In recent years, rooftop tents (RTTs) have become a popular choice for campers seeking a convenient and elevated sleeping experience. However, hitch-mounted tents have yet to achieve the same level of popularity. Despite the efforts of several startups and even some established manufacturers, hitch tents have struggled to gain traction in the market. The latest entry in this niche is the Swing Away Tent by British startup Escapade 4×4. With its innovative swing-out design, the tent aims to provide campers with a more flexible and accessible vehicle-based camping solution. But is it worth the higher price tag? Let’s explore the features, advantages, and drawbacks of this unique camping accessory.
Hitch-mounted tents: A unique alternative to rooftop and ground tents
Hitch-mounted tents, like the Escapade Swing Away, offer an intriguing alternative to more traditional camping options such as ground tents, RTTs, cot tents, Australian swags, and tent trailers. Compared to an RTT, a hitch-mounted tent is easier to mount and remove, requires less effort to climb into—especially for older campers, young children, and pets—and provides easier access for nighttime bathroom breaks. Additionally, because the tent rides in the vehicle’s shadow, it reduces aerodynamic drag, potentially improving fuel efficiency compared to a rooftop tent.
However, hitch-mounted tents often come across as a hybrid of rooftop and ground tents, combining features of both while introducing new considerations. They tend to be more expensive than similarly sized RTTs, which are themselves more costly than basic ground tents. They also don’t set up as quickly as the fastest RTTs and can obstruct visibility out the vehicle’s rear window. While hitch tents do offer some height and leveling advantages over ground tents, a ground tent equipped with a comfortable cot or mattress can often provide a comparable or superior level of comfort at a fraction of the cost.
The Escapade Swing Away Tent: A closer look
Escapade 4×4’s Swing Away Tent introduces an evolved design that aims to tip the balance in favor of hitch tents. Much like a swing-away bike rack or tire carrier, the tent is mounted on a hinged hitch that swings out to the right, rather than being fixed directly behind the bumper. This swing-away design offers several advantages, especially when preparing for a camping trip.
First, the Swing Away Tent is easier to mount to a vehicle than a rooftop tent because it does not need to be lifted to roof level. Escapade has incorporated wheels into the design to facilitate moving the tent to and from the hitch. Once mounted, the swing-away mechanism allows easy access to the vehicle’s tailgate without the need to unhitch the tent. This can be especially convenient for quick access to items like coolers or luggage during the journey to the campsite. It also means that campers might not need to mount and remove the tent for every trip, allowing it to stay attached for longer periods, much like an RTT.
At the campsite, the swing-away feature can also be beneficial, providing access to the tailgate for unloading gear or accessing a slide-out kitchen. It allows the creation of a compact and cohesive vehicular base camp, with a tent that is easier to enter and exit than a rooftop-mounted alternative.
Setting up the Swing Away Tent
The Swing Away Tent is designed to lower off the hitch and unfold for setup. Unlike other hitch tents that rely on folding legs, this model uses six removable, height-adjustable legs to stand level on the ground. For added stability on softer ground, removable disc feet are included—an arrangement that bears some resemblance to the legs of a lunar lander.
While the removable legs might add a bit of extra setup time compared to fold-out designs, Escapade claims that the entire tent can be set up in about three minutes. The tent’s floor area measures 208 x 122 cm (82 x 48 in), offering enough space to comfortably accommodate two adults and possibly a small pet. An integrated 5-cm-thick (2-in) mattress is included to provide a cushioned sleeping surface.
Pricing and comparisons
One of the major considerations with the Escapade Swing Away Tent is its cost. It is easy to compare this tent with a comparable rooftop tent since Escapade sells both versions of the same tent design. The rooftop variant has a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of £1,850 (approximately $2,440 USD), while the swing-away model is priced at £3,750 ($4,950 USD). This represents more than double the cost of the rooftop version. While the price difference might be less significant if you factor in the cost of a platform rack or pickup bed rack needed for some RTTs, the swing-away variant remains a premium option.
Final thoughts: Is the Swing Away Tent worth it?
The Escapade Swing Away Tent offers a unique approach to vehicle-based camping, blending some of the advantages of both rooftop and ground tents. Its swing-away design provides enhanced accessibility to the vehicle’s tailgate and potentially reduces the hassle of mounting and dismounting the tent for every trip. However, its higher price tag may deter some campers, especially when more affordable alternatives, such as ground tents with cots or comfortable mattresses, can provide similar or superior comfort levels.
For those who value the convenience of easy tailgate access and a more vehicle-integrated camping experience, the Escapade Swing Away Tent could be an appealing choice. However, potential buyers should carefully weigh the pros and cons, including the tent’s cost, setup time, and practicality, before making a decision. While the Swing Away Tent represents an interesting innovation in camping gear, it remains a niche product that may only appeal to specific types of campers who prioritize accessibility and ease of use over cost and simplicity.
Source: Escapade 4×4
