Dometic TRT 140 Air Inflatable Rooftop Tent Review

Active Gear Review is supported by its audience. If you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

The idea of camping is inherently exciting, but the traditional method of sleeping on the ground can sometimes dampen the joy, especially for those who like their comfort. Rooftop tents are an innovative, practical, and fun solution to this issue. They offer a unique camping experience, providing elevated safety, increased comfort, and a vantage point that ground tents can’t compete with. Plus, they’re versatile, easily adaptable to various terrains, and can turn almost any vehicle into a mobile camping unit.

When you opt for a rooftop tent, you’re buying into convenience. Setting up a ground tent can be a tedious and time-consuming process. With a rooftop tent, however, you can set up camp in a matter of minutes. They are designed for easy assembly, allowing you to spend more time enjoying your camping experience and less time fussing over setup.

But not all rooftop tents are created equal, and that’s why I’m writing this review. I want to share my experience with a particular brand and model that I believe stands out from the rest: the Dometic TRT 140 Air inflatable rooftop tent.

Introduction to Dometic

When it comes to outdoor camping gear, few companies have a reputation as solid as Dometic. A global leader in the outdoor gear industry, Dometic is known for providing high-quality, durable, and innovative products designed to enhance the outdoor experience.

Since its inception, Dometic has been a pioneer in creating products that allow people to enjoy nature without sacrificing comfort or convenience. Their product range includes everything from electric coolers to camp furniture to awnings, and now a rooftop tent.

What sets Dometic apart from the competition is their commitment to quality and relentless innovation. They understand the needs and challenges of outdoor adventurers and design their products accordingly. With Dometic, you can expect exceptional performance, longevity, and impeccable customer service.

Introduction to Dometic TRT 140 Air Inflatable Rooftop Tent

The Dometic TRT 140 Air Inflatable Rooftop Tent is one of Dometic’s most innovative products. This rooftop tent is impressive, offering unmatched ease of use, comfort, and a host of features that make it stand out in the market. Its inflatable design sets it apart from most rooftop tents, providing a unique camping experience.

The TRT 140 Air is designed for all types of adventurers. Whether you are a seasoned camper or a beginner, this rooftop tent has something to offer you. It provides an elevated sleeping platform that keeps you safe from the elements and potential pests on the ground. Plus, its spacious interior can comfortably accommodate two adults.

One of the standout features of the Dometic TRT 140 Air is its quick and easy setup process. With its inflatable design, setting up camp is as simple as inflating the tent with the included high-performance air pump. This eliminates the need for complicated assembly instructions and gives you more time to enjoy your camping experience or head off on adventures.

Unboxing the Dometic TRT 140 Air Inflatable Rooftop Tent

Unboxing the Dometic TRT 140 Air Inflatable Rooftop Tent is an experience in itself. The package was large and heavy, which was to be expected given it is a rooftop tent. As you open the box, you’re greeted with a neatly packed tent, a pump for the inflatable air beams, a telescoping ladder, a PVC cover, a bag of mounting hardware, and a user manual.

The first thing that struck me about the whole setup was its quality. The material felt strong and durable, and the workmanship was top-notch. The air poles were well-integrated into the tent, and the high-density foam mattress felt comfortable to the touch. The attention to detail is impressive, from the reinforced stitching to the durable air beams.

There’s a sense of excitement as you unbox the tent, knowing that you’re not just unboxing a product, but an experience. It’s clear that Dometic has put a lot of thought into the design and functionality of the tent, and this becomes even more evident as you move on to the installation process.

Installation of the Dometic TRT 140 Air Inflatable Rooftop Tent

Installing the Dometic TRT 140 Air on my vehicle was straightforward. The tent comes with a universal mounting system that fits most roof racks. The setup process is made easier by the included instruction manual, which provides clear, step-by-step guidance. The installation process involves securing the tent to your roof rack with the included mounting hardware.

It’s worth mentioning that the Dometic TRT 140 Air Inflatable Rooftop Tent is quite heavy (103.70 lbs.), so you will need some help during the installation process. But once it’s up, you’ll appreciate the stability and sturdiness that it offers.

I positioned the tent on my roof rack and aligned it properly. Then, I used the provided bolts and nuts to secure the tent to the rack. The process was hassle-free and took me about a half hour to complete.

One thing to note. I mounted the tent on the OEM rack and rails of my SUV. These rails sit lower than aftermarket installed rails would, which caused the mounting bolts to almost touch the roof. And they actually did when driving over bumps in the road as the weight of the tent caused the rails to flex and the bolts tapped the roof. To prevent that from happing again, I used some heavy duty rubber mat pieces I had laying around out the house to stack under the bolts for cushioning and it has worked perfectly. Down the road I plan on upgrading the roof rails to something a bit more substantial. But for the time being the OEM rails are working out just fine.

Build Quality of the Dometic TRT 140 Air Inflatable Rooftop Tent

The build quality of the Dometic TRT 140 Air is top-notch. The tent is made from high-quality, rip-stop poly-cotton fabric that is water-resistant and durable. This material can withstand harsh weather conditions, ensuring that you stay dry and comfortable inside the tent.

The inflatable poles are robust and provide excellent stability. They are made from TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane), a material known for its strength and durability. Despite being inflatable, these beams are incredibly sturdy and can withstand strong winds without bending or breaking. The quality of these air poles is evident in the ease and speed of inflating and deflating the tent.

The ladder is made from lightweight but strong aluminum. It can support a considerable amount of weight, providing safe and easy access to the tent. The mounting brackets are also robust and securely hold the tent onto the roof rack.

