Is it any good? Kings Kwiky Roof Top Tent Review - REVISITED

[@paulsammut6176]

Hi. I rang kings about this and this is what their sales guy told me. He said regarding the cracks, they have found in many cases that it was misuse that caused them in many cases. He said some owners walked on the roof when down or tied a load to it when travelling. He also said some people leave too much in it and when they tighten it down, they put too much pressure on the tie downs . Finally he said there is a little flap on the bottom which you need to turn up and out of the way when packing up or it causes stress on the roof casing. Does any of this sound familiar or is it pure bullshit?

[@great_offroad_adventures]

Sounds like complete BULLSHIT to me - if they believe the cracks are due to misuse, why are they replacing them & refunding money for them? And I didn’t do any of that with either of my tents & both developed cracks......which says to me, poor quality, not misuse or user abuse.

[@mafca201]

Yeh all bull shit all I had was my sleeping bags in mine and they cracked. By 8 months the back of it was coming apart didn't even make it past it's warranty

[@JimsCS2]

Kings is just shit full stop, that's the reason.

[@lamo4723]

Kings gets a lot of people into camping in a cost effective way. For serious 4wders and campers to critique the gear is a bit like a tradies buying their tools from Kmart and wondering why stuff doesn’t perform.

[@maidofmilo]

Don't reckon you need Kings to get into camping: started with cooking gear from home we weren't using anymore, borrowed 4wd mattresses, a 5person dome tent, butane stove & tarp from Kmart and camp chairs, camp oven, table from a garage sale all in perfect nick for a pittance, they just needed a cleanup. All of it worked perfectly for many, many years - costing way less than the price Kings would charge only to last half the time. They help some for sure (my folks own a kings 4wd awning so am not dissing on anyone), but you really don't need much to go camping when you're starting out and people did well enough before Kings came along.

[@spankofudgenudger9667]

Well said Lamo.

[@sloth_e]

If it takes kings gear to get you into 4x4 then you're into it for odd reasons. Camping gear from kmart and a 4x4 will do you fine. Noone needs awenings and rooftop tents and power products and latest style of gizmo. We've all been camping etc for generations before all that stuff. Even with a healthy bank account I don't have half that stuff. $5 tarp tied to roofcracks out to poles is an awening. 2 man tent for $50 Max and some gas cans and burner from kmart and you're laughing. If you're trying to keep up with the Joneses but have a very tight budget then kings is for you. But noone needs the specially items. We used to roll our swags out on the ute tray with esky n boxes/bags piled up beside. Canvas water bag on the bull bar keeping cool and bucket of water and a cup to shower. Far be it from me to discourage some handy and simpler ways to do things. I have batteries and fridges etc. Im 45 and starting to get sick of too much pack up time amd clean ups after getting home. Short cuts and new products are awesome. But noone NEEDS these things to go camping. Its like telling a home handy man he need a full set of snap on tools and dewalt power tools so he can change the light bulbs in the loungeroom.

[@garyhost1830]

Well said and well put

[@MikesManCave]

@@sloth_e You do realise that kings sell all this stuff. Had a kings swag for 6 years, was cheaper than anything else and still gets used at least every 4-6 weeks without any issues. Nothing odd about it, I have used kings stiff for years, 100ah battery for $350 instead of $800 from most other sellers.

[@OverlandTravellers]

We had the exact same issue with ours, after we also did a video and I recommended it! We have got a warranty replacement since and I will be doing an update video very soon also. It’s a shame because it’s a really good product besides the obvious short comings.

[@WildTouring]

Was just going to send you a link to this video Matt. Not good hey...

[@CHOPSZOOKER]

I too thought of you after seeing this video tonight.

[@chris-tq5ly]

As a lot of people said, kings is good to get people into camping and 4wd. Sometimes it encourages the wrong crowds as well, but I’m always surprised when someone has a car worth $100k but buys their gear..

[@Phil_McAvity]

chris 86 you took the words right of of my mouth. 👍

[@kizzjd9578]

Came here to type this but you've beaten me to it 😂

[@noblesseoblige2365]

id rather spend 99k making a car capable. and sleep in a bucket. then drive a 15k camp set up with a vehicle that wouldn't climb a storm drain.

[@jamesdavies432]

Have been running the Bundutec Moremi 'Extreme Lite' for 8 months now. At 2k it sits in the guts price wise between all the competitors in the RTT market. Can happily say it has provided me with no hassles (so far) it fits my bedding/ pillows and mattress topper with ease. My main reason for picking it initially was the dry weight of 42kgs which is the lightest on the market. Fairly strong I have also dropped it on its roof several times (don't ask) it also has tracks built in so you can carry lightweight objects on top like surfboards.

