This Is The Best Roof Top Tent | Alucab Gen 3 Roof Top Tent Review

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4 жыл бұрын

This Is The Best Roof Top Tent | Alucab Gen 3 Roof Top Tent Review
An overlook at the aluminum shell Alucab Gen 3 tent. These tents are used all across the world for overland travel and expeditions. These tents have found their way on top of Jeeps, Toyotas, Nissan, and more. With a design that will stand the test of time, find out what else sets these tents apart from the rest.
After 2 years of use, I am convinced this is the best roof top tent on the market. Now the 3.1 is out, and I hope I can check it out soon.
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Пікірлер: 101

@BarryFranks 3 жыл бұрын

great review... You are direct and to the point. Only wish other reviews could be this thorough and non-fluffy. This solidified my thoughts on their quality. I have a Tacoma and am looking at their full canopy/camper set up. I have always slept in my truck bed/hardshell canopy and have been skeptical of roof top tents due to durability/comfort. You echoed my thoughts on why they are superior-- these guys build this stuff for the safari... they wouldn't have a market in places like South Africa/Australia if they weren't well engineered.

@IndependenceOverland 3 жыл бұрын

If the next gen Tacoma has a bigger payload, I’ll be getting one and an Alucab camper. If the next gen Tacoma doesn’t have a better payload, I’m going to import a 99’ troop carrier and get an Alucab conversion for it. I’ll pay top dollar for gear that holds up. Thanks for watching.

@roaming9527 4 жыл бұрын

I to have a Alu Cab Gen 3. Awesome tent. Definitely have the same problem with latches. I’ve been using carabiner method, but haven’t attached with a wire. Will definitely be doing this. Thanks for the tip! Great video!

@Luckystudio13 3 жыл бұрын

Excellent detailed review. Very useful. Thank you.

@2Worlds_and_InBetween 4 жыл бұрын

Good review, cheers, you gots me thinking 💭

$@compoundfracture4661$

@compoundfracture4661 4 жыл бұрын

Nice review! Like your editing too. Subscribed.

@IndependenceOverland 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you!

@edsonkidwell2522 2 жыл бұрын

GREAT REVIEW thanks for sharing this and taking the time to speak on pros and cons

@IndependenceOverland 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you Edson, I plan to do a long term review soon.

@richardweston5761 4 жыл бұрын

You have a nice attitude. Well edited too. Great tip about CO2 by the way.

@robertwhalley882 4 жыл бұрын

Just bought one, found the tips very useful (like the colour coded zippers), thanks

@IndependenceOverland 4 жыл бұрын

Your gonna love it!

@scottnorris3797 Жыл бұрын

Thanks for the vid justo my fj 2007 needed the ideas

@IndependenceOverland Жыл бұрын

Thanks for checking it out!

@PhantasticAdventures 4 жыл бұрын

hey mate, awesome review on the Alucab RTT, I absolutely love mine and have to agree with almost everything you stated. Awesome FJ mate! got yourself a new Sub and keep up the awesome work on the videos

@IndependenceOverland 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks man! I’ve followed your build for a long time now. Cheers!

@PhantasticAdventures 4 жыл бұрын

Independence Overland that’s awesome! Thanks for following my build :) have you have inspiration from mine to build into urs?

@PhantasticAdventures 4 жыл бұрын

Hey just wanted to see if u collect patches as I would I love to send you a couple :) for one FJ owner/ KZfaqr to another :)

@IndependenceOverland 3 жыл бұрын

I'm unsure why, but YT doesnt do a good job of giving me comment notifications. Just seeing this. Your videos were my inspiration for the awning, and the tent followed after. I have owned my Fj for about 11 years now, finally have it to where I want it and its got a ton of miles now!

@IndependenceOverland 3 жыл бұрын

Again, just seeing this. Yes I have patches on my headliner, I would love one if the offer still stands! Cheers!

@rshutterbug47 3 жыл бұрын

Good Review Thanks

@IndependenceOverland 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching

@MrMonkeybusiness61 3 жыл бұрын

Hey nice review. Thoughts about the FJ's handling with the AluCab ontop? I wonder what it feels like running down the freeway at 85mph?

@IndependenceOverland 3 жыл бұрын

The Fj built like mine is comfortable at about 70, 75 tops. At that speed on the highway on a really windy day, you feel it. If your driving into heavy wind, your mpg’s get cut down. But that’s pretty much the Fj as a whole, since it’s shaped like a brick.

