Kings Roof Top Tent​ Alternative: That Are Actually Worth

Is your Kings RTT letting you down – heavy to lift, slow to set up, or sweating through the night with condensation? You’re not alone. Thousands of Aussie 4WDers are actively hunting for a genuine Kings roof top tent alternative that offers more for their money. The great news is better options do exist. Here are the top alternatives worth considering:

• Rigdup – feature-packed hard shell with integrated solar and premium comfort
• Darche – tougher canvas and better ventilation
• Ironman 4×4 – solid Aussie dealer support and build quality
• Gordigear – lightweight and great for weight-sensitive rigs

These brands are building tents with quicker setups and features Kings simply doesn’t include. The Rigdup 1.8m Hard Shell RTT is one that stands out straight away. It comes with a 40mm memory foam mattress and a durable aluminium honeycomb base. It even packs integrated solar, a 12V Anderson plug, and smooth YKK zippers as standard.

That’s a serious kit for a serious tourer. In this guide, you’ll find honest comparisons, real community feedback, and clear recommendations – so you can choose the right tent for your rig and your budget.

Why Are People Looking for a Kings RTT Alternative in the First Place?

Kings RTTs are popular because they’re cheap and widely available. But after a season of real use, the problems become hard to ignore. Here’s why more Aussies are switching:

• Weight: Kings hard shells are heavier than most competitors at the same price. Extra roof weight hurts fuel costs on long outback drives.
• Condensation: Poor airflow traps moisture inside overnight. You often wake up feeling damp, even on clear nights.
• Ladder stability: The ladder wobbles noticeably under body weight. On sloped or uneven ground, this becomes a genuine safety concern.
• Canvas quality: The canvas wears thin faster than mid-range brands. Leaks show up within a couple of seasons of regular use.
• Setup time: Most Kings models take up to 15 minutes to fully open. After a big day driving, that’s genuinely frustrating.
• After-sales support: Adventure Kings runs as an online-first retailer. Warranty help moves slower than dealing with a physical dealer.
• Extra costs: Crossbars and mounting hardware are often sold separately. The real cost ends up higher than the advertised price.

These issues come up constantly across Australian 4WD forums. Once you hit them personally, looking for a better option becomes the obvious next move.

What Should You Look for in a Kings RTT Alternative?

Switching roof top tents is a genuine investment. Getting the right one means knowing what actually matters before you hand over your money. Here’s what to check first:

• Total weight: Know your roof rack’s dynamic load rating before buying. Most standard racks handle between 80 and 100kg while driving.
• Setup speed: A hard shell should open in under 60 seconds. Soft shells take more time but sit lower and flatter when packed.
• Canvas quality: Look for 280gsm poly-cotton ripstop canvas as a minimum. Lighter canvas won’t handle Australian heat, UV, and sustained rain.
• Mattress thickness: Aim for 40mm to 70mm high-density foam. Go thinner and you’ll feel the base plate underneath you.
• Waterproofing: A hydrostatic head rating above 3000mm keeps you dry in heavy rain. This matters most in coastal and wet-weather conditions.
• Ventilation: Multiple mesh windows and roof vents reduce overnight condensation. Most buyers underestimate how important this is until it’s too late.
• Aussie support: Local warranty support means faster help when something breaks. This counts a lot on remote outback trips.
• Included hardware: Crossbars, ladder, and mounting gear should come in the box. Buying them separately adds to the cost fast.

Getting these details right from the start means fewer regrets out on the road.

What Are the Best Hard Shell Alternatives to the Kings RTT?

Hard shells are the fastest-growing segment in Australian rooftop camping right now. They open fast, seal tight in rain, and sit aerodynamically low on your roof. If you’re ready to move past Kings, a hard shell is the most popular direction to go. Here are the top options available in Australia today:

Brand / Model	Key Features	Price (AUD)	Best For
Rigdup 1.8m Hard Shell	40mm memory foam, aluminium honeycomb base, integrated solar, 12V Anderson plug, YKK zippers, 260cm ladder, crossbars included	$3,400	Tourers wanting a full feature kit straight out of the box
Darche KOZI Hard Shell	Aerodynamic shell, durable build, solid ventilation	$2,800	Everyday 4WDers wanting reliable performance
Ironman 4×4 Wedgetail	Fast open system, wide Aussie dealer network	$2,500	Buyers prioritising local dealer backup
Rhinorack Reconn-Line	Low-profile design, clean roof rack integration	$3,200	Wagon and SUV owners
James Baroud Evasion	Premium European engineering, ultra-durable build	$4,500+	Buyers wanting a long-term top-tier tent

The Rigdup 1.8m stands out because of what it includes as standard. Integrated solar, an Anderson plug, and crossbars all come in the box. Most competitors in this price range charge extra for those features separately.

