Alu-Cab Gen 3-R Expedition Rooftop Tent
Fast setup. Insulated aluminium construction. Expedition capability built in South Africa.
Limited-Time Sale: Save $750
For a limited time, save $750 on the Alu-Cab Gen 3-R Expedition Rooftop Tent.
Offer ends July 31, 2026. Available through Cap-it retail locations and shipped prepaid across Canada.
The Alu-Cab Gen 3-R Expedition Rooftop Tent is built for travellers who want a faster, stronger and more refined way to camp from their vehicle.
Its low-profile aluminium hard shell opens quickly with gas-strut assistance, creating a protected sleeping space with an insulated roof and base, integrated lighting, USB and USB-C power, a high-density foam mattress and three-point access.
Developed and manufactured in South Africa, the Gen 3-R is designed for repeated use in demanding environments. It is equally at home on a remote overland route, a winter camping trip or a weekend escape close to home.
Leave most of your bedding inside, close the shell and keep moving. When you arrive at camp, release the latches, allow the roof to rise and attach the included telescopic ladder.
Less time setting up. More time outside.
Built for the Journey
The Gen 3-R is more than a place to sleep. It is designed as part of a complete expedition vehicle, with a durable exterior, useful interior features and mounting provisions for the gear that travels with you.
- Gas-strut assisted opening for straightforward one-person setup
- Aluminium hard-shell construction for strength and long-term durability
- Insulated roof and base for improved all-season comfort
- 70 mm high-density foam mattress with removable zippered cover
- Double-layer 400 gsm canvas
- Integrated interior lighting
- USB and USB-C charging points
- Raised air vent and breathable under-mattress layer
- Integrated heater duct inlet
- Three-point access from both sides and the rear
- Full-length exterior cargo rails
- Quick-release telescopic ladder included
- Room to leave most bedding inside when closed
Why the Hard Shell Matters
The aluminium shell protects the tent while travelling, eliminates the need for a bulky removable travel cover and creates a solid platform for compatible load bars, solar equipment and selected rooftop cargo.
Fast One-Person Setup
The Gen 3-R is designed to make arriving at camp simple. Release the exterior latches and the gas struts assist the roof into its open position.
There is no folding platform to swing outward and no separate vinyl travel cover to remove. Attach the ladder, open the preferred entrance and your sleeping space is ready.
Three-point access: enter from either side or through the rear opening, giving you more flexibility when positioning the vehicle, awning and ladder at camp.
Comfort for Extended Travel
The included 70 mm high-density foam mattress provides a proper sleeping surface, while insulation in the roof and base helps manage temperature in changing conditions.
Integrated lighting and charging points keep smaller essentials close at hand, and the interior height allows you to sit up, change clothes and settle in without feeling confined.
- Sleeping area of approximately 2100 mm x 1300 mm
- 70 mm high-density foam mattress
- Removable zippered mattress cover
- Insulated aluminium roof and base
- Integrated red and white interior lighting
- USB and USB-C charging points
- Interior storage pockets
- Three large access and ventilation openings
Four-Season Build Potential
The insulated roof and base, double-layer canvas and controlled ventilation make the Gen 3-R a strong platform for shoulder-season and winter camping.
An integrated heater duct inlet allows warm air from a compatible external diesel heater to be routed into the tent. The heater remains outside, while heated air enters through the purpose-built connection.
Planar Portable Diesel Heaters
Add reliable warm-air heat for winter camping, cold mornings and shoulder-season travel.
Always operate the heater outside the tent and follow all installation, clearance, ventilation and carbon-monoxide safety requirements.
Carry More on the Roof
Full-length cargo rails are integrated into the aluminium shell, creating a mounting point for compatible load bars, solar equipment and selected rooftop gear.
The Gen 3-R has a roof cargo rating of up to 50 kg (110 lb) while travelling. Added cargo weight can affect how easily the tent opens and must remain within the ratings of the tent, mounting system and vehicle.
For the Gen 3-R, Cap-it recommends the 1250 mm Alu-Cab Load Bar Kit.
Build Your Gen 3-R Camp System
Add the accessories that match the way you travel, from a comfortable interior seating setup to winter heat and full campsite shelter.
Gen 3-R Backrest
Turn the mattress area into a comfortable place to sit, read, work or relax without leaning directly against the tent wall.
View the Alu-Cab Gen 3-R Backrest
Interior Roof Drop-Down Table
Add an interior surface for a laptop, meal, map, book or smaller equipment, then fold it away when it is not required.
View the Alu-Cab Interior Roof Drop-Down Table
Alu-Cab 270° Shadow Awning
Create expansive shade and weather protection beside the vehicle. Correct awning brackets are required and sold separately.
Pairs Perfectly With an Alu-Cab Canopy
Mount the Gen 3-R on an Alu-Cab aluminium truck canopy to create a cohesive cargo, sleeping and campsite system built around the same South African overland design philosophy.
Alu-Cab canopies provide a strong, load-rated base with integrated accessory channels, gullwing side access and the durability required for repeated travel.
Canopy Below. Camp Above.
Combine an Alu-Cab canopy, Gen 3-R rooftop tent, Shadow Awning and load bars to build one integrated adventure platform.
Installation and Vehicle Compatibility
The Gen 3-R can be mounted on compatible trucks, SUVs, 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 the dynamic load rating 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, height and effect on vehicle handling
Professional installation is available through participating Cap-it locations. Our team can confirm fitment and recommend the correct mounting solution for your vehicle.
Not sure whether it fits? Contact a Cap-it location before ordering. We will review your vehicle, canopy or roof-rack system and help determine the correct installation.
Care and Maintenance
Always dry the tent thoroughly after rain, snow or heavy condensation. Even when it was packed away dry, temperature changes can 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.
Read the Rooftop Tent Care and Maintenance Guide
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 |
Frequently Asked Questions
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 tent include a mattress?
Yes. A 70 mm high-density foam mattress with a removable zippered cover is included.
Is the ladder included?
Yes. A quick-release telescopic ladder is included.
Is the Gen 3-R suitable for winter camping?
The insulated roof and base, double-layer canvas and integrated heater duct inlet make it a strong platform for four-season use. Proper 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 manufacturer’s safety instructions.
Can I mount load bars or solar equipment on the roof?
Yes. The shell includes full-length cargo rails. All equipment, mounting hardware and total cargo weight must remain within the tent, rack and vehicle ratings.
Which load bars are recommended?
Cap-it recommends the 1250 mm Alu-Cab Load Bar Kit for the Gen 3-R.
Can I add a 270° Shadow Awning?
Yes. The awning can be integrated into a compatible vehicle, canopy or rack setup using the correct brackets. Brackets are required and 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 retail locations.
Is shipping included?
Yes. The Alu-Cab Gen 3-R ships prepaid 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.
Our team can help with vehicle fitment, canopy selection, mounting systems, professional installation, awnings, load bars, heaters and the accessories needed to build a complete Gen 3-R setup.
Canada’s Home for Alu-Cab. Built in South Africa. Supported by Cap-it in Canada.
Designed for Adventure®