The Trustmade Scout Hard Shell Rooftop Tent is an innovative and convenient solution for outdoor enthusiasts seeking a comfortable and secure sleeping arrangement during their adventures. This installation manual provides comprehensive instructions for mounting, opening, and safely using the rooftop tent, along with important warnings and guidelines for the included ladder.

Function Description:

The Trustmade Scout is a hard shell rooftop tent designed to be mounted on the roof rack or crossbars of a vehicle. Its primary function is to provide a portable, elevated, and weather-protected sleeping space for camping and outdoor travel. The hard shell design offers enhanced durability and protection against the elements, while also contributing to a streamlined aesthetic when closed. When deployed, the tent expands to create a spacious interior, offering a comfortable alternative to traditional ground tents. The integrated ladder facilitates easy access to and from the tent.

Usage Features:

Mounting:

The installation process requires careful attention to ensure safety and stability. Before mounting, it is crucial to verify that the vehicle's roof rack or crossbars have a dynamic weight load capacity of at least 165 lbs (75 kg) and are spaced at least 30 inches (76 cm) apart. Individuals with back, knee, or other health complications are advised not to attempt the mounting process. The crossbar or mounting rack should have a minimum width of 35mm and a maximum of 85mm, with a minimum height of 25mm and a maximum of 45mm.

To mount the tent, two people are recommended to lift it from the front and back and place it onto the rack or crossbars. Bolts are then slid into the rail, positioning the crossbar between them. A plate is placed under the crossbar, aligning its holes with the bolts. Finally, two nuts are used to secure the mounting plate to the bolts, ensuring a firm attachment. It is essential to center the tent with the vehicle to maintain balance, which is crucial for vehicle safety, especially at higher speeds.

Opening the Tent:

Opening the tent is a straightforward process. First, the included ladder is set up to provide sufficient height for pushing open the tent. The lock mechanism is then opened, and the tent is lifted, allowing it to automatically deploy. Once open, the awning rod is placed inside its holder, ensuring all paint parts are properly inserted. The hook end of the rod is then inserted into the hole on the awning, completing the setup.

Warnings and Safety Guidelines:

Several warnings are provided to ensure safe usage of the rooftop tent. It is recommended to place the tent with the opening side towards the back of the vehicle to prevent accidental openings from wind and minimize drag. Before driving, all locks must be securely fastened to prevent air from entering the tent. The tent should never be driven with the opening side against the drag. Crucially, the tent must never be driven while open, as this can be dangerous and cause significant damage.

When driving with the tent installed, it is important to maintain the vehicle's speed under 75 mph (120 km/h). Users should also consider the added height of their vehicle when entering tight spaces, such as garages or low-clearance areas. The tent must be removed before going through an automated car wash to prevent damage.

Ladder Usage:

The included ladder is an integral part of the tent system, and its safe use is paramount. Users should ensure they are physically fit to use the ladder and avoid using it under the influence of alcohol or other drugs. Before and after each use, the ladder should be inspected for any damage, and a damaged ladder should never be used. Maintaining the ladder clean from mud, wet paint, oil, and snow is also important. For work-related use, a risk assessment should be carried out in accordance with local legislations.

Positioning the Ladder:

Proper positioning of the ladder is critical for stability and safety. The inclination angle of the ladder should not exceed 75 degrees. It must be placed on an even, leveled, and unmovable base. When leaning, the ladder should be placed against a flat, non-fragile surface and secured before use. Users should identify any hazards around the ladder before positioning it. The ladder's feet should be placed directly on the floor, not on rugs or steps. If placed on slippery surfaces, additional effective measures must be taken to prevent slipping.

Using the Ladder:

Users must not exceed the maximum total load capacity of the ladder. When ascending or descending, only one step should be taken at a time, and users should avoid overreaching. Stepping off a leaning ladder at a higher level without additional security is not recommended. The ladder should not be used in dangerous weather conditions, and children should not be allowed to play near it. A secure grip must be maintained when ascending and descending, and users should always face the ladder. The ladder should not be used as a bridge. Suitable footwear should be worn when climbing. Excessive side loadings should be avoided, and users should not spend long periods on the ladder without regular breaks.

Opening the Ladder:

Each rung of the ladder features two locking pins that engage when the ladder is extended. To unlock the pins, they are slid to the left side. To lock them, they are slid to the right side.

Fully Extended Ladder:

When fully extending the ladder, it should be placed on firm and leveled ground. Each rung should be expanded one by one, starting from the top. Users should check that the pins are locked, listening for a locking sound, and it is recommended to visually check each step.

Partially Extended Ladder:

For partial extension, the ladder should also be placed on firm and leveled ground. Each rung is expanded one by one, starting from the bottom, ensuring that the pins are locked and the arms are completely extended.

Installed Roof Bar on Top of Shell:

The manual also details the installation of a roof bar on top of the tent's shell. This involves using one pair of roof bars, four steel panels, eight screws, and eight bolts. The bolts and screws are used to fix the steel panels, connecting them to the roof bar. The maximum capacity weight for this roof bar is 155 lbs. It is crucial to ensure that the roof bar is firmly installed before driving.

Using the Shoes Bag:

The tent includes a shoes bag that can be used on both sides. The rubber strips at the top of the shoes bag are threaded through the aluminum railway. It is important that the rubber strip remains straight and that the groove of the aluminum rail is aligned with the rubber strip on the top of the shoelace, ensuring proper attachment and functionality.

Maintenance Features:

While the manual primarily focuses on installation and usage, some maintenance aspects are implied through the safety guidelines. Keeping the ladder clean from mud, wet paint, oil, and snow is a direct maintenance instruction. Regular inspection of the ladder before and after each use also falls under maintenance, as it helps identify and address any potential damage early on. The instruction to ensure the roof bar is firmly installed before driving also implies a need for periodic checks of its securement. Although not explicitly detailed, the hard shell design suggests a degree of protection for the tent fabric, potentially reducing the frequency of fabric-specific maintenance compared to soft-shell tents. The overall emphasis on proper installation and careful use contributes to the longevity and good condition of the device.

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