Alu-Cab RT-4S 4-Person Rooftop Tent
Four-person sleeping space. Expedition-grade aluminium construction. One of the largest hard-shell rooftop tents on the market.
The Rooftop Tent Built for More
The new Alu-Cab RT-4S creates more than 4.5 m² of sleeping space, with a massive 2235 mm x 2050 mm sleeping platform designed to accommodate up to four adults.
This is a large, specialized rooftop tent that requires a properly rated vehicle, canopy or rack system. Professional fitment confirmation is strongly recommended before ordering.
The Alu-Cab RT-4S changes what a standalone rooftop tent can be. Instead of limiting the sleeping area to the footprint of the vehicle roof, its side-opening design unfolds into an enormous elevated sleeping platform with room for a family, a crew or two campers who simply refuse to feel cramped.
Inspired by the sleeping-space concept developed for the Alu-Cab ModCAP Family Camper, the RT-4S brings that same big-tent thinking to compatible trucks, SUVs, aluminium canopies and properly rated roof-rack platforms.
The result is one of the largest hard-shell rooftop tents available, built with lightweight aluminium construction, double-layer ripstop canvas, integrated power, dual-colour lighting, solar-ready wiring, heater compatibility and a telescopic ladder that stores neatly inside.
It is not the right tent for every vehicle, and it is not trying to be. The RT-4S is for builds with the size, strength and roof capacity to support a true four-person rooftop camping system.
More room to sleep. More room to move. More rooftop tent than most vehicles can handle.
Alu-Cab’s Largest Rooftop Tent
The RT-4S was developed for customers who wanted Alu-Cab durability and hard-shell convenience without being limited to a traditional two-person sleeping platform.
When deployed, the side-opening floor creates a sleeping area measuring approximately 88 inches long by 81 inches wide. That is wider than a standard king-size mattress and provides enough space for four adults, a family with children or a couple wanting an exceptionally spacious camp setup.
- Over 4.5 m² of sleeping space
- 2235 mm x 2050 mm sleeping platform
- Designed to sleep up to four adults
- Side-opening fold-out platform expands beyond the vehicle roof
- Available in left-opening or right-opening configurations
- Integrated ladder supports the fold-out floor section
- Large interior volume for sleeping, changing and relaxing
How Big Is It?
A standard king-size mattress is approximately 76 inches wide by 80 inches long. The RT-4S sleeping platform measures approximately 88 inches by 81 inches.
It is not simply a wider two-person tent. It is a fundamentally different rooftop sleeping platform built around family and group travel.
A Side-Opening Design That Creates Real Space
The RT-4S uses a fold-out side platform to create its enormous sleeping area. When deployed, the platform extends beside the vehicle and is supported by the included telescopic ladder.
This design allows the tent to remain a manageable 1400 mm wide when closed while opening to approximately 2183 mm wide at camp.
Choose the opening orientation carefully. The RT-4S is available in left-opening and right-opening configurations, allowing the tent to be matched to your awning, vehicle access, campsite layout and preferred ladder position.
Left or Right Opening Matters
The opening direction is part of the tent configuration and cannot be treated as an afterthought. Consider the vehicle’s doors, canopy access, awning location, common campsite layout and where you want the ladder positioned before ordering.
Built in South Africa for Serious Travel
The RT-4S is engineered and manufactured in South Africa using the same aluminium construction and overland design philosophy that define the broader Alu-Cab range.
Its hard-shell body protects the tent while travelling, while the double-layer ripstop canvas, flysheet, raised ventilation and marine-grade clear PVC skylight help create a protected and comfortable interior at camp.
- Lightweight aluminium hard-shell construction
- Double-layer 280 gsm UV-resistant ripstop canvas
- Heat-reflective flysheet included
- Marine-grade UV-resistant clear PVC skylight
- Raised external ventilation point
- Integrated heater duct inlet
- Three-point access and ventilation
- Integrated exterior cargo rails
Why the Hard Shell Matters
The aluminium shell protects the canvas and interior while travelling, eliminates the need for a separate bulky travel cover and provides a strong platform for compatible solar equipment, load bars and selected rooftop cargo.
Designed for Families, Crews and Long Trips
The RT-4S gives families and larger groups a way to sleep above the ground without dividing everyone between multiple tents.
For two travellers, the oversized platform provides generous space for bedding, clothing and comfortable movement. For families, it creates one shared sleeping area that can simplify campsite setup and keep everyone together.
- Families travelling with children
- Groups of up to four adults
- Couples wanting maximum sleeping room
- Extended overland and road-trip builds
- Large truck-canopy installations
- SUV platforms with sufficient roof area and load capacity
- Customers comparing rooftop tents with compact camper systems
This is rooftop camping without the usual rooftop squeeze.
Integrated Power and Lighting
The RT-4S includes an integrated electrical system designed for modern vehicle-based travel. Charging points and lighting are positioned inside the tent so phones, lights and smaller electronics can remain within easy reach.
