Alu-Cab RT-2S 2-Person Rooftop Tent
Compact enough for more vehicles. Spacious enough for real comfort. Built with full Alu-Cab capability.
New to Canada, Already a Standout in Europe
The new Alu-Cab RT-2S delivers a generous two-person sleeping platform in a shorter, more versatile footprint that fits a wider range of trucks, SUVs, crossovers and adventure vehicles.
Its compact shape also opens the door to creative installations, including mounting above a truck cab, preserving the truck bed for gear or even running a second tent over an Alu-Cab canopy for separate family sleeping spaces.
The Alu-Cab RT-2S Rooftop Tent is the compact counterpart to the massive RT-4S, but there is nothing half-sized about its capability.
Its side-opening design unfolds into a comfortable sleeping platform measuring approximately 1364 mm wide by 2036 mm long, providing proper two-person sleeping space without requiring the long roof footprint of a traditional wedge-style hard-shell tent.
That shorter shape is the RT-2S advantage. It works on more vehicles, leaves more room around the tent and creates mounting possibilities that are difficult to achieve with a full-length rooftop tent.
Inside, you get the features expected from a premium Alu-Cab shelter, including blackout ripstop canvas, an insulated shell liner, a 60 mm high-density foam mattress, integrated lighting, USB charging, solar-ready wiring, insect screens and a dedicated climate-control connection.
Smaller footprint. Bigger possibilities.
Why the RT-2S Is Different
Most two-person hard-shell rooftop tents are long enough to dominate the vehicle roof. The RT-2S uses a side-folding sleeping platform to create full-length sleeping space while remaining only approximately 1560 mm long when closed.
That compact roof footprint makes it a smart choice for customers who want premium rooftop accommodation without designing the entire vehicle around the tent.
- Compact 1560 mm closed length fits a wider range of vehicles and rack systems
- Full 2036 mm sleeping length once the tent is opened
- 1364 mm wide internal sleeping platform for comfortable two-person use
- Symmetrical design can deploy from either side of the vehicle
- Sets up quickly without a removable travel cover
- Fold-out sleeping platform is supported by the included ladder
- Preserves more usable roof and cargo space than many traditional rooftop tents
The Compact Tent That Does Not Feel Compact
The RT-2S closes into a short, tidy roof package, then unfolds into a sleeping platform more than two metres long. You get the mounting flexibility of a compact tent without giving up the bed length needed for a proper night’s sleep.
Fits More Adventure Vehicles
The RT-2S was engineered for crossover SUVs, station wagons, pickup trucks and vehicle builds where roof length and usable cargo space matter.
Its shorter closed footprint can make it suitable for applications that cannot comfortably accommodate the Gen 3-R or RT-4S, provided the vehicle and complete mounting system have sufficient dimensions and load capacity.
- Crossover SUVs
- Station wagons and adventure wagons
- Compact and mid-size SUVs
- Mid-size and full-size pickup trucks
- Truck cabs equipped with a properly rated rack
- Alu-Cab canopies and load-rated truck canopies
- Vehicles where preserving roof or cargo space is a priority
- Solo travellers and two-person overland builds
More Than One Way to Build With It
Mount the RT-2S above the truck cab to keep the truck bed open for bikes, storage, work equipment or camp gear.
On a larger family build, one RT-2S can be installed above the cab and a second compatible tent can be positioned over the truck bed or canopy, creating separate sleeping spaces for adults and children.
Open It From Either Side
The RT-2S uses a symmetrical design that allows it to deploy from the driver or passenger side of the vehicle.
Unlike a tent that must be ordered in a dedicated left-opening or right-opening configuration, the RT-2S gives you more flexibility when planning the installation and positioning the vehicle at camp.
Opening direction should still be considered during installation so the ladder, doors, awnings and surrounding accessories work together properly.
Under-one-minute deployment: release the tent, fold out the sleeping platform, position the telescopic ladder and your sleeping space is nearly ready.
Full Alu-Cab Comfort Inside
The compact exterior does not mean stripped-down accommodation. The RT-2S is designed as a premium two-person sleeping space with the materials, insulation and integrated conveniences expected from Alu-Cab.
- 60 mm high-density foam mattress
- 280 gsm blackout ripstop canvas
- Insulated automotive-style interior shell liner
- Integrated insect and midge screens
- White LED interior light
- Integrated USB charging points
- Solar-ready electrical wiring
- Clear skyview window for natural light and ventilation
- Dedicated heater or air-conditioning duct connection
The blackout canvas helps reduce early-morning light inside the tent, while the insulated liner creates a cleaner, more refined interior and helps manage temperature during changing conditions.
