The TentBox XL has completely changed how I travel and camp. It’s quick to set up, surprisingly comfortable, and perfect for spontaneous weekends away — whether it’s just me and the dog or a trip with the kids.
Over time I’ve refined my setup with gear that makes life outdoors easier, warmer, and more enjoyable. From cooking equipment to comfort upgrades and smart storage, every item on this list has earned its place.
Here’s my complete TentBox XL setup — 25 essential accessories and camping gear upgrades that actually make a difference.
TentBox Lite XL (Slate)
With three kids, space was always going to be the deciding factor, so the TentBox Lite XL was an easy choice. It’s the biggest in the range, with room for four people, and the setup is simple enough for one person to manage. I almost went for the orange version — my favourite colour — but ended up choosing Slate for better privacy and full blackout protection. It keeps light out, warmth in, and looks slick on the car.
Thule Evo WingBars
When ordering the TentBox, I nearly went for the SUMMIT roof bars TentBox recommend — but after reading countless posts about them bending or even breaking, I decided to dig deeper. The Thule Evo WingBars kept coming up as the stronger, quieter, and more reliable option. They handle higher weight limits, cut out that annoying whistling noise on the road, and have a solid reputation across the camping and 4×4 community. I couldn’t find a bad word about them — and now I can see why.
Security Nuts
TentBox sell their own set of security nuts for about £50, but I picked up a cheaper set on Amazon and saved a few quid. They’re not foolproof — nothing is — but they’re a simple way to reduce risk. If someone really wants your TentBox, they’ll find a way, but these make life harder for an opportunist. For me, that extra peace of mind was worth it.
TentBox Alarm
I wanted a bit of extra protection, so I added an alarm. TentBox sell their own, but I found the same model on Amazon for less. It’s smaller than I expected, but don’t let that fool you — it’s properly loud. I’ve mounted mine under the TentBox, tucked up against the rails to keep it hidden. It’s out of sight but ready to give any opportunist a serious wake-up call if they start poking around.
Datatag Security Kit
I bought the Datatag Security Kit from TentBox to protect my investment — it won’t stop a determined thief, but every TentBox is covertly marked inside and out with a unique ID that links back to me, so if mine is recovered or someone tries to sell it on, there’s a real chance it gets traced and returned. It’s cheap insurance for peace of mind and one of those things I’d rather have in place than regret later.
Bahco S140T Pass-Through Socket Set (14-Piece)
After fitting the TentBox once, I knew I wanted to make future installs and removals a bit easier. I picked up the Bahco S140T pass-through socket set — a solid, compact bit of kit that makes tightening or removing both the standard and security nuts far less of a chore. Some people go for electric tools, but clearance between the roof and TentBox can be tight. This set keeps things simple, works perfectly on my current setup, and will still be handy when I change vehicles later on.
Glow-in-the-Dark Anti-Slip Tape
A simple but really effective upgrade — I added glow-in-the-dark anti-slip tape to the ladder rungs for extra grip and visibility. It makes climbing up or down at night much safer, especially for the kids, and the fluorescent glow helps everyone see each step clearly. It’s been on there through several trips and still sticks as firmly as the day I applied it. Small detail, big difference.
TentBox Lite XL Thermal Kit
Because I plan to use the TentBox year-round, the Thermal Kit was a must-have. I bought mine directly from TentBox, and it was easy to install — it’s stayed fitted ever since. It makes the tent noticeably warmer and far more comfortable, giving it a proper cosy feel inside. The only downside is you lose the hanging pockets and a few attachment points, but I’ve found workarounds for that further down this list. On a 4°C night outside, it stayed around 16°C inside with the thermal liner and an electric blanket — proof that this kit makes all-season camping totally doable.