- 2 x USB charging ports
- 4 x USB-C charging ports
- 2 x 12V auxiliary outlets
- 2 x red and white dual-colour LED lights
- Dedicated lighting switches
- Anderson plug power connection
- Pre-wired solar integration
Red lighting helps preserve night vision and reduces harsh interior glare, while the white-light setting provides brighter illumination for organizing gear, getting changed or preparing for bed.
Power-system note: the tent must be connected to a suitable fused vehicle or auxiliary electrical system. Solar panels, charge controllers, batteries and related electrical equipment are sold separately.
Skylight, Storage and Interior Comfort
The large marine-grade clear PVC skylight brings natural light into the tent during the day and opens the interior to the sky at night.
Twelve integrated canvas storage bags help keep clothing, phones, lights and smaller camp essentials organized instead of scattered across the mattress.
- Clear skylight for natural light and stargazing
- 12 integrated canvas storage bags
- Large sleeping platform with room to move
- Dual-colour interior lighting
- Multiple charging and auxiliary power points
- Light bedding can remain stored toward the rear when closed
- Flysheet included for added weather protection
Built for Cold-Weather Capability
The RT-4S includes a dedicated heater duct inlet for compatible portable warm-air systems. This allows heated air to be routed into the tent while the combustion heater remains outside.
Pair the heater connection with appropriate bedding, ventilation and winter-camping practices to build a capable shoulder-season or cold-weather setup.
Planar Portable Diesel Heaters
Choose the heater output that best matches your broader camp system and expected weather conditions.
The heater must remain outside the tent. Follow all heater instructions, clearance requirements, ventilation requirements and carbon-monoxide safety practices.
Carry Gear on the Roof
Integrated cargo rails allow compatible load bars, solar equipment and selected lightweight cargo to be mounted to the hard shell.
The RT-4S has different roof-load ratings depending on whether the tent is open or closed:
- Closed static roof load: 200 kg (440 lb)
- Closed dynamic roof load: 50 kg (110 lb)
- Open static roof load: 30 kg (66 lb)
Cargo must remain properly distributed and secured. Added roof weight will affect vehicle handling and may affect tent operation.
For the RT-4S, Cap-it recommends the 1450 mm Alu-Cab Load Bar Kit.
Important: roof cargo must be evaluated against the ratings of the tent, load bars, mounting hardware, canopy or roof rack, and the vehicle itself. The lowest applicable rating always governs the completed system.
Build the Complete RT-4S Camp System
The RT-4S can become the centre of a full Alu-Cab camp setup with integrated shade, roof cargo, solar capability and cold-weather heat.
Alu-Cab 270° Shadow Awning
Add expansive wraparound shade and weather protection beside your vehicle. Correct awning brackets and sufficient clearance are required.
View the Alu-Cab 270° Shadow Awning
Alu-Cab 1450 mm Load Bars
Add compatible solar equipment and selected lightweight cargo to the tent’s integrated roof rails.
Planar Portable Diesel Heaters
Route warm air through the RT-4S heater inlet for cold-weather camping.
Pairs Perfectly With an Alu-Cab Canopy
The RT-4S is an especially strong match for a properly equipped Alu-Cab aluminium truck canopy. The canopy provides the large, load-rated mounting platform this tent deserves, along with secure storage and gullwing access below.
The combination creates a complete Alu-Cab system with a durable cargo area, enormous rooftop sleeping space and the ability to integrate an awning, lighting, solar equipment and camp accessories.
The Platform Matters
At approximately 127 kg with its mattress and ladder, the RT-4S needs more than a basic roof rack. A properly configured Alu-Cab canopy provides the space, structure and accessory integration required for a build of this scale.
This Tent Is Not for Every Vehicle
The RT-4S is exceptionally large and weighs approximately 127 kg (279 lb) with its mattress and ladder. It requires a substantial, properly rated mounting platform with enough usable roof area to support its dimensions.
Smaller factory roof racks, unsupported crossbars and many passenger-vehicle roof systems will not be suitable.
Alu-Cab recommends three load bars with low-profile feet or compatible universal mounting brackets. A minimum load-bar length of approximately 1450 mm is recommended.
- Three properly spaced load bars recommended
- Minimum recommended load-bar length of 1450 mm
- Mounting platform must support the tent’s travelling weight
- Vehicle payload and centre of gravity must be considered
- Opening direction must be selected before ordering
- Awning, hatch, door and accessory clearance must be confirmed
- Professional installation is strongly recommended
Fitment Confirmation Required
Contact Cap-it before ordering if the RT-4S has not already been confirmed for your vehicle, canopy or rack system. Our team can review roof dimensions, mounting points, load ratings, opening direction, awning clearance and installation requirements.
Professional Installation by Cap-it
Due to the size and weight of the RT-4S, professional installation is strongly recommended. Safe installation requires more than lifting the tent onto a roof.
The complete system must be evaluated, positioned and secured correctly, with attention paid to load distribution, vehicle handling, mounting hardware and future inspections.
