Alu-Cab LT50 Lightweight Rooftop Tent Review – Why It’s My Favourite Compact RTT

Introduction – Finding the Right Tent for a Small Rig

After testing several rooftop tents — Frontrunner, RoofPod, and a few others — I finally landed on what I think is the best setup for a smaller overlanding rig: the Alu-Cab LT50.

The Jimny doesn’t have the roof space or payload of a Defender or Land Cruiser, so keeping things lightweight and compact is crucial. The LT50 ticked all my boxes — sleek, easy to use, fits in my garage, and made by a brand known for top-tier quality.

This review runs through my personal experience with the LT50, the pros and cons, and how it compares to the RoofPod and other lightweight hard-shell tents I’ve used.

1. Alu-Cab LT50 Specs & Key Details

(Source: alu-cab.com,
trailpod.co.za)

2. Setup, Mounting, and First Impressions

The LT50 arrived as one of the easiest rooftop tents I’ve ever mounted. We had to make a few minor adjustments — tightening the gas struts and fine-tuning some clips — but nothing unusual for a new tent.

One thing to note is ladder length. The standard 2 m ladder was too short, especially with my lifted Jimny on 33s. We swapped to the 2.6 m ladder, which fits perfectly and makes entry much easier.

I also went with Alu-Cab’s load bars and gutter-mount feet, but honestly, they sit too tall for the Jimny. I’ll probably swap to Front Runner feet or custom brackets to drop the profile — purely an aesthetic thing, but the height looks odd on such a small rig.

3. Comfort & Living With It

Inside, the mattress is solid — firm but comfortable, with enough foam thickness for a good night’s sleep. You can leave your duvet or sleeping bag inside when closing the tent, but not pillows.

Space-wise, it’s ideal for one or two people (and maybe a small dog). If you’re over six feet or don’t like sharing close quarters, it might feel tight.

What really impressed me was how easy it is to live with day-to-day:

• It fits in my garage without removing it.
• It’s weatherproof, secure, and looks neat on the car.
• The streamlined aluminium shell means far less drag and noise than soft-shell tents.

4. On-Road Performance

Compared to other tents I’ve run, the LT50 feels aerodynamic and well balanced. With the Jimny’s small motor, you immediately notice anything that kills speed or fuel economy — and the LT50’s narrow profile helps a lot.

Yes, there’s a slight whistle at certain speeds or wind angles, likely from the front extrusion channels. My plan is to make small rubber plugs or add a light bar to break the airflow. Otherwise, it’s quiet, stable, and doesn’t make the Jimny feel top-heavy.

5. LT50 vs RoofPod and Other RTTs

The RoofPod remains a fantastic tent — I genuinely liked it — but for me, the LT50 just looked and fit better on the Jimny. It’s narrower, more aerodynamic, and feels purpose-built for small 4x4s where every kilo matters.

6. Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Lightweight for a hard shell (± 46 kg).
• Slim, aerodynamic design — perfect for smaller vehicles.
• High build quality (Alu-Cab’s standard).
• Easy to set up and pack down.
• Solid weatherproofing and ventilation.
• Fits in a garage without removal.

Cons:

• Original 2 m ladder too short — replaced with 2.6 m.
• Slight wind whistle at some speeds.
• Short interior length for tall users.
• Gutter-mount feet too tall for small rigs.

7. Final Thoughts – Lightweight Done Right

After owning swags, soft-shells, and even trailer setups, the LT50 hits the sweet spot. It’s lightweight, looks clean, sets up in seconds, and has none of the usual rooftop-tent hassles.

It’s not the cheapest or biggest option out there, but if you want a high-quality, compact, and versatile tent, the Alu-Cab LT50 is one of the best you can buy right now.

It’s perfect for smaller overlanding rigs like the Jimny, yet still flexible enough to move to a bigger touring build later. I’m keeping mine — and probably won’t change tents until I outgrow the car itself.