Built to Go Further.
The Alu-Cab GEN 3-R Expedition Rooftop Tent combines fast one-person setup, insulated aluminium construction and serious expedition capability in one proven hard-shell design. Built in South Africa for travellers who expect their equipment to keep going, trip after trip.
Arrive at camp, release the latches and let the gas struts raise the roof. Most bedding can stay inside between trips, the quick-release telescopic ladder is included, and three entry points give you flexibility around the vehicle.
Built for the Journey
The GEN 3-R is not simply a place to sleep. Its aluminium hard shell protects the tent while travelling and forms a durable platform for compatible load bars, solar equipment and selected rooftop gear.
Gas-strut assistance makes setup straightforward for one person, with no folding floor to swing outward and no separate vinyl travel cover to remove.
- Aluminium hard-shell construction
- Gas-strut assisted opening
- Double-layer 400 gsm canvas
- Full-length exterior cargo rails
- Quick-release telescopic ladder included
- Most everyday bedding can remain inside when closed
Expedition Outside. Comfortable Inside.
Inside, the GEN 3-R gives you a proper sleeping space with a 70 mm high-density foam mattress, insulated roof and base, integrated lighting, charging and useful interior storage.
Large openings on both sides and at the rear provide access, airflow and flexibility when positioning the ladder around your vehicle or campsite.
- 2100 mm x 1300 mm sleeping area
- 70 mm high-density foam mattress
- Removable zippered mattress cover
- Integrated red and white interior lighting
- USB and USB-C charging points
- Interior storage pockets
- Raised ventilation and breathable under-mattress layer
Turn the Tent Into Living Space
Add the optional GEN 3-R Backrest and Interior Roof Drop-Down Table and the tent becomes somewhere to sit, eat, read, work or simply get out of the weather.
Both accessories pack neatly into the Alu-Cab system and help turn the GEN 3-R from a sleeping platform into a genuine base camp.
Ready for Changing Conditions
An insulated roof and base, double-layer canvas, controlled ventilation and a breathable under-mattress layer make the GEN 3-R a strong platform for shoulder-season and winter travel.
A dedicated heater duct inlet also allows warm air from a compatible external diesel heater to be routed into the tent while the heater itself remains safely outside.
Your Roof Is Still Working
Full-length cargo rails are integrated into the aluminium shell, allowing compatible load bars, solar equipment and selected expedition gear to travel above the tent.
The GEN 3-R is rated for up to 50 kg (110 lb) of dynamic roof cargo while travelling. Added cargo can affect opening effort and must remain within the ratings of the tent, mounting system and vehicle.
Cap-it recommends the 1250 mm Alu-Cab Load Bar Kit for the GEN 3-R.
One Tent. One Complete Alu-Cab Camp.
The GEN 3-R is designed to work as part of a larger Alu-Cab vehicle system. Add the shelter, storage and vehicle platform that match the way you travel.
270° Shadow Awning
Wraparound shade and weather protection with fast deployment beside the vehicle.
Explore the Shadow AwningAlu-Cab Canopies
Build the GEN 3-R over a strong aluminium truck canopy designed around the same overland system.
Explore Alu-Cab CanopiesInterior Accessories
Add the backrest, drop-down table and other accessories that make extended travel more comfortable.
Explore Alu-Cab Gear
Canopy Below. Camp Above.
Combine an Alu-Cab canopy, GEN 3-R rooftop tent, Shadow Awning and load bars to create one integrated adventure platform.
Built for Trucks, SUVs, Canopies and Rack Systems
The GEN 3-R can be mounted on compatible vehicles, canopies and roof-rack platforms that provide the required mounting surface and load capacity.
Proper fitment depends on the complete system. The vehicle, canopy, rack, crossbars, mounting feet and attachment hardware must all support the tent and remain within their respective ratings.
- Confirm dynamic load capacity of the complete mounting system
- Confirm sufficient crossbar spacing and mounting width
- Use compatible mounting hardware
- Recheck mounting hardware after initial use and periodically thereafter
- Account for the tent's weight, overall vehicle height and effect on handling
Not sure whether it fits? Contact a Cap-it location before ordering. Our team can review your vehicle, canopy or roof-rack setup and help determine the correct mounting solution.
Keep It Ready for the Next Trip
Always dry the tent thoroughly after rain, snow or heavy condensation. Temperature changes can also create moisture inside a closed tent during extended storage.
Open and air the tent periodically, inspect beneath the mattress and follow Alu-Cab's care recommendations to help prevent trapped moisture, odour and mildew.
GEN 3-R Specifications
| Construction | Aluminium frame and hard shell |
| Fabric | Double-layer 400 gsm canvas |
| Hydrostatic Head Rating | Greater than 1000 mm |
| Opening System | Gas-strut assisted hard-shell design |
| Closed Exterior Dimensions | 2300 mm L x 1400 mm W x 210 mm front / 280 mm rear H |
| Open Exterior Dimensions | 2300 mm L x 1400 mm W x approximately 2000 mm H |
| Sleeping Area | 2100 mm L x 1300 mm W |
| Mattress | 70 mm high-density foam with removable zippered cover |
| Tent Weight | Approximately 76 kg (167.5 lb), excluding mattress and ladder |
| Mattress Weight | Approximately 3 kg (7 lb) |
| Roof Cargo Rating | 50 kg (110 lb) dynamic capacity |
| Insulation | High-density closed-cell foam in roof and base |
| Ventilation | Raised air vent and breathable under-mattress layer |
| Access | Openings on both sides and rear |
| Power | Integrated USB and USB-C charging points |
| Lighting | Integrated interior lighting |
| Ladder | Quick-release telescopic ladder included |
| Shipping | Prepaid across Canada |
GEN 3-R FAQ
Can I leave bedding inside when the tent is closed?
Yes. Most everyday bedding can remain inside, provided it is not excessively bulky and the tent can close without being forced.
Does the GEN 3-R include a mattress and ladder?
Yes. A 70 mm high-density foam mattress and quick-release telescopic ladder are included.
Is the GEN 3-R suitable for winter camping?
The insulated roof and base, double-layer canvas, controlled ventilation and heater duct inlet make it a strong platform for cold-weather camping. Appropriate bedding, ventilation and safe heater operation remain essential.
Can I connect a portable diesel heater?
Yes. The tent includes a heater duct inlet for compatible warm-air systems. The heater must remain outside the tent and be operated according to the heater manufacturer's safety instructions.
Can I mount load bars or solar equipment on the roof?
Yes. Full-length cargo rails are integrated into the hard shell. All equipment, mounting hardware and total cargo weight must remain within the ratings of the tent, mounting system and vehicle.
Can I add an Alu-Cab 270° Shadow Awning?
Yes. A Shadow Awning can be integrated into a compatible vehicle, canopy or rack setup using the appropriate brackets. Brackets are sold separately.
Will the GEN 3-R fit my vehicle?
Fitment depends on the vehicle and the load rating, dimensions and mounting configuration of the canopy or roof-rack system. Contact Cap-it for confirmation before ordering.
Is professional installation available?
Yes. Professional installation is available through participating Cap-it locations across Canada.
Is shipping included?
Yes. The Alu-Cab GEN 3-R ships prepaid across Canada.
Why Buy Your GEN 3-R 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.
Our team can help with vehicle fitment, canopy selection, mounting systems, Shadow Awnings, load bars, heaters and the accessories required to build a complete Alu-Cab setup.
Built in South Africa. Supported across Canada by Cap-it.
Designed for Adventure®