Professional installation may include:
- Vehicle, canopy and rack-system inspection
- Confirmation of load-bar length and spacing
- Selection of left-opening or right-opening orientation
- Mechanical mounting and hardware torque
- Power connection planning
- Awning and accessory-clearance review
- Setup and pack-down demonstration
- Periodic hardware inspection recommendations
Installation is available through participating Cap-it retail locations.
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 area, canvas, seals, mounting hardware and ventilation points.
Read the Rooftop Tent Care and Maintenance Guide
Technical Specifications
| Product | Alu-Cab RT-4S 4-Person Rooftop Tent |
| Product Code | RT-4S-B |
| Sleeping Capacity | Up to four people |
| Open Dimensions | Approximately 2400 mm x 2183 mm |
| Closed Dimensions | Approximately 2400 mm x 1400 mm |
| Sleeping Area | 2235 mm x 2050 mm (approximately 88 in x 81 in) |
| Sleeping Surface Area | More than 4.5 m² |
| Weight With Mattress and Ladder | Approximately 127 kg (279 lb) |
| Weight Without Mattress and Ladder | Approximately 118 kg (260 lb) |
| Closed Static Roof Load | 200 kg (440 lb) |
| Closed Dynamic Roof Load | 50 kg (110 lb) |
| Open Static Roof Load | 30 kg (66 lb) |
| Fold-Out Section Capacity | 150 kg (330 lb), supported by the deployed ladder |
| Construction | Lightweight aluminium hard shell and frame |
| Canvas | Double-layer 280 gsm UV-resistant ripstop canvas |
| Flysheet | Included |
| Skylight | Marine-grade UV-resistant clear PVC |
| Interior Storage | 12 integrated canvas storage bags |
| Lighting | 2 x dual-colour red and white LED lights |
| Power | 2 x USB, 4 x USB-C and 2 x 12V auxiliary outlets |
| Solar | Pre-wired with Anderson plug integration |
| Heating | Integrated warm-air heater duct inlet |
| Ladder | Integrated telescopic ladder, stored inside the tent |
| Recommended Mounting | Three load bars, 1450 mm minimum recommended length |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the RT-4S really designed for four people?
Yes. The sleeping platform measures approximately 2235 mm x 2050 mm and provides more than 4.5 m² of sleeping space. It is designed to accommodate up to four adults.
How does its sleeping area compare with a king-size mattress?
The RT-4S platform is approximately 88 inches by 81 inches. A standard king mattress is approximately 76 inches by 80 inches, making the RT-4S sleeping platform wider than a king.
Can it open on either side of the vehicle?
The RT-4S is offered in left-opening and right-opening configurations. The correct orientation must be selected when ordering.
Does the ladder support the fold-out section?
Yes. The deployed ladder forms part of the support system for the fold-out platform and is rated to support up to 150 kg (330 lb).
Can bedding remain inside?
Light bedding can remain stored toward the rear when packed properly. Excessive or bulky bedding should be removed rather than forcing the tent closed.
Does the RT-4S include a ladder?
Yes. An integrated telescopic ladder is included and stores inside the tent when closed.
Is the flysheet included?
Yes. The RT-4S includes its flysheet.
Does it include interior power?
Yes. It includes USB, USB-C and 12V outlets, along with dual-colour red and white interior lighting.
Is the RT-4S solar compatible?
Yes. It is pre-wired for solar and includes Anderson plug integration. Solar panels and the remaining charging system are sold separately.
Can I connect a portable diesel heater?
Yes. The tent includes a warm-air heater duct inlet. The heater must remain outside and be operated according to the manufacturer’s safety instructions.
Which load bars are recommended?
Cap-it recommends three properly spaced Alu-Cab load bars with a minimum length of approximately 1450 mm.
Can a 270° Shadow Awning be installed with the tent?
Yes, provided the vehicle, canopy and mounting configuration offer sufficient clearance. Correct awning brackets are required and sold separately.
Can I use an Alu-Cab Shower Cube with the RT-4S?
Shower Cube compatibility depends on the tent orientation and surrounding accessories. Alu-Cab does not recommend combining the Shower Cube with an awning installation where the components interfere.
Are the Gen 3-R backrest and interior drop-down table compatible?
No. These Gen 3-R accessories are not compatible with the RT-4S.
Will the RT-4S fit my vehicle?
Not necessarily. Its size and approximately 127 kg installed weight require a large, properly rated vehicle, canopy or rack platform. Contact Cap-it for fitment confirmation before ordering.
Is professional installation available?
Yes. Professional installation is available through participating Cap-it locations and is strongly recommended for the RT-4S.
Does Cap-it ship the RT-4S across Canada?
Yes. Cap-it can coordinate Canada-wide delivery. Due to the tent’s size and weight, shipping arrangements may vary by destination.
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.
With a product this large and specialized, fitment knowledge matters. Our team can help confirm vehicle compatibility, select the correct opening orientation, configure load bars, integrate an awning, plan the electrical connection and arrange professional installation.
Canada’s Home for Alu-Cab. Built in South Africa. Supported by Cap-it in Canada.
Designed for Adventure®
See the RT-4S in Action
