about. Check how it draws power, where it mounts and how loud it runs at night, then match it to the outlets you have. Our guides to the rooftop tent fan and a roof top tent with a solar panel go through what each can run and what else you need.
Is an Awning Worth Adding to a Roof Top Tent?
If you camp for more than a night, an awning is a useful add-on, because a roof top tent gives you a bed but no shade or shelter on the ground. An awning gives you a place to cook, sit and get out of the sun or rain.
RIGDUP sells a 270° awning in a 2.5 m and a 2 m size. The 2.5 m awning weighs 27 kg and the 2 m weighs 22 kg. Check your vehicle maker's limits for where it mounts, and fit it to the left (passenger) side. Our car awning buying guide explains the types, and the RIGDUP awning range has the details. Awnings still need legs and guy ropes once the wind picks up.
What Else Is Worth Packing?
Beyond the tent, the rest of a trip is mostly camp gear: lighting, cooking, water and recovery equipment. Read what to pack for an Aussie 4WD trip for the checklist, and how to build an overland setup for Australia for how it all fits together.
FAQs
What accessories do I need for a roof top tent?
Bedding is the one nearly everyone needs. The Nomad 1.4M already includes a mattress, ladder, solar panel and cross bars, so the rest is up to how you camp.
Does the Nomad 1.4M come with a ladder?
Yes, it comes with a 2.6 m ladder.
Does the Nomad 1.4M come with a solar panel?
Yes, a 255W solar panel is included, along with USB-C, USB-A and 12V sockets.
Do I need a mattress topper for a roof top tent?
Not necessarily. The tent has 70mm memory foam. A topper is a comfort choice, and it must still let the lid close.
Is a condensation mat worth it?
It can help if you camp in damp or cold conditions, but airflow and airing the mattress do most of the work.
Ready to Start With the Tent?
Pick the tent first, then add only what you need. See the RIGDUP Nomad 1.4M roof top tent for what comes in the box, or browse the awning range. Shipping is free Australia-wide.
