When you’re planning a serious Rooftop Tents setup, you need something that is both tough and fast. The Adventure Kings Grand Tourer Mk3 Aluminium Rooftop Tent aims to be the platinum standard for comfort and convenience. Built around a rugged aluminium shell, this hardshell tent promises a genuine 30-second setup and superior protection against the elements, thanks to its four-stage water ingress technology.
The good
- Genuine 30-second setup time
- 110 mm internal storage space
- Four-stage water protection
- Accessory side channels included
- Marine grade 316 stainless hardware
The not-so-good
- Heavy total weight of 95 kg
- Mattress comfort is only alright
- Large closed footprint (2261 mm length)
Quick specs
| Brand | Adventure Kings |
|---|---|
| Model | Kings Grand Tourer Mk3 Rooftop Tent |
| Category | Rooftop Tents |
| Material | Aluminium Honeycomb Panel, 320GSM Canvas, 316 Stainless Steel |
| Colour | Grey/Black (Aluminium) |
| Model number (MPN) | AKTA-RTTALU_03 |
But with a hefty 95 kg weight, is this MkIII model the right balance of strength and practicality for your rig? We spent some time sleeping high and dry to see if this big-ticket item delivers on its promise of luxury and speed on the trail.
What You’re Getting
A premium aluminium hardshell rooftop tent featuring a 30-second setup, four-stage water ingress protection, 75mm mattress, and full-length accessory channels for mounting gear.
First impressions
The Kings Grand Tourer MkIII is a big piece of gear, and you immediately feel the quality of the aluminium shell. The exterior is sleek and robust, definitely built to handle harsh outback conditions. The setup is really easy, popping the latches and giving the handles a light push really does allow the gas struts to take over, achieving that genuine 30-second open time. It’s seriously fast, which a massive improvement over soft-shell tents.
Once open, the tent reveals a huge internal sleeping space. At 1300 mm wide and 2145 mm long, it’s closer to a king-sized length than a standard double, and the 1.65 m head height means getting changed inside is a breeze. The 75 mm mattress is included, and while it’s alright, it’s not exactly a cloud but more on that later…
Materials & Build Quality
The KINGS Grand Tourer MkIII is defined by its materials. The shell utilizes an aluminium honeycomb sandwich panel system in both the floor and roof. This design is incredibly strong and durable, providing far better structural integrity and insulation than simple composite shells. This insulation is a welcome feature, helping keep you cool in the summer heat and cosy in the cooler months.
The tent fabric itself is a durable 320GSM canvas, which strikes a good balance between breathability and weather resistance. Adventure Kings has seriously focused on water protection, which they call a four-stage system. The smooth design reduces entry points, an automotive-grade rubber pinch weld seals the joint, a custom aluminium extrusion prevents water migration, and finally, all joins are sealed with polyurethane sealant. This level of sealing, combined with the marine-grade 316 stainless steel hardware (including all the nuts and bolts for the fitting kit), shows they built this tent to last in wet or coastal conditions.
Ergonomics & Weight
Let’s address the elephant on the roof: the weight. At 95 kg, including the ladder and mattress, the Kings Grand Tourer MK3 is certainly substantial. This is the trade-off for the aluminium honeycomb shell and huge interior space. You need to be aware of your vehicle’s dynamic (moving) and static (parked) roof load ratings. However, for serious 4WD touring where durability and speed are paramount, the weight is acceptable. If weight is your ultimate concern, Kings does offer the Grand Tourer Lite, which is lighter with an 18 mm profile, but the MkIII is designed for maximum strength and features.
However, the ease of setup cannot be overstated. Being able to go from parked to sleeping in 30 seconds is game-changing for quick overnight stops. We also loved the internal space when closed: there’s a generous 110 mm gap, meaning we could still close it easily even after leaving our thick sleeping bag and pillows inside. This simple feature saves huge amounts of time and makes packing up much less of a chore. The ladder can also be mounted on any of the three sides, allowing you to customise access based on your specific camping layout or awning placement.
Performance & Features
The performance of the Kings Grand Tourer MK3 is centered on fast deployment and all-weather protection. The gas struts work flawlessly, requiring minimal effort to open the tent fully. Once open, the 320GSM canvas, combined with the integrated window awnings held by strong tension poles, ensures excellent airflow while keeping rain out. All three entry points feature zippered midge and mozzie-proof mesh, a huge bonus for keeping your Sleeping Gear fresh in humid, buggy climates.
One of the standout features is the full-length accessory channels built into the extruded aluminium frame. These side channels are incredibly handy. We were able to easily mount accessories, including the Kings 270 awning using the dedicated bracket set, directly to the tent body. This high level of customisation is perfect for integrating other gear like Camp Lighting or even a solar panel on top (with optional crossbars).
While the factory 75 mm mattress is fine for a few nights, the internal space is generous enough that you can easily add a mattress topper or even replace the factory mat with a thicker, more comfortable version for extended trips without affecting the ability to close the tent.
The Kings Grand Tourer MkIII Aluminium Rooftop Tent is a serious investment for serious adventurers.
It strikes a successful balance between rapid deployment and robust, all-weather durability. The genuine 30-second setup and the ability to leave your bedding inside are significant time-savers on the road. While the 95 kg weight requires careful consideration of your vehicle's load capacity, the strength of the aluminium honeycomb structure and the four-stage weather protection justify the bulk. For tourers who demand a permanent, customisable, and reliable home on the roof, the kings grand tourer mk3 is an outstanding choice that offers fantastic comfort and convenience.
The Kings Grand Tourer MK3 is best for committed 4WD tourers who tackle extreme weather and rough roads and need a permanent, fast-deploying shelter. It's ideal for those who prioritize the durability and insulation of an aluminium shell and appreciate the customisation options offered by the integrated accessory channels.
Yes, the Kings Grand Tourer MKIII is worth the money if you value speed, strength, and longevity in your Rooftop Tents setup. While it's a heavier initial investment than soft-shell options, the time saved on setup and pack-down, combined with the superior weather protection and durable construction, makes it a valuable asset for extended touring.
