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TentBox Classic 2.0 vs TentBox Cargo 2.0 — The Best Mid-Range Roof Tents for Couples (and Dogs)
Travelling as a couple (maybe with your dog in tow?!) and want a roof tent that’s quick, comfy and built for regular UK use? You’re in the right place. This guide compares TentBox Classic 2.0 and TentBox Cargo 2.0 — two mid-range hard-shells that tick the big boxes: year-round fabrics, fast setup, and space to keep bedding inside so bedtime is literally “pop and crash”. The Cargo is the slick, low-profile option that opens in about 30 seconds and can carry extra kit on top with accessory rails — perfect when the boot’s full of dog gear. The Classic pops open in roughly 60 seconds and gives you that cosy “bedroom on wheels” feel, with room to sit up, read, or wait out a rainy spell.
We’ll cover real-world fit — from sleeping space and annex options to driving profile, roof-load considerations and everyday practicality — so you can choose the TentBox that suits your vehicle, your weekends and your comfort.
At-a-glance comparison
| Feature | Classic 2.0 | Cargo 2.0 |
|---|---|---|
| Setup time | ~60 seconds | ~30 seconds |
| Sleeps | 2 adults | 2 adults |
| Weight | 67 kg | 72 kg |
| Sleeping area (L × W) | 210 × 125 cm | 210 × 120–125 cm |
| Closed height | 35 cm | 17 cm (lower profile) |
| Shell / Materials | ABS hard-shell + canvas | Aluminium exoskeleton + canvas |
| Keep bedding inside | Yes | Yes |
| Carry gear on top | Optional (via accessories) | Yes – accessory rails/roof bars |
| Wind rating / Seasons | Up to 39 mph / 4-season | Up to 39 mph / 4-season |
Why these count as “mid-range”
TentBox Classic 2.0 and TentBox Cargo 2.0 sit above entry-level models because they’re hard-shell tents with gas-assisted fast opening, year-round fabrics, and the ability to store bedding inside when closed. They’re built for frequent UK trips where setup speed, durability and everyday practicality matter. In short: faster to pitch than soft-shells, tougher materials, better daily-drive usability — that’s the mid-range sweet spot.
Setup, pack-down & road-trip pace
Both tents are “arrive, pop, sleep”. Classic opens in about a minute and Cargo in roughly 30 seconds. Because both allow pillows and duvet to stay inside, you’re not repacking a bed every stop — a real win on multi-location weekends.
Driving profile & clearance
If you thread multi-storey car parks or just prefer a sleeker silhouette, Cargo’s ~17 cm closed height is noticeably lower and can help with wind noise and clearance. Classic rides taller at ~35 cm, trading a slimmer profile for its more room-like interior feel.
Internal space & sleeping
For couples, both provide a full ~210 × 120 cm sleeping deck — roomy for two, with enough spare width to share with a young child on occasion or to keep a small kit area at the side.
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Classic 2.0: boxier walls and a more bedroom-like feel. It’s easy to sit up, read or wait out rain, with handy pockets and an integrated, comfy mattress.
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Cargo 2.0: a wedge profile that peaks around ~145 cm, giving airy headroom at one end and excellent ventilation. Despite the rugged shell, the dual-layer mattress keeps it comfortable.
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Photo cues: show (1) a clear top-down of the flat sleeping deck, (2) pillows/duvet stowed for pack-down, (3) someone seated to demonstrate headroom, and (4) storage pockets in use.
If you occasionally need extra space (e.g., a young child), both platforms are workable for short trips, but Classic’s boxier interior makes lounging and shared space feel a touch more relaxed.
Carrying extra kit on top
This is Cargo’s party trick. With factory accessory rails/roof bars, you can mount bikes or boards on top of the tent (respecting load limits). It’s ideal if your boot is already full of weekend gear. Classic prioritises interior comfort rather than rooftop carrying.
Weight & roof-load: what to check
Hard-shells are heavier by design (~67–72 kg before bedding). Add your roof bars and any on-top accessories into your dynamic roof-load calculation. Estates and SUVs typically handle these loads well; smaller hatchbacks may prefer the lighter soft-shell tier.
Weather protection & ventilation
Both are designed for year-round UK use with sturdy shells, weatherproof canopies and full insect mesh. In practice, Classic maximises cosy interior time on rainy days, while Cargo feels the most rugged and opens fastest in foul weather.
Which suits your style?
Choose Classic 2.0 if you want:
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The cosiest, room-like interior for longer stays and relaxed evenings.
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A genuine “pop & crash” routine with bedding left inside.
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A focus on interior comfort over rooftop gear-carry.
Choose Cargo 2.0 if you want:
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The fastest setup and the lowest closed profile for daily driving.
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Built-in rails/bars to carry extra kit on top.
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The most rugged, aluminium-framed feel in the mid-range.
Check your vehicle’s dynamic roof-load, pick the shell that suits your driving profile (low vs roomy), and choose the interior feel that matches your trips. Then browse the TentBox models on your site and pair with compatible roof bars and annex/awning options if needed.