Rooftop Tent Covers and Hoists: Four Listings Compared by Fit, Weight Rating and Waterproofing
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A rooftop tent lives on the vehicle roof between trips, and it needs two kinds of accessory: a cover that keeps rain and dust off the shell, and a hoist that lifts the tent to a garage ceiling. The four listings here are two covers and two overhead hoists. The fit of a cover to a tent model, the waterproof rating and the weight rating of a hoist decide whether the accessory does its job, so those are the details this guide compares.
Quick answer
For a cover, check the fit first. One listing is made for the Kukenam 3 and Autana 3 tents, and the other is a general hard shell cover with a drawstring. Then check the waterproof rating, which both covers list as waterproof. For a hoist, check the weight rating. The two hoists here are both rated for 250 pounds, and the listed item weight of the TRUSOON hoist is the only weight figure either hoist gives.
How we chose
Each entry uses the product details saved for the listing: waterproof rating, unit count, included components, product dimensions, item weight, shelf or lift weight capacity and the title. The guide reports these figures as the listing states them. It does not describe how any cover holds up in wind on the highway, or how smoothly any hoist lifts a tent in use.
What we could not verify
Fit, wind resistance and the strength of the hoist mounting are not tested here. A cover is only as good as its fit, and the guide reports the tent models named in each title, not a fit check. The weight rating is the seller’s figure for the hoist, and the guide does not test it. Where a field is missing from the saved data, the guide leaves it out. One listing in this category was a ladder attachment for a different purpose, so the guide leaves it out.
The four listings
Picnkurael rooftop tent hard shell cover, heavy duty waterproof, drawstring bag
The Picnkurael hard shell cover is a waterproof bag for a rooftop tent, and the included components name a bag. The unit count is one, and the listing gives the water resistance level as waterproof. The title describes a drawstring closure and a heavy duty build. A hard shell cover keeps the tent dry when it is folded on the roof, and the drawstring keeps it closed in wind. View the Picnkurael hard shell cover on Amazon.
Picnkurael rooftop tent cover for Kukenam 3 and Autana 3, waterproof and UV resistant
The second Picnkurael cover is made for two named tent models, the Kukenam 3 and the Autana 3. The listing gives the water resistance level as waterproof, and the included components name a bag. The title also describes the cover as UV resistant, which is the seller’s statement. A cover made for a specific tent model is the surest fit, so check the listed model on your own tent before you buy. View the Picnkurael cover for Kukenam 3 and Autana 3 on Amazon.
Pacikwest garage ceiling storage lift system, rooftop tent hoist, heavy duty overhead pulley system
The Pacikwest hoist is black and measures 15.35 by 4.7 by 11.42 inches. The brand lists a shelf weight capacity of 250 pounds, and the title describes a heavy duty overhead pulley system. The hoist is meant for a garage ceiling, so the tent can be lifted off the vehicle and stored overhead. Check the ceiling joists and the mounting kit before you lift a full tent. View the Pacikwest hoist on Amazon.
TRUSOON rooftop tent hoist, 250 lbs garage ceiling lift, 6-pulley system
The TRUSOON hoist is rated for 250 pounds and uses a 6-pulley system, according to the title. The listed item weight is 12.43 pounds, which is the weight of the hoist itself. A six-pulley system spreads the load across more lines, which reduces the force you need to lift a tent. As with any overhead hoist, check the ceiling and the mounting before use, since the rating applies only when the hoist is installed correctly. View the TRUSOON hoist on Amazon.
A comparison by type, rating and fit
| Accessory | Type | Fit or rating as listed | Waterproof | Included parts |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Picnkurael hard shell | Cover | General hard shell | Waterproof | Bag |
| Picnkurael Kukenam and Autana | Cover | Kukenam 3 and Autana 3 | Waterproof | Bag |
| Pacikwest | Hoist | 250 lb shelf capacity | Not stated | Not stated |
| TRUSOON | Hoist | 250 lb rating, 6 pulleys | Not stated | Not stated |
Type, fit or rating, and waterproofing are the three columns to compare first. Both covers name waterproofing, and both hoists name a 250-pound rating.
Choosing a cover
A tent-specific cover is the surest fit, and the Kukenam and Autana listing names two models. A general hard shell cover with a drawstring suits a tent that is not listed, but check the dimensions against your own shell. The drawstring on the hard shell keeps the cover closed in wind, which helps on a long drive.
Choosing a hoist
A hoist lifts the tent to the garage ceiling, which keeps it off the floor and away from the car. Both listed hoists are rated for 250 pounds, so check the weight of your tent before you buy. The TRUSOON listing names six pulleys, which spreads the load and reduces the effort to lift.
Checks to make before you order
Check the cover fit against your tent model, since a wrong size lets water in at the seams.
Check the weight of your tent against the hoist rating, and confirm the mounting kit for your ceiling.
Look for a carry bag or case, which keeps the cover clean when you store it.
Which accessory suits which setup
For a tent that matches the Kukenam 3 or Autana 3, the Picnkurael cover made for those models is the option to compare. For a tent that is not on the list, the Picnkurael hard shell cover with its drawstring is the match. For a garage ceiling lift with a 250-pound rating and a six-pulley system, the TRUSOON hoist is the one to look at. For a 250-pound shelf-rated hoist with a compact body, the Pacikwest listing is the other choice.
Storing the tent between trips
Fold and dry the tent completely before you store it, since damp fabric can mildew under a cover. Keep the cover on the shell, and check the straps each time you drive. If you lift the tent overhead, lower it slowly and check the hoist lines for wear before the next lift.
Frequently asked questions
Will a rooftop tent cover fit any tent?
No. The Kukenam and Autana cover is made for two named tent models. The hard shell cover is general, so measure your tent before you buy.
Is a 250-pound hoist enough for a rooftop tent?
It depends on the tent weight. Check the weight of your tent and any gear on it, and compare that with the rating on the product page.
Do the covers stop UV damage?
One title describes UV resistance, which is the seller’s statement. The guide does not test the fabric.
Sources
Waterproof ratings, weights, dimensions, included parts and weight ratings come from the listings. Fit statements and UV claims are the sellers’ statements.
- Amazon, where each listing is read as the seller states it
- U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
- OEKO-TEX, the textile testing and certification organization
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