An option gaining more and more traction here with each summer camping and/or touring season is the rooftop tent.

Popular now for  a number of years in hotter climate areas like southern Africa and the Australian outback, demand is now increasing here, keen 4WDers realising that – for singles and couples (or just good friends!) - a fold-out tent mounted on the roof of their truck offers a cost-effective and very flexible way to get away from it all!

By way of example leading Australian 4WD accessory product specialist ARB has two rooftop options in its Touring range, the Kakadu and Simpson III, a vehicle mounted awning and outdoor shelter, along with a variety of other optional accessories to cater for all of your camping needs.

The ARB Simpson III rooftop tent unfolds in minutes to provide sleeping quarters off the ground, protected from the elements.

Spacious and comfortable, all bedding can remain inside the tent during the journey, freeing up storage space in the vehicle, and allowing the tent to be quickly and easily packed away.

Easy to mount and operate, ARB’s retractable awnings fit on to the side of a roof rack, and are conveniently stored for immediate use on arrival. They are rugged but lightweight, and provide fast and convenient protection from the elements.

Three sizes available: 2500mm, 2000mm and 1250mm with all waterproof and with a UVP 50+ rating. The self-standing awning takes 30 seconds to deploy and comes with pegs and guy ropes for securing legs, mounting nuts and bolts, spanner and comprehensive instructions, all secured in a heavy duty nylon reinforced PVC bag.               

To read the full story in the November 2016 issue of NZ4WD go to Zinio.com(link is external) (October 24) or purchase your own hard copy at the Adrenalin store.