[@wtfbbqpwnyourarse]

4k now :(

[@PhantasticAdventures]

Good to see an honest review and opinion. But I have to say 4wd supercentre is a good way to get into the 4wd scenes. For those who don't camp very often and don't want to blue the budget then Kings is fine. :)

[@SuperSimmo88]

I had the exact same issue as this with mine 7 months in. Kings also gave me a full refund no questions asked. I have now just gone with a Camp King. Very high quality, and even quicker to setup and packup. Yes, it is 5x more expensive, but it is also Aussie made. I haven't slept in it yet, but really looking forward to it. I too pushased the Quicky tent having never tied a RRT before and couldn't justify spending the money on a trial. You won't look back with a qualty hard top for your type of camping. Plus most you can mount solar... Thanks for taking the time to update the review.

[@garyhost1830]

Great honest review. I've had mine 3 years on the car 24/7. Cracks in all the same places, never took water while camping only just Sika flexing it up now. Best 1k ive spent on the cruiser

[@dashcoja]

Bought one off the back of your initial review knowing full well you get what you pay for. No problems so far but nice to know that the warranty claim was an easy and positive process. If I could afford it I would go either the Bundutec or the IKamper.

[@joescar1966]

Thanks for being Honest......its hard to find an honest review.

[@great_offroad_adventures]

Got nothing to hide, bought it with my own hard earned 💰 - so might aswell be honest and help people out in the meantime.

[@danrowlands3705]

I just bought the mk11 today and 270 awning I hope I get a good run

[@malcolmhay6668]

Hi Thanks for all the honest comments. I'm now wondering if the new MK2 version is worth looking at. They state that they have reinforced the corners to strengthen them. Also what happens when the tent gets very wet due to heavy rain, you then have to pack it up wet. Surely all your bedding inside will get wet. Wouldn't this be true with all rooftop tents?

[@WesternAustraliaNowAndThen]

Good advice for any items that cost a few $$$. Always try to buy local because if there are problems, trying to get things done by remote is very difficult. We got caught out when we tired to save a bit of money on our recent drone purchase. In the end it cost us a bunch more to buy local than to get the item from over east but when there was a problem I went straight to the local supplier who sorted it out.

[@domeniccostabile1659]

Thanks for being honest about the product. Go for an Alu Cab or even a Bundutec I have seen great reviews about them.

[@firedupadventures]

There is a updated model Kings have changed the straps that keep the tent closed. The starps now come from inside of the tent thay are not riveted on the outside anymore

[@Axle-lo4bz]

Thank you for your review. Answered all of my questions. Legend

[@jaydenribchester6742]

$1000 vs $5000 silicon the cracks or just keep getting them to warrant them and your still ahead

[@bundy4x481]

All in all a pretty honest and reasonable review i think, but yeah.......I agree, for the price.. sikaflex the cracks and keep using it

[@treadlightly.australia3606]

The old saying is you get what you pay for. 👍

[@timothycurnock9162]

Yeah he paid good money so where is the good product? Old sayings often are made by old fools.

[@treadlightly.australia3606]

@@timothycurnock9162 proofs in the pudding mate, obviously Kings roof top tent is shit. 💩

[@hojohojo674]

Thanks for the update. I think I will save up and get a better one.

[@jjsadv]

Good timing, I am looking at going to a roof top tent. Probably wasn't going to get a Kings, but I would be interested in what your research come up with. I like the clamshell design as well. Only negative is the amount of rooftop room they take up.

[@hannahranga]

How structural is the bit that's cracking, Not that it's acceptable but wondering how successful you'd think some fibreglassing would be? Given the price they pop up 2nd hand it's kinda tempting given it'd be only light usage (from me)

[@pooheadlou]

Thinking the same thing.

[@itchyvet]

Spot on Harry. Looking at these weaker points, I'd be very surprised if the problems couldn't be resolved with some carbon fiber cloth and resin reinforcing these corners and pressure points.

[@Malc664]

Hey you guys are onto something.

[@markpawley6150]

Thanks for the review just went down the shed to yep sure enough have cracking ect only 8 months old and 4 months of that was not on my ute and only used 5 times . Definitely will be getting money back and go for something proven

[@hannahranga]

Appreciate adding a light user's comments, for someone that's never gonna heavily use it I was thinking of giving it a gamble if I could find a 2nd hand one.

[@offroadcrusader]

Great honest review mate. I'm glad you revisited your old review and updated us with your long term thoughts. I currently have a soft cover rooftop tent and with the same reasons as you, am looking to upgrade to a hard cover tent. Would love an Alucab but just can't justify spending 5k. Perhaps the XTM rooftop tents from BCF might be an option?

