Dometic TRT 140 Rooftop Tent Review (Surprisingly Awesome)

[LazyJZ]

We've tested a few RTT's to varying results - finding the iKamper to be excellent quality but just a bit imperfect for us (it was too heavy for my wife to help mount/dismount, and just a bit too awkward on the opening/classing in my opinion), when I came across the Dometic inflatable TRT 140 Air. I was surprised to have not heard about it, as I stay plugged in to overlanding content closely. In fact, I only found it when doing deeper research on the Aircruiser by Cinch inflatable tent.

After watching a couple dozen (mostly European) videos on the TRT 140 I decided it fit our needs best. At $2,500 it was cheaper than the Aircruiser ($2,999), came from a more reputable manufacturer, significantly lighter (106lbs vs 124lbs), has a larger sleeping area and a smaller folder footprint (due to folding 3 ways vs 2). Most importantly, I found it on sale on Amazon for $1,299. The Amazon price, which I thought might be a mistake price sealed the deal for me because 1. it offered free delivery and free returns and 2. I could purchase a 2 year warranty with no deductible for $99.

We received the tent and were very impressed with the materials and build-quality. Assembly was simple and the actual process of opening (and inflating) and closing the tent was surprisingly easier than the iKamper.

We just took it out for the first camping trip (after multiple tests in the driveway) and cannot rate this tent more highly. It was easy to use, comfortable, fits our truck bed perfectly, high-quality, and honestly fun to inflate and disinflate.

A few additional thoughts/comments:

- Given it's more narrow than an iKamper or the Aircruiser when folded, you can still access approx 40% of your truck bed

- I was concerned about an inflatable tent for durability purposes but the low price coupled with the warranty was good enough to give it a shot. I then rad a good review on ExpeditionPortal in which they talk about how inflatable tents are fairly new in the US but have been commonplace in Europe for quite a while, and how in the reviewers opinion they might actually be more durable given hardware concerns in heavy wind.

- We replaced the stock sleeping pad (foam, maybe 1.5") with a Kingcamp (knockoff Exped) 6" inflatable mattress. The stock pad is below average in my opinion, but the one we used instead was fantastic.

- I purchased a used set of Frontrunner quick connect mounts for the tent but found it easier to just install and until it with the provided fastening system for now.

Overall, for the price, quality, novelty, ease, comfortability, and fit. I do not think you can find a better RTT for the R1T. Happy to answer any questions.

Sponsored

 

[R1Yes]

Thanks for this! Do you have a link to the Amazon listing?

And are the side walls mesh-only, or do they close up?

 

[DaveA]

Thanks for this! Do you have a link to the Amazon listing?

And are the side walls mesh-only, or do they close up?

https://www.dometic.com/en-us/outdo...SL9DhikKw-fQzCCL_wBUnMDAs5BTsscQaAqICEALw_wcB

$1249 on Dometic site.

 

[LazyJZ]

@DaveA - yes, now it is. It wasn't when I got it, but I went with Amazon because they offered free shipping and free returns, plus the added warranty which I was happy to buy at $99 given the savings over other RTT's.

 

[LazyJZ]

Thanks for this! Do you have a link to the Amazon listing?

And are the side walls mesh-only, or do they close up?

Windows can be closed or mesh. Simple zipper + toggle application.

Amazon link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C5BFGMVY?ref_=ppx_hzsearch_conn_dt_b_fed_asin_title_1

 

[mikehmb]

Any clearance issues on the rear spoiler when you've got the rain fly fully set up?

 

[LazyJZ]

Any clearance issues on the rear spoiler when you've got the rain fly fully set up?

Nope - clears perfectly and sits right at the end of the tailgate

 

[Drott]

Thanks for the report. How is the space inside? Would it be large enough for two toddlers and an adult?

 

[LazyJZ]

Thanks for the report. How is the space inside? Would it be large enough for two toddlers and an adult?

Definitely

 

[Ooloo Pebs]

We've tested a few RTT's to varying results - finding the iKamper to be excellent quality but just a bit imperfect for us (it was too heavy for my wife to help mount/dismount, and just a bit too awkward on the opening/classing in my opinion), when I came across the Dometic inflatable TRT 140 Air. I was surprised to have not heard about it, as I stay plugged in to overlanding content closely. In fact, I only found it when doing deeper research on the Aircruiser by Cinch inflatable tent.