What Are the Best Soft Shell Alternatives to the Kings RTT?

Soft shells still make strong practical sense for plenty of Aussie setups. They’re lighter, pack flatter, and suit weight-sensitive vehicles much better. For smaller SUVs or any rig where roof load is a real concern, a quality soft shell beats a heavy hard shell every time. Here are the best soft shell alternatives to look at:

Brand / Model	Canvas Weight	Key Features	Price (AUD)	Best For
Darche Eclipse 1400	280gsm poly-cotton	Large sleeping area, strong ventilation, proven build	$2,200	Families and regular campers
Alu-Cab Khaya	320gsm canvas	South African build quality, excellent long-term durability	$2,800	Serious overlanders
Gordigear Gorilla	260gsm ripstop	Lightweight design, fast setup, value-focused	$1,800	Weight-conscious buyers
OzTent RV-4	68D ripstop polyester	Freestanding design, 30-second setup	$1,200	Speed-focused weekend campers

How Do Kings RTT Alternatives Compare on Price?

Pricing is the first thing most Aussie buyers check. Kings sets the budget anchor, so it helps to know exactly where everything else sits. Here is how the market breaks down across the three main price tiers:

Under $1,500 – Entry Level

• Kings Adventure soft shell sits here, starting around $700 to $900
• Gordigear Gorilla entry range falls in this bracket too
• OzTent RV-4 freestanding style is available around $1,200
• At this price, expect basic canvas, thinner mattresses, and fewer features included

$1,500 to $2,500 – Mid Range Sweet Spot

• Darche Eclipse 1400 soft shell lands around $2,200
• Ironman 4×4 Wedgetail hard shell sits near $2,500
• This tier is where canvas quality, ventilation, and ladder stability noticeably improve
• Most serious weekend tourers end up buying in this range

$2,500 to $3,500 and Beyond – Premium Tier

• Rigdup 1.8m Hard Shell RTT is priced at $3,400
• Rhinorack Reconn-Line hard shell sits around $3,200
• At this price, integrated solar, Anderson plugs, and aluminium honeycomb bases come standard
• James Baroud sits above $4,500 for buyers wanting European-grade engineering

The Rigdup 1.8m is genuinely competitive at $3,400. Most tents in this price range charge extra for solar and power setup separately. Rigdup includes all of that as standard. For serious tourers doing remote trips regularly, that total cost difference adds up fast.

Which Kings Alternative Fits Your Specific 4WD?

Buying a tent without checking your vehicle’s roof load rating first is one of the most common and costly mistakes. Every vehicle has a dynamic roof load limit. This is the maximum weight your roof handles while the vehicle is moving. Exceeding it risks roof damage, handling issues, and voided insurance. Always check your owner’s manual before buying. Here is how the main alternatives match up across common Aussie rigs:

Vehicle	Roof Load Rating	Recommended Alternative	Why It Works
Toyota HiLux (Dual Cab)	75 to 100kg	Rigdup 1.8m Hard Shell / Darche KOZI	Weight-optimised hard shell, fits standard crossbar spread
Toyota LandCruiser 200/300	100kg+	Rigdup 1.8m / James Baroud	High load capacity suits heavier premium hard shells
Toyota LandCruiser 70 Series	100kg+	Ironman 4×4 Wedgetail	Built tough for corrugated outback roads
Nissan Patrol Y62	100kg	Alu-Cab Khaya / Rigdup 1.8m	Wide roof suits larger footprint models
Ford Ranger (Raptor / XLT)	75kg	Darche Eclipse 1400 soft shell	Lighter soft shell respects tighter weight limits
Mitsubishi Triton	75kg	Gordigear soft shell	Lightweight option for tighter dynamic load ratings
Isuzu D-Max	80kg	Ironman Wedgetail / Rigdup 1.4m	Mid-weight options that sit within safe limits

Always pair your chosen tent with a quality rack rated higher than the tent weight alone. The Rigdup 1.8m works well across most full-size utes and wagons with a proper roof rack installed correctly.

Hard Shell or Soft Shell – Which Is Right for You?

