HARD SHELL
ROOFTOP TENTS
CATALOG

A hard shell rooftop tent (RTT) is a roof-mounted camping shelter with a rigid outer shell — typically aluminum alloy, aluminum honeycomb panel, ABS or fiberglass — that folds flat when closed and opens via gas struts to reveal the sleeping cabin. The rigid shell protects the tent during driving, keeps rain and UV off the fabric, and enables fast setup (under 2 minutes). Hard shell RTTs are the dominant rooftop tent format globally, preferred for overlanding, 4WD camping and vehicle-based adventure travel.

Aluminum alloy shell: The standard premium shell type. Single-layer aluminum formed into the tent lid profile. Good strength-to-weight ratio, durable, the dominant choice in US, AU and Middle East markets. Mid-to-premium pricing position.

Aluminum honeycomb panel: A composite structure — two thin aluminum skins with a honeycomb aluminum core. Superior rigidity-to-weight ratio versus single-layer aluminum. Commands premium pricing. Distinctive rigid feel when the lid opens. Used in our Lifted Triangle, Backside-Window and Side-Open series.

PU (polyurethane) coating waterproofing is measured in mm of water column pressure the fabric can withstand before leaking. PU4000mm is the highest rating in our hard shell RTT range — present on CF-8, CF-13, CF-14 and the Z-Shape Triangle series. It indicates strong rain resistance suitable for all-season and wet-climate use. PU3000mm on honeycomb-shell models offers solid weather protection. PU2000mm is standard for normal camping conditions. Note that shell construction also contributes to weather protection — the rigid shell covers the fabric when closed.

For mid-size SUVs, the CF-8 or CF-13 (compact aluminum shell, PU4000mm) are the strongest starting point — slim packed profile (19–23 cm) fits standard crossbar systems, compact deployed footprint works well with the shorter roof platforms typical of mid-size SUVs. The XC-15 or XC-15A are also suitable — ultra-slim 18 cm packed height, all-aluminum construction. Verify the vehicle's dynamic roof load rating (min 75 kg) and crossbar spread (min 60 cm) before specifying.

Triangle / wedge: Shell opens at a diagonal angle (like a clamshell wedge). Slim aerodynamic profile when closed. Most common format — highest buyer familiarity. Best for SUVs and overland builds.

Side-open: Shell opens horizontally from one side of the vehicle. Creates a wider sleeping platform. Better for taller occupants. Suits trucks and full-size SUVs with strong roof systems. Our Side-Open RTT offers 160–190 cm width options.

Box / clamshell: Shell opens vertically — lid pops straight up. More upright interior space than a triangle. Compact footprint. Our ZC-19 packs to just 18 cm height in box style.

Yes. All hard shell RTT families in our range are available for OEM branding — custom logo, label placement, color options and branded packaging. ODM modifications (structural or design changes) are also available depending on the model and scope. Minimum order quantities for OEM start higher than standard orders — contact us with your brand requirements for a specific feasibility assessment. OEM sampling is part of the process before production commitment.

All EVERLEAD hard shell rooftop tents are manufactured at our factories in Dongguan and Fuyang, Guangdong Province, China. Manufacturing is done in-house — we are not a trading company sourcing from third parties. The facilities operate under ISO 9001 quality management and BSCI social compliance, with 100% finished-unit testing before shipment. Production capacity across all categories is 50,000+ units/month across 4 standardized production lines.

Our Sample Program allows ordering from 1 unit — this is specifically designed for distributors, agents and importers who want to test a product in their market before committing to volume. There is no pressure to move to bulk orders on any timeline. Wholesale volume pricing tiers are available once you're ready to scale. Contact us with your vehicle type, target market and preferred shell style and we'll recommend the right starting model and confirm current pricing and lead times.

Hard shell RTTs with gas strut deployment can be fully set up in under 2 minutes. The process is: release the latches → lift the shell (gas struts provide most of the force) → extend the ladder → the sleeping cabin is ready. No separate poles, no fabric pegging. Closing takes approximately the same time. This fast deployment is a key selling point over traditional ground tents and inflatable RTTs.

In the US market, aluminum alloy triangle and compact wedge RTTs are the dominant format — particularly among Toyota Tacoma, Ford Ranger, 4Runner and Jeep Wrangler buyers. Overlanding culture drives demand for durable, fast-deploy, rugged-looking products. The PU4000mm rating is a meaningful selling point in the US where buyers compare spec sheets directly. Aluminum honeycomb models appeal to premium buyers who want a visible quality story. ABS and fiberglass are mid-to-entry tier and sell at lower price points.

Australia's 4WD culture means hard shell aluminum RTTs are the dominant format, with strong preference for durable construction that handles rough off-road terrain and UV exposure. Land Cruiser, Hilux, Ranger and Prado are the primary platforms. Buyers prioritize structural integrity and UV/heat resistance alongside waterproofing. Large-cabin formats (CF-14, Side-Open series) work well for longer expeditions. Compact XC-series models fit mid-size platforms.

We don't publish wholesale or retail pricing publicly — pricing is confirmed on inquiry based on order volume, model, destination and shipping terms. As a general positioning framework: ABS shell box RTTs (ZC-18, CF-7) typically sit at entry-to-mid price points. Aluminum triangle RTTs (XC-15, CF-13) are mid-tier. PU4000mm aluminum models (CF-8, CF-13, CF-14) and honeycomb panel models are premium-tier. Contact us at sales@suvtent.com for pricing on the models you're evaluating.