Rooftop tent reviews: Three of a kind

Campers wanting independence and flexibility will make a beeline for one of these top-of-the-line rooftop tents

You’ve been travelling all day. The weather is hot and all you want to do is sit down with a cold drink and enjoy the tranquility and beauty of your surroundings. But it’s time to set up your tent or your camper. For those of us with complex or even standard campers, this process can be time-consuming and frustrating. However, those with rooftop tents will likely be relaxing in their fold-out chairs within minutes. After all, there’s no precision reversing or towing required. Just park the car and fold out your tent.

Rooftop tents have many advantages, particularly for offroad and spontaneous campers. Because they’re so quick to assemble and pack up, intrepid travellers can jet off on spur-of-the-moment trips with their beds ready-made on the roof of their car. The fact they’re lighter than conventional camper trailers means better fuel efficiency and easy travels, particularly for 4WDs.

Of course, there are some things to consider before investing in a rooftop tent. While some models are as light as 50kg, others are considerably heavier. Many regular cars will be unable to support a rooftop tent, leaving them the domain of 4WDs. Make sure you check your vehicle’s roof loading limit. This weight will also include the roof racks that are in position to anchor the tent. You can rest easy knowing that rooftop limits apply to driving time only, so your body weight won’t be an issue on a stationary vehicle; you don’t need to include the weight of the people sleeping up top in this math, unless you plan to sleep up there while driving!

One disadvantage of a rooftop tent is the need to pack up your quarters every time you want to drive somewhere, rather than just unhitching a camper and leaving it set up, but this is somewhat offset by the ease of setting up and packing up. Also, it’s important to do your research to ensure that your rooftop tent is right for you.

ALU-CAB GEN 3 EXPEDITION 

Reviewed by Glenn Marshall

Alu-Cab began life in South Africa in 2000, having seen overlanders in Africa explore further and longer by travelling simply, lightly and with resourcefulness. This led the company to develop a lightweight aluminium canopy, before deciding, after more refinement, that it needed accessories to fully complement its revolutionary canopy. This led to its hard-lid rooftop tents, eventually allowing it to expand distribution into Australia. They are now available nationally through Ironman 4x4. The latest version, the Gen 3 Expedition, is the most innovative yet and is certainly gaining popularity in our overlanding market. 

What makes touring more enjoyable? Having quick set-up and pack-down times, and the Alu-Cab Gen 3 delivers this in spades. It is as simple as releasing two latches on the end of the tent and lifting the lid using the attached handle. 

With gas struts on each side providing assistance, the lid lifts easily, even with a load on top. After pulling the paracord used to hold the canvas section down to the tent base, slot the two spring poles into their holes, attach to the storm cover and the tent is ready. Attach the ladder and you can be lying relaxed in bed within a minute. 

There is only one storm cover, however, that provides shelter for the rear window. This means if you access the tent via the side windows during wet weather, your bedding will most likely be affected. Side awnings can be added as optional extras at further expense; however, this is a disappointing solution. 

Packing up is the reverse of setting up — unhook the spring poles, move the paracord up to hold the canvas tight, close the lid and remove the ladder. It is beneficial to have the rear window unzipped a little to make opening and closing the tent easier, as it is almost impossible with all the windows zipped up.

Something that could be annoying, especially for light sleepers, is that the cord used to pull the lid closed hangs loosely when the tent is open and can blow around, scraping against the canvas or lid of the tent.

The Gen 3 has had some tweaks that improve its design. The front section of the lid now tapers and is 7cm lower than the rear of the shell, improving its aerodynamics and providing a sleeker look. At 230cm, the tent base will fit neatly on most 4WDs and is narrower in the front than the rear by 10cm. 

The rubber seals perform an admirable task in keeping dust and water out when travelling, even in the harshest of conditions. Installing gas struts inside the lip of the lids is a good move, as they won't get damaged by tree branchs.

