Full-Size Sleeping. Compact Roof Footprint.
The Alu-Cab RT-2S Compact 2-Person Rooftop Tent delivers a proper two-person sleeping platform from a hard shell only 1560 mm long when closed. That shorter footprint leaves more of your vehicle available for bikes, boards, cargo or even another RT-2S.
Built in South Africa with Alu-Cab's all-season capability, the RT-2S opens from either side of the vehicle and unfolds to create more than two metres of sleeping length.
It Doesn't Take Over Your Roof.
Most rooftop tents consume a large portion of the available rack or roof length. The RT-2S approaches the problem differently.
Its side-folding platform allows the tent to remain only 1560 mm (just over 5 ft) long when closed, then expand to a full 2036 mm (6 ft 8 in) sleeping length at camp.
That means you can build the vehicle around more than just the tent.
- Leaves more usable rack and roof space
- Creates room for bikes, boards or compatible cargo
- Works with more compact roof layouts
- Opens up cab-mounted pickup installations
- Suitable for many SUVs, crossovers, wagons and pickups
Small Closed. Proper Tent Open.
The RT-2S packs into a compact aluminium hard shell for travel, protecting the tent without a separate removable cover.
At camp, the platform folds outward and is supported by the included telescopic ladder, creating a full two-person sleeping space without requiring a full-length tent on the roof.
The symmetrical design also means the tent can be configured to deploy from either the driver or passenger side.
Compact Doesn't Mean Lightweight Thinking.
The RT-2S is built as a premium hard-shell tent, with an insulated automotive-style interior liner, heavy-duty blackout fabric and integrated equipment designed for repeated travel.
- Hard-shell rooftop tent construction
- 280 gsm blackout ripstop canvas
- Insulated automotive-style interior liner
- Integrated insect and midge screens
- White LED interior lighting
- USB charging ports
- Pre-wired for solar with Anderson plug integration
- Dedicated heater or air-conditioning duct connection
Camping in colder weather? Route warm air through the RT-2S's dedicated heater duct using a compatible Planar Portable Diesel Heater .
The Tent Is Compact. The Bed Isn't.
Once open, the RT-2S provides an internal sleeping platform measuring approximately strong>1364 mm (53 11/16 in) wide x 2036 mm (6 ft 8 in) long, paired with a 60 mm high-density foam mattress.
Blackout fabric helps keep the interior darker for sleep, while screened openings and the clear skyview window provide airflow, natural light and a more open feeling when you want it.
Open It From Either Side.
The RT-2S uses a symmetrical design, allowing it to deploy from either side of the vehicle rather than forcing you into a dedicated left-opening or right-opening tent.
That gives Cap-it more flexibility when designing the complete vehicle around doors, awnings, ladders, roof cargo and campsite access.
Release the tent, unfold the sleeping platform, position the telescopic ladder and the RT-2S can be ready in under a minute.
Two Tents. One Truck.
On a sufficiently large and properly engineered vehicle, the RT-2S's compact footprint creates an installation possibility that conventional full-length rooftop tents simply cannot offer.
Two separate rooftop tents on one vehicle.
Parents in one. Kids in the other. Separate sleeping quarters for two couples. Or simply two private spaces for a group travelling together.
A full-size pickup can potentially carry one RT-2S above the cab and another above a properly rated canopy or bed system, subject to vehicle payload, rack capacity, mounting structure and overall vehicle dynamics.
Your Tent Doesn't Have to Be Your Entire Roof.
Depending on the vehicle and rack layout, the RT-2S can leave valuable space available for the equipment that normally competes with a rooftop tent.
- Bikes
- Boards
- Compatible cargo boxes
- Recovery equipment
- Additional rack-mounted adventure gear
The RT-2S also includes integrated roof rails rated for up to 30 kg (66 lb) of compatible equipment, subject to the ratings of the complete installation.
Cap-it recommends the 1450 mm Alu-Cab Load Bar Kit for the RT-2S.
Smaller Footprint. Bigger Possibilities.
Choose the RT-2S when roof space matters, vehicle size matters, or your build needs more flexibility than a conventional full-length rooftop tent can provide.
Make the RT-2S Part of the Vehicle.
The RT-2S works particularly well as part of a complete Alu-Cab setup, combining compact sleeping space with secure storage, shelter and roof-carrying capability.
Alu-Cab Canopies
Secure cargo below with a strong aluminium canopy, while preserving the roof for sleeping and adventure equipment.
Explore Alu-Cab CanopiesShadow Awnings
Add rapid shade and weather protection beside the vehicle to turn the RT-2S setup into a complete campsite.
Explore the 270° Shadow AwningLoad Bars & Roof Gear
Use the RT-2S's compact footprint and integrated rails to build around the gear your trips actually require.
