Introducing Altitude – ARB’s new hardshell rooftop tent

ARB has just announced a new hardshell rooftop tent, the Altitude – and while an ordinary rooftop tent wouldn’t normally be exciting enough to warrant sharing the news, this one is anything but ordinary, boasting features not widely seen before in the traditional rooftop tent market.

Highlights:

• Push one button, walk away, and your tent is ready in just one minute.
• No need to tuck bits in when packing up, it’s a totally hands-free user experience.
• Premium ladder with handrail, ‘proper’ steps and lighting.
• Closable with full bedding left inside. 

Here’s what we know about ARB’s new Altitude rooftop tent

Exterior

The Altitude is constructed with a 2.5mm thick top and bottom fibreglass shell with a lightweight aluminium frame, and the floor is built on a 20mm honeycomb core for added strength. Up top is a set of integrated roof bars that will allow you to mount up to 20kg of weight and still open. This means you can store a surfboard, skis, recovery tracks or solar panels up there without having to take it off when you set up for the night. Of course, it’s no surprise that ARB does indeed have an optional solar panel kit that you can purchase to go with their new Altitude rooftop tent.

Upfront, you’ll find an integrated wind deflector (we all know how annoying that noise is on the highway), and both sides have a pair of what looks to be easy grip lockable handles for a secure close. Ladder attachment rails can be found on both sides (dual entry) and feature built-in dual-temperature lighting, making it safer to go up and down the ladder at night. If you’ve ever missed a rung and half fallen down the ladder quicker than usual in a rooftop tent, you’ll know why this is such a great idea. As a bonus, they double as campsite lights. 

Speaking of the ladder, this is where it starts to differentiate itself from the rest.

The ladder

The ladder is stored within the hardshell top itself, which is indeed handy. What’s great about this ladder is that, unlike traditional rooftop tent ladders, ARB’s Altitude boasts handrails and ‘proper’ full-sized steps. Combine this with the lighting on the ladder rails, and you’ve got a much safer and more comfortable climbing experience.

The ladder is height-adjustable to suit vehicles up to 2.1 metres tall, so if your vehicle is lifted, you’ll need to fork out for the optional ladder extension. This is a little annoying, considering ARB’s customer base. 

Ease of use

You simply unlock the latches, press a button, and in under a minute, you’re fully ready for bed. Two linear actuators and a new patented hinge design provide the secret sauce to a fully automated open and close. According to ARB, you don’t need to tuck anything in when you pack it back away and the Altitude rooftop tent requires no manual interaction whatsoever. 

Inside ARB’s Altitude rooftop tent

A 380 GSM canvas and insect-proof mesh windows and doors have been used to provide four-season comfort. As with anything canvas, you will, of course, need to season the canvas prior to use. Massive windows are sewn into each corner and the doors, giving you a 360-degree panoramic view. One small but appreciated detail is the fluorescent zippers.

The mattress is a full-size double (1370mm x 1879mm) made from 70mm thick, dual-density foam, and it has just over a metre of internal headroom. A headliner separates the outer roof and the ladder compartment, doubling as an extra layer of insulation. Recessed within the roof, are two storage nets that allow you to store your pillows when closing it up. Yes, this means you can leave your full bedding up there (pillows and all) when you pack up. 

No rooftop tent wins in terms of storage, but ARB’s Altitude does a good job with a few handy internal storage pockets. You’ll find two drink bottle holders in the head corners, two phone pockets, and two general accessory pockets. Laying in bed and looking up, you’ll find a two-way fan with both extraction and blower settings, dual temperature and dimmable LEDs, and even a provision for mounting your tablet or smartphone from the roof to watch movies. 

Electrics

ARB’s Altitude rooftop tent comes standard with a 12V system powered by a standard Anderson Plug. It comes with a three-metre lead, or you can hardwire it to your battery if you wish. There is a 25A peak current draw on start-up and 4A on running.

Inside you’ll find USB and USB-C charging options as well as a 12V socket. For overnight security, the press of a simple red button isolates the power to the external control and a manual override system has been included in case of electrical failure. 

How easy is it to mount the Altitude?

ARB says it’s straightforward. It comes with a set of universal brackets to suit most cross-bars and racks. There are also some vehicle-specific kits available.

Specs:

• Weight: 105kg (inc. ladder and mattress)
• Roof load capacity (dynamic): 20kg
• Packaged weight: 150kg (in carton)
• Ladder weight: 9.2kg
• Length: 2,253mm
• Width: 1,612mm
• Height (closed): 372mm
• Height (open): 1,339mm
• Height (interior): 1,010mm

Optional extras

Optional extras include a 120W solar panel kit, a side awning kit, a hitch step for easier ladder access, a ladder extension, roof cross bars, and a range of mounting options eliminating the need for a roof rack. 

Price

ARB’s Altitude rooftop tent is offered at $7,249 (inc GST) for the Australian East Coast Metro area. Those that are interested will need to contact their local store for a quote. Find more details on the ARB website.