When looking to invest in a brand new roof tent then you can't go wrong with a brand in TentBox. But deciding between the TentBox Lite 2.0 vs. the XL as to which roof tent is right for you? It's a difficult decision as both have their pros & cons for your individual situation.
Which one you should get between the TentBox Lite 2.0 and the TentBox XL depends on your particular situation and priorities.
We've broken down the features of both models for you so you don't have to.
We'll go through sleeping capacity, setup times, weather resistance with our verdicts to help you decide what’s best for your situation!
Check out our article and guide Roof Tents Top 10 Roof Tents for 2023!
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1. TentBox Lite 2.0
Tentbox Lite 2.0 - A roof tent that is lightweight, a thick comfy mattress and space for two
The new TentBox Lite 2.0 is the second iteration of TentBoxs' entry level roof tent. Despite it being the entry level model the original TentBox Lite packed a punch in terms of value and the new Lite 2.0 model improves on that. Similar to other soft-shell rooftop tents it most resembles a traditional tent with its fold out mechanism.
It is also one of the lightest rooftop tents on the market weighing in at 50kg. Since it is so lightweight it should fit most vehicles and are most appropriate for people with smaller cars.
Overall
Other awesome standout features include:
- Easy to Install
- Comfortable and Spacious
- Fits 2 people
- Anti-fly mesh windows
- Durable and Waterproof
- Versatile and Convenient
2. TentBox Lite XL
Perfectly sized for Four people
Like its smaller brother the TentBox Lite XL folds out into a great space for four people to sleep in comfortably. This is ideal for a family of four or 3 adults who really like their space!
Great materials, great water proofing, double skylight and good storage from one of the UKs biggest roof tent brand. It is a safe bet.
With an internal mattress size of 183cm x 240cm (A Super King Sized Bed is typically 180cm x 200cm). So see if you can get your family to all fit on a super king sized bed and you'll have more than enough room in the TentBox XL.
Other awesome standout features include:
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5 minute set up time from packed to assembled
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Space for 4 people
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Anti-fly mesh windows
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Strong water & wind resistance
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Double sky light for stargazing
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Comes with telescopic ladder & welcome kit
TentBox Lite 2.0 vs TentBox Lite XL Review
The Lite 2.0 and the Lite XL and brothers of each other and have very similar features in different size which we will get into below.
1. Mattress comfort
With TentBox all their models come with some of the best mattresses in the market straight out of the box and thats no different with the TentBox Lite 2.0 and Lite XL.
One of the key features of the TentBox Lite 2.0 is its dual-layer memory foam mattress, which provides excellent support and comfort for a good night's sleep for two people. The ladder is foot-friendly, so you can comfortably climb in and out of bed without worrying about hurting your feet.
The TentBox Lite 2.0 features a dual layer 8cm mattress with waterproof materials, which is thicker and more comfortable compared to the 6cm mattress in the previous model.
The bottom mattress is a 4cm high density foam mattress which is perfect to absorb the aluminium base. The to top it off with an additional foam mattress to improve comfort makes all the difference.
The TentBox XL comes with the same mattress in Lite 2.0 but just expanded to fit the interior mattress area.
The only downside is that you cannot purchase a mattress topper from TentBox that fits the TentBox Lite 2.0 or the XL like you can with their other models. But given the improvements of the mattress there is less need for a comfort topper unless you really really prefer a soft mattress to sleep on.
2. Tent Space and how they compare
The luxury of rolling around in your bed can be a major factor in deciding which rooftop tent to purchase.
Both models have different designs which create slightly different sleeping space and head room within the roof tent.
TentBox Lite 2.0 - 2 person sleeper
The Lite 2.0 can comfortably fit two people and all their belongings in dimensions of 133cm (W) x 220cm (L) x 105cm (H).
What we found useful is that the tent has two large windows allowing a 360-degree view. Larger windows will be a blessing if you're camping in pristine nature or simply like a good overview of your surroundings.
TentBox Lite XL - 4 person sleeper
You'll comfortably fit four people in the XL version. Its dimensions are 183cm (W) x 240cm (L) x 115cm (H).
3. Setup time
If you camp regularly then this will be a major factor.
The ease at which you can assemble and pack away your tent will make life so much easier when all you want to do is unwind for the evening especially if you've been hiking all day.
The TentBox Lite 2.0 and the Lite XL utilises the fold out design mechanism.
So you would fold open and close the tent each time you assemble and pack away the tent. With practice you can set up the TentBox Lite 2.0 in under 5 minutes.
