Softshell vs hard-shell rooftop tent: which is better for a midsize truck?
For a midsize truck, choose between the actual tent models after checking the vehicle, rack, mounting arrangement and loaded weight. A hard shell may suit someone who values an assisted opening mechanism; a softshell may suit someone who prefers its sleeping dimensions, but the shell label alone does not establish fit.
Key facts
| Fact | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Rough Country 99050-config sleeping area | 92 by 62 in | Maker bed-size listing, read 2026-11-09 |
| Rough Country 99057 sleeping area | 82 by 62 in | Maker bed-size listing, read 2026-11-09 |
| 99050-config weight sources | 120 lb packaged; approx. 140 lb in install guide | Conflicting maker figures, read 2026-11-09; confirm exact configuration |
| 99057 packaged weight | 170 lb | Maker packaged figure, not mounted weight |
Which two tents are we comparing?
The examples are Rough Country’s 99050-config softshell listing and its 99057 ABS hard-shell tent. The maker lists a longer bed in the softshell example and a hydraulic opening assist on the hard shell. Compare those features on the actual models instead of assigning the same advantages to every tent in a category.
The 99050-config page includes selectable configurations. Confirm the selected tent and included hardware before using its dimensions for a purchase.
What does a midsize truck change?
Start with the truck’s year, model, cab, bed and existing cover. Then identify the exact rack and mounting arrangement. A roof-mounted tent and a bed-rack installation use different supports; a midsize-truck label does not answer the fit question.
Check the vehicle and rack instructions for travel loads, parked loads and any limits for the intended use. iKamper distinguishes dynamic capacity while driving from static capacity while parked. A tent’s occupant capacity does not replace those checks.
Can I use the shipping weight as the roof load?
The product page lists 120 lb as the overall packaged weight for 99050-config, while its linked installation guide gives approximately 140 lb for the tent. Those maker figures conflict and do not establish a reliable installed weight for your selected configuration. Confirm the tent-and-hardware weight before checking the vehicle or rack load.
The 99057 page lists 170 lb as its overall packaged weight. That label is not an installed-load specification. Include the rack, mounting hardware and other carried equipment in the complete load check.
Also compare the closed dimensions with the cab, bed and storage clearance. Check the open footprint and ladder position where you will camp.
Which would we choose?
We would shortlist the softshell example when its longer sleeping surface suits the occupants and its complete setup fits the truck. We would shortlist the hard shell when the assisted opening is useful and the complete setup fits.
Watch the maker’s opening and packing instructions for each exact tent. Neither a shell name nor a setup demonstration replaces the vehicle and rack checks. Installation is not included in our equipment offer.
Side by side
| Check | 99050-config softshell example | 99057 hard-shell example |
|---|---|---|
| Maker sleeping dimensions | 92 by 62 in | 82 by 62 in |
| Opening detail | Confirm the selected configuration and cover routine | Hydraulic opening assist listed |
| Closed size | 64 by 48 by 16 in, ladder stowed on top | Confirm exact closed dimensions before fit review |
| Installed weight | Maker weight sources conflict; confirm exact installed weight | Confirm separately from 170 lb packaged figure |
Our take
Choose the exact tent and rack together. We would settle the sleeping space and truck fit first, then decide which opening and packing routine we prefer.
Rough Country softshell rooftop tent
$2,639.95 plus tax
Questions
Is a hard-shell tent always better for a midsize truck?
No. Compare the exact tent’s dimensions, installed load and mounting requirements with the truck and rack.
Are the listed packaged weights the mounted weights?
No. The softshell product page and linked installation guide also give conflicting figures. Confirm the exact installed tent and hardware weight before a vehicle or rack load decision.
Does a tent occupant rating establish the rack rating?
No. The vehicle, rack and tent requirements must all be checked for the proposed arrangement.
Sources
- www.roughcountry.com source (read 2026-11-09).
- www.roughcountry.com source (read 2026-11-09).
- help.ikamper.com source (read 2026-11-09).
- socaltrailready.com source (read 2026-11-09).
- s3.amazonaws.com source (read 2026-11-09).
By the SoCal TrailReady Systems team. Published November 9, 2026. Updated November 9, 2026. Sources checked November 9, 2026.