The roof of the tent is rated to carry 50kg, turning it into a mini roof rack. There are two rails on the roof, making it easy to attach tie-down points or install solar panels. Ironman 4x4 does not recommend that you load gear directly to the roof; it recommends using cross bars or installing a flat rack. The rails only extend 150cm from the back of the lid to the fold in the shell, which means if you want to install a solar panel on the front section of the lid, you’d need to screw into the aluminium to do so. 

The cargo railing that runs down either side of the shell only extends 150cm. If it continued all the way around, it would provide an easy way of mounting lights, shovel mounts or high-lift jacks. 

It’s important to know the roof weight limits of your vehicle. The Gen 3 weighs approximately 80kg empty and each Alu-Cab load bar weighs 3kg. Add your bedding and gear loaded on the lid of the tent, and you may exceed that limit, so take care. 

The Alu-Cab Gen 3 Expedition is a good-quality tent and one of the more expensive hardtop tents on the market, with a starting price of $5600. It also has a few minor flaws, but that could be because I’m a hard reviewer, or that I know what I want in a hard-top version. However, what you get here is a well-constructed bit of kit, designed specifically for Australian conditions, unlike some other options. 

A big negative of a rooftop tent is that when you want to go for a drive or pop down to the pub, you’ve got to close it up and then open it all again. However, the ease in which the Gen 3 can be set up and the simplicity in which it can be packed down makes it an absolute winner. 

The comfortable interior offers excellent insulation, functional storage and ample room to move. Whether you’re a weekend camper or someone who loves extended touring, this tent will certainly fit your requirements.

SPECS

Weight 88kg

Shell Material Aluminium

Canvas Material Dual layer 400gm UV-resistant rib-lock waterproof canvas with sealed seams

Ladder 2.1m straight ladder that can be lengthened with a 600mm extension or optional 2.6m telescopic ladder 

Mattress 75mm high-density foam with zipped cover

Roof Cargo Area Carrying Capacity 50kg

Style Hard top

DIMENSIONS

Travel size 230cm (L) x 140cm (W) x Front 21cm (H), Rear 28cm (H) 

Sleeping area 210cm (L) x 130cm at the shoulders (W) x 160cm (H)

Internal volume 4.4 cubic metres approx.

INCLUDED ACCESSORIES

Led bed lights and LED roof light; internal 12V plug point and dual USB points; ladder; storage pockets 

OPTIONAL UPGRADES

Ladder extension for taller vehicles; Side rain entrance cover; Alu-Cab Shadowawn 270-degree awning; Load bars; Roof rack tray with table bracket

PRICE

$5600 plus fitting and freight if required

MORE INFO

Alu-Cab Rooftop Tents

Australian Dealers Ironman 4x4 

E hello@alu-cab.com.au

W alu-cab.com.au


The Maverick Hornet all set up

MAVERICK HORNET CAMPER

Reviewed by Sam Richards

Anything with a tare of 920kg, and a corresponding ball weight of 92kg, has a huge head start as an offroad-capable RV.

The Maverick Hornet connects with a flexible McHitch coupling at the front of the 150 x 50 x 4mm drawbar, back to the chassis of the same dimensions. This chassis is galvanised inside and out and overpainted for additional protection. Maverick weld fissure plates over stress points for added strength.

This chassis is overkill, like bringing a flamethrower to a family BBQ. Yes, that extra metal adds some weight, but with a tare that low, it clearly hasn’t adversely raised the numbers. I’d take that extra brawn for the confidence (and huge payload) it allows.

For a small camper, the drawbar is of a good length and retains this style’s agile manoeuvrability while also preventing the camper from overreacting when reversing. Besides, when the trip is up, owners can most likely push the camper into their garage to save themselves highly strung reversing manoeuvres, the sort that reveal cracks in a marriage.

The Hornet is a small camper, so it’s inherently disadvantaged when it comes to storage space, but Maverick has done a great job creating as much as possible for its size. You certainly won’t be limited by weight; the ATM of 2000kg permits 1080kg of load above the tare (though some of this may be consumed by optional extras).

