OVR Project Land Cruiser 100 Series: Overland Vehicle Systems LD TMON Hard Shell Roof Top Tent

At OVR, we’ve had our fair share of RTT experiences, from the cumbersome and time-consuming older soft-sided fold-out styles to the bulkier hardshell models that can pose weight and space challenges.

Our OVR Project Land Cruiser, a budget build designed for versatility and practicality, was initially not intended to feature an RTT at all, mainly due to past frustrations. Let’s just say that battling zippers on soft cover tents while precariously perched on the side of our rig was never our favorite thing to do.

It was such a pain to deal with that we thought we swore off RTT’s for good. However, the Overland Vehicle Systems (OVS) LD TMON Clamshell Aluminum Hard Shell Roof Top Tent has significantly changed our perspective.

Our 25 year-old Land Cruiser is proof to what can be achieved on a budget without compromising on performance or reliability. Designed for short-term overlanding trips, it was crucial that any RTT we chose would not only complement the vehicle’s aesthetics but also enhance its functionality without adding unnecessary bulk or weight.

OVS LD TMON Overview
The LD TMON Clamshell RTT from Overland Vehicle Systems presents a sleek, lightweight solution to overlanding enthusiasts who seek convenience and practicality. With a form-factor designed to minimize wind resistance and weight, this tent is a great entry point into the realm of RTTs. 

In its closed state, the LD TMON is only 7-inches tall. The low-profile silhouette is a big reason why we chose it over other RTTs. In comparison, the old-style RTT we had many years ago was over 12-inches tall.

How low-profile an RTT is makes for a really big difference in terms of overall vehicle height, which limits everything from where you can park your rig to its gas mileage.

The LD TMON’s design integrates seamlessly with the vehicle, maintaining a low profile when closed and minimizing the impact on vehicle handling and fuel efficiency. 

Installation
Luckily for us, OVS is located close by so we had them handle the installation of the RTT. That said, installing the LD TMON on our Land Cruiser was a straightforward process. The tent’s lightweight aluminum shell made maneuvering it into place manageable with a two-person team.

The tent comes with robust mounting brackets and stainless-steel hardware for mounting on standard crossbars. The tent has two channels that run the entire length underneath it, which allows it to be compatible with most any roof rack and truck bed mounting system.

Because we have a low-profile Front Runner Slimline II roof rack on the Land Cruiser, we sourced RTT brackets from Front Runner to interface with the LD TMON. The tent was mounted without any issues. The tent and brackets mounted to the roof rack only added 8-inches to the overall height of the truck.

Not only low-profile, its footprint is smaller than most of the other RTTs we see in the market. At only 50.5 inches wide, the LD TMON is actually several inches narrower than our roof rack. This allows for unimpeded accessory mounting on the sides of the roof rack. The narrow width does translate to tighter interior space however.

Ease of Use
One of the standout features of the LD TMON tent is its ease of deployment and stowage. Gone are the days of struggling with a zippered cover and manually unfolding the tent. With the LD TMON, setting up camp is a matter of a couple of minutes.

Without exaggeration, we were able to set up the tent in about two minutes and store the tent in the same amount of time.

The clamshell design allows the tent to pop open effortlessly – thanks to two strong nitrogen-charged gas struts, revealing a decently-sized interior with built-in storage pockets for convenience. Packing it up is just as simple, making this tent ideal for overlanders who value their time and energy.

The tent comes with a collapsible ladder that is easy to deploy. It interfaces with repositionable ladder mounts that lock into the tracks that surround the lower portion of the perimeter of the RTT’s aluminum housing. These same tracks can be used to attach other lightweight accessories to the tent’s frame.

LD TMON comes with three ladder mounts, so you can move the ladder from the large main opening to either side opening to gain entry into the tent. How our Land Cruiser’s awnings are set up on the roof rack limited where we could deploy the ladder to just the rear and left side. Luckily, all the windows are large and allow easy entry.

Comfort and Space
Inside the tent, the 2.25-inch thick-density foam mattress provides a comfortable sleeping surface, a significant improvement over many other RTTs we’ve tested. The tent’s dimensions are great for two people, accommodating individuals measuring an inch or two over 6 feet tall comfortably. Taller users, however, might find the length slightly restrictive. 

The tent is on the narrow side, so two people sleeping side by side leaves little in terms of extra shoulder space. It hasn’t been an issue for us but it is worth pointing out.

Sitting up inside the tent isn’t a problem in the compact tent and doing tasks such as changing clothes isn’t a problem either. The tent’s many integrated storage pockets are thoughtful additions, providing ample space for personal items, keeping the sleeping area tidy and organized. 

