9 Best Hard Shell Roof Top Tents in Australia (2024)

Hardshell rooftop tents are constructed with durable materials that make them more sturdy than their soft shell counterparts. Likewise, unlike canvas or polyester, which can allow water to penetrate, hardtop rooftop tents have a solid exterior made of fibreglass, aluminium, or hard plastic.

The rigid shell serves as the ceiling and floor of the tent, while the walls are made of waterproof fabric like nylon or canvas. When closed for storage or driving, the floor and ceiling shells encase the bedding and tent walls. With the numerous options available in Australia, we've evaluated a ton and narrowed down the top 9 that cater to your adventurous needs.

Our Top Picks

Before we delve into our hardshell rooftop tent reviews, here are the top 3 options that stand out in the Australian market:

Kings Grand Tourer MkIII

Best overall all-season, hardshell rooftop tent with 3 openings for good airflow, compact dimensions, and a sturdy and durable build.

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BunduTop Hardshell Rooftop Tent

Best electric rooftop tent with aluminum construction, easy-setup electric motor, interior mounted solar controller kit, and a power lead kit.

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LT-50 Lightweight Rooftop Tent

Lightest hardshell rooftop tent constructed from lightweight, high-strength aluminium and weighing 46 kg with a 30 kg load capacity on top.

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Top 9 Hardshell Rooftop Tents for Australian Adventurers

Whether you need a durable shelter or a road trip enthusiast, our detailed hard-shell rooftop tent reviews and in-depth analysis below should guide you to the perfect choice.

1. Kings Grand Tourer MKIII

Best Overall Hardshell Rooftop Tent

The Kings Grand Tourer tent is great for camping since it's easy and comfortable to put up. It has three openings that you can use as windows to see more of your surroundings. These openings also let air move around inside the tent so you can enjoy fresh air. The tent's compact dimensions, when packed away for transport, also make it easy to store on the roof of your vehicle without adding unnecessary bulk.

Kings' Tourer rooftop tent is good for all seasons. It has insulated flooring and a roof cover with a soft carpet, which keeps the temperature comfortable during hot summer and cold winter nights. Constructed with 1.5mm powder-coated steel, the tent feels sturdy and durable, and its ultra-tough aluminium frame further enhances its robustness. The internal netting is made of fine enough mesh to keep the critters out without messing with the airflow.

The rooftop tent is roomy and has a large mattress for a better camping experience. For durability, the side and back walls are made of sturdy 320 GSM ripstop canvas that keeps the elements out. Plus, its four-stage water ingress protection provides assurance during unexpected weather conditions. While it may be slightly heavier than some alternatives, the added features and build quality make it a worthwhile investment if you want a reliable rooftop tent.

Pros

• Spacious
• Easy and fast installation
• Well fastened to the car’s rooftop

Cons

• Expensive to purchase
• Only suitable for vehicles with a flat roof

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2. iKamper Sky Camp 3.0

Best Versatile Rooftop Tent

The iKamper Sky Camp 3.0 is an ideal rooftop tent for small families. It can accommodate up to four people. Its design suits individuals with lesser build car models as it can easily fit onto any car. Thus, we recommend it as the most versatile tent choice. Weighing 55 kg, this tent can be considered lightweight in the hard-top rooftop tent category.

The iKamper tent is also aerodynamic, so driving around is not cumbersome. The tent opens by flipping the two latches off. But you must hook it to several poles to secure the rear awning and the walls. The unique feature of the iKamper Sky Camp is the sky view. You can enjoy stargazing without climbing down from the tent.

iKamper's Sky Camp tent has a door at the rear and two windows on the sides. It has three panels; the solid canvas wall, the transparent cover, and the mesh cover to keep the bugs away. It also includes a lock on the hard shell top to secure your tent when you’re away.