To set up, you undo two straps buckled in to hold the tent down, unzip the cover and fold it over the tent, then either leave it hanging, or remove it completely from the slide tracking. You then complete the folding motion, either using the ladder as a lever or by stepping onto the Hornet’s rear platform and lifting the folding side by hand.

The tent folds from a central hinge and the canvas is held in place by the three internal U-shaped poles requiring no adjustment. The entry awning has its own U-shaped pole that self-tensions the canvas here; its corners are best pegged down. The final step is to insert the flexible metal bars to the window awnings by bending them back and hooking them onto eyelets.

As is normal with rooftop tents, the ladder supports some of the weight when in position. Pack up is facilitated by internal bungee cords pulling in the canvas.

The canvas is grey, which offers an alternative to widely used brown tones. A permanently attached fly ensures the interior remains bone-dry. There’s a 75mm foam mattress in the tent, which, like all camping mattresses, could benefit from an eggshell topper for added comfort — unless you’re a badarse. There’s plenty of mesh windows for good ventilation and you can have your devices in the tent charging, courtesy of conveniently placed cig and USB plugs on the rear of the camper.

Another option for the tent is the Maverick-branded hard-top tent seen on the tow vehicle. This camper has a fibreglass lid, which you unlock on one side before giving it a nudge into place on gas struts. You then lift a hinged floor extension up and over to extend the bed space. You tension out the window and entry awnings with flexible metal rods, as with the soft tent. Apparently this one hadn’t been set up since October, but the canvas was in good condition, showing no mould or dust.

Both tents have optional annexes you can attach to extend internal living or sleeping space. For couples, though, there’s the ability to spare your car the extra weight up top. That way, your 4WD is more capable and economical when not towing and is better balanced. You also potentially save yourself about $1000 by not having to get a roof rack system installed.

The soft tent costs about $1300, the hardshell about $2500. The value of the latter is striking given its similarity to costlier iKamper and James Baroud designs.

Structural warranty is five years, tent warranty is three, and Maverick says it has a network of over 100 repairers represented in every state and territory in case you run into trouble when on the road.

This camper is quite adaptable, so its audience is fluid. In basic mode, it suits a single traveller or a couple on a budget keen to access attractions found at the end of testing tracks. But with the addition of the tent annexe or a Maverick tent onto your towing vehicle, it can be made to suit a family.

When fresh air finally calls your name again, the Maverick Hornet will be ready and raring to support your adventures. 

SPECS

Tare 920kg

ATM 2000kg

Payload 1080kg (calculated)

Ball weight 92kg

Suspension Independent trailing arm suspension with dual shock absorbers both sides

Brakes 12” electric

Coupling McHitch

Chassis/Drawbar 150mm x 50mm x 4mm, galvanised inside and out

Body Aluminium

Wheel/tyre 16” rims with Goodride Mud Terrain 265/75R16

Style Rooftop tent camper

DIMENSIONS

Travel 1790mm (W) x 1750mm (H) x 3810mm 

(L, hitch to rear)

Mattress 75mm high density foam

PRICED FROM

$16,990 at time of writing (normally $19,999)

CONTACT

Maverick Campers

Address (SA) 491 Grand Junction Rd, Wingfield, SA, 5013

Address (Vic) 1920 Hume Highway, Campbellfield VIC 3061

P 1300 628 494

E hello@maverickcampers.com.au

W maverickcampers.com.au


Bushwakka's RTT set up at camp

BUSHWAKKA NEST RTT

Reviewed by Matt Williams

‘The 360 Nest’ from Bushwakka is a pretty apt example of the term ‘nest.’ A snug retreat or refuge; a resting place; a home. Well, that sums it all up very nicely, and I'm sure you could hazard a guess at what the 360 means? That's right, from perched up high you have 360-degree views.

The first thing that you need to know is that you just can't go putting one of the Bushwakka rooftop tents on any vehicle. They weigh in at 90kg, which is by no means a lightweight unit. 

