ARB Simpson III Rooftop Tent Review

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ARB is known for its high-quality products, great customer service and premium pricing – and the ARB Simpson III rooftop tent is no different.

These rooftop tents are perfect for those heading off on extended trips across Australia and are looking for a superior level of quality and comfort and a tent that is sure to stand up against the elements.

  • Capacity: 2 Person
  • Weight: 63 kg
  • Pros: High-quality build and great customer service
  • Cons: Price

See how this tent ranks against other roof top tents in our Rooftop Tent Reviews.

Setup:

The Simpson III rooftop tent can be set up in a matter of minutes by using the ladder as a lever to pull it down.

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The ARB series of rooftop tents are easy to set up with one person due to a number of great features such as easy access straps and zips attached to a rope to assist with opening.

Like all rooftop tents, it requires two people to lift and fit the tent onto an existing roof rack.

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Weatherproofing

A heavier, 300gsm poly/cotton Rip-Stop canvas is now used on this range, with a polyurethane coating and welded seam tape for improved waterproofing.

There is plenty of ventilation in the ARB rooftop tents making them perfect for warmer climates such as Queensland.

In addition, the tent cover has Velcro tabs to ensure dust and water are kept out of the zip lining meaning the tent is protected from the elements while driving.

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Size

The ARB Simpson and Kakadu rooftop tents have dimensions of 2400mm long, 1400mm wide and 1300mm high when set up.

KakaduHero

The Tourer version also has an additional Annex with dimensions of 2500mm long and 2000mm wide that gives great additional space for sleeping and storage.

This rooftop tent can comfortably sleep two people.

When folded down, the tent has a height of 280mm when encased in the durable 600 GSM PVC cover.

Features

Unlike many other rooftop tents on the market, bedding including pillows can be stored inside the ARB rooftop tent while it is folded up.

This is great for when you need to set up the tent late at night in the dark and also frees up space inside your vehicle.

ARB Rooftop Tent

The adjustable ladder is sturdy and there are straps inside the tent to support you as you climb down to the ground.

Inside there are a total of four pockets that offer great storage for keys, phones and other small items.

If you like to use an awning on your 4WD, make sure the rooftop tent is compatible.

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Conclusion

The ARB rooftop tent series is perfect for more seasoned travellers who require a very high-quality, well-designed, and spacious rooftop tent.

These rooftop tents are designed in Australia and built for Australian conditions.

Like all ARB products, you can have peace of mind when purchasing with their robust warranty and great after-sales customer service.

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FAQ

How much does an ARB rooftop tent cost?

At the time of writing, the ARB Esperance Roof Top Tent is $2,995, the ARB Flinders is $1,649, and the ARB Simpson Tent III Tent/Annex Combo is $1,699.

Does rooftop tent affect gas mileage?

Yes, both the additional weight and reduced aerodynamics will increase fuel consumption. Some tests have reported a drop in fuel economy of more than 15%.

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Outback Review

We founded Outback Review in 2017 to share our passion for all things related to camping in Australia. We’re committed to providing you with the best information on everything from where to go and what to see, to what gear you’ll need for your trip. We’re here to help you get the most out of your time in Australia’s great outdoors.