Camping… spending quality time in nature and enjoying the beauty of the great outdoors, far from the hustle and bustle of city life. Or… as someone once referred to it… spending a fortune to live like a homeless person. If you love spending time enjoying the great outdoors but you don’t own an off-road trailer or caravan, then sleeping in a tent sleeping is your only other option. Besides staying in a chalet or lodge… but that’s kind of defeating the object, isn’t it?
Tents have come a long way though and nowadays there are more options to choose from than there are campsites around the country. Whether you prefer a ground tent or a rooftop tent (RTT), there is bound to be a product to match your wants, needs and budget.
In terms of RTT’s, there are also a few variations on the theme, one being a clamshell rooftop tent.
What is a clamshell RTT?
Clamshell tents are defined as having a hard exoskeleton, made of aluminium or fibreglass or some form of composite, which is integral to the tent and takes the place of that often-dusty vinyl cover. The canvas section and bedding are contained within the shell, which is typically raised on gas struts in seconds once a few fasteners are released. Then all it takes is to settle a ladder on the rim of the hardshell.
While these tents can be heavier and more costly, when it comes to balance, they fare better in wind and more extreme conditions, as they have less canvas that flaps about. In addition, the external shell is often more aerodynamic than a typical softshell rooftop tent.
Generally, clamshell tents are best suited for one or two people, because the shell is restricted to the width of the vehicle itself. One can add a small child or two, but if you need more space, you will need to explore other options. A positive is that most clamshells have enough space inside to store all your bedding. Simply close it up and off you go!
The main players
Here in South Africa, the leisure market is a big one and overlanders, campers, explorers and adventurers are spoilt for choice when it comes to buying a clamshell RTT. The trick is to find the one that will work best for you. To help take the guesswork out of it, we discuss some of the options available, ranked from cheapest to most expensive.
DAG Aluminium Rooftop Tent
Price: R28 995
Manufactured in China and assembled locally in Gqeberha, the DAG Aluminium Rooftop Tent is a great addition to any overlander’s setup. Constructed from sturdy aluminium, it is durable and able to withstand the harshest weather conditions. Hydraulic mechanisms make opening and closing it a breeze and the DAG can be set up in less than five minutes. Thanks to generous dimensions, this three-sleeper it is spacious enough for two adults and a child to enjoy a good night’s sleep under the African sky.
A 50mm high-density foam mattress is included. Practicality is enhanced through features such as a LED lighting strip with a USB cable, as well as interior storage pockets along the roof. Ventilation is provided through mesh windows on either side of the ripstop canvas tent. A telescopic ladder that can be fully extended to about two metres enables easy ingress and egress.
Weight: 77kg
Open dimensions (WxLxH): 131cm x 217cm x 150cm
Closed dimensions (WxLxH): 131cm x 217cm x 18cm
More information: www.4x4wholesalersafrica.com
The RoofPod
Price: R19 900 – R29 900
Available in three size options, the RoofPod is one of the lightest clamshell RTT’s available on the market. The SoloPod is ideal for those who prefer the solitude of travelling alone, while the CoziPod provides a bit more space to get up close and personal with your favourite camping partner. The ComfyPod is the biggest of the three and can accommodate two adults with ease.
All three are manufactured from durable water repellent ripstop fabric (400g for the roof and zip sides and 260g for the side walls) and powder coated aluminium tubing, with stainless steel fittings and fasteners. All doors and windows have an outer mesh closure. Apart from a size-appropriate mattress and a 2.6m telescopic ladder, it also comes with a PVC outer cover.
Weight: SoloPod 25kg, CoziPod 35kg, Comfypod 39kg
Open dimensions (WxLxH):
91cm x 236cm x 140cm (SoloPod)
126cm x 236cm x 140mm (CoziPod)
136cm x 236cm x 160cm (ComfyPod)
Closed dimensions (WxLxH):
97cm x 236cm x 27cm (SoloPod)
126cm x 236cm x 27cm (Cozipod)
136cm x 236cm x 27cm (ComfyPod)
More information: www.theroofpod.co.za
Tentco Clamshell Rooftop Tent
Price: R33 500
Tentco is a well-known and respected manufacturers of tents and its clamshell RTT does the brand proud. Manufactured from 280g ripstop polyester canvas and with a 420D Oxford nylon flysheet, the clamshell RTT from Tentco features a sturdy aluminium frame. Although not the biggest option available, it is spacious enough for two adults. What makes it stand out in the market though is that it is only 8cm high when folded.
Getting in and out is a breeze, thanks to the door at the foot of the tent, as well as a window in either of the side walls, which can also be used as entrances. Although there is no heat vent, the interior features convenient storage bags in the roof and on the sides of the tent. Access is provided by a lightweight telescopic aluminium ladder.
Weight: 89kg
Open dimensions (WxLxH): 145cm x 210cm x 143cm
Closed dimensions (WxLxH): 145cm x 210cm x 8cm
More information: www.tentco.co.za
Quick Pitch RTT
Price: R42 500
As the flagship product in the Quick Pitch range of rooftop tents, the RTT model is manufactured from the best quality extruded aluminium and no bolts or pop-rivets are used in the structure. The tent itself is manufactured by employing best quality canvas and imported materials. Interior features include an outer mounted midge net to allow for ventilation, six interior storage bags, a full-length side-mounted utility rail for accessory items, a roof-mounted interior light and two USB ports.
Additional insulation is provided underneath the 75mm thick high-density mattress and high-density insulation in the roof ensures comfort in hot and cold temperatures. An anti-slip telescopic ladder with a safety bracket is also provided. Taking seconds to pitch, 40kg can be loaded on the tent roof.
Weight: 85kg
Open dimensions (WxLxH): 145cm x 225cm x 160cm
Closed dimensions (WxLxH): 145cm x 230cm x 29cm
More information: www.quickpitchsa.com
Alu-Cab Gen 3-R Expedition
Price: R48 980
The Alu-Cab Gen 3-R Expedition is the third generation of this tent, offering a wider and more spacious layout, as well as a streamlined design that is both aesthetically pleasing and more aerodynamic. Features include a side rain cover that comes as standard, a spec-built telescopic ladder with rungs that are broad and angled to make it far more comfortable to climb into the tent barefoot, as well as a zip-able rear awning, stainless-steel eyelets for the spring poles and a raised air vent to help reduce condensation.
The Gen 3-R Expedition offers three-point access with a door/window on each side, as well as a 75mm high-density foam mattress with a zip-off cover.also boasts a heater vent and solar panel input as standard. Dual-layer canvas and top and bottom foam insulation ensure comfort in all weather conditions.
Weight: 76kg
Open dimensions (WxLxH): 140cm x 230cm x 200cm
Closed dimensions (WxLxH): 140cm x 230cm x 28cm
More information: www.alu-cab.com
Bushco AX27
Price: R54 995
Designed and manufactured in South Africa, the AX27 brings together The Bush Company’s many years of experience in aluminium fabrication. Industry leading features include an extruded and welded aluminium alloy frame, a massive 1.75m maximum opening height, a full double layered canvas skin, a large rainfly at sides and rear, full length roof mounting rails. The fact that it can be set up or packed down in under 90 seconds enhances its practical appeal.
Access is provided by a 2.6m telescopic ladder and an 80mm-thick high-density foam mattress is included. Available accessories include a range of brackets to facilitate the fitment of items such as an awning, solar panels and lights.
Weight: 90kg
Open dimensions (WxLxH): 140cm x 225cm x 175cm
Closed dimensions (WxLxH): 140cm x 225cm x 28cm
More information: www.bushcosa.co.za
*Please note that prices could vary depending on the stockist.
