ARB Simpson Series 3

WE LIKED
>> Quality construction
>> Attention to detail
>> Easy to assemble and pack up

NOT SO MUCH
>> Requires some muscle to mount on roof
>> Awning not included in package

All camping 'shelters' have their pros and cons. Caravans provide home-away-from-home comforts and can be left at the park when you want to go exploring but do require a suitably-sized tow vehicle.

Motorhomes offer minimal set-up time and can be even more luxurious than caravans but parking in town or going off-road can be an issue.

Camper trailers are inexpensive and good off-road but can be a pain to set-up. Tents are cheap and easily transported, but ever tried setting one up in the rain?

Which brings us to roof-top tents. Popular in Europe and South Africa -- where sleeping high off the ground away from human-chomping beasts is an advantage -- they’re also gaining favour Down Under, particularly with four-wheel drivers who want to access remote areas while carrying minimal equipment.

Bolted securely to a roof rack or roof bar on your vehicle and set up in minutes, roof-top tents are ideal for singles or couples who want to roll into camp -- often in the dark -- and be able to enjoy tent-style comforts with a minimum of fuss.

Disadvantages include requiring some athleticism to install, erect and then access the tent area via a ladder; minimal ‘living’ space; and taking up valuable roof-top space that might otherwise be used to carry other equipment.

Generally, there are two styles of roof-top tents: streamlined, hard-top units with roofs that pop up via gas arms or wind-up mechanisms. And soft-roof structures with hinged hard bases that flip over to form a platform for the attached tent.

The Simpson Series III roof-top tent from ARB is in the latter category. Manufactured in China but developed and tested locally by the Melbourne-based 4WD accessories specialist, it’s a good option for those with larger four-wheel drive vehicles like the Toyota LandCruiser we used as a base for this review.

RAISING THE BAR

ARB has two roof-top tents in its range: the Safari, designed for colder conditions, and the similar Kakadu which is lighter and offers more ventilation for hotter climes.

Measuring 1400mm wide x 1200mm long x 400mm high when packed, the Simpson weighs around 65kg. It requires at least two adults to lift the unit on to the vehicle’s roof, where it’s secured via four mounting brackets supplied.

Setting up the Simpson is a slightly easier and quicker task, requiring just one person. First thing is to release the two straps that hold down the durable-looking PVC cover before unzipping it from the base.

After releasing more straps that hold down the canvas, it was simply a case of standing on the LandCruiser’s rear step and unfolding the base; the tent structure with its hinged, aluminium support bows automatically pulling into shape.

The lightweight, aluminium ladder attached to the base was then adjusted to the correct ground height (around 2.0m in our case) and locked in place.

The final step was to climb up into the tent and pull over the folded high-density foam mattress (with removable cover), adjust two bows to tension the front of the tent, and I was done. The whole job took around five minutes.

Inside, a good-sized sleeping area measures 2300mm x 1400mm. It’s 1300mm high at its peak, so there’s reasonable headroom when sitting down.

Although you could also squeeze a young child in, the mattress is best suited to two adults, with room for a few smaller items around the perimeter. Four internal pockets provide an ideal spot for odds and ends like books, car keys and mobile phones.

Even with the windows closed, the light coloured canvas allowed some daylight in which added to the airy, cubby-house feeling. But there are plenty of options for letting in light and air without getting wet, with good-sized windows on three sides, all with zip-up flyscreens and flaps that open from inside or out.

In fine weather the rear window flap can be rolled up and tied, while canvas awnings supported by flexible bows provide shade and rain protection with the window open. There are also two hooded ventilation ports in the roof.

A permanently-attached, water-proofed fly sheet provides extra protection from the elements, and can be pegged out with guy ropes at the front and rear for additional shade or water runoff.

An optional zip-on annexe is also available for an extra $186, to create a ground-level living and change room.

QUALITY FITTINGS

When it was released in 2008, the 'Series III' Simpson tent incorporated a number of material and design upgrades designed to make it more durable and user-friendly.

Rather than a plywood platform found on many rooftop tents, the Simpson features an ABS laminated base with aluminium frame for strength and water resistance, with polystyrene insulation to reduce under-mattress condensation.

A heavier, 300gsm poly/cotton Rip Stop canvas is now used, with polurethane coating and welded seam tape for improved water proofing.
Tougher fittings include thicker anodised aluminum tube for the roof bows, stronger steel hinges, Nylon plastic fittings, and heavier-duty zips.

Overall, we had no complaints about the tent’s fit, finish or practicality. It was easy to use (even without reading the instructions), and thoughtful design touches were abundant, like dual flaps for sealing the exposed area around platform hinges.

Like most canvas-based shelters, packing up was a bit more fiddly than setting up, with special attention needed to make sure all canvas was neatly tucked away before folding over. It’s nice to know the tent can be packed away with all bedding inside though.

VERDICT

After spending a couple of days with the Simpson it’s obvious that a roof-top tent isn’t for everyone. But for those not adverse to ‘canvas’ living and wanting to travel light and fast while sleeping relatively comfortably, they’re a sensible and affordable option.

At $1922 (including the annexe), the ARB Simpson is about middle of the pack when it comes to roof-top tent pricing. But with its solid workmanship, user-friendly features and two-year warranty, it presents as a good value-for-money option.

ARB SIMPSON SERIES 3

Overall weight: 65kg
Size (packed): 1400mm W x 1200mm L x 400mm H
Size (erected): 1400mm W x 2400mm L x 1300mm H
Tent canvas: 300gsm poly-cotton Rip Stop with polyurethane coating
Cover: 900gsm UV stabilised laminated PVC
Base: ABS laminated, aluminium frame, polystyrene core
Mattress: high density bonded chip foam
Roof bows: 25mm anodised aluminium
Ladder: anodised aluminium
Fly sheet: 300D Oxford polyester
Price: $1736
More info: ARB website