World's first off-grid rooftop camper costs $44,000!

Just when you think rooftop tents have reached their peak potential, along comes a new model that breaks new ground in what's possible in vehicle-roof accommodation.

Borrowing from camper trailer design and tapping into the off-grid glamping craze, the latest innovation from Redtail Overland sees the canvas tent aspect of a rooftop tent replaced by folding side walls made from lightweight carbon fibre, and solid clear panels used instead of zippered flyscreened flaps for the side windows and rear entry.

The American start-up says its Redtail Overland RTC (rooftop camper) is the "next evolution in rooftop camping" and is the "first truly four-season rooftop camper".

"Enjoy amenities typically only found in larger campers, like locking doors and windows, power, heat, lighting, plush mattress and more," the company says on the Redtail Overland website.

"The Redtail RTC's featherlight yet incredibly strong carbon fibre construction allows us to pack it full of features while keeping the total weight in check, critical for anything roof mounted. Set up or move camp on a whim with super fast setup and breakdown."

With standard features you normally see on a camper trailer, the Redtail Overland RTC roof camper boasts a lockable, insulated carbon fibre shell with dual pane windows, dimmable interior and exterior LED lighting, USB and mains power outlets, large high-flow fan and 7.5cm thick plus foam mattress.

Higher spec models also get up to 380W solar power and up to 60Ah lithium battery bank for off-grid camping, not to mention an integrated diesel space heater.

The US company says the benefits of hard walls include a "super fast set-up and breakdown" and "no wrinkled canvas to tuck", with a claimed 30-second set up and pack down time.

Two sizes are on offer: the RT90 with its 205cm x 132.5cm x 142.5cm interior living space, and the bigger RT110 which boasts a 252.5cm x 142.5cm x 155cm living space.

The entry-level Basecamp RT90 variant weighs 102kg, so is probably best suited to bigger American pick-ups and 4WD wagons, as is the fully specced RT110 Summit version with its 380W solar and 60Ah lithium battery that weighs an even heftier 149kg.

They're not cheap either, with prices starting at US$19,500 (AUD$27,000) for the basic RT90 Basecamp, and topping out at US$31,500 (around AUD$44,000) for the range-topping RT110 Summit.

US buyers can bump up the price by another US$1950 (AUD$2700) by ticking the boxes for the optional floor hatch and quick release mounting system.

Retail Overland says its luxurious roof campers are a real alternative to a towable camper trailer or teardrop camper.

"The RTC costs less than many small trailers, has similar or more headroom and sleeping space, and offers more advanced systems like lithium, large solar array and no need for a generator," the company says.

"Add a simple kitchen set-up to your vehicle and now you've got the comforts and security of a teardrop without the inconvenience of having to tow, register or store a trailer."  

The carbon-fibre roof pods are built to order in Longmont, Colorado, and like many RV manufacturers at the moment the order book currently stretches out to 2023.

The business was founded by husband and wife team Ty and Annie Tatro, who both held senior positions at premium expedition vehicle specialist EarthRoamer before starting Redtail Overland.