Steps to open the TentBox Lite 2.0 and Lite XL
1. Unbuckle the straps on the outer cover and pull open the outer cover to reveal the roof tent.
2. Undo straps that are kept in place to keep the roof tent closed.
3. Pull the telescopic ladder towards you and use it to pull and lift the roof tent towards you slowly and in control which opens up in a fold out style.
4. Adjust the ladder to the right height so the roof tent is fully open.
5. Pull out the rain fly and attach the poles. And then you're done!
4. Storage space
TentBox Lite 2.0 storage space
The TentBox Lite 2.0 has good storage pockets inside the the roof tent.
As you can see in the picture below there are convenient storage pockets below the windows, enough for storing shoes and any small items you need while relaxing in the roof tent.
TentBox Lite XL Internal storage
The TentBox Lite 2.0 and XL also come equipped with extra storage nets under the base of the roof tent to allow you to have easy access to items when you're all set up for camp.
This is extremely handy for items that you know you will be using throughout the day and just need a place for them. It could be your kayak paddle boards or your scuba gear or bike outfit.
5. Weather Resistance
As you can see the TentBox Lite 2.0 comes with good coverage in terms of the rainfly to protect you from the rain. It actually has the handy feature of being fully removable so that you can take it off for the summer where there shouldn't be rain (but this is the UK so anything can happen!)
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4-season weather rated: The canvas fabric is Waterproof, yet breathable, and the additional fly hood keeps you dry in even the heaviest of storms.
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Waterproofing
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Main hood: This has been improved to a 3000mm Hydrostatic Head Rating from the 2000mm HH Rating that came with the Lite 1.0
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Outer hood: This has also been improved to 5000mm Hydrostatic Head Rating from the 600D Nylon with 4000mm Hydrostatic Head Rating from the Lite 2.0
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- UV50+ Protection
- Another improvement from the Lite 1.0 is that all fabric now comes with UV50+ protection which will provide you with better resistance against sun fade on your roof tent.
Which TentBox should I get?
Tentbox Lite 2.0 - A roof tent that is lightweight, a thick comfy mattress and space for two
We think if you're looking for no fuss all rounder with plenty of value then the TentBox Lite 2.0 is always a good shout.
It's got a great price point from one of the most reputable Roof Tent brands in the UK. The TentBox Lite 2.0 comes with quality material throughout, great water resistance, good space for two people and extended warranty so its hard to go wrong.
Protection from the sun
All fabric used in the TentBox Lite 2.0 includes UV50+ protection, ensuring that you stay safe and protected from harmful UV rays while camping.
Great comfort with an 8cm Dual Layer mattress
The TentBox Lite 2.0 features a dual layer 8cm mattress with waterproof materials, which is thicker and more comfortable compared to the 6cm mattress in the previous model.
The original TentBox Lite was already pretty comfy but time has been put in to make extra improvements.
The bottom mattress is a 4cm high density foam mattress which is perfect to absorb the aluminium base. The to top it off with an additional foam mattress to improve comfort makes all the difference.
Overall
Made of high quality materials? Check. Space for two people. Check. Comfy 8cm dual layer foam mattress. Check. Extended Warranty Massive Check.
What we love:
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Improved 8cm dual layer mattress
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Practical for the summer - outer fly can be removed
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Great water resistance
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Lightweight and has good storage
Check out the specifications of the TentBox Lite 2.0 below:
- Sleeping Capacity 2 People
- Water Resistance 3000mm (inner pod) and 5000mm (rainfly)
- Mattress 8cm Dual Layer Mattress
- Open Dimensions 33cm (W) x 220cm (L) x 105cm (H)
- Closed Dimensions 133cm (W) x 110cm (L) x 25cm (H)
- Internal Weight Limit 300kgs
- Weight 50kg
- Durable, lightweight, and really good quality for the price.
- Lightweight at 50kgs so fits almost every vehicle
- Improved water resistance
- Take off the outer fly for summer days when not needed
- Takes 5 mins to setup
- Smaller sleeping space than other softshells
Perfect for families and groups of friends.
If you're looking to go camping with the family and want a comfy mattress then the TentBox Lite XL is a great choice. The space is greater than a super king sized bed so if you can fit your family on there you'll be good to go with the XL.
Great materials, great water proofing, double skylight and good storage from one of the UKs biggest roof tent brand. It is a safe bet.