Pros

• Lightweight
• Sky view feature
• Can fit in numerous car models
• 4-season tent
• Protected by a hardshell casing

Cons

• This tent is a lot smaller
• It’s costly given its size

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3. BunduTop Hardshell Roof Top Tent

Best Electric Roof Top Tent

The BunduTop Hard Shell tent is an electric rooftop tent with aluminum construction for durability and diverse weather conditions. Depending on the model (Standard, King, Super King), the tent features one or two 12V fans that ensure a cool and comfortable interior. Likewise, its high-quality mesh stands up against strong winds and rain.

Setting up the BunduTop is super easy, thanks to its easy-setup electric motor. With just a push of a button, the rooftop tent opens or closes in a matter of minutes, allowing you more time to enjoy your camping experience. The tent also comes solar-ready, including a 30 amp interior mount solar controller kit and a 20ft power lead kit with the controller option. The wiring is neatly integrated, ensuring a seamless connection to your solar panel.

BunduTop's black exterior case with a raw aluminum top and gray ripstop canvas looks sleek and contributes to the tent's overall durability. The addition of the Annex Room is a standout feature; it provides extra space for your camping gear and doubles as a convenient changing room. The option to customise your purchase by adding or deleting features, such as the slide ladder or mattress, adds a personal touch to meet your specific needs.

Pros

• Option for annex room
• Aluminium construction for strength
• Quality materials and insulation
• 100 mm high-density foam mattress
• Easy electric setup in 2 minutes

Cons

• Does not include mounting hardware
• Optional features have extra charges

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4. Kwiky Hard Shell Rooftop Tent

Best Rooftop Tent for Solo Travelers

The new and improved Adventure Kings Kwiky MkII hard shell rooftop tent has a practically self-setting design. With just two buckles to undo at each end, a little push, and the help of internal heavy-duty gas struts, the tent effortlessly unfolds and is ready for use. Adding the ladder and four awning poles is also easy, making the entire setup process a stress-free experience.

The rooftop tent has a 50 mm high-density foam mattress (25 mm thinner than what the Kings Grand Tourer MKIII offers). It also has a head height of 93 cm allowing for comfortable sitting. The hardshell rooftop tent is crafted with a streamlined ABS anti-aging polymer case and reinforced stress points. Its 320 GSM polycotton ripstop canvas ensures ultimate weather protection, and the double-stitched seams add durability to the construction.

Kwiky MkII has windows on all four sides with mozzie and midge-proof flyscreen mesh. The separate canvas doors on both sides allow you to adjust for various weather conditions. Plus, the entry points are customisable to suit your specific vehicle setup. For added convenience, the tent features multiple storage pockets to keep your keys, phones, and other essentials.

Pros

• Affordable
• Easy to set up
• Ideal for solo travellers

Cons

• Limited compatibility with some racks

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5. OCAM Rooftop King Tent

Best Hard Shell Rooftop Tent for Groups

The OCAM Rooftop Tent is a comfortable and spacious rooftop tent that can fit up to four people. It comes with a king-size mattress and is relatively easy to set up. Thus, it is the ideal tent option for teams willing to go out for outdoor camping. To set up the tent, you must first open the latch, pull the ladder, and stretch the tent out. You then stabilize the tent’s walls with poles and add an extended awning to the rear of the tent to have more space for other activities.

OCAM's Rooftop Tent fabric is waterproof, so you don't have to worry about getting wet when hanging out in the awning. Its mosquito nets and mesh walls protect you from bugs and other elements. Additionally, the Rooftop King camping tent has high-quality aluminium poles. The newer models save weight by making the roof lid out of ABS plastic.

Pros

• Very spacious
• Extended awning
• Fairly easy to setup

Cons

• Expensive
• Awning is purchased separately

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6. Eezie Awn Stealth Rooftop Tent

Best Rooftop Tent for Couples

The Eezie Awn Stealth Rooftop Tent is best for long-distance travellers as it fits tightly to a car’s roof with its four hooks fastening it safely. We recommend it for romantic duo retreats—it can accommodate two to three individuals. The hardshell rooftop tent also has a decorated interior that cools the experience when relaxing in the tent. Combined with the decorations, the tent can become as comfortable as a home environment.