Plastic Storage Boxes (3×35 L)
Not the most exciting item on the list, but these boxes are spot on for TentBox trips. They’re tough, stack well, and the 35 L size is ideal — big enough for plenty of gear but not too heavy to lift up the ladder. I take three: one for comfort items that stay inside the TentBox, one for essentials like dog gear, tent pegs and tools, and a third for food, drink, and cooking kit. They keep everything organised, limit what I pack, and make it easy to grab and go for last-minute adventures.
Jackery Explorer 1000 V2 Portable Power Station
The Jackery Explorer 1000 V2 is what adds real comfort to my trips. Sure, it handles the basics — keeping my iPhone, iPad, laptop, and watch charged — but it goes way beyond that. As a bit of a geek who works remotely, it lets me run my Starlink setup for internet access wherever I am, and it powers my electric blanket on colder nights without breaking a sweat. There are bigger units out there, but this one hits the perfect balance of power, portability, and reliability. I absolutely love it.
Boot Lock
One of the first things I bought — and one of the most useful. The Boot Lock lets me keep the boot securely locked while leaving it slightly open for airflow, which is perfect for keeping the dog cool on warmer days. It’s a simple bit of kit but works brilliantly, especially when she’s resting in the back of the car. I went for the 4-inch size, which fits my setup perfectly, and it feels solid and well-made. Her comfort’s just as important as mine, and this gives me real peace of mind when we’re out on the road.
Starlink Mini
The Starlink Mini is a total game-changer for off-grid life. It delivers fast, reliable internet almost anywhere in the world — no matter how remote. As long as you’ve got a clear view of the sky, it connects within a minute or two and just works. It’s compact, easy to set up, and faultless for staying online while camping or working on the road. I bought mine directly from Starlink, and it’s been worth every penny.
Hanging Wardrobe Dehumidifiers (Set of 12)
Not the most exciting addition, but definitely a practical one. Condensation can build up in any tent, so I keep one of these hanging dehumidifier bags inside the TentBox at all times — both when I’m using it and when it’s folded away. They hardly collect any moisture on trips (good ventilation helps), but it’s peace of mind knowing they’re there. Simple, cheap, and one less thing to worry about.
Premium Padded Camping Chairs (Set of 2)
These Voyager padded camping chairs open and fold down in seconds — ideal for quick setups. They’re surprisingly comfy for portable chairs, feel sturdy, and include handy side pockets and cup holders. I also like that they come in a range of colours, so you can match your setup or keep the kids’ chairs easy to spot. Simple, solid, and great value for a set of two.
Ninja FrostVault Go
What a bloody game changer. I’ve used this cooler backpack all summer — camping trips, holidays, beach days, you name it. It’s the perfect size: big enough to hold plenty of food and drinks but not so large that it’s awkward to carry. The two-compartment design is brilliant, giving you a chilled section plus a cool, dry area for snacks or extras. Comfortable to wear, easy to clean, and genuinely one of my favourite bits of kit.
See the Ninja FrostVault Go 23L Soft Cooler Backpack on Amazon
Disposable Urine Bags
At the ripe old age of 46, a midnight toilet trip isn’t unusual — but when it’s pouring down and the toilet block’s a few hundred metres away, climbing out of the TentBox isn’t appealing. These disposable urine bags are my simple, no-mess solution. They’re leakproof, easy to use, and make those cold, wet nights much easier. I haven’t risked letting the kids use them yet — I’m not that brave — but they work brilliantly for me. A practical bit of kit for anyone camping without nearby facilities.
Decathlon Arpenaz Base M
When I’m away with the kids, this tent is a must. It gives us a proper base — somewhere to set up the table, chairs, and games, and a place to eat without bugs bothering the kids. I wanted something quick and easy to pitch on my own, and this one came highly recommended. It’s sturdy, spacious, and sets up fast. The best part is I can leave it on-site as our base while folding up the TentBox for day trips, knowing our spot (and stuff) stays put.
