Comparing Rooftop Tents
Which rooftop tent is right for your Next Adventure?
Camping in Colorado is unlike anywhere else. The mountains, the alpine air, and the freedom to pull off the trail and call it home for the night make it unforgettable. What can make it even better is a rooftop tent. Sleeping high above the ground means you get better views, a softer bed, and a setup that feels like part of the adventure itself.
At Titus Adventures, we have built our rental fleet around some of the most trusted rooftop tents in the world, and two of the most popular are the iKamper Skycamp and the Alu-Cab Expedition. Both are excellent choices, but they are built with slightly different travelers in mind.
The Breakdown
Space and Comfort
The iKamper Skycamp is known for its size. It comfortably sleeps up to four people, which makes it perfect for families or small groups. We install this tent on our Rivians and LandCruisers, which are large enough to handle the extra weight and provide storage for bedding since it cannot stay inside the tent when it is packed down. The interior feels spacious, with a thick mattress, fitted sheets, and large windows that can be screened or blacked out for privacy.
The Alu-Cab Expedition is a tighter fit but excels in simplicity. It sleeps two people, which makes it ideal for couples or solo travelers. You will find these mounted on our Toyota 4Runners, which are nimble, capable rigs for Colorado terrain. One advantage of the Alu-Cab is that bedding can be stored inside the tent when it is closed, which saves space in the vehicle and makes setup at camp even easier.
Setup and Convenience
Both tents are designed to make camp life easier than traditional ground tents, but they differ slightly in how fast and how simple the process feels. The iKamper takes about two minutes to set up. That is still fast, but it does require a couple of steps to get everything in place.
The Alu-Cab Expedition is faster. It is a clamshell design that pops open in about thirty seconds. For anyone who values quick transitions between driving and camping, this is a major perk. The tradeoff is that the Alu-Cab has less space inside, but for many, the convenience is worth it.
Durability and Weather
Colorado’s weather can be unpredictable, with strong winds and sudden storms rolling through the mountains. Both the iKamper and the Alu-Cab are built to handle tough conditions. Each can withstand winds up to 60 miles per hour and is constructed with thick, weather-resistant materials. Both also feature windows that allow for airflow when you want it or full blackout when you need to rest.
The difference comes more from style than strength. The iKamper has a softer, more traditional tent feel with fabric walls and wide windows. The Alu-Cab, on the other hand, is designed with an aluminum shell that feels tougher and more utilitarian. It is built for rugged overlanding, while the iKamper leans slightly more toward comfort and family use.
On the Road
Since these tents are mounted to vehicles, it is worth considering how they affect your trip while driving. The iKamper is larger, which means more drag and a small reduction in fuel economy. On the Rivians and LandCruisers, this is less noticeable, but it is something to keep in mind for long road trips.
The Alu-Cab Expedition has a slimmer profile, so it has less impact on fuel efficiency. This makes it easier for mid-size SUVs like the 4Runner to handle without affecting performance as much. For drivers who plan to cover more miles or who care about efficiency, the Alu-Cab has an edge here.
Which One Fits Your Adventure
The iKamper Skycamp is the right choice for families, small groups, or anyone who wants more room and comfort in their rooftop tent. It feels like a proper bedroom above your vehicle, and while it takes a little more space and a couple more minutes to set up, it delivers a great camping experience.
The Alu-Cab Expedition is best for couples, solo travelers, or those who want quick setups and rugged durability. It feels lean and efficient, and the fact that bedding can stay inside makes camp life just that much easier.
OUR FLEET
We have the iKamper Skycamp installed on larger vehicles: Land Cruisers and Rivians. The Alu-Cab Expedition is installed on all of our 4-Runners. For those who want the ultimate overland setup, we also offer an Alu-Cab Full Camper on our Toyota Tundras, which transforms the truck into a mobile cabin. If you are not sure rooftop tents are for you, the iKamper Mini can be installed on your personal vehicle so you can try it out without committing to a purchase. For anyone who wants maximum comfort, we also have Glamper Vans with two beds (one in back and one rooftop) that comfortably sleep four people.
Why Rent Instead of Buy?
There are many considerations for installing a rooftop tent on your personal vehicle. Renting gives you the chance to test them in real conditions before deciding whether to buy. When you rent with Titus Adventures, everything is installed and ready to go, so all you need to do is pick up the keys and head for the mountains.
Some of the challenges to owning a rooftop tent:
High quality rooftop tents can cost as much as four thousand dollars
Rooftop tents are very heavy and can be difficult to install
Requires specific crossbars to handle the load
May require suspension upgrades
Storage space required for off-season
Lowers fuel economy if not removed between trips
The Elevated Camping Experience
No matter which tent you choose, the result is the same: a camping experience that feels elevated in every sense of the word.
You sleep elevated way above the ground, away from rocks, uneven dirt, and unwelcome bugs. You enjoy the best views from your window perch. You get the comfort of a real mattress and the thrill of waking up in the wild with nothing but fresh air between you and nature. At Titus Adventures, our goal is to make it easy for you to explore Colorado this way.
Book your elevated camping adventure today!
Whether you choose the family-friendly Rivian, the 4Runner off-roading machine, or even a Glamper Van, you will discover a new way to camp that blends epic adventure with effortless comfort.