@elo5449 4 жыл бұрын

Who else subscribed because Richie From Boston said so! 👇

@fabienpics Жыл бұрын

SUPER.. VERY GOOD INFO THANK YOU, I M ON MARKET FOR BUY ROOF TOP TENT, AND I M GONNA GO FOR ALU CAB, I HAVE THE EXPLORER CANOPY ON MY TACOMA OFFROAD 3RD GEN. AND ALU CAB ARE VERY GOOD CIE. MAKE GREAT GEAR. NOW IN JULY 2022, IS ALU CAB 3.1 ROOF TOP TENT, AND NO MORE PROBLEM WITH THE NEW LADDER. THANK YOU AGAIN FOR ALL THIS GOOD INFO IN YOU RE REVIEW. 👍👍👍 I saw you re reviews on the new one , the R model. I think the 3.1 are great enough ( for me) . And a little bite less expensive.

@IndependenceOverland Жыл бұрын

Consider spending the money on the HEST mattress for your tent! I just got one and the tent is warmer, and so much more comfortable. Such a great mattress. I put a video up of it recently. Again, thanks for watching bud!

@fabienpics Жыл бұрын

@@IndependenceOverland thank you for this info

@andrewmcgaha9629 3 жыл бұрын

Great video. Dropped a sub. The paint peeling/chipping would drive me mad for the price. Who makes your antenna bumper mount?

@IndependenceOverland 3 жыл бұрын

The antenna bumper is a cheap basic mount off amazon, and then I cut a small piece of steel with the proper whole size (I forget the size) for the NMO antenna mount. Has worked well for the past few years. Thank you for subscribing, I really do appreciate it. amzn.to/3260o6X

@jessiecuellar3389 3 жыл бұрын

Good morning boss, awesome setup! What roof rack do you use? I’m building a rig now, would like to fit both an awning and a RTT. Thanks for the great info!

@IndependenceOverland 3 жыл бұрын

I’m actually not using a full roof rack to cut down on weight. I bought the RhinoRack Back bone system, 2 Alucab crossbars (you can also use Front Runner, or I believe Rhino Rack sells some too) and then a single piece of 20 series tslot at the front. The tent only bolts down to the cross rails at the rear, and the middle. The front only makes contact with the front tslot piece when someone is inside of it. You could just use another cross bar at the front, but the tslot is significantly less expensive. The awning bolts to the side of the actual tent itself.

@jessiecuellar3389 3 жыл бұрын

@@IndependenceOverland dude you’re the best! Appreciated

@salimalshieily9778 4 жыл бұрын

Amazing review brother, I have mine on they way to Oman, but with thus corona drama it has been 3 months waiting for it, Can you please share the link of the solar panel, which will include sizes and brand, I will defenetly go for it, and those LED Strap under the Awing, amazing idea, stay safe mate

@IndependenceOverland 4 жыл бұрын

They don’t make this exact panel anymore, but actually some that fit even better. 4thdsolar.com

@peterjackson5153 4 жыл бұрын

Interesting point about the side windows. That was my one gripe about this tent not having covers over them to allow you to open for ventillation, clearly you have found you can indeed do it. Do you think you could just use uni strut on the rails on top for mounting kit?

@IndependenceOverland 4 жыл бұрын

Yes you could certainly do that. Bolting things to the railing is really easy on these.

@stevetracy8038 2 жыл бұрын

@@IndependenceOverland you have houohhooohojuilp

@JB-bs7vn 3 жыл бұрын

Hi there ! Great videos! I’m upgrading my 2014 FJ and looking for a roof top tent. What roof rack do you have or recommend to go with that tent? Thanks!

@IndependenceOverland 3 жыл бұрын

I just use the RhinoRack backbone and 2 Alucab cross rails. The 3rd front rail is just a 2x1” piece of tslot aluminum.

@capt.stubing5604 2 жыл бұрын

Excellent review. You don’t get the real deal in as great detail in many places.

@IndependenceOverland 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you sir!

@mattbj6927 3 жыл бұрын

I'm curious on how you feel about the weight on top of your fj? I'm currently looking for a rooftop tent for my fj. Like all the large aluminum clamshell ones alu-cab bush alpha, and almost bought a used damaged stealth. One of my concerns is the weight up top. I'm also considering ones like auto home Columbus, mostly because of weight. I really like the extra room in the alucab for bedding something the fiberglass ones are a little lacking. It was one of the things that kept me from jumping on the stealth, that and it's 220 pounds advertised. Nice reviews also really liked your one on your battery update. I've got my redarc waiting for me to finish my drawer system. Just trying to decide which battery I'm going with 50 or 100.

