What is the maximum weight the roof tent on the Defender 110 with Airholder can have?

The maximum recommended total load is 150 kg, including the carrier's own weight of 48 kg – thus up to 102 kg for the roof tent, accessories, and moving cargo. Additionally, the vehicle manufacturer's permissible roof load applies – the smaller of the two values is decisive.

Which roof tent type fits best?

Pop-top Roof Light (45–55 kg) is the most economical choice with good leeway for additional accessories. Hard-shell roof tents up to 60 kg offer better aerodynamics and quick setup. Frame models and heavy hybrid tents quickly reach the limit.

How tall is the Defender 110 with a closed roof tent?

Approximately 2.35–2.55 m, depending on the chassis, tires, and roof tent model. Underground parking (2.00–2.10 m) is therefore out of the question, and multi-story car parks up to 2.30 m are borderline.

Do I need a TÜV registration for an Airholder + roof tent?

The Airholder is mounted on the rain gutter using brackets—no general operating permit (ABE) or registration required. The roof tent itself does not need to be registered, provided the permissible roof load is observed.

Can two people sleep in the roof tent?

Yes. That's a static load – and it's significantly higher than the dynamic load. Two adults + a deployed rooftop tent + mattresses typically weigh 250–290 kg. As long as the vehicle manufacturer's specification for the static roof load is not exceeded, this is not a problem.

chwarz-weiß-Skizze eines Land Rover Defender 110 mit Dachzelt in den Bergen. Mittig steht der Text: „Welches Dachzelt für den Defender 110?“.

Rooftop tent on the Land Rover Defender 110: Which model, what weight, what placement?

May 08, 2026 Denis Khristolyubov

The Defender 110 without a rooftop tent – that's only half a Defender. Since 1983, this off-road icon has arguably been the most classic overlanding platform, and for many, a rooftop tent is standard equipment. But with the old Defender 110 (1983–2016), a single parameter determines which rooftop tent is even suitable: its weight in combination with the permissible roof load.

With the Airholder, the platform is there — flat, modular, mounted without drilling. But which rooftop tent can actually be mounted, where should it be placed correctly, and what does the setup do to the vehicle's height and center of gravity? That's precisely what this is about.

The short answer

The Defender 110 is an excellent platform for a rooftop tent. Three parameters determine the right choice:

Maximum recommended load of the Airholder system: 150 kg dynamic (incl. 48 kg self-weight of the rack) → 102 kg usable in motion
Permissible roof load of your Defender 110 according to the vehicle manufacturer — the lower of the two values counts
Height with closed hard-shell rooftop tent: approx. 2.30–2.55 m, depending on model and chassis
Placement: rear half of the roof = easier tailgate access via the ladder, better aerodynamics

Those driving on off-road routes should also factor in the 50% reduction in load capacity during off-road use — a specific requirement from the Airholder installation manual.

What does 150 kg "including roof rack" mean for the choice of rooftop tent?

The Airholder roof rack for the Defender 110 itself weighs 48 kg. With a maximum recommended total load of 150 kg, this leaves:

150 kg − 48 kg = 102 kg for rooftop tent + accessories + cargo in motion

This is enough for most common rooftop tents:

Rooftop Tent Type	Typical Weight	Remaining Margin