Alpha | Hardshell Rooftop Tent | Tuff Stuff Overland

I had been looking at 270 awnings for awhile when all of sudden OVS's Nomadic 270 XD awning popped in my search. The awning wasnt released yet, but OVS is a highly reviewed company that makes quality parts and carries a solid warranty, so I decided to pre-order one from live more outside and take my chances. I mean, the XD awning has a lifetime frame warranty. That is pretty stellar. 6 years on the fabric. What the fabric this is made out of is definitely different than any other rooftop awning I've ever seen. Zero light gets through this material that I've been able to detect. It's pretty amazing.

Install was easy and fairly straight forward, took me about 45 minutes to an hour to get the brackets mounted to the awning and the awning mounted where I wanted it, by myself. However, I'm a big dude that is mechanically inclined. I probably wouldn't suggest just anyone attempt to mount this by yourself unless you are competent that you can handle this length and weight of an object from below it or off to the side while standing on a tire or some such. You could quite possible drop this off the side of your roof rack.

I used stainless m8x25 T slot studs that I have by the dozens for every connection point instead of the hex hardware that was provided. There is twice as much contact surface available on them for grip of the roof rack and they slide much better than hex bolts in the track. Of note, 16mm and 20mm lengths are too short for a washer, a lock washer and the nylok nut if you are replacing the stock hardware with T slot studs. 25mm is what you want.

The awning I received came with three mounting brackets. I'm sure three would have been fine, really two would probably be fine, but my tendency to overkill everything prevailed and I ordered an extra set of brackets (which came with everything by the way; 2 nrackets, stakes, tie down rope, all hardware, locking tie downs for the awning edges to secure to the roof rack) so that the awning is attached to my roofrack by 4 brackets.

Deployment is simple. Rolling it up to put it away is fairly simple as well. Zipping up the bag without some piece of flap of the awning getting stuck in the zipper is a bit ridiculous, and the zipper seems to be a bit off when the two come together, like it wasnt zipped properly from the factory. You've gotta roll this thing up TIGHT to begin with, as there is not alot of room in the cover. Fighting not letting some part be zipped up is super unfortunate. You just have to keep your fingers up there, right in front of the zipper, making sure nothing gets in the way, while you pull on it with the other hand. All while trying to squeeze the zipper sides together so you can actually zip it shut. Thus is definitely the worst part, but I'm sure I'll get a better handle on it (hopefully).

You will also want to ensure that you have all of the velcro enclosures closed around the awning arms. Mine did not come attached (other than one on each arm that holds the awning poles) but it's easy to do so. Just a heads up of something needing done when it's brand new.

My experience with Nathan and Live more outside was fantastic. Nathan was always able to provide an update to me as these awnings seemed to be pushed back little by little as far as when they would be released. He was always very responsive and extremely easy to touch base with. All in all, an excellent experience with and excellent vendor for a pretty excellent product (that damn zipper thing). I would definitely make the same choice if I had it to do over again.

Love it, looks amazing, very functional!

I've only had it a little over a month so far and is holding up great on my 3rd Gen Tacoma. The material is relatively thin metal with a sturdy frame. No insulation or heat barrier, so the inside does get hot. Solid build for under $3k after professional installation. Will report back after putting a rack and tent on it, plus seeing some weather.

Corrected an address mistake fast, very fast

I was getting ready for a camping trip, last minute and after giving them a call I received great service and speedy package delivery. I will definitely be buying from them again!

10/10 overall. Super easy assembly and instillation. You will need 2 people to assemble it and at-least 3-4 able bodied people to lift it on top of the bed. Absolutely no water leaks or rattling when driving, just follow the manual and retighten the clamps every so often. I was also able to reach out to them with my questions and they responded very quickly. This thing looks better than any other camper shell on the road, highly recommend.

Everything was as expected, excellent quality and fast delivered.

I highly recommend this stove and the accessories that are required for through the all application. I have also used the stove on my patio for warmth and relaxation, beautiful windows to watch the fire. My intention for this kit is to provide emergency heating for back room. This stove is usefull and enjoyable all year long. I recommend this website, great service, fast delivery, and I can chat with Nathan ,the owner, as a friend. Thank you.

Ordered my Nomadic 3 tent and it arrived in less than 7 days, ahead of schedule. Installation was pretty straightforward, except the mounting bolts were not long enough due to my UpTop Retrax Truss bed rack, which included 2 iinch load bars. This was easily resolved by purchasing some longer bolts at the hardware store.
Took it out for a maiden trip a week later, in the middle of wicked rainstorm. We heard and felt the wind and rain all night, beat upon the tent, but we remained comfortable, warm and dry. The product was fantastic. Nathan service was equally stellar. From the point of trying to select the right tent to his various accommodations in finding the right companion products, I was very impressed. I will recommend him to all of my friends, and continue to purchase my products from him.

Installed my UpTop Truss rack over my Retrax retractable bed cover on my 2020 Tacoma. The video instructions from the manufacturer were a little bit outdated, because they have updated/upgraded a few of the connectors, but it was not too difficult to determine where those changes were. A few hours of work and it was solidly and securely on the truck, ready to mount my OVS Nomadic 3 RTT, which I took out for a test campout a week later. Everything functioned beautifully and I am supper happy with the purchase.

Awsome product, I loved it. Greats customer service .

Very impressed with the ease of purchase, fast shipping, and great Bundle! Can't wait to get the fire going.

I've used this tent on three separate occasions this season. Great tent for overlanding. Easy to set up and well thought out. I can set it up in under a half hour by myself. The zippers are good. It is triple stitched where needed and double stitched every where else. We've been using this tent with a wood stove and would definitely recommend a hot mat (heat resistant) under the stove as the floor is not heat resistant. It is well made, roomy and comfortable. It hasn't rained on us yet so I can't speak for the water resistance. Perfect tent for car camping or overlanding.

As a newbie West Virginia Overlander, I'm just getting my gear set up in the lower 48. Nathan has been fantastic in helping me get my OVS Nomadic 3 Extended tent system purchased and delivered quickly. My tent arrived within a few days. I am particularly impressed with his follow up texts to make sure everything is working properly. LiveMoreOutside is my new go-to company for all my overlanding gear. Lori C

In stock, fast delivery and great customer service. Sounds like a generic review but all are accurate