TentBox Classic vs Venture Forward Hard Shell Rooftop Tent

This TentBox Classic vs Venture Forward Hard Shell Rooftop Tent comparison is about two very popular products built in the same style, both very easy to use and reliable.

Why this comparison?

Here you have two popular hard shell roof top tents, both built in a pop-up style, so they are extremely easy to set up, you will see this in the video below. They share the same shape and many common features. See how the TentBox Classic roof top tent looks:

So these are the type with a solid bottom and top, and with vertical walls in between made of a breathable fabric. In both cases, the solid part is made of a strong ABS material. The video shows how to open the TentBox Classic, the same is with the other tent:

What they do not show on their sites is how to close it. I can tell you it may be a bit annoying, you will see in this video below why. So this is now the Venture Forward Hard Shell Rooftop Tent in action:

So what are the common features?

• They have the same weight capacity. For both tents this is 660 pounds (300 kg).
• 2 Doors. Both have double-layer doors on the opposite longer sides.
• 2 Windows. They are double-layer equipped with zippers, and they are on the two narrow sides.
• Breathable fabric. This is a strong canvas in both tents.
• Mattress and ladder are included. They both remain in the box for transportation. This is why such hard shell tent boxes are described as cargo boxes.
• Gas assisted or hydraulic setup. This means that the roof of the tent raises practically by itself, the video above has shown this.
• Awnings. You have support poles to create awnings with the door flaps, they stay in place when you put them in their sleeves.
• Both shelters come with two sets of storage poaches on the walls.

Important differences

• There are differences in dimensions. So the TentBox Classic is officially for up to two people. Its dimensions are (L x W x H) 82.7 x 50.4 x 39.4 inches (210 x 128 x 100 cm). The Venture Forward Hard Shell Rooftop Tent dimensions are (L x W x H) 84.5 x 51 x 43.1 inches (215 x 130 x 109 cm).
• The weight is different. The TentBox Classic weighs 143.3 pounds (65 kg). The Venture Forward Hard Shell Rooftop Tent weighs 129 pounds (58.5 kg). Perhaps not a big deal.
• Warranty conditions. For the TentBox Classic this is excellent 5-year warranty. I could not find any information for the Venture Forward tent.
• Thickness when closed. For the TentBox Classic this is 13.8 inches (35 cm). But the Venture Forward is thinner, it measures 11.6 inches (29 cm).
• The price is quite different. Both are expensive, but the Venture Forward tent is more affordable.
• The TentBox Classic comes with a gear loft, and this is a very useful addition that is missing in the Venture Forward shelter where you only have loops for attachment of something similar.
• Note also that the Venture Forward shelter’s support poles in the corners are in fabric sleeves. This is not so in the TentBox Classic, so the former is better in this sense.
• One more detail may be important for some users. The brand behind TentBox Classic offers also an insulating layer which can be ordered separately.

What I dislike

Both shelters have mesh openings on all the sides. So this will create plenty of air flow as long as you keep it with mesh.

But there are no vents here. You need them when you have intervals with rain and you keep the doors and windows with panels on.

Summary & conclusions

The comparison table summarizes all what I described above, and it shows my rating:

From the text above you already know why I give + or – to one or the other roof top tent.

Just to stress that under Other Details, I mean the gear loft, zippers, those mentioned sleeves for the support mechanisms, and also colors. When you take all these features together, I give advantage to the TentBox Classic shelter.

All in all, there may be no clear winner here. The inner area in both tents is very similar. So it depends on which features you find important to you. The Venture Forward Hard Shell rooftop tent is more affordable and it can be ordered at Camping World.

But bear in mind the warranty conditions which you have with the TentBox Classic roof top tent. In the US it is available at Overland Junction.

What do you think? Let me know, there is a comment box below. You might want to compare these two with the Freespirit Evolution rooftop tent with some truly unique features.

Check also my another text with a comparison of two pop up hard shell tents similar to these presented here. Thank you for reading and have a nice day.