Is the Jeep Wrangler’s Innovative New Rooftop Tent the Future of Overlanding?

If you happened to be checking out Gear Patrol back in March (and why wouldn’t you??), you may have noticed a little story about Jeep filing for a patent on a pretty unique rooftop tent concept.

Written by GP executive editor Jack Seemer, the piece simultaneously waxed ecstatic and urged caution, courtesy of this caveat: “Of course, it’s important to remember that most patents never see the light of day, so temper any expectation that the design is a given.”

Jeep

Which is why I am doubly stoked to report that, only a couple months later, some of the coolest ideas expressed in that patent have come to life — in concept form, at least.

At the weekend’s Overland Expo West in Flagstaff, Arizona, the brand showcased the Awning and Rooftop Tent (ARTT), a lightweight, low-profile system that integrates seamlessly with the Jeep Wrangler. 

Born in the Stellantis Star*Up intrapreneurship program, ARTT was built in partnership with Dometic, a standout brand in the overland space, which Jeep viewed as the only supplier that could deliver the product to the marketplace.

True to the original GP patent story, here are the features that jump out.

Streamlined system

As cool and convenient as rooftop tents are, two hangups are cruddy aerodynamics and high-mounted weight, which jeopardize the efficiency and safety of your vehicle, respectively.

Jeep

Addressing both concerns at once, the entire ARTT system packs into a contoured carbon-fiber shell that attaches directly to the Wrangler’s roof. It’s easily one of the sleekest rooftop set-ups I’ve ever seen.

Fast pitch

Within that shell resides a spacious rooftop tent that is easy to pitch thanks to Dometic’s AIR Frame Inflation tech. 

Jeep

The tent features four zippable windows and external access via a fold-out ladder, plus room for a queen-size mattress, which should sleep two adults comfortably.

Double duty

Meanwhile, swinging out over the driver’s side, the awning provides shade around the rear of the vehicle as well, and is sure to turn your vehicle into the hangout spot at any overland gathering.

Jeep

A cable tied into the hood supports this structure, as do multiple buttressing arms complete with LED lighting.

Conveniently, the tailgate and lift window are both still completely accessible when the awning is deployed.

Inside access

One other rare element of the ARTT is the fact that the tent can be entered and exited through the Wrangler itself.

Jeep

All you need to do is remove the “freedom panels” and use the included carbon-fiber step (graciously protecting the center console) to climb in or out. That feature should come in handy on chilly mornings when you’d rather, you know, ease into the day. 

Now that this made it from patent to concept, all we can do is cross our fingers that the involved parties take the next logical step to reality.

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