The interior of the tent is equally impressive. The high-density foam mattress is comfortable and supportive, providing a good night’s sleep. The tent also has plenty of storage pockets, a handy feature for keeping your gear organized.

Overall, the build quality of the Dometic TRT 140 Air Inflatable Rooftop Tent is exceptional. It’s clear that the tent is designed to last, providing a reliable and comfortable camping solution for many years.

Setting Up the Dometic TRT 140 Air Inflatable Rooftop Tent

Setting up the Dometic TRT 140 Air is a breeze. Once the tent is mounted on your vehicle, all you need to do is unclip the two security straps that hold the tri-fold tent together during transportation, then unfold the side with the adjustable telescoping ladder. Unfold the other side with the easy to use solid straps, attach the included air pump and inflate.

The pump is efficient and easy to use and the tent inflates quickly, transforming into a spacious and comfortable living space in just a few minutes. The tent’s design ensures it maintains its shape and stability once inflated.

After inflation, all that’s left is to arrange the interior to your liking. Inside the tent, you’ll find a 3.2 cm thick high-density foam mattress that provides a comfortable sleeping surface. The tent also has three large windows and a door, all with mesh screens to keep out insects and allow for ventilation.

The setup process is straightforward, even for beginners and it is not just quick and easy, but also fun. It’s a process that transforms your vehicle into a comfortable and convenient home away from home, ready for any adventure.

Adding the Dometic RT Awning to the TRT 140 AIR Rooftop Tent

To further enhance the camping experience, Dometic offers the RT Awning as an add-on to the TRT 140 rooftop tent. The awning cleverly attaches into the side of the tent, providing additional sheltered space. I found this to be a great addition, especially during rainy conditions or when camping in the open sun.

The RT Awning uses the same high-quality material as the tent, ensuring it can withstand the same harsh conditions. The awning is also easy to set up with one inflatable u-shaped pole at the top and two upright poles and stakes that can be used to turn any of the three sides into a shady shelter. Once set up, the awning provides a privacy shelter where you can stand up or a shaded area that is perfect for relaxing, cooking, or storing gear.

The addition of the RT Awning significantly enhances the versatility of the Dometic TRT 140. Whether you’re camping in the woods or the desert, the awning provides useful additional space and shelter. It’s an excellent addition for those looking to make the most of their rooftop camping experience.

Taking Down the Dometic TRT 140 Air Inflatable Rooftop Tent

Taking down the Dometic TRT 140 Air is easier than setting it up. All you need to do is unscrew the air port cap, let the tent deflate, fold it up, and secure it with the included straps. The process is quick and easy, taking just a couple of minutes. The awning also folds up neatly, fitting into a compact bag for easy storage.

Camping with the Dometic TRT 140 Air Inflatable Rooftop Tent and Awning

Camping with the Dometic TRT 140 Air and the RT Awning was a fantastic experience. The tent provided a comfortable and convenient living space, while the awning added extra shelter and shade. The tent’s inflatable design meant it was extremely stable, even in windy conditions. The ventilation was excellent, with the large mesh on all four sides that offered a great view and plenty of fresh air. The comfortable foam mattress ensured a good night’s sleep after a day of outdoor activities. And despite its compact size when deflated, the tent provides plenty of room when inflated.

The RT Awning proved to be a valuable addition, providing a shaded area during the day and a sheltered space for cooking and relaxation in the evening. The awning was easy to set up and take down, and its sturdy construction held up well against the elements.

Camping with the Dometic TRT 140 and the RT Awning was a unique and enjoyable experience. The tent provided a spacious and comfortable sleeping area, while the awning offered a convenient sheltered space for daily activities. The thing that I appreciated most was the convenience of setup and take down, it was mere minutes compared to the hour or more that I normally spend setting up and packing away camp.

Pros and Cons of the Dometic Rooftop Tent

After using the Dometic TRT 140 Air, here are some pros and cons I’ve observed:

Pros:

• Incredibly quick and easy setup and take down
• High-quality, durable construction
• Spacious interior with comfortable high-density foam mattress
• Comes with the necessary accessories for installation and use

Cons:

• The tent is quite heavy, which might be an issue for smaller vehicles – recommended carrying capacity for the roof rack is at least 165 lbs./75 kg to allow for driving with the rooftop tent installed
• The price is on the higher side compared to some other rooftop tents 

Key Features of the Dometic Rooftop Tent

The Dometic TRT 140 Air has several key features that set it apart from other rooftop tents:

• Inflatable air poles for quick and easy setup
• High-quality Weathershield™ TC material
• Spacious interior with a comfortable high-density foam mattress
• Universal mounting system that fits most roof racks
• Compact size when deflated for easy storage

Price Comparison to Other Rooftop Tents

When compared to other rooftop tents in the market, the Dometic TRT 140 Air Inflatable Rooftop Tent is at the higher end of the price spectrum. However, its unique features and superior quality justify the higher price tag. When you consider the comfort, convenience, and durability it offers, the Dometic rooftop tent is a worthwhile investment for any avid camper.

Conclusion: Is the Dometic TRT 140 Air Inflatable Rooftop Tent Worth It?

The Dometic TRT 140 Air Inflatable Rooftop Tent is a versatile, high-quality option for those looking to embark on a rooftop camping adventure. Its innovative design, robust construction, and the addition of the RT Awning make it a standout choice. The tent’s price point may be a factor for some, but considering its features and durability, it offers good value for money. If you’re an outdoor enthusiast looking for a convenient, comfortable, and resilient camping solution, the Dometic TRT 140 is definitely worth considering.

For more info on the TRT 140 Rooftop Tent, visit www.dometic.com.