With a name that draws heritage from one of Western Australia’s stunning coastlines, the Esperance Rooftop Tent (RTT) is ARB’s first hardshell RTT, adding to the existing softshell RTTs, the Flinders and Simpson III.
While I haven’t officially got my hands on one of these yet to try it out, I’m pretty excited about this particular hardshell RTT as it appears to have a few stand-out features. One of the most important being its weight. Weighing in at approximately 56kg (dry), it’s one of the lightest hardshell rooftop tents I have seen yet.
My other favourite feature is more of a novelty however, it’s a huge selling point. The Esperance RTT features a stargazing moonroof. Yep, when the weather is fine you can unzip a decent size window in the roof, lay on your back and watch the stars twinkle on one by one.
Given that the Esperance has gas strut assisted opening and closing, setup and pack down should be quick and effortless. Other handy features include 12v lighting, internal and external storage and the ability to fold your bedding up inside when packing it down.
Important stats on the new Esperance ARB rooftop tent
- Packed size: 1520mm (L) x 1220mm (W) x 330mm (H)
- Open size: 1520mm (L) x 2000mm (W) x 1200mm (Height at centre)
- Bed size: two adults and one child
- Weight: 56kg dry (approximately)
- Hardshell material: ABS with Acrylic compound materials
- Main canvas material: 200GSM poly cotton fire retardant with a silver-coated 2m water head.
- Rain cover material: removable 210D fire retardant canvas, with silver-coated 3m water head.
- Mesh: 100 per cent polyester, 50g/m2, 68D
- Tent weight limit: 500kgs
- Ladder weight limit: 150kgs
- Mattress: 4cm, high-density sponge with a removable three-layer mattress cover
- Important requirements: your roof rack and crossbars must have a load limit over 75kgs. Cross bars must be a minimum of 76cm apart and a height of less than 4cm.
About ARB rooftop tents
ARB RTTs are easy to set up and pack down and offer excellent ventilation in warmer conditions. Mount them onto ARBs purpose designed roof rack or suitably load-rated Thule or Rhino-Rack roof bars.
Pssst: New to the rooftop tent scene? Make sure to check out our complete guide to RTTs!