Protection from the sun
All fabric used in the TentBox Lite XL includes UV50+ protection, ensuring that you stay safe and protected from harmful UV rays while camping.
Perfectly sized for Four people
Like its smaller brother the TentBox Lite XL folds out into a great space for four people to sleep in comfortably. This is ideal for a family of four or 3 adults who really like their space!
With an internal mattress size of 183cm x 240cm (A Super King Sized Bed is typically 180cm x 200cm). So see if you can get your family to all fit on a super king sized bed and you'll have more than enough room in the TentBox XL.
Despite it being such a large size due to the foldable design it has a much smaller form factor when the roof tent is packed away. Folding away into a dimension of 183cm x 120cm x 25cm it's perfect for the majority of cars. So as long as your dynamic limits allow this will be a good choice.
- Sleeping Capacity 2 People
- Water Resistance 3000mm (inner pod) and 5000mm (rainfly)
- Mattress 8cm Dual Layer Mattress
- Open Dimensions 183cm (W) x 240cm (L) x 115cm (H)
- Closed Dimensions 183cm (W) x 120cm (L) x 25cm (H)
- Internal Weight Limit 300kgs
- Weight 62kg
- Large sleeping capacity for 4 people
- Comfortable 8cm dual layer mattress
- Great water resistance up to 5000mm HH Rating
- Double Skylight for views
- Heavy to move and set up
- Set up time roughly 5+ mins
There are quite a few factors you should consider when deciding which model you should get. Since the two models are brothers of each other with the XL being a larger version and both models sharing almost identical features i.e. material quality, setup time, setup design etc. We think you should consider the follow factors:
1. Consider the Price
TentBox Lite 2.0 softshell tent is best known for its price as it is the entry-level model after the original TentBox Lite
The TentBox XL is more expensive but that is because you are getting a bigger tent with more space and more material is used to created the roof tent.
For reference:
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TentBox Lite 2.0 - £1,295
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TentBox Lite XL - £1,895
If price is a major factor in your case, then the TentBox Lite 2.0 is the better option as it is the entry level TentBox Model. It does not compromise much on comfort, durability, and ease of setup but gives a considerable edge on the budget.
2. How much space do you need?
This will be a major factor when deciding between the two models. Just consider if you are likely to go camping with your small family or if you really want to camping just with your partner.
Maybe you have a small child and the Lite 2.0 will have enough space but if you plan on having another child or you child has a friend he or she wants to bring a long then the Lite XL is the better option for you.
3. Weight limit of your car, SUV, or 4x4
With any rooftop tent you need to consider how much it weighs and whether or not your car can take this weight.
What you need to look out for the dynamic weight limit of your vehicle roof. This is weight limit your vehicle can take when in motion i.e. when driving. You can find this in your vehicles user manual.
Just make sure that you purchase appropriate roof bars that can take the weight limit of the roof tent. Then make sure that weight of the roof tent and the roof bars are within your dynamic weight limit of your vehicle and you're set.
For reference:
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The TentBox Lite 2.0 weighs 50kg
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The TentBox Lite XL weighs 62kg
4. Setup time
If setup time is a major factor then the small Lite 2.0 will be a better option for you. Both models utilise the same open and close mechanisms but as the XL is a larger model it will be slightly heavier and more awkward to open and close due to the size.
Do TentBox have discount codes?
TentBox may occasionally run a sale during the major holidays such as Easter, Black Friday and the Christmas holiday period. And if you're lucky and you go to any of the outdoor camping trade shows in Birmingham or Straford-upon-avon then there may be discount codes provided in person.
At Outdoor Roadie we provide this discount code all year round. We'll get your roof tent ready for dispatch right away so you can have your lovely new TentBox delivered to you as soon as possible.
Benefits of ordering with us!
+ Fully Insured shipping - All your gifts are fully insured and protected with us
+ 30 Day Returns - A change of heart happens. Give us a call and we'll help you return it.
+ 5 Year extended warranty - Just like TentBox we offer the same extended warranty that Tent Box offers.
+ Customer Care - We care about your shopping experience and look to make it as seamless as possible but most importantly we want to be there for you whenever you have questions. So we promise to call you back within an hour if we miss your call!
How to use Our TentBox Discount Code
Using our TentBox discount code is easy. Simply follow these steps:
- Browse our TentBox products and select the roof tent that best fits your needs.
- Enter the discount code "TB40" at checkout.
- This cannot be used on TentBox accessories
- Enjoy your savings!
