Category: rooftop tents

RV News: Forest River Launches New Fifth-Wheel, Mammoth’s ‘Rooftop Camper’, and More
Memorial Day weekend is here, and with it comes the unofficial start of the busy summer travel season. But before you head off for your three-day celebration, we have plenty of news from the RV and camping industries to cover. Here are some things that went down this past week that you might want to know about:
- Forest River Launches New Fifth-Wheel Floor Plan: This week, Forest River revealed a new floor plan under its Sierra and Sandpiper lines of fifth-wheel trailers. Dubbed the 3900HBLR, this model is pretty much exactly the same under both sub-brands, offering three slide-outs, a bath-and-a-half design, a king-size bed, a massive walk-in closet, a floor-to-ceiling butler pantry, and a dedicated coffee bar. Check it out here. Or here.
- Four Wheel Camper Intros New Hawk+ Flatbed Camper: Four Wheel Camper, the manufacturer of lightweight, modular, and versatile truck-bed campers, has introduced a new model. The Hawk+ is designed specifically for flatbed trucks and includes a comfy bed, a kitchenette, and dinette, all in a package that weighs just 1,882 lbs, but offers a 6′ 6″ ceiling height and sleeps up to four people. Check it out here.
- Jeep and Dometic Collab on Rooftop Tent/Awning Concept: Rooftop tents remain a very popular way for overlanders, off-roaders, and other outdoor enthusiasts to camp in relative comfort without springing for an RV. This past week, Jeep and Dometic shared a concept rooftop tent/awning model designed specifically for Jeep Wranglers. The project utilizes Dometic’s AIR Frame Inflation tech to create the shelter, which includes a queen-size mattress, while an integrated awning extends the living space further. Uncrate has the skinny here.
- Mammoth Overland Reveals “Rooftop Camper”: Staying on the subject of rooftop shelters, last week at Overland Expo West, Mammoth Overland revealed a new model that promises to be a game-changer in that space. Like the Jeep/Dometic project mentioned above, Mammoth’s “SKL” shelter remains a concept for now, but of the two, it seems more likely to come to market. Made from lightweight and durable aluminum, the “camper” includes an integrated 208Ah solid-state battery, and is wired for solar straight from the factory. This enables it to power lights, recharge portable devices, and run an onboard HVAC system. No word on when or if the SKL will be available to purchase, or at what price. Find out more on the Mammoth Overland website.
- Ford Sued Because it Recalled Transit Trail Off-Road Van Because Its Tires Were Too Big: Back in 2022, Ford launched the current generation of its versatile Transit van, which included an off-road-ready model called the Transit Trail. Last year, the blue oval issued a recall for this specific model because its tires were too large for the wheel wells and could cause rubbing and scrapping that could lead to premature wear and tear. Owners received replacement tires, but they weren’t nearly as large and rugged, greatly reducing the van’s ability to travel off-road. Considering many of those owners paid a $12,000+ premium, some were unsurprisingly annoyed with this solution. This has led to a class-action lawsuit against Ford for marketing and selling a vehicle for overlanding, only to not properly support said vehicle for those activities. Jalopnik explains the whole sordid affair here.
- KOA Expands to The North Pole: Kampgrounds of America announced more expansion this week, adding two new locations to its already impressive roster. In addition to the Polson/Flathead Lake KOA Holiday in Montana into the fold, the company also expanded to the North Pole. Well, to North Pole Alaska anyway. That’s where the Fairbanks/Chena River KOA Journey is located, in case you’re planning a visit to the Last Frontier. RV Pro has more details here.
- Solo Stove Made a Cooler with a Built-In Air Conditioner: Solo Stove is best known for its line of excellent portable fire pits, but now the company is jumping into the premium cooler space in a big way. This week, the brand introduced the Windchill 47, which not only offers up space for 65 cans of your favorite beverage, but also includes an integrated air conditioner to k
- Sale of Public Lands Removed From Federal Budget Bill: One of the proposals put forward in the Trump Administration’s 2026 federal budget plan was to sell off some public lands to raise funds and reduce overhead. But GO P representatives removed that proposal at the last minute, which helped the budget narrowly pass through the House. The original idea called for selling up to 500,000 acres of public lands, much to the dismay of hunters, anglers, campers, and other outdoor enthusiasts. For now, cooler heads have prevailed, although don’t be surprised if this issue comes up again in the future. Outdoor Life has a summary of the situation.