Pitching the tent is easy as it has a hydraulic pump that pushes it up automatically when you pull the gear levers. This facilitates a faster installation process. The tent also has a mattress and two large storage pockets on either side. And with hooks that firmly hold the tent to your car’s roof, you can travel faster without fear of wobbling or, worse, the tent falling off.

Pros

• Lightweight
• Short setup duration
• Durable
• Integrated ladder

Cons

• Expensive
• Automatic opening mechanism isn't reliable

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7. LT-50 Lightweight Rooftop Tent

Lightest Rooftop Tent

The LT-50 Lightweight Rooftop Tent by Alu-Cab is convenient to use. It weighs 46 kg and offers the same build quality as other Alu-Cab products. The ultralight rooftop tent opens in seconds, allowing you to keep your bedding inside. With a 30 kg load capacity on top, the LT-50 boasts a nut slot lid and base frame for easy mounting of accessories like awnings and shower cubes.

To ensure easy installation and transport, the LT-50 Lightweight Rooftop Tent is constructed from lightweight, high-strength aluminium. The tent's compact, streamlined design minimises wind resistance while driving, and its single-sided opening enhances wind resistance. We recommend it for vehicles like the Subaru Outback and Toyota Rav4. The LT-50 maintains Alu-Cab's commitment to durability, convenience, and comfort.

Pros

• Ultralight construction
• Quick pop-up setup
• Durable and convenient
• Streamlined aerodynamic design

Cons

• Higher price point
• Noisy in windy conditions

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8. Camp King Rooftop Tent

Most Comfortable Rooftop Tent

The Camp King Rooftop Tent is proudly Australian-made. It is an easy-to-setup hard-shell rooftop tent with large windows covered by an insect-proof mesh. It also includes side entrances that can be accessed with a telescopic ladder and offers enough room space to stand straight for anyone up to 6 feet tall—it maxes out at 7 feet.

To set up the Camp King Rooftop Tent, you must first open the two latches; the tent will raise automatically. Then get the poles from inside and stick them on the canvas so your tent can be fully upright. The poles are specially designated, so you’ll know where they go.

When packed, Camp King's rooftop tent is tiny enough to fit in even the most miniature automobiles while transported by road. The King Rooftop tent boasts a durable wrap telescopic staircase and a wrap floor surface. It can accommodate up to four individuals.

Pros

• Easy setup
• Comfortable height for tall individuals
• Increased durability levels

Cons

• Expensive

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9. Pinnacle Off-Road Roof Top Tent

Best Budget Rooftop Tent

The Pinnacle Off-Road Roof Top Tent is for budget-conscious campers looking for a reliable and efficient shelter solution. Boasting a rapid setup time of under 30 seconds, this tent offers instant convenience without compromising on durability. The tent is well made with a strong, heavy-duty canvas. The use of high-quality polyester and self-repairing coil zips enhances its durability. You also get a 75 mm thick foam mattress that makes sleeping comfortable.

The Pinnacle Roof Top Tent is fully water and insect-proof. It has a blade coat waterproofing application and fine mesh windows that contribute to its water and insect resistance. The side rain cover is also a thoughtful addition. The affordable hardshell rooftop tent strikes a balance between affordability and performance, making it our optimal choice for adventurers looking to maximise value without compromising on quality.

Pros

• Budget-friendly
• Quick 30-second setup
• Water and insect-proof
• Lightweight and compact

Cons

• Basic features
• Wind noise
• Minimal interior space

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Using Hard Shell Rooftop Tents in Australia

Camping is a great way to get close to nature and have fun in the great outdoors. People often use camper vans or caravans to travel around Australia's huge land area. Setting up camp usually takes a lot of time and work, but it can be quick and easy if you have the right gear and equipment. Rooftop tents are becoming more popular in Australia because they have features that traditional tents don't always have.