The interior space is a bit tight but not at all claustrophobically cramped. As far as having extra bags or luggage in the tent, there isn’t much room for it when two people are occupying it. A small bag or backpack per person would probably it. A solo camper howver, will have plenty of extra room for their belongings. 

The tent’s openings have two zippered coverings each. One solid and the other is a sheer mesh screen. The tent’s fabric is not blacked out so light does transmit through it. If light affects your sleep, you may want to use an sleep mask. 

Weather Resistance
Constructed from 600D rip stop poly cotton, the LD TMON tent is built to withstand the elements. During our test outings, the tent performed admirably in varying conditions. While it is designed for light-duty use, we found it capable of handling moderate wind without issue.

Being the middle of summer at the time of this article’s writing, we haven’t had a chace to use the tent in the rain yet, but upon detailed inspection, the tent looks more than capable of being able to brush off light to modest rain, perhaps even more. The seams are well sealed and the tent features a built-in waterproof rain fly made of 420D polyester that shields the main opening from inclement weather.

The aluminum panel base and sturdy shell contribute to overall durability, ensuring the tent remains stable and secure throughout our trips.

While the RTT’s aluminum shell is insulated, we do need to point out that it feels like the insulation is pretty minimal at best; it is a light-duty, budget unit afterall.

We found that it does get rather hot pretty quicky under the hot summer sun and it doesn’t retain heat as well as more robust tents in colder climates. That’s the trade off for being lightweight, compact and low in price.

Practicality and Aesthetics
The sleek design of the LD TMON tent enhances the Land Cruiser’s appearance without drawing undue attention. Its low profile when closed helps maintain the vehicle’s aerodynamics, a crucial factor for long drives.

The tent’s modern look and quality construction materials reflect the attention to detail that Overland Vehicle Systems is known for. 

You may be wondering if we noticed any additional wind noise with the tent riding up top. We are happy to report that no, there was no additional noise whatsoever for us. That was a pleasant surprise for us.

We did “feel” the extra weight on top of the truck however. At 150 pounds, it is a lightweight RTT for sure, but having that kind of additional weight on the roof of your ride is going to be noticeable, if even only slightly. That said, the truck didn’t feel excessively top-heavy, just heavier overall in general.

Accessories & Mods
LD TMON may be a no-fills offering in the OVS RTT line-up, but the company still manages to provide a few extras, which we found to be useful.

The tent comes with built-in storage throughout but also included are two removable shoe bag organizers, a ladder bag, ladder mat as well as an LED light strip to light up the interior of the tent with.

The LED light was unexpected but a great inclusion, although there isn’t a specific place to hang it from. It is powered by a user provided powerbank, which fits right into one of the many pockets inside the tent.

It’s worth pointing out that the tent does not come with anti-condensation mat. We did purchase a custom-sized HyPUR-Flo moisture protection mat from Tochta to make sure the interior of the tent stays dry.

The mat is placed under the mattress and it provides airflow underneath to keep condensation from building up. We noticed that it added a bit of a lift as well, further cushioning us while we slept. We spent roughly $140 on this mat.

The tent’s black metal handle does bake in the hot sun making it hard to handle when its really hot out. We wrapped ours in paracord to keep it from toasting our hand. 

LD TMON also includes a storage bag for its ladder as well as a mat to place under it. 

Final Thoughts
The Overland Vehicle Systems LD TMON Clamshell Aluminum Hard Shell Roof Top Tent has successfully revitalized our appreciation for RTTs. Its combination of lightweight design, ease of use and comfortable sleeping arrangements make it an excellent choice for overlanders seeking a practical solution for their adventures.

While it may not be suited for extreme conditions, it excels in providing a convenient and enjoyable overlanding experience.

For our OVR Project Land Cruiser, the LD TMON tent has proven to be a valuable addition, enhancing the vehicle’s versatility and making our trips more enjoyable. If you’re in the market for a light-duty RTT that prioritizes ease of use and comfort, the LD TMON tent is well worth considering. 

At $1,500, it’s also reasonably priced for a hardshell RTT and we think is one of the best bargains that OVS offers.

The LD TMON tent’s innovative design and thoughtful features reflect a new era of convenience and practicality in overlanding equipment. For occasional adventurers and weekend warriors, this tent is a reliable companion that promises to make every trip more enjoyable.

Dimensions

• Closed Dimensions: 50.5” x 84” x 7”
• Open Dimensions: 50.5” x 84” x 46”
• Mattress Size: 46” x 79” x 2.25”
• Weight: 150 lbs.

Overland Vehicle Systems
LD TMON Clamshell Aluminum Hard Shell Roof Top Tent

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