TentBox Cargo vs iKamper BDV Hard Shell Roof Top Tents

TentBox Cargo and iKamper BDV Hard Shell Roof Top Tents are two excellent examples of clamshell roof top tents, with many common features, but there are differences. So see which is better.

Why this comparison

First of all, this is about two great and functional products. Both are built in the same style, and here are some of the features that are very similar or the same in these two roof top shelters:

• These are hard shell clamshell type roof top tents.
• They have automatic setup system so the lid of the box raises practically by itself.
• Both of them have 3 doors and you can have one awning.
• You can use ladder with any of the doors.
• Both are of the size suitable for two people. You will see the numbers below.
• You have three large mesh windows with zippered panels.
• The roof is flat in both, and they have options to add extra racks and gear above.
• Fabric is a high quality polycotton in both tents.
• These brands offer a variety of accessory elements that can be used with the tents.
• Note that these are cargo type roof top tents, so you can attach extra gear on top of them.
• Finally, both of them are very expensive.

You will see some of these features in this video of the TentBox Cargo clamshell roof top tent:

The differences between TentBox Cargo and iKamper BDV roof top tents

I have summarized the main differences in the comparison table below. As you see, I use those + and – to give advantage and disadvantage to one or another tent, and farther below I explain my reasoning for this.

Weight: TentBox Cargo weighs 163 pounds (74 kg), and iKapmer BDV Duo 150 pounds (68 kg). The winner is clear but the difference is not substantial.

Inner area: You have 2.6 m² in the TentBox Cargo, and 3 m² in the iKapmer BDV Duo. This difference cannot be neglected.

But see also the floor size so that you can plan how to use it. In the TentBox Cargo this is 82.7 x 49.2 inches (210 x 125 cm). In the iKapmer BDV Duo this is 83.9 x 55.9 inches (213 x 142 cm).

Mattress: In the TentBox Cargo you have 2.4 inches (6 cm), and in the iKamper BDV Duo 2.75 inches (7 cm). Quite modest in both, but this is typical in such roof top tents.

Box thickness: The iKamper BDV Duo is thinner, it is only 7 inches (18 cm). You have 8.3 inches (21 cm) for the TentBox Cargo. This may have effect on the fuel consumption.

Warranty: With the TentBox Cargo you have their 5-tear warranty. In the case of iKamper BDV Duo this is formulated a bit differently, see the picture:

Ventilation: Well, here the TentBox Cargo is a big winner. It has both floor vents and wall vents, one is visible in the picture below. This is not so in the iKamper shelter, pity. Do not be fooled with mesh window, this must be closed in situations with rain, and vents are indeed necessary.

Box material: The TentBox Cargo is all made of aluminum. In the iKamper BDV Duo this is a combination of aluminum used for the bottom and an FRP shell for the lid (roof). So the former is surely better.

Weight capacity: The TentBox Cargo is officially for up to 661 pounds (300 kg). iKapmer BDV Duo is for 600 pounds (272 kg).

Peak height: You have 63 inches (160 cm) in the TentBox Cargo and 59 inches (150 cm) in the iKapmer BDV Duo.

Price: These are expensive things, but the iKapmer BDV Duo is a bit more expensive.

Best places to buy

TentBox Cargo

Outdoor Roadie

iKamper Blue Dot Voyager Duo (BDV)

iKamper

Off Road Tents

REI

Summary

So you have seen the score, and according to this, it appears that TentBox Cargo is better. But it is best to see which of those features is of importance for you and then decide. I would say that ventilation and price are two major factors worth considering.

What do you think? Let me know, there is a comment box below. Check also how the TentBox Cargo compares with the Roofnest Sparrow Eye.

If you would rather want a pop-up type please check my another comparison with two shelters of that type. Thank you for reading and have a nice day.