Explore Alu-Cab Load BarsCompact Enough for More Vehicles.
The RT-2S was engineered for crossover SUVs, station wagons, SUVs and pickup trucks, including applications where a conventional full-length rooftop tent may consume too much roof space.
Its compact dimensions create more possibilities, but proper fitment still depends on the complete mounting system.
- Confirm vehicle payload and dynamic roof capacity
- Confirm rack, canopy and crossbar load ratings
- Confirm mounting dimensions and crossbar spacing
- Consider ladder access and preferred deployment direction
- Account for overall vehicle height, weight and handling
- Evaluate dual-tent installations as a complete engineered system
Not sure whether the RT-2S fits? Contact Cap-it before ordering. Our team can review your vehicle, canopy or rack system and help determine the correct installation.
Keep It Ready for the Next Trip.
Always dry the tent thoroughly after rain, snow or heavy condensation. Open and air it periodically during extended storage and inspect the mattress area for trapped moisture.
RT-2S Specifications
| Product | Alu-Cab RT-2S Compact 2-Person Rooftop Tent |
| Product Code | RT-2S-B |
| Sleeping Capacity | Two people |
| Closed Dimensions | 1471 mm W x 1560 mm L (58 x 61 3/8 in) |
| Open Dimensions | 1471 mm W x 2036 mm L (58 x 80 1/8 in) |
| Internal Bed Platform | 1364 mm W x 2036 mm L (53 11/16 x 80 1/8 in) |
| Weight | Approximately 79 kg (174 lb), excluding mattress and ladder |
| Fold-Out Section Capacity | 150 kg (330.7 lb) |
| Canvas | Heavy-duty 280 gsm blackout ripstop canvas |
| Mattress | 60 mm (2 3/8 in) high-density foam |
| Deployment | Symmetrical left-side or right-side opening |
| Interior Liner | Insulated automotive-style liner |
| 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 clear skyview window |
| Roof-Rail Load Rating | 30 kg (66 lb) |
| Recommended Load Bars | Alu-Cab 1450 mm Load Bar Kit |
RT-2S FAQ
Why is the RT-2S easier to fit than many rooftop tents?
Its closed length is only approximately 1560 mm. That compact footprint creates more mounting possibilities on suitably rated SUVs, crossovers, wagons, pickups, canopies and rack systems.
How large is the sleeping platform?
The internal sleeping platform measures approximately 1364 mm wide x 2036 mm long and is designed for two people.
Can the RT-2S open on either side?
Yes. The symmetrical design allows the tent to deploy from either the driver or passenger side. The preferred direction should be considered as part of the installation.
Can the RT-2S be mounted above the cab of a pickup?
Potentially. Its compact dimensions make cab-mounted installations possible on suitable trucks equipped with a properly engineered and load-rated rack system.
Can I install two RT-2S tents on one truck?
Potentially, yes. On a sufficiently large and properly rated pickup, one RT-2S may be mounted above the cab and another above the truck bed or canopy. Payload, rack capacity, mounting structure, overall weight and vehicle handling must all be evaluated as part of the complete installation.
Does the RT-2S include a mattress and ladder?
Yes. A 60 mm high-density foam mattress and telescopic ladder are included.
Can light bedding remain inside?
Light bedding can remain inside when arranged correctly. Never force the shell closed around excessive or bulky bedding.
Is the RT-2S solar compatible?
Yes. The tent is pre-wired for solar and incorporates Anderson plug integration. Solar panels, charge controllers, batteries and related equipment are sold separately.
Can I connect a portable diesel heater?
Yes. The RT-2S includes a dedicated climate-control duct connection. Any heater must remain outside the tent and be used according to all manufacturer instructions and carbon-monoxide safety requirements.
Can I install load bars on the RT-2S?
Yes. Integrated roof rails are provided for compatible equipment. All loads must remain within the ratings of the tent, bars, rack, vehicle and complete mounting system.
Will the RT-2S pair with an Alu-Cab canopy?
Yes. The RT-2S can pair very effectively with an Alu-Cab canopy, providing secure cargo storage below and compact rooftop sleeping space above.
Is professional installation available?
Yes. Professional installation is available through participating Cap-it locations across Canada.
Why Buy Your RT-2S From Cap-it?
Cap-it has helped Canadians build trucks and adventure vehicles since 1977. As Alu-Cab's exclusive Canadian distributor, we import directly from South Africa and support the brand through Canadian inventory, experienced retail locations and professional installation.
The RT-2S particularly benefits from proper system planning. Our team can help determine where the tent should sit, which direction it should open, whether roof space can be preserved for other equipment and whether a cab, canopy or dual-tent installation makes sense for your vehicle.
Built in South Africa. Supported across Canada by Cap-it.
Designed for Adventure®