A rooftop tent is a piece of camping gear attached to a car's roof and gives people a safe, comfortable place to sleep or rest while they are on the move. Getting a good rooftop tent is helpful in a lot of ways. More and more people use them because they are easy and quick to set up. A rooftop tent is easier to set up and take down than a traditional tent, giving you more time to do other things.

Types of Roof Top Tents

There are two types of rooftop tents; Hardshell pop-up and Hardshell clam. Which should you choose?

1. Hardshell – Pop Up

When unpacked, hardshell pop-up rooftop tents resemble a large cargo box on top of your car. They have gas or spring struts that keep the walls taut during a storm, making them quieter and sturdy tops that shield you from the elements. They are, however, more expensive and less spacious than a soft-shell rooftop tent.

Reasons to Buy

• Quick set up and pack up
• Can usually close it with your pillows and blankets inside
• The walls are not as flappy and therefore quieter in a storm
• Can house a thicker mattress as it doesn’t need to fold over to close
• Some models can have solar panels mounted on top
• No overhang when set up

Reasons to Avoid

• Heavy
• Head height is often reduced
• Usually the most expensive rooftop tent
• The moving parts are inside the fabric making, it harder to repair

2. Hardshell – Clam

Clamshell rooftop tents are the easiest to set up and take down. When set up, they look like a big triangle on top of your car. All the hardware, including the hinges, etc., is mounted on the same tracks, making repairs and maintenance easier.

Like the pop-up, the fabric is stretched tight so it doesn't flap as much in bad weather. However, you can also move your car and tilt the roof to deal with bad weather.

Reasons to Buy

• Quick set up and pack up
• The walls are taught and not as flappy in a storm
• Moving parts are easier to access
• Can angle the roof to deal with the weather by moving your car

Reasons to Avoid

• Expensive
• Heavy

Features of a Quality Hard Shell Rooftop Tent

You should look for the following essential qualities in a rooftop tent. Here are five of the most important.

1. Heavy-Duty Aluminum Frame

A sturdy aluminium frame is durable and can withstand harsh weather conditions and accidents such as dropping. Also, ensure that mounting brackets are included so they can be easily attached to the roof racks.

2. Durable Canvas or Polyester

Durable rooftop tent material allows you to enjoy the product and experience. Some of the best rooftop tents use a high-quality double-stitched aluminized polyester and a tear-resistant mesh to keep mozzies at bay.

3. Modern Design

With a clever design, a rooftop tent can provide a beautiful 360-degree view of your surroundings. Modern designs also offer sufficiently ventilated and a more relaxed tent experience.

4. Quality Ventilation System

Even with very spacious rooftop tents, inspect the size of the windows as they contribute to the quality of ventilation. Besides this, some tent models have floors made of synthetic foam panels on an aluminium frame that provides optimal insulation against low temperatures.

5. Weatherproof Design

Your hard-shell tent should be waterproof and wind-tested to speeds as high as 120 km/h if possible. This would ensure it is sufficiently weatherproof and can hold tightly to your car when traveling. Also, check for layers of reinforced fibreglass on the upper and lower hulls.

Hard Shell Roof Top Tent Installation and Setup Guide

Installing and setting up a hard-shell rooftop tent requires careful attention to detail. Follow these installation steps for a successful installation:

Step 1: Vehicle Compatibility Check

Ensure a smooth installation by confirming your vehicle's suitability for a hard-shell rooftop tent. Verify that your roof rack can adequately support the tent's weight, and check your vehicle's roof load capacity to prevent safety issues.

Step 2: Prepare the Roof Rack

Start by maintaining the longevity of your installation. Clean and inspect the roof rack, addressing any damage. Adjust the crossbars to match the tent's dimensions and securely fasten them to ensure a stable foundation for the tent.