- Pickleball Courts are the Most Popular Campground Amenity: Are you a fan of pickleball? If so, you’re not alone, apparently. According to The Dyrt, pickleball courts were the top new feature added to private campgrounds in 2024. According to the company’s 2025 Camping Report, 17% of all private campgrounds that added new amenities last year elected to add pickleball courts. That’s almost twice the number of sites that added the next most popular new feature, which was Wi-Fi. Now, you may be asking yourself, “who is still adding wireless internet in 2025?”, which is a good question. But as it turns out, Wi-Fi access is incredibly popular with campers, and 71.5% of private campgrounds already have it.
That’s a wrap for our weekly round-up of the latest RV news. Come back next Friday for another recap of everything happening in this busy and interesting industry. Now, go enjoy the long holiday weekend.
The post RV News: Forest River Launches New Fifth-Wheel, Mammoth’s ‘Rooftop Camper’, and More appeared first on RV.com.
2025-05-23
The Rivian x iKamper Skycamp Mini is a Rooftop Tent for Your Electric Truck
Here at RV.com, we love it when two of our favorite brands come together to create new camping gear. So naturally, we were delighted when we heard electric vehicle manufacturer Rivian was joining forces with rooftop tent maker iKamper to create a new model. The result of that collaboration is called the Rivian x iKamper Skycamp Mini, which is an iteration of one of the best rooftop tents on the market specifically made for the R1T electric pickup truck and the R1S SUV.
Photo Credit: iKamper
The iKamper Skycamp 3.0 Mini
The Rivian x iKamper collab starts with the Skycamp 3.0 Mini rooftop tent. Not only is this model compact and lightweight, when not in use, it offers a low, aerodynamic profile, too. This combination of characteristics makes it ideal for an electric vehicle, as the weight and size have less of an impact on range.
But the Skycamp 3.0 Mini also happens to be an outstanding rooftop tent, too. The camp shelter offers room for two people, is durable enough to stand up to the elements, and can be deployed in under a minute. It is also designed for four-season use, with a cozy, quilted interior, and a nine-zone mattress designed for camping in a wide variety of weather conditions. The smaller Mini is also great on short-bed pick-up trucks, like the R1T, offering a safe and roomy place to camp without impeding bed storage space.
Photo Credit: iKamper
Rivian-Specific Features
Of course, the Skycamp 3.0 Mini fits on a wide variety of vehicles, both electric and gas-powered. But as part of the Rivian x iKamper partnership, the two brands added a few additional features to help this specific model stand out. For instance, the special edition version of the rooftop tent comes in exclusive colors and includes Rivian branding. It also comes with mounting brackets that integrate with Rivian’s Adventure Key Set for added security.
The tent is made from a breathable blackout polycotton canvas material and includes a removable rainfly, giving it added versatility in a variety of climates. It also comes with a version-specific foam mattress that is reportedly cushier and more comfortable than the one included with the standard Skycamp 3.0 Mini. The Rivian version of the tent also has a lighter, more aerodynamic shell to further reduce drag and keep range as high as possible.
Photo Credit: iKamper
Available Now
The Rivian x iKamper Skycamp Mini is available now with an MSRP of $4,595. All purchases made before April 15, 2025, will also receive a Disco Series Stove System absolutely free. Considering the stove normally costs $515, that’s a pretty great add-on for perspective campers. Find out more about this rooftop tent at iKamper.com.
The post The Rivian x iKamper Skycamp Mini is a Rooftop Tent for Your Electric Truck appeared first on RV.com.
2025-03-25
The Best Rooftop Tents of 2025
Fun, cozy, and comfortable rooftop tents occupy a space that falls somewhere between a traditional tent and an RV. These camp shelters are designed to mount to the top of a vehicle, offering an elevated sleeping experience along with enhanced mobility. They’re also a convenient way to set up camp just about anywhere you can park a truck or SUV, which is why they’ve exploded in popularity with car campers, overlanders, boondockers, and active outdoor enthusiasts alike.
