The Thule Outset Hitch-Mounted Tent is a completely unique off-ground sleeping platform and shelter. Here you can read how it stands regarding tent-cots and roof-top tents.
TL;DR – Thule Outset Hitch-Mounted Tent
The Thule Outset combines the comfort of a large ground tent with the advantages of an off-ground sleep platform. It mounts to a 2″ hitch, avoids ladders and roof-load concerns, sets up fast, and keeps access at ground height.
For campers who want comfort, convenience, and easy entry, the Outset is a significant improvement over both classic tent-cots and rooftop tents.
Thule Outset Hitch-Mounted Tent – Full Overview
The Thule Outset is a revolutionary towbar-mounted tent that completely redefines car camping.
Instead of wrestling with a traditional ground tent or overloading your roof, you simply hitch this clever 3-person tent to the rear of your car.
It sets up in minutes, keeps you elevated above mud, rocks and bugs, and gives you a surprisingly spacious and comfortable living space with panoramic views.
Key advantages in a nutshell:
- One-person setup and takedown (just roll it to the car, click it on the towbar and unfold).
- Fully detachable: leave the tent locked at the campsite and drive off for the day. This is very different from a roof top tent.
- Leaves your roof 100 % free and barely affects fuel consumption or EV range.
- Low entry height – super easy access for kids, seniors and pets.
- Real home-like comfort: 7 cm mattress, ability to sit upright, great ventilation and a quick-deploy rain fly.
- Locks securely to the car (see the picture below) or stands alone when detached.
In short: the Thule Outset is the perfect solution if you want maximum camping comfort with minimum hassle, without ever sacrificing your vehicle’s roof space or daily mobility.
A true game-changer for weekend getaways and longer road trips alike. But see more in this video:
Much more you can see in their:
Key Specifications
- Sleeps: 3 people.
- Weight: ~163 lb (74 kg).
- Static weight capacity: approx. 662 lb (300 kg).
- Sleeping area: 32.5 square feet.
- Material: 600D ripstop polyester.
- Integrated 2.7″ foam mattress.
- Low-height entry.
- Can be detached and rolled at camp.
- Minimal impact on fuel efficiency and EV range.
Outset vs Classic Tent-Cot
Tent-cots are convenient, but they have limitations: narrow sleeping space, limited interior volume, and a frame that can flex under load.
The Thule Outset effectively eliminates these weak points by providing a rigid base, a real mattress, and far more usable space.
| Feature | Thule Outset | Typical Tent-Cot |
|---|---|---|
| Sleeping comfort | Thick integrated mattress; stable platform | Basic pads; cot flexing under weight |
| Interior volume | High ceiling and multiple windows | Low interior height; limited ventilation |
| Stability | Anchored to vehicle; unaffected by uneven ground | Dependent on leg stability and flat terrain |
| Weather handling | Durable frame; weather-resistant shell | Performance varies by model |
| Setup time | Quick fold-out once attached | Often multi-step: assemble cot + tent |
| Capacity | 3-person capacity | Usually 1–2 people |
Outset vs Rooftop Tent
Rooftop tents are popular, but they come with ladders, roof-load requirements, and aerodynamic penalties.
For some vehicles, especially crossovers, wagons, and EVs, these issues make an RTT impractical or inefficient.
The Outset solves these problems by moving the tent to the hitch, keeping the roof free and maintaining the vehicle’s original height profile.
| Feature | Thule Outset | Rooftop Tent |
|---|---|---|
| Access | Ground-level; no ladder | Ladder required for all entry and exit |
| Fuel / EV range | Minimal impact | Noticeable drag; reduced efficiency |
| Vehicle fit | Any vehicle with a 2″ hitch | Requires strong roof rack + rated roof load |
| Garage / parking | Vehicle height unchanged | May not fit garages or parking decks |
| Wind stability | Low center of gravity | Vehicle sway more noticeable |
| Detaching at camp | Can detach and roll | Rarely detached; requires tools |
Expert Verdict
The Thule Outset is currently one of the most practical off-ground tents available. It removes the ladder and height issues of rooftop tents while offering more comfort and usable space than any classic tent-cot.
If your vehicle has a 2″ hitch and you want a stable, ground-level, off-ground shelter with minimal setup effort, the Outset is an excellent choice.
Its main downsides are weight and price, but the overall usability is outstanding.
Who the Outset Is Best For
- Campers who want an off-ground tent without climbing a ladder.
- Families with kids or older travelers.
- EV owners who want to avoid range loss.
- Anyone whose roof cannot support an RTT.
- Campers who need more space than any tent-cot can provide.
- People who want fast setup and stable entry.
Potential Drawbacks
- Heavy to move without using the integrated wheels.
- Requires a 2″ hitch receiver.
- Takes up space behind the vehicle when deployed.
- More expensive than most tent-cots and some rooftop tents.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Ground-level entry; no ladder required
- Large interior space for an off-ground shelter
- Stable platform anchored to the vehicle
- Minimal fuel and EV range impact
- Built-in foam mattress
- Can detach and roll at camp
- Compatible with many vehicles with a 2″ hitch
Cons
- High price compared to tent-cots
- Heavy unit despite integrated wheels
- Requires a 2″ receiver hitch
- Takes space behind the vehicle when deployed
- Not suited for ultralight or walk-in camping
Best place to buy:
For more options, please check under the category Off-Ground Tents, you will find them many here in the site, and in all sizes and shapes. Let me know if you have questions, there is a comment box below.