Is this entry-level rooftop tent from Quechua a game changer?

French camping brand Quechua has revealed its first ever rooftop tent for vans that looks destined to be a hit with new campers or those on a budget.

The Rooftop Tent Van500 has a fully inflatable structure with no need for roofbars, a very lightweight and ultra-compact design and a mattress that is integrated into a wooded slatted bedframe for comfort – all features that will score big points with people new to camping or those looking to enjoy the pastime without spending a lot of time pitching up. The price is also very new camper friendly – coming in at just €549.99 or £499.99 – a shrewd move by Quechua given the recent influx of newcomers into camping and the huge surge of interest in it driven by the Covid-19 pandemic largely halting air travel.

The Van500 is compatible with a huge range of vans including classics such as VW Transporter, Renault Traffic, Peugeot Expert, Citroen Jumpy, Opel/Vauxhall Vivaro, Mercedes Vito and Ford Transit. It is also wind resistant up to 60km/h, waterproof with a 2,000mm flysheet, weighs only 23.6kg including a 7.2kg ladder and has a five year warranty.  

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