Made for Better Sleep
The RT-2S includes a 60 mm high-density foam mattress across a sleeping platform measuring approximately 1364 mm by 2036 mm.
That gives two travellers enough length to stretch out properly while keeping the tent narrower and shorter than larger expedition models.
Light bedding can remain stored inside when positioned correctly, helping simplify setup when you arrive at camp.
Dark When You Want It, Open When You Do Not
Heavy-duty blackout canvas helps keep the interior darker for sleep, while screened openings and the skyview window provide airflow, natural light and a more open feeling when the tent is awake.
Power and Solar Preparation Built In
Integrated USB charging and interior lighting keep phones, smaller electronics and essential gear within reach at night.
The RT-2S is pre-wired for solar and incorporates Anderson plug integration, allowing the tent to become part of a properly designed auxiliary power system.
- Integrated USB charging ports
- Built-in white LED interior light
- Solar-ready wiring
- Anderson plug power integration
- Roof rails for compatible solar mounting solutions
Solar panels, charge controllers, auxiliary batteries and related electrical components are sold separately. The tent must be connected to a suitable fused electrical supply.
All-Season Build Potential
The insulated shell liner, heavy blackout canvas, screened ventilation and dedicated climate-control duct make the RT-2S a strong foundation for year-round adventure travel.
A compatible portable diesel heater can remain safely outside the tent while warm air is routed through the dedicated duct connection.
Planar Portable Diesel Heaters
Add dependable warm-air heat for cold mornings, shoulder-season camping and winter trips.
The heater must remain outside the tent. Follow all heater instructions, clearances, ventilation requirements and carbon-monoxide safety practices.
Keep More of Your Roof Available
One of the RT-2S’s biggest advantages is what it does not occupy.
Depending on the vehicle and rack layout, its compact footprint may leave space for bikes, boards, a narrow cargo box, recovery gear or other adventure equipment.
The tent also includes integrated roof rails rated for up to 30 kg (66 lb) of compatible roof-mounted equipment, subject to the ratings of the complete vehicle and rack system.
Cap-it recommends the 1450 mm Alu-Cab Load Bar Kit for the RT-2S.
Complete-system ratings matter: all roof cargo must remain within the ratings of the tent, load bars, rack, canopy, vehicle roof and mounting hardware. The lowest applicable rating governs the finished installation.
Pairs Perfectly With an Alu-Cab Canopy
The RT-2S is an excellent match for an Alu-Cab aluminium canopy, creating a compact rooftop sleeping system above secure gullwing-access storage.
Its shorter footprint keeps the completed build tidy and may provide additional flexibility for load bars, solar panels, awnings and other canopy-mounted equipment.
A Complete Alu-Cab System, Without Taking Over the Truck
Combine an Alu-Cab canopy with the RT-2S to create secure storage below and compact two-person sleeping space above, while preserving more flexibility for the rest of your build.
Mount It Above the Cab
The RT-2S’s shorter closed length makes it especially interesting for truck-cab installations where a properly rated rack and vehicle roof system are available.
Cab mounting can leave the truck bed completely open for work, bikes, camping equipment, a tonneau cover or other cargo systems, depending on the full vehicle configuration.
It can also form part of a two-tent family build, with one compact sleeping space above the cab and another tent above a canopy or rear rack.
Separate Sleeping, Shared Adventure
For families who want separate sleeping areas, a properly engineered two-tent configuration can provide one space for adults and another for children, without moving into a permanent camper conversion.
Installation and Vehicle Compatibility
The RT-2S can fit a wide range of vehicles, but it still requires a properly rated roof rack, canopy or mounting platform.
Its approximately 79 kg (174 lb) tent weight excludes the mattress and ladder, so roof capacity, rack capacity, mounting strength and vehicle payload must all be considered before installation.
- Confirm sufficient roof or canopy dimensions
- Confirm the dynamic capacity of the complete mounting system
- Use properly spaced, compatible load bars or mounting rails
- Confirm clearance for doors, hatches, awnings and other accessories
- Choose the preferred deployment side during installation
- Account for vehicle height, centre of gravity and handling changes
- Recheck mounting hardware after initial use and periodically thereafter
Fitment Still Matters
The compact footprint helps the RT-2S fit more vehicles, but physical size is only part of the equation. Contact Cap-it before ordering if your vehicle, rack or canopy has not already been confirmed for the tent.
Professional installation is available through participating Cap-it retail locations.
View the RT-2S Fitment Instructions
Care and Maintenance
Always dry the tent thoroughly after rain, snow or heavy condensation. During extended storage, open and air the tent periodically and inspect the mattress, canvas, seals, hinges and mounting hardware.
