Is this Australia's best rooftop tent?
Rooftop tents don't come much better built or user-friendly than the Aussie-built Boss RT1COMMENT
I've been lucky enough to use a number of different style rooftop tents over the years, from entry-level soft-cover, flip-over models from the likes of ARB and 23Zero, to premium units like the lightweight, slimline fibreglass 'pop top' hard-topper from James Baroud.
All have their pros and cons, from the 'sweat and tears' required to set up and pack down a cheaper soft-cover roof tent, to the somewhat cramped sleeping areas in the sleeker hard-lid versions, and sky-high price tags of more techno-laden models.
However, in a crowded rooftop tent market I reckon I've discovered possibly the finest rooftop tent currently available in Australia... with pricing to match!
Manufactured in Melbourne by Boss Aluminium, which specialises in custom ute trays, canopies, tool boxes and other accessories for commercial and recreational markets, the Boss RT1 ticks just about all the boxes for a rooftop tent buyer, especially those into serious four-wheel driving and remote camping.
For starters, it's built like a military tank, with the base and hinged lid constructed from marine-grade aluminium, Tig-welded and reinforced with 11 internal stiffeners (that can also double as electrical outlets), and finished in a black powdercoat for a tough and super-smooth, auto OEM-style finish.
It's well sealed from dust and moisture when closed up, thanks to quality hardware including auto rubber seals, heavy-duty hinges and the use of two 'self locking' over-centre catches.
Boss Aluminium provides a five year warranty on the Australian-made Wax Converters Coolabah dynaproofed canvas walls, while the shell comes with an unbeatable lifetime warranty.
"When you're buying our tent you're buying it for the long term, it's not a throw-way product at all," mechanical engineer and Boss Aluminium boss Dave Whitehead says in this demonstration video.
While the bullet-proof construction is impressive, it's the user-friendly design that really stands out. While there's no auto opening trickery like on some rival models, the Boss RT1 couldn't be much easier to set up and pack down manually.
Making it super-easy is the supplied Climbrite 2.6m aluminium extension ladder that's easy to set up and provides a good base to access the entry door once hooked onto the custom brackets.
After unlatching the two over-centre catches, the front-hinged lid lifts easily thanks to a grab handle and assistance from the two gas struts. Other simple tasks include pulling down the bungy cord that holds the canvas in place during transit, and slotting in place the four adjustable SupaPeg poles for the rear awning, including two spreader bars that snap-lock into the front supports to tension the canvas.
While there isn't the king bed-size stretching room of some of its rivals, the interior space is still quite impressive with 2165mm x 1315mm total floorspace and up to 1800mm headroom, allowing most adults to stand up inside to get changed or move around.
The steep angle of the roof means you can also sleep with your head at the far end without feeling too claustrophobic or banging your head when getting up in the night, while for storage there are canvas pockets for wallets and phones in each corner, and a 300mm gap at the end of the mattress for storing clothes and shoes.
The Boss RT1 comes standard with a 70mm memory foam mattress or there's the option of a very comfy 100mm premium coil spring mattress with an aero-mat base that allows the mattress to breathe.
Canvas notwithstanding, the Boss RT1 shapes up as a good option for extreme hot or cold weather camping, with 10mm thick closed cell foam insulation in the roof and base, together with marine carpet lining that also covers the metal framing to prevent condensation.
While perhaps not quite as light and airy when fully opened up as the James Baroud, the extra-large zipped windows/doors on three sides, with built-in midge screens and separate inside flaps, can be opened up as much or little as desired depending on outside conditions.
Attention to detail is evident everywhere, from the front door canvas door that's easy to roll up and secure with the two velcro straps, or just partially held open using built-in magnets, to the 'weatherseal' canvas flaps that help protect all external zips.
Top-spec Overlander versions also come with a metre long internal LED strip with orange 'bug deterrent' and dimmable mood lighting features, while another option is a Sirocco fan that runs off a similar Deutsch plug connected to a power source.
Packing it down to its 2300mm x 1450mm x 270mm travel dimensions is just as quick and easy as setting it up, with everything done in reverse including leaving the side windows left partially open to allow air to escape and the canvas to neatly fall back into place before closing the lid.
It takes around a minute all up, and there's enough room under the lid to leave bedding and some clothes inside.
The optional Overlander package also includes 12V/USB sockets and roof rack cross rails, to carry items like recovery planks or fit optional solar panels, within the 25kg roof rating.
The RT1 is designed so a 270 degree awning can also be fitted to the sides of the base vehicle, while extra pre-drilled holes for the mounting bracket mean you can also enter the tent from the sides if required.
So what are the downsides? With prices starting at $6750 for the standard version, and the Overlander package boosting that to $7850, the Boss RT1 is right at the pointy end of the premium rooftop tent market, with options like solar panels pushing it closer to $10,000 -- that's camper trailer money!
While interior length is great, some couples may find the double-bed-size width lacking, while its hefty 90kg-100kg Tare weight makes it only really suitable for mounting to heavy-duty 4WDs like a 70 Series LandCruiser, or other sturdy platforms like the overhead frame on this Trailmaster pod trailer.
While there's no such thing as the perfect rooftop tent, it's hard not to admire the design ingenuity, engineering and workmanship that's gone into the Boss RT1. Like other premium Australian-built off-road camping equipment from the likes of Patriot, Track Trailer, AOR and BRS, it's worth considering if you like things to last and don't mind paying for quality.
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