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Your Adventure Starts at the Top. Discover Roof Tents, Bars, and All the Gear to Go With It!
Your Adventure Starts at the Top. Discover Roof Tents, Bars, and All the Gear to Go With It!
Setting Up the Skypod Lair – Spacious Roof Tent for 2–4 People

Setting Up the Skypod Lair – Spacious Roof Tent for 2–4 People

The Skypod Lair is the largest roof tent in the Skypod range, designed to provide genuine comfort and living space for families or small groups.
With its fast-folding hard-shell design, large sleeping platform, and premium materials, it offers a balance of space, durability, and ease of use.
This guide explains how to install, open, and maintain the Lair for consistent, all-season performance.


Mounting and Installation

The Lair mounts securely to most heavy-duty roof-bar systems rated for a dynamic load of at least 85 kg.

Before fitting:

  • Position roof bars between 80 – 100 cm apart for balanced support.

  • Use T-slot aluminium crossbars for clean installation and long-term stability.

  • Ensure the vehicle’s static load rating (when stationary) exceeds 240 kg, including occupants and bedding.

  • Tighten all fixings evenly, re-checking after the first long journey.

With a weight of approximately 70 kg and a closed height of 28 cm, the Lair can remain mounted permanently on most large vehicles or adventure vans without affecting clearance.


Setup Process

The Skypod Lair uses a dual-gas-strut clamshell system for quick and balanced operation.

To open:

  1. Release both latches at the front.

  2. Allow the gas struts to raise the shell to full extension.

  3. Extend the ladder until it locks securely.

  4. Adjust canopy windows and vents to suit airflow conditions.

To close:

  1. Flatten bedding below mattress height.

  2. Pull the front shell down evenly using the handles.

  3. Tuck in all fabric sides and secure both latches.

Setup and pack-down typically take under 90 seconds once familiar with the sequence.


Interior Layout and Comfort

The Lair provides one of the most generous sleeping spaces available in its class.

  • Sleeping capacity: 2 – 4 people.

  • Internal floor area: approx. 230 cm × 160 cm.

  • Internal height: up to 125 cm.

  • Mattress: high-density 6 cm foam with removable cover.

  • Ventilation: side and rear windows with fine-mesh screening plus a roof vent.

  • Lighting: integrated 12 V LED strip with wiring channel.

The interior is bright, quiet, and well-insulated, creating a stable environment across seasons.


Build and Materials

  • Shell: ABS composite reinforced with an internal aluminium frame.

  • Fabric: 280 gsm ripstop poly-cotton canvas, waterproof to 3000 mm.

  • Base: aluminium honeycomb composite floor.

  • Hardware: stainless-steel latches, bolts, and gas struts.

This construction ensures low weight, corrosion resistance, and structural rigidity.


Vehicle Compatibility

The Lair is suited to larger vehicles such as SUVs, estates, 4×4s, and camper-style vans.
Its 28 cm closed profile keeps it aerodynamic and garage-friendly while providing ample interior space once deployed.
The weight distribution remains balanced even on longer wheelbases.


Storage and Care

  • Dry all fabric before closure to prevent mould.

  • Clean the shell with mild soap and a soft cloth; avoid high-pressure washers.

  • Apply silicone spray to hinges and struts every 6 months.

  • Store vertically or flat in a ventilated space if removed from the vehicle.


Summary

The Skypod Lair combines the robust build quality of a hard-shell system with the generous space of a family-sized tent.
It opens in seconds, withstands challenging weather, and delivers long-term reliability for extended road trips and group adventures.

Previous article Accessories and Compatibility for the Skypod Lair Roof Tent
Next article Living with the Skypod Rapide – Real-World Use and Performance

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