Chillbeam Glowmad® Lights – Switch & Mini
I picked up both the Glowmad Switch and Glowmad Mini lights from Chillbeam, and they’ve been brilliant. They’re inflatable yet tough, fold down small, and the magnets make it easy to attach them to the car or hang them up around camp. The Switch model is solar powered, colour-changing (which looks awesome at night), and can even charge your phone or small gadgets in a pinch. Simple, reliable, and just the right mix of fun and function — a proper upgrade to any TentBox setup.
Folding Step Stool (9”)
I’ve got a Mitsubishi Outlander and, at 5ft 11, I can reach most things — but this little folding step just makes life easier. It’s lightweight, folds flat, and gives that extra bit of height when setting up or packing down the TentBox. I prefer fitting the poles from the outside rather than stretching in, and this stool makes it a lot smoother — especially when it’s dark, raining, and I just want to get everything sorted quickly. A simple, handy bit of kit.
Electric Blanket (King Size, Dual Control)
Oh, the electric blanket — an absolute game changer when it drops to single digits outside. The main reason I went for this model is its flexibility: dual controls with separate left and right heat zones, each offering 10 intensity levels. That means I can just heat the side I’m sleeping on and save power from the Jackery. When it was 4°C outside the TentBox, I ran both sides on full for an hour to warm things up, then left one side on low overnight — perfect temperature and a great night’s sleep.
Winter Cotton Flannel Double Sleeping Bag
It’s definitely worth investing in a proper sleeping bag, and this one’s a beauty. The Forinbuy double sleeping bag is warm, comfortable, and seriously roomy. I usually keep it as a large double and just enjoy the extra space, but it can also unzip into two singles or be split so one half becomes an extra cover layer on colder nights. I did a lot of research before committing to this one, and it’s been worth every penny — perfect balance of comfort, warmth, and flexibility.
Rechargeable Head Torch (2-Pack)
A head torch is one of those essentials you don’t think about until you really need it. I use these for everything — taking the dog out for her last toilet break, guiding the kids to the loo, or finding my way back to the TentBox when I’ve forgotten to leave a light on. The Blukar head torches are bright, rechargeable, and have loads of light modes. The kids love them too (maybe a bit too much — they shine them everywhere except where we’re walking). Cheap, practical, and absolutely worth packing.
Weber Go-Anywhere Charcoal BBQ
No TentBox setup would be complete without a BBQ, and the Weber Go-Anywhere is the ultimate portable grill. It’s compact, sturdy, and unbelievably versatile — the Swiss Army knife of travel BBQs. The amount of gear you can store inside when it’s packed away (chimney starter, rubs, utensils, even charcoal) is wild. Sure, it handles burgers and sausages effortlessly, but with a bit of creativity you can smoke, reverse-sear steaks, or even cook baby back ribs. If you’re serious about flavour on the road, this little Weber is an absolute must.
Collapsible Water Container
From filling the dog’s bowl to brushing teeth, washing hands, or mixing juice for the kids — this thing just does the job, and does it well. The Colapz water container is solid, folds down small enough to throw into one of my storage tubs, and the built-in tap makes it really practical around camp. Simple, clever design that earns its keep every trip.
Microfibre Towels
Not the most exciting item on the list, but these microfibre cloths are surprisingly useful. I camp all year round, and that often means packing up in damp conditions — early morning dew, light rain, or condensation. These towels are perfect for quickly drying the TentBox before closing it up, saving me a job when I get home. They’re super absorbent, soft, and lint-free, so they don’t leave marks or scratches. Simple bit of kit, but makes a big difference on cold, wet mornings.
Closing Thoughts
So that’s my essentials list as it stands today — 25 pieces of kit that make life with the TentBox XL easier, more comfortable, and way more enjoyable. No doubt it’ll evolve over time as I find new gear and refine my setup, but every item on here has genuinely earned its place. Hopefully it gives you a few ideas or helps you get out there year-round, make the most of your own roof tent, and enjoy the freedom that comes with having your next adventure waiting right on top of your car.