@IndependenceOverland 3 жыл бұрын

The weight is noticeable, I ended up putting my front sway bars back on and getting the disconnects so driving on highways is nicer. It does have limitations at times, but I still get to see a lot of cool stuff and wheel pretty hard at times. It’s a matter of knowing your limits though. With the awning and shower enclosure, it adds even more to the roof. In the vast majority of circumstances I can do everything everyone else is the group is doing, and when I can’t I just accept that I am sleeping better in exchange for being a little tippy feeling on off camber obstacles. I think no matter what tent you get it will be noticeable. Avoid an entire roof rack like I did is my advice. If you camp and move every day, or plan to use even a little solar, I would get the 50ah if it’s lithium. 100 is overkill in my opinion.

@juanpabloafanadorkuratomi7565 3 жыл бұрын

Nice review. Do you find the tent comfortable in warm nights during summer? I’m between this type of opening and an Autohome Maggiolina style. I’m just wondering which style is more ventilated and fresh.

@IndependenceOverland 3 жыл бұрын

I run a fan in it, and with all the windows opened up a fair bit I don’t find it hot at all. In Colorado it cools off dramatically at night, but even in states like Missouri where it stays warm all night long, I haven’t thought of the tent as too hot. It has plenty of cross ventilation.

@juanpabloafanadorkuratomi7565 3 жыл бұрын

Independence Overland thanks!

@oldchicago3216 3 жыл бұрын

Can I install this tent onto a 2 door Jeep Wrangler JK if I use or make a oversized rack? I haven't seen anyone do it but I'd like to....thank you, great video.

@IndependenceOverland 3 жыл бұрын

Sorry, I dont have the answer to that. I would call OK4WD, they will for sure know the answer.

@nynomadfjc3907 3 жыл бұрын

I wish I had bought the Alu-cab verses the roofnest falcon. if for nothing else, I much prefer the window design of the AluCab for every reason you spoke of

@IndependenceOverland 3 жыл бұрын

I’ve read a lot about the Roofnest having poor customer service which scares me for their customers. Alucab knows certain things wear out, and they don’t upcharge replacement parts. Very solid service from Alucab.

@crowdedfriday 4 жыл бұрын

I'm trying to decide what I want... had a Conqueror.. but thinking about the RTT option. Would you buy this again? Or consider the Eezi Awn, or something else? I realize everything has a sacrifice.

@IndependenceOverland 4 жыл бұрын

I would buy it again for sure. I don’t have to worry about fiberglass getting damaged either, the aluminum is tough as nails. There are other aluminum options on the market now that look like very nice designs, but they are heavier than the Alucab. I plan to build a truck camper at some point, and I will be putting an Alucab canopy on it. I really like their products.

@galeriafuentes 3 жыл бұрын

Which conqueror model did u have?

@poorbadger 4 жыл бұрын

You mention insulation and heat retention. How’s it do when it’s hot outside? Does the dual layer canvas air gap act as as insulator and keep it cooler in the sun etc?

@IndependenceOverland 4 жыл бұрын

No, because it’s a darker material. It will heat up like an oven. I’ve rolled over and touched the sides of the tent and it’s actually quite hot when the sun is hitting it. Opening the windows let’s a lot of air move through , that’s my preferred way to take a nap mid day.

@jailbreakoverlander 4 жыл бұрын

the ladder is shit, ive had mine on my truck full time and no peeling at all. Ive slept in my RTT 104 times (ish) never once condensate . Also I added you review to my RTT playlist

@IndependenceOverland 4 жыл бұрын

Even with the chipping, I love the tent more every time I use it

@mattbj6927 2 жыл бұрын

I've got the same set up as you, do you get whistling while driving at freeway speeds? If so what did you do to fix it? I'm currently moving it back a bit on the rhino rack. Thanks Matt

@IndependenceOverland 2 жыл бұрын

Hey Matt, my whistles a little but I made a homemade front fairing for the cross bar above the windshield. I just used a cheap piece of angle aluminum, and cut the corners round to give it a manufactured look and painted it black. You said you have a RhinoRack though, I only use the Backbone part of that roof rack with 3 cross bars so perhaps that could be different as well. My tent is by no means silent up there, but nothing unusually annoying. Let me know if I can be of any more help.

