Expandable hardshell rooftop tent with a spacious double-deck design

German rooftop tent manufacturer Roof Space has quickly followed up on its promise to introduce a four-person model to its lineup. The newly launched Roof Space 4 maintains the same 30-second quick-pitching hardshell design as its predecessor, the two-person Roof Space 2, but expands its size to accommodate a super-king mattress and two open-air decks. With this addition, Roof Space is positioning itself as a competitor in the growing market of fold-out hardshell rooftop tents.

Expanding capacity and comfort

As the name suggests, the Roof Space 4 doubles the occupancy of the original model, offering sleeping space for up to four people. This places it in direct competition with established models like the iKamper Skycamp 3.0 and the Roofnest Condor 2 XL, which have already carved out a strong presence in the rooftop tent market. Fold-out hardshell designs are particularly well-suited for three- to four-person camping setups, making this expansion a natural step for Roof Space.

While the company claims that the Roof Space 4 provides the largest sleeping area on the market, a closer look at the specifications suggests otherwise. The tent offers 44.1 square feet (4.1 sq m) of sleeping space, slightly less than the 44.3 square feet (4.1 sq m) provided by the iKamper Skycamp 3.0. The difference is minor, but given Roof Space’s claim, it is a point worth noting. Nonetheless, the Roof Space 4 still offers a generous mattress size of 81 x 79 inches (206 x 201 cm), which surpasses both standard American king and California king mattresses. It also provides more sleeping space than the 42 square feet (3.9 sq m) of the Roofnest Condor 2 XL, making it a solid option for families or small groups.

A different approach to expandable hardshell design

Unlike traditional fold-out hardshell rooftop tents that use a lid for overhead coverage and a separate floor extension, Roof Space takes a different approach. The Roof Space 4 utilizes its floor panel as the roof when fully opened, with a second hard panel mounted to the vehicle. A slim protective cover seals the hinged edge during transit, providing weather protection without requiring a large fabric wrap like iKamper’s X-Cover.

This design brings several advantages, but weight reduction is not one of them. The Roof Space 4 weighs 198 pounds (90 kg), making it heavier than the iKamper Skycamp 3.0 at 165 pounds (75 kg) and the Roofnest Condor 2 XL at 180 pounds (82 kg). The added weight means that this tent is best suited for larger vehicle roofs, pickup bed racks, or roof caps with adequate dynamic load ratings.

However, despite the weight, the Roof Space 4 maintains a relatively compact profile when packed. Its aluminum case is just under 9.5 inches (24 cm) in height, significantly slimmer than the 13-inch (33 cm) profiles of competing models. This streamlined form can reduce wind resistance and improve fuel efficiency during travel.

Open-air decks for panoramic views

A standout feature of the Roof Space 4 is its full-length dome structure, which avoids the slanted hard lid seen in many competing models. This design results in a peak height of 51.2 inches (130 cm), slightly exceeding the 48 inches (122 cm) of the Skycamp 3.0 and the 50 inches (127 cm) of the Condor 2 XL, providing more headroom for campers.

Perhaps the most distinctive aspect of the Roof Space 4 is its symmetrical design, which allows for dual open-air decks. Both sides of the tent can be unzipped, giving campers the flexibility to choose their preferred viewing area. This feature ensures that no matter where the tent is set up, campers can optimize their experience by selecting the side with the best 270-degree views. At locations with open landscapes, users can even position the tent to enjoy one deck for sunrise views and the other for sunsets, enhancing the outdoor experience.

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Pricing and availability

As part of the new launch, Roof Space is currently offering the Roof Space 4 at a discounted preorder price of $4,140, which reflects a 10% reduction from its full retail price of $4,600. The tent comes equipped with a 102-inch (259 cm) telescoping ladder, a foam mattress, an anti-condensation mat, and all necessary mounting hardware. Deliveries are expected to begin in April.

Source: Roof Space