Because growing appeal with a wider audience, an increasing number of manufacturers have introduced rooftop tents to the marketplace over the past few years. Those models vary in size and weight but offer similar performance and features. But not all rooftop tents are created equal, as there are definitely some that stand out from the crowd. We’ve sorted through the dozens of options currently available and compiled a list of our favorites. These are the roof-mounted shelters to have on your shortlist when it comes time to purchase one for yourself.
Photo Credit: Yakima
Things to Consider When Choosing a Rooftop Tent
At first glance, most rooftop tents look a lot alike, which may lead you to believe that they don’t vary much in terms of options or design. But that isn’t the case at all, as every manufacturer has put its own spin on these products. With that in mind, here are a few things to consider before buying a model of your own.
Size
Unlike ground tents—which vary in size from single-person options to models with enough space for an extended family—rooftop tents generally only have room for two to three people. That’s because they are built to mount to the top of a vehicle, where there is only so much real estate to go around. Be sure to check out how much square footage the tent you’re considering offers. It is nice to have enough room for at least two people, with some space left over for small gear items.
Weight
The weight of a rooftop tent directly impacts how easy it is to install or remove from a vehicle. Heavier models are more challenging to fit into place, which can make them difficult to take on and off. If you plan to leave the tent in place permanently, the weight won’t matter as much. But a lighter option may make more sense if you want to remove it from your car or truck when not in use. Keep in mind, having a rooftop tent installed will impact your vehicle’s gas mileage, so being able to remove it easily may be a nice option.
Hard Shell or Soft Shell?
Rooftop tents generally come in two varieties—hard shell or soft shell. Both options have positives and negatives, although most people tend to prefer a hard shell model. This type of tent has a rigid top and bottom, which makes it more aerodynamic when collapsed down for travel. Hard shell models also provide better shelter from the elements and usually takes less time to set up or take down. But they also tend to be heavier and cost more, too.
Conversely, soft shell tents are usually lighter and pack down to a smaller size while in transit, yet expand to provide more space at the campsite. They’re usually less expensive, but may not offer as much protection from the weather. Depending on the quality of the materials, they may not be as durable either.
Aerodynamics
As mentioned above, hard shell tents tend to be more aerodynamic than soft shell models. This might not seem all that important, but it can have an impact on gas mileage, especially when driving longer distances. Both types of tents will create more drag and add weight to your vehicle, but the smooth, rigid surface of a hardshell cuts through the air a bit more efficiently.
Vehicle Size
While rooftop tents come in a variety of sizes, the type of vehicle you drive will ultimately have an impact on which model you can go with. If you drive a compact car, you’ll have fewer choices, while a large truck or SUV will afford you a plethora of options. You’ll also need roof rails—or, in the case of a pickup, a frame of some sort—to mount the tent on. Keep that in mind as you shop.
That said, most manufacturers offer their most popular rooftop tents in a variety of sizes, allowing them to fit on a wider variety of vehicles. That means whether you’re driving a Subaru Crosstrek or a Ford Expedition, chances are you’ll have several options to choose from. You can also do a quick online search to see if a specific tent will fit your car, truck, or SUV, as compatibility charts and installation guides are easy to find on the internet.
The Best Rooftop Tents
Now that we know what to look for when shopping for a rooftop tent, these models make our list of the best options currently available.