@mattbj6927 2 жыл бұрын

@@IndependenceOverland Yeah I'm using alucab cross bars on my backbone. I was out looking at it today, and I'm going to build some kind of wind deflector. Probably mount it to the mounting channel on the tent. Mine is crazy annoying between 60-65 super loud. By the way you are a natural at doing KZfaq videos,. I'd imagine if you keep doing it you'll get very popular. I'm sure it's difficult to manage trying to do videos and have a real job. Keep up the good work.

@IndependenceOverland 2 жыл бұрын

@@mattbj6927 Thanks for the words of encouragement man! It means a lot. It took a long while to get comfortable in front of a camera and I am still not entirely. I was just on my way back from Utah a few hours ago driving 80, which is faster than I typically go and had no whistles to speak of. So I think your fairing will do the trick. If it doesn't work, shoot me an email with a photo of what you came up with and I will be happy to help. Thanks again!

@dainjahrus 2 жыл бұрын

Great review, my biggest problem would be i I'm in the north west (Vancouver Canada)... Rain is like, for weeks straight sometimes and my garage doesn't have the height to air out the tent after a super rainy trip. Do you think that's a dealbreaker? I really don't want to buy one of these and then have either mold or have to take it off my roof to dry it out... So far ive been sticking with a ground tent so i can say least lay it out in the garage

@IndependenceOverland 2 жыл бұрын

It will make it a little bit of a chore. I can’t totally speak to that since I live in a dry climate and it’s really easy to air mine out. That might be a good question for the folks on one of the Alucab Facebook groups. I would think you could keep the dehumidifier bags in it like I do with mine, and on decent days just get a fan going inside of it but hard to say man. I hate to give advice about something I haven’t experienced before.

@dainjahrus 2 жыл бұрын

@@IndependenceOverland fair enough. thanks dude

@philo2197 4 жыл бұрын

Just put a down payment on mine. Waiting for it to arrive. My one question I have is, does the power inside the tent (light and USB ports) work or does that only work when solar is setup or another power source?

@IndependenceOverland 4 жыл бұрын

It simply plugs into the battery of the vehicle, or I suppose it could be modified to plug into a battery pack of some sort.

@DavydLiu 2 жыл бұрын

I think 3.1 fixes a lot of the problems, nice video

@IndependenceOverland 2 жыл бұрын

Yeah I had seen some of the updates addressed this. I hope my video helped point out a few of those issues to them. Thanks David.

@erroneouscode 3 жыл бұрын

Every time you mentioned the dual layers, and actually looking at the overlay around the openings, I'm thinking spiders would just love crawling up there out of sight.

@IndependenceOverland 3 жыл бұрын

I’m sure it’s happened, but not often enough to be a big concern.

@rondre3 3 жыл бұрын

I got the same tent from ok4wd back on 8/19, mine must be the upgraded tent as the light I have on the inside is at the top. Also I haven't had any issues with the paint flaking off, they must have also updated that as well. I learned the hard way and never thought about condensation on the bottom side of the mattress, one day I looked underneath and the mattress was damp. I went ahead and added the same anti condensation mat (mattress insider) with a new latex 3 inch topper (old foam one developed mold) and now all seems to be good. I just ordered two dehumidifiers after watching this video and I should be good going forward. I also agree about spending more on a tent, the time it takes to setup and tear down is quick, no regrets. I always keep the windows open a little when sleeping as I have had a little condensation develop.

@IndependenceOverland 3 жыл бұрын

Yeah it looks like they improved on the design a little with those upgrades. Now that I’m on year two with my older powercoating, it’s flaking more and more. I’d be willing to get within another 2 years it will look pretty pathetic. I still love the tent, I just wish they had sorted that part out before I bought one. How do you like the 3” topper? Do you bottom out on it sleeping all night? I just added a 1” latex topper to the included mattress and it seems to help a fair bit.

@Unwired9374 4 жыл бұрын

What front bumper do you have?

@IndependenceOverland 4 жыл бұрын

The Kodiak from Expedition One

@ZigZagZer0 Жыл бұрын

The ladder sucks ass! I think I bought the last Gen 3 from OK4WD and it’s rubbed a tiny tiny hole where it lays in the wedge when closed. Bought the telescopic one which of course now comes standard. I will say their service has been phenomenal and they offered me a patch kit or a new panel for no cost. Gonna buy the anti condensation stuff you recommended

@IndependenceOverland Жыл бұрын

Yup, that ladder was a bad idea from the start! The anti condensation mat is huge, combine that with a Hest mattress and you’ll be perfect! I did a video on that too, check that out if your looking to upgrade your mattress. It makes the tent WAY better insulated and is just incredibly comfortable.

