The Hitch Tent: Off-Road Camping Simplified

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Words by Steve Fennell

It’s always exciting for us to discover new products that have multi-purposes – or better yet – products that have ‘multi-advantages.’ So when we saw The Rubicon Expedition Products’ Hitch Tent in the new Overland Experience at the 2019 SEMA show, we have to admit we liked its unique design, function, and most of all, its ability to offer added convenience whether you’re at a destination or travelling to one.

Many of today’s Roof Top Tents (RTT’s) can be set up or taken down within 10 minutes or less, depending on the model and routine practice. What made the Hitch Tent so practical to us, is once it’s set up at a basecamp, it can stay set up – foregoing the common repetitive RTT procedure for when you’re going exploring, to re-fuel or replenish supplies – while still providing all the comfort and function of an RTT.

Here’s how it works.

The Hitch Tent is a departure from conventional RTT mounting in the sense that its base platform connects to any Class II two-inch hitch receiver (or better), vertically off the tailgate of a vehicle. While its design frees up space for additional cargo on the roof, it also prevents the vehicle from being too top heavy and greatly reduces wind resistance, providing fuel savings over the duration of a trip.

Measuring less than five feet ((122 x 122 x 20 cm (48 x 48 x 8 in) closed and attached to be precise), the Hitch Tent’s two sets of legs are secured with stainless hardware during transport and solidly built with CNC machined 6061-T6 aluminum. While in the vertical position, they easily fold out, lock securely in place and extend to various lengths to accommodate uneven terrain. They also feature moveable feet at the base to ensure added security.

Additionally, by unlocking what the company calls its RubiConX Hitch Hub, a zinc-coated steel two-way locking mechanism, the Hitch Tent easily drops down horizontally and can be manually adjusted via an incorporated hitch ball to further accommodate uneven terrain. Once lowered and locked in place, simply fold open the rooftop tent. The Hitch Tent can fit all folding-style, canvas topped RTTs (such as the 23Zero) in the 41 to 68 kg (90 to 150 lb) pound range, and sizes up to 157 cm (62 in). A variety of packages for various off-road needs are also available.

It not only offers a quick set up, but makes life on the trail much easier for solo travelers, those with physical ailments, or when a camp needs to be assembled quickly in inclement weather. When packing up, the reverse process is just as simple. The unit is raised vertically, the legs lock back in place, and the entire unit is safely secured via the RubiConX Hitch Hub for safe travels.

Now, this is the part that we really liked. Once the Hitch Tent is set up, it can easily detach from the hitch of the vehicle via the hub – no tools required – freeing up your rig for exploring or other tasks while having The Hitch Tent still intact upon your return.

“Our Hitch Tent is something that answered a question people didn’t know was available.” explains Andrew Clark of Rubicon Expedition Products. “We’ve made a hitch-based solution for RTT’s. It has all the benefits of conventional units and we just brought it down to a level where more people can enjoy them.”

Tipping the scales at approximately 27 kg (60 lbs), The Hitch Tent has a 272 kg (600 lb) person capacity, making it ideal for two adults (and perhaps a small child) and even essential gear or personal items. Rounding out some of the many benefits, it can also be rigged to swing-away hitches such as Yakima’s BackSwing for added function and to access the rear tailgate.

“We saw a need to do this as some people still want their roof space,” said Clark. “They have kayaks, SUPs or other cumbersome gear. Then there are some people that just don’t want to climb on the roof – whether they have dogs, kids or disabilities. It sits at a level that’s just off the ground, but wheelers still get all the benefits of a nice mattress and a weather-resistant cover.”

www.rubiconep.com

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