[@lifetimestoriesphotography]

What did you bought next? I need one for my Honda jazz I love ikamper but for 2 nights trips 5500 is a bit much

[@great_offroad_adventures]

We got a Motop - lighter than the Kings, much better built & aluminium….so no more cracking 😁.

[@lifetimestoriesphotography]

Did you do a review on it?

[@great_offroad_adventures]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/iZTQdnewra6Eh5I

[@ianmoore4327]

Hi Graham, Andrew White at 4x Overland responded to a question i had on roof top tents / alu-cab gen 3 saying that there are some better tents being released or developed but didn't elaberate on what / who they were. I'm looking forward to seeing what is available.

[@clintrobey3765]

Hey Graham What roof top tent did you decide to replace it with.

[@JustAnotherReviewwithAlek]

Hi, I just unpacked mine and the blue shrink wrap was melted into the top shell. Wtf!! How long did it take for them to replace or refund

[@great_offroad_adventures]

I purchased mine from the reseller in my home town.....I took it back and we replaced it on the spot....so 10-15min

[@hirotaikutsuna389]

Some of the better brands I have seen are iKamper, Bundutec, Bush Company, Camp King, Alu-Cab and Backtrax

[@carl.colleen.rover.adventures]

I am looking at Bundutec, Bush Company, and Alu-Cab at the moment they are my top 3

[@ahmedbhana8301]

Pay the extra and buy a bundutec. I have one. Crudely built but a real tough rtt aand easy to operate

[@TheDl1000]

i mate how did the return go with the tent very sad they have been dissapointing 2 times

[@rhysclarke5371]

What bin bag do you have on the spare? Looks the goods

[@bjp107]

Love your content Graham. Thats two videos in one week about Kings issues. Might be a sign that we get what we pay for. But, give them their dues that they don't give you a hard time (presumably) when returning them as they know that Aust Consumer Law backs us - but many retailers make it difficult and if you don't have persistence or some strength of character many give up and don't get their entitlements. A very good point about buying from an actual retailer and at least they are of good ethics. I do think however that most of their non-structural (ie RTT) / non-essential products (ie winch) are a good way to get cheap gear to get started / fill out your kit. Keep up the good videos.

[@OldFellaDave]

Grays just had an auction lot of about 40 of these returned/damaged Kwicky Tents - so you know where they are going :) People still lining up to put good money down for them ... even damaged lol!

[@WildTouring]

Not good mate. Interested to see what you go with.

[@ShoeysAdventures]

It's time to get an Alucab mate, go see Yukkie at Quick Pitch he's a legend. I'll be getting one when I can actually put it on a car, my Prado's a bit fat atm.

[@great_offroad_adventures]

Yeah my 200’s a bit fat aswell mate - I know what you mean.

[@Eonsu]

Dam, I was looking forward to a popup tent design. Sadly the other hardshell roof tents are out of my price range :( back to the drawing board for me.

[@alanmac8807]

This is mk1 the mk2 have been rectified

[@keithmills1631]

Hi there is a nark2 now reviews seen to be very good

[@cindoz1289]

Yep the new ones are heaps better all these faults are fixed! They stooped on the matress tho it no longer comes with a 80mm matress it's only 50mm now but kmart mayress toppers fit great and are easy to cut to the shape aswell

[@cassowaryind]

So you modified your car to handle the outback, put belly plates on, bullbars on side steps and god knows what else, instead of buying a Unimog with everything on, but didn't think, hang on I can make this cheaper tent better to suit my above-average offroad camping trips, if I pop rivet a 50mm alloy band around the edge of the top shell to stop it cracking, maybe add an extra layer of fiberglass in the corners and make it more suited to the extreme conditions you wanted to use it? Instead, you do a blog and bag it and say you are going to go and get the more expensive one? A bit like buying a Trabant and complaining it would not do what a Land Cruiser would do.

[@newport5504]

i would like to see someone leave a oztent strapped to there roof for 6months and see how the quality pans out after that, these rooftop tents always get movement, sun etc. Seems fair to me they fail like this.

[@robcross2128]

is this the MKII or the old origional?

[@great_offroad_adventures]

MK2 I believe….I had the original, it cracked, I got warrant replacement & got told they had updated it and it shouldn’t crack and the second one cracked…..I got my money back

[@simonboost]

Always have a laugh when I see blokes driving around 110k +cars with kings gear.

