Guide: Installation & Setup
Setting up the WEEKEND rooftop tent:
step by step
WEEKEND is prepared entirely on the ground and only then lifted onto the car as a finished unit. You don't need tools or a second person. This guide shows you the setup directly on your roof bars and with the WEEKEND Bridge.
Important first
WEEKEND is set up on the ground and then lifted onto the car as a complete unit. It comes off again before every drive – never drive with the tent on the roof, neither set up nor packed.
A sleeping mat is not included. Bring one for each person in the tent.
Preparation
What you need
Always needed
Optional: with Bridge
No tools needed – the whole setup is tool-free.
Direct mounting
Setup without Bridge
This option works well if your roof bars are 75–85 cm apart and you use flat, wide bars.
Check roof bars and roof load
Make sure your roof bars are firmly fitted and parallel. Your car needs to be approved for roof bars. When WEEKEND is on top, your car's static roof load and the load rating of your roof bars apply – you'll find both in your owner's manual and the roof bar manufacturer's specifications.
Inflate the air platform
Lay the air platform flat on the ground and inflate it to 10 PSI with the included hand pump. It's ready when it feels firm and evenly rigid.
Set up the tent on the platform
Set up the tent on the inflated air platform and attach it with the buckles. Tent and platform now form one unit that is lifted onto the car together.
Lift WEEKEND onto the car
Lift the fully set-up WEEKEND onto the roof bars. With a tent weight of 11.5 kg (Classic) or 13 kg (Comfort), you can do it on your own. The taller your car, the more strength you'll need.
Secure to the roof bars with buckles and straps
Attach the air platform to the roof bars with the integrated buckles and tighten the straps. Check all connections are secure.
Attach the ladder to the platform with straps
Attach the telescopic aluminium ladder to the air platform with the straps. WEEKEND is now ready.
Recommended option
Setup with the WEEKEND Bridge
The Bridge gives full-surface, even support – even with other bar spacings and round bars. We recommend it for anyone who wants more stability and sleeping comfort.
Prepare roof bars & Bridge
Fit the roof bars and lay the Bridge across them.
Set up WEEKEND on the ground
Inflate the platform (10 PSI), set up the tent – all comfortably on the ground.
Lift onto the car & secure
Lift the finished WEEKEND onto the Bridge, secure it, attach the ladder.
Fit roof bars and lay on the Bridge
Fit the roof bars firmly to the car and lay the Bridge across them. The Bridge's integrated aluminium beams spread the weight evenly.
Inflate the air platform
Lay the air platform flat on the ground and inflate it to 10 PSI. The Bridge is already waiting on the roof.
Set up the tent on the platform
Set up the tent on the inflated air platform and attach it with the buckles. All comfortably on the ground.
Lift WEEKEND onto the Bridge
Lift the fully set-up WEEKEND onto the Bridge. With a tent weight of 11.5 kg (Classic) or 13 kg (Comfort), you can do it on your own.
Secure with buckles and straps
Attach the air platform to the roof bars with the integrated buckles and tighten the straps. Check all connections are secure.
Attach the ladder with straps
As the last step, attach the aluminium ladder to the air platform with the straps. WEEKEND is up – ready for the night.
Which is right for you?
With or without Bridge – what suits you?
Without Bridge
Recommended
With Bridge
Good to know
Tips for safe use
Mind the roof load
When parked, your car's static roof load and the load rating of your roof bars apply. Check both in the manuals. Tent weight: 11.5 kg (Classic) or 13 kg (Comfort), plus 1.8 kg for the Bridge – and the people in the tent on top. More in our Roof Load Finder.
Check the fastenings
Before every use, check that all buckles and straps are tight. WEEKEND comes off the roof again before every drive – allow around five minutes to pack it down.
Store the tent dry
Before you store WEEKEND at home, it must be completely dry. The Bridge can be rolled up and stored right inside the tent.
Check the air pressure
In cold weather and over several nights, the pressure in the air platform can drop a little. A quick top-up before bed and you're comfortable again.
Questions about the setup?
Our team is happy to help. And if you're unsure whether the Bridge suits your car, just write to us with your car model and bar spacing.
Get in touch