Even a tent packed away dry can develop condensation as temperatures and humidity change, so regular airing remains important during long periods without use.
Read the Rooftop Tent Care and Maintenance Guide
Technical Specifications
| Product | Alu-Cab RT-2S 2-Person Rooftop Tent |
| Product Code | RT-2S-B |
| Sleeping Capacity | Two people |
| Closed Dimensions | 1471 mm W x 1560 mm L x 369 mm H |
| Open Dimensions | 1471 mm W x 2036 mm L |
| Internal Bed Platform | 1364 mm W x 2036 mm L |
| Weight | Approximately 79 kg (174 lb), excluding mattress and ladder |
| Fold-Out Section Capacity | 150 kg (330.7 lb) |
| Construction | Hard-shell rooftop tent with insulated interior liner |
| Canvas | Heavy-duty 280 gsm blackout ripstop canvas |
| Mattress | 60 mm high-density foam |
| Deployment | Symmetrical left-side or right-side opening |
| Insect Protection | Integrated midge and insect screens |
| Lighting | Integrated white LED interior light |
| Power | Integrated USB charging ports |
| Solar | Pre-wired for solar with Anderson plug integration |
| Climate Control | Dedicated heater or air-conditioning duct connection |
| Skyview Window | Integrated for natural light, ventilation and stargazing |
| Roof-Rail Load Rating | 30 kg (66 lb) |
| Recommended Load Bars | Alu-Cab 1450 mm Load Bar Kit |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the RT-2S easier to fit than many other rooftop tents?
Its closed length is approximately 1560 mm, considerably shorter than many traditional hard-shell rooftop tents. That compact footprint creates more mounting options on trucks, SUVs, crossovers, wagons and canopies, provided the complete system is properly rated.
How large is the sleeping platform?
The internal sleeping platform measures approximately 1364 mm wide by 2036 mm long.
Can the RT-2S open on either side?
Yes. Its symmetrical design allows left-side or right-side deployment. The preferred direction should be established during installation.
Can it be installed above the cab of a pickup?
Potentially, yes. The RT-2S’s compact length makes cab installation possible on suitably sized trucks equipped with a properly engineered and load-rated roof-rack system.
Can I install two rooftop tents on one truck?
A two-tent configuration may be possible on a sufficiently large and properly rated vehicle, such as one RT-2S above the cab and another tent above the truck bed or canopy. Vehicle payload, roof capacity, rack capacity, overall weight and handling must all be evaluated professionally.
Can light bedding remain inside?
Yes. Light bedding can remain stored inside when arranged correctly. Do not force the tent closed around excessive or bulky bedding.
Does the RT-2S include a mattress?
Yes. A 60 mm high-density foam mattress is included.
Does the tent include lighting and charging?
Yes. It includes a white LED interior light and integrated USB charging ports.
Is the RT-2S solar compatible?
Yes. It is pre-wired for solar and incorporates Anderson plug integration. The remaining solar and power components are sold separately.
Can I connect a portable diesel heater?
Yes. The tent includes a dedicated warm-air duct connection. The heater must remain outside and be operated according to all manufacturer safety instructions.
Can load bars be installed on the tent?
Yes. The RT-2S includes integrated roof rails with a 30 kg (66 lb) load rating. Cap-it recommends the 1450 mm Alu-Cab Load Bar Kit.
Will it pair with an Alu-Cab canopy?
Yes. The RT-2S pairs exceptionally well with Alu-Cab truck canopies, creating secure cargo storage below and compact rooftop sleeping space above.
Will the RT-2S fit my vehicle?
Its compact size helps it fit more vehicles, but compatibility still depends on roof dimensions, rack design, mounting points, dynamic capacity and vehicle payload. Contact Cap-it for fitment confirmation.
Is professional installation available?
Yes. Professional installation is available through participating Cap-it retail locations.
Does Cap-it ship the RT-2S across Canada?
Yes. Cap-it can coordinate delivery across Canada.
Why Buy From Cap-it?
Cap-it has helped Canadians build trucks and adventure vehicles since 1977. We import Alu-Cab products directly from South Africa and support them through our Canadian distribution network and experienced retail locations.
The RT-2S creates exciting new possibilities, from compact SUV builds to cab-mounted truck installations and separate family sleeping configurations. Our team can help confirm fitment, plan load-bar placement, coordinate electrical integration and arrange professional installation.
Canada’s Home for Alu-Cab. Built in South Africa. Supported by Cap-it in Canada.
Designed for Adventure®