@IndependenceOverland Жыл бұрын

Upgrade Your Roof Top Tents Mattress! | HEST Bed kzfaq.info/get/bejne/etuflrCev7jUf30.html

@ZigZagZer0 Жыл бұрын

@@IndependenceOverland That’s nice! The mattress doesn’t bother me too bad but that looks comfy. Looks like you put the anti condensation mat between the mattress and the foam floor layer?

@IndependenceOverland Жыл бұрын

@@ZigZagZer0 yes sir!

@ZigZagZer0 Жыл бұрын

@@IndependenceOverland Thanks! Glad to find your channel, love the effort in your camping videos

@jericopalileo9990 4 жыл бұрын

How many person can fit inside the tent?

@IndependenceOverland 4 жыл бұрын

My wife, myself, and our 65 pound dog sleep up there. It’s a little right but comfortable. I would definitely say this is intended as a 2 person tent.

@danmc2678 3 жыл бұрын

Tents should be tan or white to stay cool. I don't understand the dark colored tent idea?

@IndependenceOverland 3 жыл бұрын

I understand where your coming from, but haven't personally had issues with that. It doesn't seem to get hot in direct sunlight until about 9am in the summer usually, and by then I should be up and around anyway. It is nice for drying out the tent on a sunny day though, it dries quick!

@stanislawfaron7810 2 жыл бұрын

✌️👍

@IndependenceOverland 2 жыл бұрын

🤙

@ll0074 4 жыл бұрын

you said you used a carobi. what is that and how do you spell it

@IndependenceOverland 3 жыл бұрын

Sorry for not replying sooner, this comment slipped through my notifications. Its a carabiner.

@spartan8390 3 жыл бұрын

Real question: At $3,600 for the gen 3, and $4,000 for the gen 3.1; I'm trying to understand the value for the money. I don't mind spending money on quality, but I need help understanding why I would spend that on a tent. I have a single man tent that packs down to smaller that a 2 liter bottle and got it on sale for under $300. In an emergency; I can just leave my tent without a care in the world. With any RTT, I'd have to break it down to leave, or destroy it (and severely damage my vehicle) if I had to rush off while it is deployed. If it's for safety reasons; a wild animal would get both tents. Flash floods; that's why everyone should research the area first. Storage; any non-rtt wins that. Cleaning goes to any non-rtt as well. So is it the cool factor? I could understand that. But I'm open to learning more, if you or anyone could explain it to me. Thank you!

@IndependenceOverland 3 жыл бұрын

It’s mostly a convenience factor really. I can pop up a bed in about 30 seconds. While this may not matter for setup, if your on the move quick the next morning and you do that for 5+ days in a row, it makes a huge difference. If you camp in the same spot for days on end, perhaps it doesn’t make sense for you. It’s quick, and comfortable. I sleep as good in this tent as I do at home, maybe that’s why I personally like them so much. I sleep on the ground when I hunt out of a backpack and I don’t sleep nearly as good on the ground. Everyone values different things. I have seen people who buy a RTT and love it, and also people who sell it and go back to sleeping on the ground.

@spartan8390 3 жыл бұрын

@@IndependenceOverland Now THAT makes sense. I never considered the creature comforts as I have always enjoyed "roughing it." I could see using one in combination with a Spot to acquire medical if I needed, or was unable to drive out. To be fair, camping on the wet ground vs a rtt has it's negative side. Maybe I'll give one a try to see how I like it (especially if I mount it over the bed of my truck). I appreciate you explaining it!

@azdrew 4 жыл бұрын

What car do you have

@IndependenceOverland 4 жыл бұрын

2007 Toyota Fj Cruiser

@christurner68 2 жыл бұрын

I’m pretty sure you are over your weight rating for your future roof loading. Those alucabs are very heavy.

@IndependenceOverland 2 жыл бұрын

The Fj actually has one of the higher roof load ratings. 4runner is pretty low. The Alucab is claimed at around 170, plus the awning and everything ads up of course. And I think roof loads are rated based on factory equipment as well.

@christurner68 2 жыл бұрын

@@IndependenceOverland static weight yes, but the dynamic rate is too low take the RTT and the accessories. Then you have the Offroad rating which bring that loading down even further. So it is a normal tent for my and my fj