Choosing between hard shell and soft shell is not about which one is better overall. It is about which one suits your rig, your style, and how you actually camp. Both have clear strengths in different situations. This table breaks it down practically:

Factor	Hard Shell	Soft Shell
Setup Time	Under 60 seconds	5 to 15 minutes
Packed Height	Very low profile, better aerodynamics	Sits higher, more wind drag
Weight	Generally heavier (50 to 90kg)	Lighter (30 to 55kg)
Ventilation	Good if designed with mesh vents	Excellent with multiple mesh windows
Condensation	Can trap moisture without good lining	Better airflow reduces moisture buildup
Durability	Strong shell resists hail and debris	Canvas can wear with heavy outback use
Mattress Comfort	Typically 40mm foam standard	Can accommodate up to 70mm foam (eg. Rigdup 1.4m)
Price Range	$2,500 to $4,500+	$1,200 to $3,200
Best For	Frequent campers wanting fast setup	Tourers prioritising comfort and ventilation
Top Pick	Rigdup 1.8m Hard Shell	Rigdup 1.4m Soft Shell

Personally, I reach for a hard shell when I’m moving camp daily. I switch thinking when comfort over multiple nights matters more. For more detail on making this exact decision, check out our full guide on comparison between a hard shell and soft shell roof top tent.

What Do Real Owners Say About Switching From Kings?

The most honest feedback on Kings RTTs doesn’t come from brand websites. It comes from Australian forums, ProductReview.com.au, and 4WD community groups. After reading through hundreds of real owner experiences, the patterns are very consistent.

One long-term Kings user noted that after four months of continuous use around Australia, the floor creaked every time they moved. On windy nights, the outer cover flapped loudly enough to disrupt sleep.

Multiple ProductReview listings flagged sealing tape failing within five months of installation. Several owners reported leaks in light misty rain after only two camping trips.

On the Patrol 4×4 forums and Prospecting Australia community boards, the same conversation keeps coming up. One forum member who switched to Gordigear described the quality difference as immediately obvious, specifically praising the build quality and after-sales service.

Spare parts are also a recurring issue. One owner needed a replacement part and described the experience as a nightmare, with staff unfamiliar with their own products and the parcel going missing.

The people who stay happy with Kings are mainly occasional weekend campers doing one or two nights at a time. Once you start touring seriously, the gaps show up fast. Owners who upgraded to Darche, Ironman 4×4, or Rigdup consistently report better sleep, faster setup, and far less frustration with after-sales support. The switch is almost always described as worth every extra dollar spent.

Are There Any Aussie-Made or Aussie-Designed Alternatives?

Buying Australian-designed or Australian-backed gear matters more than most people realise. When you’re 600km from the nearest town and something breaks, local dealer support is not a luxury. It’s a genuine necessity. Here are the top Aussie-connected RTT brands worth considering:

Brand	Origin	Key Models	Price Range (AUD)	Local Support
Rigdup	Australian Made / Designed	1.8m Hard Shell, 1.4m Soft Shell	$3,200 to $3,400	Direct Australian support, local warranty
Darche	Australian Brand	Eclipse 1400, KOZI Hard Shell	$1,800 to $2,800	Nationwide dealer network
Ironman 4×4	Australian Brand	Wedgetail Series	$2,200 to $2,600	Extensive physical dealer network
Gordigear	Australian (Gold Coast)	Gorilla Series	$1,600 to $2,400	Direct brand support, strong community reputation
ARB	Australian Brand	Simpson Series	$3,000 to $4,000	Largest 4WD dealer network in Australia

Rigdup sits at the top of this list for a clear reason. It is genuinely Australian made, which means your warranty claim gets resolved locally and quickly. The 1.8m hard shell includes integrated solar, a 12V Anderson plug, and an aluminium honeycomb base as standard. No waiting on overseas parts or navigating international return processes. For remote Aussie travel specifically, having that local backing behind your gear is something you only fully appreciate the moment something goes wrong out in the bush.

What’s the Verdict – Is Switching From Kings Worth It?

I’ll be straight with you here. Kings RTTs are not bad tents for what they cost. If you camp three or four times a year and you’re not pushing hard into remote country, a Kings RTT does a reasonable job. I’ve seen plenty of people get solid use out of them without major complaints.

But once you start touring seriously, the picture changes. The condensation, the flimsy ladder, the canvas wear, and the slow parts replacement all start compounding. The issues that seem minor at first genuinely wear on you after a few long trips. That’s when the upgrade conversation becomes less of a want and more of a need.

My personal preference leans hard toward the Rigdup 1.8m Hard Shell for anyone ready to make a proper investment. The aluminium honeycomb base, integrated solar, YKK zippers, and 40mm memory foam come together as a genuinely complete setup. You don’t need to buy anything extra to hit the road. At $3,400, you’re paying more than Kings, but you’re getting a tent that’s designed to last seasons of real use.

For buyers on a tighter budget, Ironman 4×4 and Darche both deliver a meaningful quality step up without pushing past $2,800. For weight-sensitive vehicles, the Rigdup 1.4m soft shell at $3,200 brings the same quality thinking in a lighter package.

Switching from Kings is worth it. Time the decision around your camping frequency and how far you’re actually travelling. The further you go, the more that quality gap matters. Want the latest Roof Top Tent Comparisons & Reviews? Check them out here.

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