ARB ups hardshell rooftop tent range

After offering a range of more affordable, manual operation rooftop tents for a number of years, 4WD accessories giant ARB is getting into the premium hard-shell roof tent market with the release of a new 'game-changing' Altitude auto-opening model.

Like ARB's Earth camper trailer released last year, the new Altitude model blends design elements and technologies found in existing products, with some unique features to make it stand out from other pricey roof tents on the market.

ARB Altitude standard features include a gel coat fibreglass outer shell and 380gsm canvas sides, one-touch automatic opening and closing, and integrated roof bars with the ability to still open up with up to 20kg of gear loaded on the roof.

Other external features include a front wind deflector, lockable handle and entry points on both sides, and ladder attachment rails with built-in dual temperature lighting, while interior features include mesh windows or openings on all four sides, fluorescent zippers, a 70mm thick 1370mm x 1879mm dual-density foam mattress, and a honeycomb floor and premium headliner for insulation.

Also included is a 12V system with Anderson plug for appliance charging via USB sockets, dimmable LED and two-tone lighting, a two-way fan and internal pockets and roof nets for storage.

One of the stand-out features on the Altitude is its premium staircase-style retractable ladder that stores in a compartment within the shell, and has fold-out side handles and larger steps to make it easier and safer to climb up and down.

ARB says it takes about a minute to fully open up, and the twin linear actuators and a patented new hinge design means there's no 'tucking in' required when closing up.

Options available include a ladder extension for extra-high vehicles, a 120W solar panel kit, side awning kit, hitch step, and roof mounts and cross bars to suit specific vehicles.

The Altitude measures 2253mm long, 1612mm wide and 372mm high in travel mode, with 1010mm maximum interior height with the roof raised.

The ARB Altitude unit itself weighs in at a hefty 105kg including ladder and mattress, so will only be suitable for mounting to bigger 4WDs and trucks. It's also towards the top end when it comes to cost, with a RRP $7249 price-tag for buyers located in the Australian East Coast Metro area.