TESTED: MOTOP ROOFTOP TENT
SAVE ON FUEL WITH THE SLIMLINE SERIES OF INNOVATIVE MOTOP ROOFTOP TENTS.
YOU HAVE to admire the optimism of some 4x4 owners. Pushing through the air with what can only be described as a folded apartment, bolted to some equally optimistic roof racks, while valiantly striving for country speed limits. Possibly the greatest idea since poles and canvas were invented, the rooftop tent has given the masses a simple, above-ground bedding alternative with quick set-up and pack-down times. They have, however, suffered a bit of a middleage spread with bigger and more complex examples increasing their size, while increasing the fuel bill for good measure.
Motop decided a simpler approach was needed and took a razor to the norm, shaving the overall packed height to a slimline 160mm. Two widths are available, with the narrower MT-120 spanning 1200 x 2170mm internally and the MT-135 giving you and yours a bit more wriggle-room at 1350 x 2170mm. The raised internal height is a generous 1450mm across the range. External measurements add an extra 80mm to the width and length.
The first version of the Motop was launched to the Australian market just over a year ago, but Motop has listened to customer feedback which has led to several tweaks and improvements. Currently in its third incarnation, these improvements have included storage netting, a carpeted ceiling, easier to close compression locks, anti-condensation mat, thickening the
breathable canvas from 265gsm to 285gsm, and increasing overall length by 100mm.
Consisting of two 20mm-thick powder-coated panels, the internal honeycomb structure remains light but adds strength. Joined by three stainless-steel hinges, an extruded edging runs along all four edges of each panel, with a central channel holding captive nut plates which allow mounting of the gas lift struts, compression locks, ladder mounts, handles, or just about anything you’d like to bolt to the sides. Two mounting rails run the full length of the lower shell, with clamps included to mount to an existing roof rack.
Keep in mind your roof rack’s loaded capacity on- and off-road, though. While Motop tents are relatively lightweight at 69kg and 73kg respectively, once off-road most racks have a reduced loadcarrying capacity due to the extra stresses.
Once at camp it’s a simple matter of attaching the 2.3m ladder, unlocking the latches, and gently pushing up. The gas struts do the lifting until the top panel pulls the canvas tight. A pair of stainless-steel flex poles are inserted into holders to stretch out the rear awning and you’re good to go. After using the tent for several trips I’ve found it seals well in wet weather, whilst keeping the amount of movement in the canvas to a minimum when it’s blowing a gale outside.
Entry windows are available on three sides via the collapsible ladder, with zipped netting keeping insects at bay. The main canvas gives an almost total block-out of light should the need to sleep-in be greater than catching the sunrise, and inside is a storage net on the ceiling for magazines or clothes. There are also small storage pockets on each side, handy for easily misplaced items like keys or phones, and a shoe bag to hang off the ladder.
With such a low profile, the high-density foam mattress comes in at 70mm. The firmness isn’t to everyone’s taste, but I found it okay. Motop has again listened to feedback and provided a solution
to this (see breakout). If storage is more important than a slimline height, then the MT Plus+ range may interest you. Just announced with an extra 40mm worth of closed space on both models, this can contain most bedding and the ladder internally.
Our own standard example had the optional Motop roof racks, with an aftermarket solar panel attached between. Motop has released its own 219W 1050 x 1170mm PV, with brackets designed to match the sides and width, allowing up to two panels.
Since release, the Motop has proved popular among campers, and importer MW Toolbox Canopy & Trailer has distributors nationally. The strong slimline design combined with the client-driven improvements and comparatively low price compared to other hard-shell designs, sits it well in the marketplace as a great option that works.