The Smittybilt 2783 Overlander Roof Top Tent is a great budget tent for the first foray into overlanding for the adventurous couple with a few minor issues.
Going from a traditional ground tent to the Smittybilt 2783 Overlander Roof Top Tent was a complete game-changer. Previously we had been using a Coleman Sundome 3-Person Tent and a Coleman Inflatable Queen Mattress and step up was less than ideal. Once we arrived at camp it would be a good 20+ minutes of setup for us and about another 20+ minutes to take down – and we are two spry young adults! The Smittybilt 2783 Overlander Roof Top Tent sets up in about 3-5 minutes and take down is about 5-7 minutes. The quick set up and take down time prioritizes what you came out to do in the first place – explore.
The Smittybilt 2783 Overlander Roof Top Tent comes with a ruggedized waterproof fabric cover and opens up like a storybook once the cover has been removed. The user simply grabs the ladder and uses the leverage to pop it open and you are done. The optional tent poles can also be deployed to allow airflow into the tent and for an elevated view. When you are ready to go the user grabs the ladder and folds up the tent slowly. If have found if you have a partner they can help you out by going around the sides of the tent and stuffing in the fabric and the rain fly. Throw over the cover, velcro the sides and away you go.
I still can’t get over how comfortable the mattress the tent comes with is. A lot of people said that we should get a foam topper but so far we haven’t needed it. If I were to upgrade something inside, it would be adding the anti-condensation mat underneath the mattress as it can get wet most of the year in British Columbia. The fabric sides of the tent are of a good quality and don’t leak, although it is best to give a “treatment” to the tent before use. The instructions on how to do this are found inside your tent pouch, and the process basically helps make the tent more waterproof.
However after about 20 nights in the tent the hinge mechanism failed. As we were setting up camp in Marble Canyon Provincial Park in British Columbia we noticed the tent was “crooked” although it appeared we were on solid ground. After some inspection we found that two bolts had either come loose or had been tampered with. Lucky we found help from our campsite host and we were able to fix the problem. I would recommend anyone who buys this tent to invest in upgrading the hardware.
The Smittybilt 2783 Overlander Roof Top Tent has room to sleep a couple very comfortably. We both have tons of room above and below our heads to adjust and move if necessary. There is easily enough room in the tent to change your outfit, read a book or just hang out. In fact the zipper panels on the roof can be exposed to watch the stars. The tent comes with a high density foam mattress that is plenty comfy for us, although we always keep a small throw blanket underneath us for warmth – we live in Canada remind you.
Smittybilt’s Description:
“Few things are more rewarding than camping in the backcountry with family and friends. The Overlander Tent attaches to the roof of your vehicle and sets up in just minutes, keeping you safe and secure as you sleep. The new Annex can be added to the bottom of the deployed tent with rugged zippers. The optional Annex provides privacy and has windows and mosquito netting to ensure an enjoyable outdoors experience. Constructed from 600D heavy duty ripstop polyester, the 84-inch x 60-inch Annex provides space for cooking, changing clothes, and more. The tent frame poles and included telescoping ladder are made from lightweight and durable anodized aluminum while the hinges are constructed from stainless steel. The Tent and Annex are easy to set up and take down, and when folded away a heavy duty PVC cover keeps them completely dry and free from UV rays. (Tent sold separately).”
Specs:
- All-Seasons Use
- One Year Warranty*
- Base: 2.5cm aluminum/polyurethane sandwich base with 300kg load capacity
- Material: 600D Heavy-duty rip stop polyester, waterproof and polyurethane-impregnated
- Tent Poles: Anodized aluminum tent frame poles with stainless steel hinges
- Flysheet: Lightweight, waterproof 420D Oxford flysheet w/4mm spring steel durable poles and tension rods
- Mattress: High-density fire retardant foam with removable cover that sleeps 3
- Installation: Dual aluminum track for universal installation using U-clamps (included)