After watching a couple dozen (mostly European) videos on the TRT 140 I decided it fit our needs best. At $2,500 it was cheaper than the Aircruiser ($2,999), came from a more reputable manufacturer, significantly lighter (106lbs vs 124lbs), has a larger sleeping area and a smaller folder footprint (due to folding 3 ways vs 2). Most importantly, I found it on sale on Amazon for $1,299. The Amazon price, which I thought might be a mistake price sealed the deal for me because 1. it offered free delivery and free returns and 2. I could purchase a 2 year warranty with no deductible for $99.

We received the tent and were very impressed with the materials and build-quality. Assembly was simple and the actual process of opening (and inflating) and closing the tent was surprisingly easier than the iKamper.

We just took it out for the first camping trip (after multiple tests in the driveway) and cannot rate this tent more highly. It was easy to use, comfortable, fits our truck bed perfectly, high-quality, and honestly fun to inflate and disinflate.

A few additional thoughts/comments:

- Given it's more narrow than an iKamper or the Aircruiser when folded, you can still access approx 40% of your truck bed

- I was concerned about an inflatable tent for durability purposes but the low price coupled with the warranty was good enough to give it a shot. I then rad a good review on ExpeditionPortal in which they talk about how inflatable tents are fairly new in the US but have been commonplace in Europe for quite a while, and how in the reviewers opinion they might actually be more durable given hardware concerns in heavy wind.

- We replaced the stock sleeping pad (foam, maybe 1.5") with a Kingcamp (knockoff Exped) 6" inflatable mattress. The stock pad is below average in my opinion, but the one we used instead was fantastic.

- I purchased a used set of Frontrunner quick connect mounts for the tent but found it easier to just install and until it with the provided fastening system for now.

Overall, for the price, quality, novelty, ease, comfortability, and fit. I do not think you can find a better RTT for the R1T. Happy to answer any questions.

Hey, great post and thanks for sharing that amazing find!
I'm just now researching RTT's and the whole idea of this and can't seem to find any good resourse of info in the actual support bars needed to support a RTT.
I was hoping to save a few bucks and not go with the Rivian bars, but cant seem tonfind the needed minimum load ratings and if the ones I'm seeing on Amazon, for example are suitable, or plain junk.

Also, may I ask what that other thing is on your passenger roof area? It looks like an expandable awning to me, but I've seen some people rig up those rooftop shower tubes as well.

 

[LazyJZ]

Hey, great post and thanks for sharing that amazing find!
I'm just now researching RTT's and the whole idea of this and can't seem to find any good resourse of info in the actual support bars needed to support a RTT.
I was hoping to save a few bucks and not go with the Rivian bars, but cant seem tonfind the needed minimum load ratings and if the ones I'm seeing on Amazon, for example are suitable, or plain junk.

Also, may I ask what that other thing is on your passenger roof area? It looks like an expandable awning to me, but I've seen some people rig up those rooftop shower tubes as well.

Unfortunately I can't say on the crossbar load ratings. I have an awning on the roof, works great.

 

[AirCruiser]

Hi, Jake from Cinch here – the Air Cruiser guy!

Hope you don’t mind me jumping in – just wanted to clarify a couple of things for anyone researching on the forum, as there are a few details that aren’t quite right.

First off, I’ll say I actually really like the Dometic. It’s a solid tent and that current price is pretty wild – almost too good to be true. My guess is they’re clearing inventory or there’s a new version coming. Either way, they’re definitely taking a loss at that price.

You mentioned it’s a lot lighter, but the difference is actually very small. The net weight of the Air Cruiser is lighter than the Dometic when comparing like for like. The total weight including accessories puts the Dometic lighter by 3 pounds, but that’s because the Air Cruiser includes extras like integrated LED lighting that you’d otherwise have to add on with the Dometic.

I’ve got a soft spot for Dometic too – nice to see another air-frame design out there. Being from the UK where air-frame tents dominate, I know first-hand how they outperform poled tents in ease and durability. So it’s great to see the tech moving into RTTs.

Where the Air Cruiser really sets itself apart is in space and user experience. The floor area is similar, but the headroom in the Air Cruiser is in another league – around 25 cubic feet more internal space, all in height. That might sound abstract, but in use it’s night and day. It just feels bigger – more cabin, less crawl-in sleep pod. Add in the panoramic windows and skylights, and it feels like a completely different kind of rooftop experience.

In terms of build and features, the Air Cruiser is positioned as a more premium tent. That’s not to knock the Dometic – it’s well made – but from materials to finishing touches, it’s a different tier. A good example: the Air Cruiser self-inflates via a built-in electric pump. Just plug it in and it assembles itself. The Dometic requires a separate pump and manual setup.

So, bottom line for me:

If you're on a tight budget, the Dometic at that price is a great deal.
But if you want something with more comfort, better features, and a truly standout experience, the Air Cruiser is worth a look – especially while we’ve still got units available at $2,399 with a deposit.

