Peter Storck
The Delta 4 rigged and ready. We mounted ours on the Dog House Gen 1 Overland Trailer.
Words and Photos by Peter Storck
Finding an ideal campsite in unfamiliar territory after a long day on the trails can be stressful. After being in this situation more often than we care to admit, our solution was simply having the right mobile accommodations to make this task easier and faster with added comfort.
The worst-case scenario is not finding a level, dry spot to pitch a tent where you can rest comfortably for the night. Fortunately, for wheelers, the rooftop tent (RTT) market has flourished and there are plenty of options that not only result in finding more camping locations but provide more comfort and protection once you’re settled. For instance, pooling water on the ground is not as big of an issue as it is with a conventional tent nor is dealing with uneven terrain as a vehicle can be levelled out easily enough. A number of models are also designed with quick and effortless setups, making the RTT experience extra appealing.
Peter Storck
Solid construction ensures sturdy and secure comfort.
Roof top tent manufacturers have developed a variety of models - from soft shells to hard shells (that hinge at an angle or raise straight up) to designs that have a combination of both like the Doghouse Delta Series 4 Hardshell.
We commonly run the trails with the company’s Gen 1 Doghouse Overland Trailer (that has since been replaced with its new Gen 2 model) so choosing this RTT was a natural move to round out a complete overland package. It conveniently mounts to the trailer via a hydraulic-assisted rack and the aerodynamic hardshell top, which is also assisted with hydraulic struts, is permanently hinged to the lower shell. This conveniently eliminates stowing away those dirty, wet covers since the shell is also the transport cover.
Peter Storck
It sits perfectly on the Gen 1 trailer and adds comfort to convenience.
Overland trailers are a worthwhile investment if you do a lot of backcountry exploring. It makes loading (and unloading) a vehicle easier every time you head as you can just leave essential gear in the trailer, ready to go for the next adventure. Ours came complete with a small slide-out kitchen sink, single stove-top and ample storage, but we decided to trick it out a little more.
We added a second battery, solar panel inlet with a panel, additional 12V outlets, a Blue Sea Systems fuse panel, an on-demand propane water heater, and even a Planar diesel air heater. This may sound like a lot of gear, but the trailer retained its sturdiness thanks to the reinforced trailing arms with springs, shocks, and limiting straps. It also runs on A/T tires and comes with a matching spare.
Peter Storck
We have seen thicker mattresses on RTT’s but comfort can always be added by sizing and laying down foam padding.
Set-Up
This is an important step for off-roading enthusiasts and the Delta 4 has a simplified setup so more time is spent relaxing and no time is spent being frustrated trying to figure out the assembly. With the Delta 4, simply select a site, unbuckle two straps, and push up on the outer shell. There are two hydraulic pistons that assist with raising the roof and once it’s up, there’s another hinged portion, which is the entrance where the ladder is mounted. It simply flips out towards you.
Once it’s out, the tent is almost ready to use. All that is required is adjusting the ladder and setting up the entry rainfly, which only requires two metal support rods that keep it secure and the entrance protected from wet weather. Additional rain flies are on the two windows.
Peter Storck
Add the optional Annex to enhance the function of this RTT.
Construction
Unfolded, the Delta 4 measures approximately 206 x 211 x 130 cm (81 x 83 x 51 in), has a travel size of 211 x 130 x 36 cm (83 x 51 x 14 in) and the shell weighs 70 kg (154 lb) RTT. The shell is made from ABS with an acrylic compound and the aforementioned hydraulic struts.
It comes in a couple of colour combinations including charcoal grey/black, brown, or ACU Digital Camouflage. The Charcoal grey/black and brown rain fly consists of 420 d poly oxford, which is a UV-stabilized, mould-resistant material with a 3000 mm PU coating, making it water-resistance. The ACU Digital camouflage material is made of 280 g poly cotton canvas with 600 d ripstop. It’s also UV-stabilized and mould-resistant with a 3000 mm ventilate coating. This is water-resistant as well. The Delta’s screens are No-see-Um mesh that can keep out even the smallest flies (as long as you remember to keep the zippers closed).
Peter Storck
The Annex is a great space for additional guests to sleep and store cumbersome gear.
Roof top tent mattresses are pretty much hit or miss. The Delta’s 206 x 211 x 4 cm (81 x 83 x 1.57 in) thick, non-deforming sponge foam mattress with a density of 30 is nothing to write home about but sizing and fitting some extra padding is always an option to have more comfort.
The base (floor) is made of a 3 cm (1 3/16 in) aluminum/polyurethane sheet, which offers good rigidity and some insulative value, and the internal aluminum frame is a sturdy 2 cm (.75 in). To get in and out of the RTT, the 204 cm (84 in) telescoping ladder can adjust to various heights and suit types of terrain. All Doghouse RTTs come with a one-year warranty.
Two Key Selling Features
There were a couple of specific features that we liked. One was the two shoe bags that slid into the tracks just underneath the aluminum base, which proved to be very handy. These bags are made of mesh and we have used them to dry shoes, as well as clothing and other items. The feature we liked was the optional Double Annex Room. Offering an added space of 304 x 366 cm (120 x 144 in), this is a huge area and is similar to an add-a-room found in the RV industry.
Peter Storck
The exterior of the Annex. Notice its size and large windows for ventilation?
Space is always a concern for gear and/or guests so if you commonly go on multiday trips with family or some friends with added necessities, this upgrade will be worth it. It’s simple to set up since it requires just zipping it onto the rainfly, and then attaching the rest of the annex using a hook-and-loop Velcro system.
Once it’s attached, it stays secure in place by metal supports and a few ground stakes. It comes with a removable rubberized canvas floor and large No-see-Um screens while the sides can be unzipped and rolled up for added convenience. For us, the annex is a great feature as it’s ideal to escape wet weather. It can also sleep two adults (or a few children) with room to spare.
Hitting the trails less travelled can get intense but having the proper off-road accommodations with a handful of useful features will make your trip more comfortable, convenient and make you want to go further for new experiences.