ALU-CAB LT-50 RTT

2 hours ago

5 min read

Over the years, I’m not sure if I’ve transgressed from a hardened traveller to an overlander, or even if there is such a thing. This year I’ve changed it up a notch and completely gone with a new camp setup. Gone is the old heavy RTT and replaced it with a new Alu-Cab LT-50 slimline roof top tent.

The company was started by Jeremy Bergh in 2000 in his garage in Cape Town, South Africa, while he was working as a plumber but pursuing his passion as an outdoor adventurer. His vision started out of frustration when using other gear on an overland trip and found that the only canopy that he could buy for his Hilux had no side access, and he had to constantly crawl over all his gear through the back to find what he wanted. In the early days the company focused just on custom vehicle projects for the tougher overland trips across South Africa, but over the last two decades the product line has expanded to RTT’s, awnings and complete fit outs that include their signature Khaya and Canopy Camper lines. Today Alu-cab employs over 600 people in their facilities in Cape Town, South Africa and exports to 73 countries around the world including Australia.

LT-50 RTT

So why did I pick the LT-50 ?

What got me was that the LT-50 has a very ultra-light footprint, where traditional aluminium hardshell RTT’s easily exceed up to 90 kg, which limits them to heavy 4WDs with high dynamic roof load capacities. With the amount of highway miles and off road tracks that I do, a heavier RTT is definitely noticeable on the roof after a while.

Roll on to the LT-50 and the Alu-Cab engineers worked out how to weld 1.2mm aluminium sheeting together to a high strength rigid frame. Meaning, it lowers the rooftop mass, improves vehicle dynamics by minimising body roll, lowering the centre of gravity, and increasing safety on off-camber trails. By doing this they have reduced the weight down to a mere 50.6kg ( including the mattress ) and made it ideal for the light and mid weight 4wd market where roof weight limits are less than the larger 4wds.

When packed down it’s only 6.8’’ high, has a sleek wedge profile and I have found my fuel economy has dropped by 2 litres per hundred. The LT50 comes in two different options, The Weekender is the basic option with a 2m ladder, universal fit kit and two little storage bags that velcro inside there tent. I upgraded to The Adventurer pack that includes a ladder extension bracket ( good for 4wds with a rear tyre, or in my case a wider roof ) which allows the ladder to safely clear your 4wd, a removable rainfly ( great to remove when its windy at night to eliminate flapping noise plus come in a handy bag ) and a set of load bars and feet to mount to the top of the RTT for extra carrying capacity of 30 kg, to carry extras such as a solar panel, recovery boards etc.

When ordering for a higher 4wd there is an option for a taller 2.6m ladder which in my case was needed. It also features an integrated side nut-slot channel along the aluminium frame, allowing you to bolt accessories directly to the tent without drilling. The tent uses 316 marine grade stainless steel for all its external fixtures and the gas struts are imported from Germany. There are three entry points all with midge screen mesh and integrated zips allowing for easy access and better airflow when the windows are open.

I found that despite its minimalist build, the tent does not compromise on weather protection either as the walls are made of dual-layer 280gsm UV-resistant ripstop canvas, think swag type canvas. This dual-layer approach provides excellent blackout properties for sleeping past sunrise, handles high winds without flapping loudly, and adds insulation against those colder temperatures. Even the ladder comes in a tough UV ripstop canvas bag that keeps the dirt and mud contained away from the tent.

To combat condensation and regulate heat, Alu-Cab embeds class-leading foam insulation into both the top lid and the bottom base panel. Apparently, this insulation barrier prevents ambient cold from radiating upward through the vehicle's roof or downward through the top shell, making it warmer during those colder nights. There are several velcro straps inside the tent where you can move around the supplies pouches to where you like. I would like to see just one large one on the roof to pack away items like an iPad at night. The mattress is a 60mm high density foam with a removable washable cover. After two months solid use I have found that the foam doesn’t bottom out like other foam mattresses, allowing for a solid night sleep.

The LT50 is slightly smaller in width and length than the full full size RTT’s making it perfect for solo travellers. Couples would find the tent pretty cosy. At the pointy end of the tent it narrows in and this gives the tent a more streamline and aerodynamic feel when driving.

Don’t get me wrong, the LT-50 was not designed to replace the bigger Gen 3-R, but rather be a quick weekend camp or holiday trip alternative for 4wders who don’t require the full features of the bigger RTT. Alu-Cab offer a few extras for the LT-50 including a Molle Roof plate ( to carry or mount extras on ), a ladder storage bracket that bolts to the Molle plate and a wall mount kit, so after your trip the RTT can be taken off and hung flush against a garage or shed wall. All the prices and specs can be found on the Australian website.

I’ve mounted a flexible solar panel in between the roof structural framework and it works well sitting nice and low and also some quick claps on the side for a spade holder for those imprimatur bush toilet stops. Light bedding can be stored inside.

All in all I’ve found the LT-50 a great upgrade from my last full size RTT as it’s light, comfortable, can easily accessorize it and able to take it off when not in use.