When you're rooftop tent camping, you want to ensure your tent is reliable and heavy-duty. There are a lot of options to choose from. So, we decided to look at one of the top products on the market: the Smittybilt GEN2 Overlander Roof Top Tent.

The Smittybilt rooftop tent is a solid overlander tent that can ensure a safe and premium camping experience. From the materials used to the considerable size of the tent for your party, the Smittybilt rooftop tent is a good blend of value and quality. However, is it worth your time and consideration? Here's why we think it might be.

Features & Specifications of the Smittybilt GEN2 Overlander Roof Top Tent

What sets this overlander tent apart from the rest? First, it has a 4.6 out of 5 rating from over 100 customers for a reason. The generous sleep capacity, universal fit, and premium materials make it a top overlander tent product contender. Check out the features and specs for this high-quality tent.

Material Quality

The Smittybilt rooftop tent is outfitted with a 2.5cm aluminum/polyurethane sandwich base. The aluminum helps to add to the tent's durability, while the polyurethane base helps to keep your tent insulated. So you don't have to worry as much about keeping warm on those rainy and cold nights.

Makers for this tent seem to have thought of many common tent pitfalls and used the design to avoid them. The tent includes a no-see-um mosquito screen to keep the critters out, while the 600d heavy-duty rip-stop polyester and polyurethane top offers that waterproof protection that helps keep you dry in those rainstorms. You can also keep your stay illuminated with the LED strips.

The makers of this Smittybilt rooftop tent did not skimp on high-quality materials and seemed to keep tent goers in mind during the design process. The only drawback here is the velcro cover, as it might come off a bit flimsy and might not offer the covering stability you need.

Size

Typically, overlander tents located on the rooftop of SUVs and trucks are not known for their spaciousness. In some, you might be lucky to get two people inside the tent comfortably. This tent is, fortunately, more generous when it comes to space.

It can sleep up to three people, reflected by its max load rating of 600 pounds. Additionally, the tent includes a full-size foam mattress. While it's definitely noticeably smaller than its XL cousin, it still has a decent amount of space for individuals who want to spread out and possibly invite an additional guest, something you will likely see in only a few other rooftop tents.

Weight

At a weight of around 138 pounds, this tent isn't the lightest around. Its size adds to its durability, which complements that 600-pound load rating. Also, it does use some lightweight elements like the aluminum ladder and the tent frame poles. However, it is worth noting that a 138-pound weight could be challenging to manage during installation. You might need another hand to help prepare the tent for installation and mounting.

Accessories

So, what comes with this tent? Well, it does include some thoughtful accessories that can add an extra helpful layer to your camping trip. For example, you might not need those extra lanterns and flashlights. It includes an LED light strip, a nifty and handy tool that can keep you in the light even if the outdoors is pitch black.

Locating far off the ground can keep unwanted guests from entering your tent. However, the tent also has a mosquito screen as an added protection from large and small animals. These tents also come with a two-year warranty, another version of security, if your tent is damaged. In the way of accessories, this one does offer quite a few more than competitors.

Compatibility

While Smittybilt creates products for Jeeps, and this rooftop tent is an overlander Jeep tent, this tent has a universal fit and can likely be installed on various SUVs and trucks. In our ratings and reviews, while Jeep owners had used this tent, it also seemed compatible with Ford and Toyota pickup trucks. The main thing to ensure is that your vehicle can accommodate the tent's 138-pound size and also adequately fits with the ladder.

Regarding lifestyle compatibility, these tents are built for the adventurer or individual looking to engage seriously in overlanding. Whether you're camping in the winter or spring, this offering should have much to offer.

Install & Mounting Ease

Because of its weight and size, the Smittybilt rooftop tent takes more time and energy to set up than some of its competitors. Things like the rain fly and LED light strip add even more time for installation. There are also quite a few support poles to add in and install.

Additionally, you may need some extra materials and tools to complete the installation besides what is specified in the instructions. The ladder is the other part of the installation you'll have to pay close attention to. Depending on the vehicle's size, you may have to drill additional holes than what you may be directed to in the instructions. Once you get it installed and mounted, set up can take minutes, but the initial installation can be an involved process.

Worth the Price?

While the installation and size can be a drawback, there is a lot to be excited about with this offering. This Smittybilt rooftop tent offers a spacious interior, practical and helpful accessories, and durable materials that can provide the shelter you need while on the go.

However, you'll have to determine if this offering is worth your time and, ultimately, the price. If you're okay with dealing with a heavier tent and a more involved installation and are looking for perks like heavier-duty insulation and accessories like the LED strip, then this option might be worth your time and money.

The Smittybilt rooftop tent is just one of the many overlander tents that we offer. We've got the Smittybilt GEN2 Overlander Tent XL that sleeps four and other brands to consider. Take a look at our rooftop tent inventory for more overlander Jeep tent options.