Step 3: Positioning the Tent

Optimise weight distribution and stability by lifting the hard shell tent onto the roof rack and positioning it evenly. Align the tent to ensure proper weight distribution across the rack, laying the groundwork for a secure installation.

Step 4: Mounting the Tent

Secure the tent in place using the provided mounting hardware. Take a moment to double-check the tightness of all bolts and screws to prevent any potential movement during transit.

Step 5: Final Checks and Safety Measures

Complete the installation with a series of final checks and safety measures. If applicable, handle electrical connections according to the manufacturer's instructions. Confirm the stability and weight support of the ladder. Test the tent's functionality by opening and closing it multiple times.

Ensure the vehicle is on a level surface before deploying the tent, and address any weatherproofing concerns by checking for gaps and applying seam sealer or weatherproofing tape. Finally, adhere to safety guidelines, be mindful of your vehicle's weight distribution, and stay within the recommended load capacity and occupancy guidelines.

Hard Shell vs. Soft Shell Roof Top Tent: Pros and Cons

Selecting between a hard shell and a soft shell rooftop tent involves weighing various factors to align with your camping preferences and vehicle requirements.

Both come with distinct advantages and drawbacks, influencing factors such as setup time, weight, cost, and overall camping experience. Here's a brief overview of the pros and cons of each type of rooftop to help you decide:

Hard Shell Roof Top Tent Maintenance Tips for Longevity

Ensuring the longevity of your hard-shell rooftop tent involves regular maintenance. Follow these essential tips to keep your tent in optimal condition:

1. Cleaning: Regularly clean the exterior with mild soap & water to remove dirt, dust & grime. Pay attention to the seams and zippers when cleaning to prevent corrosion.
2. Inspecting Hardware: Inspect all hinges, latches, and mounting hardware for any indications of wear or looseness. Tighten any loose bolts and lubricate moving parts to ensure smooth operation.
3. Weatherproofing: Periodically check the tent's weather seals for any damage or wear. Apply a weatherproofing solution to seams and zippers to maintain water resistance.
4. Fabric Care: Regularly inspect the fabric for tears, punctures, or abrasions, repairing any damage promptly. If your tent has a soft shell cover, ensure it is in good condition to protect the hard shell.
5. Frame Maintenance: Check the hard shell frame for rust or corrosion, especially in coastal or humid areas. Treat any rust spots with an appropriate rust inhibitor or paint to prevent further deterioration.
6. Lubrication: Apply a silicone-based lubricant to moving parts like hinges and latches to prevent rust and maintain smooth functionality.
7. Storage Considerations: Store the tent in a cool, dry place when not in use to prevent mould and mildew growth. If long-term storage is required, consider using a breathable cover to protect against dust.
8. Regular Use: Open and close the tent periodically, even if not in use, to prevent stiffness and ensure all components remain functional. Test the operation of zippers, latches, and hinges during these checks.
9. Electrical Components (if applicable): If your hard shell tent has electrical components, such as LED lights, inspect the wiring regularly for any wear or damage. Ensure all electrical connections are secure & protected against the elements.

With the above maintenance tips in your routine, you can prolong the lifespan of your hard-shell rooftop tent, ensuring a dependable and enjoyable camping experience for many years.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions about choosing the best hard shell rooftop tents in Australia:

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Summary

From the reliable Kings Grand Tourer MkIII to the nimble LT-50 Lightweight Rooftop Tent, each pick unlocks a world of outdoor possibilities. Whether solo or with companions, your rooftop haven awaits. Hopefully, you have all you need to make a better decision from our detailed and in-depth guide.

Remember, making an informed decision for a rooftop tent for camping in Australia is essential to get the best experience. Obviously, the Kings Grand Tourer MkIII is a popular choice with great reviews, but understanding the available options is critical, especially since buying a rooftop tent is costly. Ready for the best under the Aussie skies?