So, you are going to need a vehicle that can handle that sort of weight up on the roof. A larger 4WD should do the trick. And you're going to need a solid roof rack or heavy-duty cross bars to mount it on. If you choose the roof bar option, I would recommend going for three.

The underside of the tent has four ribs running along the entire length for maximum support. These ribs are used to mount the tent to the crossbars or roof rack with stainless steel brackets.

One thing to note is that with most rooftop tents, you do lose all of your available storage space up top. However, this is not the case with the 360 Nest. An aluminium rail runs around the perimeter of the lid, allowing for storage space on top. Perfect spot for a solar panel or a kayak.

That's the other benefit of a rooftop tent. Not having to tow means that you only have to worry about the vehicle, and whether it can get past, over or under an obstacle. Actually, travelling under the obstacles is probably going to be your biggest challenge. Best to keep away from undercover carparks! The good thing is, you don't find many of them in the bush.

Here's another bonus of a rooftop tent: you only have to find a spot for your vehicle. No more worrying about whether the trailer will fit or having to reverse it into a tight spot.

Because the tent rises straight up above the vehicle, you are not increasing your footprint. Except if you decide to put out an awning, of course. Once you've found your spot, setting up is like a scene from a magic show. Hey presto and you're done. It really is that simple.

With the help of your side steps, rear steps or a tyre for a bit of extra height, it's a matter of opening the two rear latches first to allow for the back to rise up thanks to perfectly valved gas struts. Then, moving to the front, repeat the process and watch the tent erect to its full height. This double-action opening gives plenty of head height inside.

If you had your stopwatch going, you'd barely be in double figures.

Next, grab the telescopic aluminium ladder and attach it to the side of the tent and climb on up inside. On our test vehicle, the tent was fitted up 'back to front' and only allowed access from the side. As standard, you can enter via the side or one of the ends.

When you crawl inside, you'll notice that the bed is already made up, pillows and all. Being able to travel with all of your bedding inside the tent and not taking up valuable space in the vehicle is an absolute must with these tents.

All you have to do now is erect the awning that would normally cover the rear access and roll up the canvas windows to let in the smells of the Aussie bush. There's big windows front and rear, and four triangular windows on the sides give plenty of cross ventilation.

Keeping you comfy is a 75mm high-density foam mattress. I had a bit of a lay down (for testing purposes only) and even with it only being 75mm thick, it felt pretty good underneath me. If you were chasing a bit more cushioning, a mattress topper could be added. The double bed-sized mattress will easily handle two adults and doesn't feel cramped at all. That's due to the open style of the tent, plus the fact that there is heaps of head room. Fully opened, the tent is 1200mm tall, so not much chance of banging your head here!

Making sure your phone stays charged so your alarm goes off, the Nest comes pre-wired with a pair of USB outlets in the corner. There's also a bi-colour LED light in the roof for a spot of reading before bed.

After a cracking sunrise and an awesome feed of bacon and eggs, it's now time to head off for another day of adventures. Thankfully, the 360 Nest packs down in not much longer than what it takes to set it up.

When packing down, there is no need to zip your windows up first. You just need to drop the front awning and pull the elastic bungee cord up. These are provided on both openings and help to draw the canvas in when closing it up.

A long nylon webbing strap is used to pull the rear down first, before latching it up and then doing exactly the same at the front. It really is that simple. And quick! 

SPECS

Weight: 90kg

Shell material: Aluminium

Canvas: 380gsm Wax Converters Ripstop Canvas    

Mattress: 75mm high density foam with removable cover

Roof Load Capacity: 100kg (closed) 40kg (open)

Style: Rooftop Tent

DIMENSIONS

Travel size: 2100mm x 1400mm x 350mm

Open size: 2100mm x 1400mm x 1200mm

PRICE AS TESTED

$4500

PRICE

$4800 plus fitting and freight if required

MORE INFO

Bushwakka Campers

5/2 Kohl Street

Upper Coomera

QLD 4209

E enquiries@bushwakka.com.au

W bushwakka.com.au