[@platinumtowingservice9713]

we have a bush company clam shell its awesome

[@nigelpratt6446]

What roof top tent have you decided to replace the Kings with?

[@great_offroad_adventures]

Been using an Eeziawn Dart - will have more info on it soon, with a review to come later in the year

[@nigelpratt6446]

@@great_offroad_adventures Thanks for your prompt reply. I look forward to further details.

[@TheKen28]

Check out Bush Company, yeah it’s $4500 but superior quality

[@jmd1908]

Do your self a favor and go and buy the iKamper Skycamp 2X I promise you won’t look back!! They have lasted the harsh conditions here in Africa and yes they cost a lot more but you definitely getting what you pay for and won’t be disappointed. DM me and I can put you in touch with the distributor your side.

[@camfromthedoo2376]

Same with anything mate ya get what pay for.

[@scottbrown946]

100k vehicle and thousand dollar tent? Hmmm Drifta have a new one out, 55kgs, under two grand, check it.

[@great_offroad_adventures]

Will have to check that one out - see how the current one holds up.

[@dodgierogie68]

I have there new jumpstarter its really good and has fast charge usb as well

[@TheDl1000]

my bad should have waited till the end good outcome

[@NickElliottOutdoors]

Moremi extreme light may be an option

[@great_offroad_adventures]

I have gone and looked at them in person - no stock available at the moment though 😕

[@dooshakhaboosha2573]

What about kwike mkii ?

[@great_offroad_adventures]

Can’t see how they have changed it since the mk1.....still liable to have the same issue

[@79mundra]

cold winters night ????? dude your in a tee shirt and shorts like come on mate

[@BoresaverAus]

Pity they are no good as the price is cheap. Built to a budget like you said

[@MrBigrig91]

Ha! Every batch is a bad batch. I’ve had issues with a few of their products ands it’s always the same story. ‘Oh yeah your item was part of a bad batch’ almost word for word every time. It’s in their training no doubt to say that take it bin it and move on

[@noblesseoblige2365]

I was under the impression most people agreed that the cracking was caused with people over tightening them. or having spread across tray and cab.

[@great_offroad_adventures]

First I’ve heard of it and never once did the distributor mention either of those to me.

[@skapunkoialternativeliving6522]

These tends and whatever you say that overpriced it's about money they're very overpriced. I don't care I like the cheaper one better even if it cracks it's still cheaper and it's still better. I'm not spending 45thousanddollarsfornotenthofanykindever..

[@cindoz1289]

The new MK II models they sell now have fixed all these faults

[@HoldFastCC]

My gas struts were busted straight out the box... a couple weeks later the gas strut arm sheered clean in half some how? and then within a month the shell had big cracks on all 4 corners.. This tent is the biggest piece of shit out there and its not worth your time or money..

[@daveallen4878]

You get what you pay for, stay clear of kings gear it's all rubbish...

[@stendecstretcher4983]

Just buy a Drifta.

[@maidofmilo]

Drifta don't do a rooftop tent for 4wd/cars. Theirs is a tent specially designed to go on a trailer. Who knows, maybe one day they will though.

[@danparker9669]

You are a goose

[@great_offroad_adventures]

Constructive

[@dme6991]

Not sure how you could put anything’s Kings branded on your beautiful $100,000 car. Your setting up a big dollar car why put shit products on it. Love the vids but come on go buy something decent.

[@mountainconstructions]

James Baroud or nothing

[@ShoeysAdventures]

I Disagree having had one they have made some poor design choices and dust ingress is very bad.

[@mountainconstructions]

Interesting, mine sealed so well, i had condensation issues from heat cycling as it was black.... I had to replace the mounting hardware to stainless steel

[@ShoeysAdventures]

Hugh Jazz I guess it’s not perfect then, ours was white didn’t seem to have condensation issues but the way the zips tucked between the sealing surface it allowed copious amounts of dust in. We even made up a canvas cover for it but it still got in some how.

[@6wilbur9]

I have a JB Evo. After doing a couple of month-long outback trips, I agree with Shoey's that dust ingress is bad (but dust gets into almost everything, so I don't consider that a huge issue). I'd also add the flymesh allows midgees in, the exterior fibreglass cracks easily, the mattress is uncomfortable, airflow is poor without a strong breeze, there isn't much room to store anything and the top vent allows water in. When washing the interior with the mattress removed to clean up all the dust, you find the base is just made up of fibreglass splinters happy to cut you to shreds. I don't think the JB is suitable for outback travel - anyone that thinks they are awesome is welcome to buy mine.

[@terrysmith7740]

@@ShoeysAdventures Thanks for that advice, i Was going to but one because i thought they were the best.