Photo Credit: Thule
Thule Approach
Available in three sizes, the Thule Approach is a modern and sophisticated rooftop tent designed to fit nearly any vehicle. The small version sleeps two people, the medium can squeeze in three, and the large has room for four, which is a bit of a rarity for these types of shelters. This soft shell model sets up very quickly and is fully ready to camp in less than three minutes, which comes in handy when rolling into a campsite late in the day. We love the large, panoramic windows that are perfect for stargazing and the optional awning and annex create a nice outdoor environment for relaxing outdoors. MSRP: $1999 (small), $2,499,(medium), $2,999 (large)
Buy the Approach directly from Thule
Photo Credit: Roofnest
Roofnest Condor Overland 2
Roofnest has been making some of the best rooftop tents for years, but the Condor Overland 2 just might be its best model ever. A durable aluminum hard shell and frame help keep weight to a minimum without sacrificing build quality in any way. Built-in accessory channels make it easy to haul your favorite gear, while the interior comes equipped with a 2″ memory foam mattress, skylight, three-way windows, and six built-in gear pockets. The tent even includes an internal duffel bag to store your bedding inside the tent while on the go. MSRP: $3,745
Buy the Condor Overland 2 directly from Roofnest
Photo Credit: Yakima
Yakima SkyRise HD
There are a lot of reasons why the Yakima SkyRise HD is an excellent option for anyone shopping for a rooftop tent. For starters, it is roomy enough for up to three people, with large doors on both sides providing excellent access. This soft shell model is also designed for four-season camping, providing good ventilation and cooling during the summer and protection from the wind and cold in the winter. Durable, easy to set up, and comes with a removable foam mattress for added comfort, this is an excellent addition to any adventure vehicle. MSRP: $2,499
Buy the SkyRise HD directly from Yakima
Photo Credit: iKamper
iKamper Skycamp 3.0 Mini
This hard shell rooftop tent is designed to fit on nearly any vehicle, including compact cars like a Subaru Crosstrek. That makes it a favorite with the active outdoors crowd looking for an option that sets up and breaks down quickly. Features include a waterproof rain fly, a large overhead mesh window for stargazing, and integrated quilting on the sidewalls that provide extra insulation on cooler nights. The included mattress even features an insulating layer to keep campers warm and dry when temperatures take a plunge. MSRP: $3,699
Buy the Skycamp 3.0 Mini directly from iKamper
Photo Credit: Alu-Cab
Alu-Cab Gen 3-R
A favorite amongst overlanders, the Alu-Cab Gen 3-R is easily one of the best rooftop tents on the market for those looking to spend extended amounts of time in the backcountry. Incredibly designed and well built, this model includes numerous nice touches that aren’t all that common on other rooftop shelters, like solar panel compatibility, heater ports, and an insulated hard shell roof and base. Excellent ventilation is also one of the hallmarks of the Gen 3-R, which comes equipped with internal lighting, USB charging ports, three-point access, an awning, and much more. If you’re planning a long-distance overland adventure, this is the model for you. MSRP: $4,399
Buy the Gen 3-R directly from Alu-Cab
Photo Credit: Thule
Thule Foothill
Thule earns another spot on our list thanks to its lightweight, compact, and affordable Foothill model. Smaller than most other rooftop tents on the market, this shelter is about the size of a traditional two-person ground tent. That makes things a bit cozy inside, but it leaves more space on the roof of your vehicle for hauling bikes, kayaks, and other outdoor gear. A large entry makes getting in and out a breeze, and two overhead windows provide plenty of light to reach the interior. Simple, functional, and well-built, this is a great option for budget shoppers. MSRP: $1699
Buy the Foothill directly from Thule
Photo Credit: Trustmade
Trustmade Hardshell Rooftop Tent
The Trustmade Hard shell Rooftop Tent has everything you could ask for in a vehicle-mounted shelter, with a few extra features to help it stand out from the crowd. This model comfortably sleeps two adults, comes with a thick and plush mattress, and includes detachable storage pouches for keeping essential items close at hand. Its hard shell casing and stainless steel frame make it extremely durable and add additional protection from wind and rain. Best of all, this tent can pull double-duty as a gear hauler, seamlessly converting into a cargo carrier when needed. All that at a reasonable price. MSRP: $1,749
Buy the Trustmade Hard shell Rooftop Tent from Camping World
Photo Credit: Overland Vehicles
Overland Vehicle Bushveld II
The Bushveld II from Overland Vehicle is another hard shell model that delivers many features in a compact package. This tent offers plenty of onboard storage, with two interior and six exterior gear pouches, two integrated shoe totes, and a duffel for stashing your bedding. It also has a built-in LED light strip, an anti-condensation insulating layer, and a comfortable memory foam mattress. Optional add-ons include an awning and an annex room. MSRP: $2,199.99
Buy the Overland Vehicle Bushveld II hard shell rooftop tent from Camping World
This is a rundown of our favorite rooftop tents from some of the top manufacturers in the outdoor industry. Any one of these models is a perfect shelter for the outdoor enthusiast looking for more comfort than a traditional tent offers. For additional options, check out CampingWorld.com.
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2025-02-25