Motop Roof Top Tent Review

Installation

Installing your Motop roof top tent won't be a problem, as the mounting kit is included. All you need is a buddy or two to help you raise the setup onto the rooftop and a user manual to follow. The default hardware is usually enough for hassle-free installation. However, you should definitely check your 4x4's roof load capacity to ensure it can safely withstand the weight of the tent and campers. Considering the tent is barely 16 cm high when folded, you can leave it be after initial installation, as it won't affect the aerodynamics and fuel consumption much.

Setup and pack up instructions for the MW Motop roof top tent couldn't be easier, and the whole process takes barely a minute. Once you unlatch the two clamps, simply push the roof of the tent up, and the struts will get it into place. Push the bungee cord around the base of the tent, install the flexible rods to support the awning over the door, and you're done.

The reverse process is just as speedy, but you must be careful to push all the canvas inside the tent when closing the lid. It may take a few tries, but don't give up. If you fail to pack the tent walls inside, the clamps won't close properly, and your tent and bedding may get dirty or wet. The latest generation of the Motop roof top tent relies on a pair of pressure clamps, so getting them closed may take some effort. The easiest way to get them closed is to sit on top of the closed tent and let your weight push the halves closed.

Size & Weight

There are two versions of the basic Motop roof top tent (Version 4), MT-120 and MT-135. The numbers mean nothing but the tent's internal width, so the smaller version is 120 cm wide, while the larger one is 135 cm wide. The other dimensions are equal across both models, with the length of 217 cm and the height of 145 cm. Likewise, the outer dimensions are similar (225 m long and 150 cm high with a width of 128 cm or 1430 cm).

In travel mode, the smaller model measures 225 cm by 128 cm with a height of merely 16 cm. The MT-135 model is 225 cm by 143 cm with the same height of 16 cm. The packed-up tent's low profile makes it great for your 4WD's aerodynamics and keeps the truck looking sleek whenever you traverse the urban areas.

Both models are relatively light for a hardshell RTT with a weight of 69 kg or 73 kg. You will still require a second pair of hands to help you with mounting and installation, but the same is true for most roof top tents.

And if you're on the market for a high-end Motop Plus RTT, the beefed-up version comes with extra perks, like added height (149 cm) and a few extra kilos of weight for 120 cm and 135 cm wide versions. The smaller model is 74 kg, while the larger weighs 79 kg.

Materials

The canvas walls of the Motop roof top tent are breathable, waterproof, and tear-resistant, thanks to the use of 280 gsm polycotton. It's durable and resistant to wear and tear, meaning your tent will remain in near-mint condition for years to come. And the cover is nothing short of a technological marvel with its 20 mm thick aluminum honeycomb panel that's not only sturdy but also lightweight and stylish thanks to a powder coating.

The two gas pistons that help you set up and pack up the tent in under a minute are made of durable stainless steel. Heavy-duty structs withstand up to 30 kg of load, meaning the tent's top cover can be fitted with a luggage rack or even solar panels (more on those and other accessories in a minute).

While the Motop tent materials are nice, it's the 60 mm self-inflating mattress that makes all the difference. It's much comfier than the foam alternative, and you don't have to use a topper to stay cozy. The top layer is a luxurious faux suede, and the bottom of the mattress is waterproof. Besides, the mattress is accompanied by an anti-condensation mat that solves the issue of damp bedding that's been a bane of the previous Motop models. We love the new setup, as it lets you keep the bedding inside the tent with no issue, as the low profile made it impossible to keep the bedroll, pillows, and mattress topper inside versions one through three.

Weatherproofing

Temperature insulation is one of the major benefits of hardshell RTTs, and the Motop roof top tent is no exception. The top panel is insulated to keep the inside of the tent cool under the scorching sun and warm throughout the freezing nights. While it is nowhere near enough to withstand frigid winter camping trips, the RTT is great for the other three seasons.

The canvas and hardshell panels have proven to be waterproof and weather-resistant after three iterations. However, the common complaints about the previous models included poor seal in travel mode that resulted in wet bedding. Motop has been tweaking the design for years, and the newest edition seems to finally do the job. The rubber seals keep the dust and water out, while two compression latches ensure the tight contact between the bottom and top panels.

Features

Poor air circulation has been a major drawback of the Motop roof top tent for years, but version 4 seems to have finally dealt with the issue. The three large doors/windows provide ample breathability, and once you zip them up to keep warm at night, the top lid insulation helps keep the condensation under control.

Ample storage is another advantage of the MW Motop roof top tent. You get two side storage pockets that fit a pair of shoes or other camping gear. And the top lid is equipped with a storage net, perfect for storing smaller items.

If those aren't enough to convince you to invest in a Motop tent, the impressive lineup of accessories certainly will. Awning brackets, awnings, annexes, and luggage rack for the tent's top lid are among the bare necessities of a pleasant adventure into the wild. And if you're into communing with nature for a week or more, you can invest in a shower tent, solar panels (219W, 19.8V, with a 1.5 m power line and MC4 connectors), LED strips, and power outlets (USB or 12V). Remember to stay within the load-bearing capacity of your truck's roof when you're adding RTT accessories to the shopping cart.

Summary

After three iterations, it seems like the Motop roof top tent has finally struck gold. The company got rid of the major flaws, making it truly weatherproof and free of condensation even during the coldest nights. Considering the glorious array of features and extra accessories, an affordable price tag for a hardshell RTT, and many a glowing Motop roof top tent review, we wholeheartedly recommend this setup to anyone looking for comfy, versatile, and durable camping gear.