I hope you don’t mind me jumping in – my main reason was just to clarify the weight comparison, and also to add a bit of context on your comment about the manufacturer. The Air Cruiser is made by Wildland, who’ve produced over half a million rooftop tents – not just for themselves but also for some of the biggest names in the game, from the Cyber Tent to Roofnest. They’re genuine world leaders in RTT innovation, even if they tend to stay behind the scenes.

Happy to answer any questions – always appreciate a good gear discussion!

 

[Wefty]

Am I the only one who looks at websites for RTTs and thinks "Where is the real-time video of this thing being deployed?" It is the number 1 thing I want to see.

 

[LazyJZ]

Hi, Jake from Cinch here – the Air Cruiser guy!

Hope you don’t mind me jumping in – just wanted to clarify a couple of things for anyone researching on the forum, as there are a few details that aren’t quite right.

First off, I’ll say I actually really like the Dometic. It’s a solid tent and that current price is pretty wild – almost too good to be true. My guess is they’re clearing inventory or there’s a new version coming. Either way, they’re definitely taking a loss at that price.

You mentioned it’s a lot lighter, but the difference is actually very small. The net weight of the Air Cruiser is lighter than the Dometic when comparing like for like. The total weight including accessories puts the Dometic lighter by 3 pounds, but that’s because the Air Cruiser includes extras like integrated LED lighting that you’d otherwise have to add on with the Dometic.

I’ve got a soft spot for Dometic too – nice to see another air-frame design out there. Being from the UK where air-frame tents dominate, I know first-hand how they outperform poled tents in ease and durability. So it’s great to see the tech moving into RTTs.

Where the Air Cruiser really sets itself apart is in space and user experience. The floor area is similar, but the headroom in the Air Cruiser is in another league – around 25 cubic feet more internal space, all in height. That might sound abstract, but in use it’s night and day. It just feels bigger – more cabin, less crawl-in sleep pod. Add in the panoramic windows and skylights, and it feels like a completely different kind of rooftop experience.

In terms of build and features, the Air Cruiser is positioned as a more premium tent. That’s not to knock the Dometic – it’s well made – but from materials to finishing touches, it’s a different tier. A good example: the Air Cruiser self-inflates via a built-in electric pump. Just plug it in and it assembles itself. The Dometic requires a separate pump and manual setup.

So, bottom line for me:

If you're on a tight budget, the Dometic at that price is a great deal.
But if you want something with more comfort, better features, and a truly standout experience, the Air Cruiser is worth a look – especially while we’ve still got units available at $2,399 with a deposit.

I hope you don’t mind me jumping in – my main reason was just to clarify the weight comparison, and also to add a bit of context on your comment about the manufacturer. The Air Cruiser is made by Wildland, who’ve produced over half a million rooftop tents – not just for themselves but also for some of the biggest names in the game, from the Cyber Tent to Roofnest. They’re genuine world leaders in RTT innovation, even if they tend to stay behind the scenes.

Happy to answer any questions – always appreciate a good gear discussion!

Thank you for the clarifications and authentic representations here. I have no skate in Dometic, so my opinions were truly just a reflection of my experience. I looked at the Aircruiser, and seriously considered it (as I mentioned in the post, I only found the Dometic via my experience of researching your tent), but overall the price and a few key benefits swayed me.

- I appreciate the comment on the weight. Good to know. Our lighting weighs a few ounces, but perhaps I wasn't factoring apples to apples when considering stuff like the ladder. I was just going off of listed weights on respective websites.

- My two cents if it's worth anything for your product development, @AirCruiser , is that a built-in pump is actually a bug, not a feature. A built-in pump, to me, is an element which can fail, and deem my product worthless, whereas an external pump if ever fails can be easily replaced. I imagine there is no right or wrong here, just personal preference.

- I haven't been in the Aircruiser, and the added height sounds interesting, but again, just as a user preference (maybe for future product input), sleeping space is infinity more important to me than vertical space. One is nice to have, one is need to have, for us. I actually liked the headroom in the Dometic much more than our previous iKamper.

I'd love to see an Air Cruiser in person some day to do a side by side comparison. If you're ever near Southern California I'd love to check it out.

Thanks for the goodwill conversation. Great to see brands engaging with their market. Even more so if they're open to feedback (Joolca are a great example of this).

 

[Splitime]

Any chance you have pictures of it folded up/in transit mode? Wondering how it might fit next to a single bike rack on one side of the crossbars.

The tri fold likely makes it even easier for a bike rack parallel setup I suspect. I do wonder about proper support a bit though if shifted to one side though.

Sponsored