Superwinch SX10 12V Electric Winch with Synthetic Rope

If you plan on going off-road, a winch is undoubtedly an essential item to have.

My choice was the Superwinch SX10 with a 29m synthetic rope. Superwinch is a proven and reliable manufacturer. An alternative could be Warn, but it is a bit more expensive. In the case of the Suzuki Jimny, a winch with a pulling capacity of 4500kg should be more than enough.

A special main power switch has also been installed, allowing you to disconnect the power supply to the winch in emergencies. It also allows you to disconnect the power supply when the charger is not in use.

Synthetic rope is lighter and more flexible than the steel one. It reduces the potential for damage. It does not require a special mat to dampen the recoil, which is required for steel rope. Synthetic rope does not tend to snap under tension with the same force as steel, which makes it safer. Synthetic rope does not corrode, is easy to unwind and rewind, and does not cut your hands like frayed steel. It should also not freeze as easily. In addition to being more susceptible to abrasion, synthetic rope is better in every way than steel. Hence my decision.

The pulley

This brilliantly simple design can be used to create some advanced techniques for pulling a vehicle out of trouble.

The pulley can be used to change the direction of the rope pull, which is useful when it is not possible to align the winch in a straight line with the object you want to pull. Using a pulley can reduce the load on the winch and reduce wear on its mechanism, which extends its life.

The pulley doubles the force of the winch – by mounting the rope so that it passes through the pulley, the load is divided between two points. Using one pulley can “double” the pull, and using more pulleys increases the force even more.

The rope exits the winch → passes through the pulley → returns to the vehicle.

Using a shackle or other connector, attach the block to the webbing or strap you previously installed around the anchor point. Feed the rope through the block and hook it back to the vehicle. The rope will pull through the block, reducing the load on the winch while doubling the pulling force.

Simple but so effective!

Tree belt

The tree strap protects the anchor point (e.g. tree) from damage by spreading the force over a larger surface area, which prevents the rope from cutting into it. It also provides greater stability and safety by protecting both the winch rope from abrasion and the anchor from excessive pressure. This makes winching operations safer and more efficient.

Synthetic shackle

Here too I prefer synthetic. It’s the only option for synthetic rope. As with rope, synthetic shackles have the same advantages.

Long live synthetic!

Lighting system

Off-road riding after dark has a unique and unrepeatable atmosphere. I remember the first time I went on a night trip with Michał (who helped me create my JB74). He lit up the entire area in his Suzuki Samurai, while I was dependent only on the front light.

I can’t imagine a longer trip without 360 lighting.

Ledbar Siberia Next Level 38″

A powerful beast that gives a lot of light both at a distance and illuminating what is on the sides. Even though this LED bar is not bent, it shines wide, giving enough light to the sides of the vehicle.

Mounting the LED bar above the windshield can limit visibility in dust, especially when driving in difficult off-road areas. Light placed high above the vehicle can reflect off the rising dust, dirt, or fog, creating a blinding effect. In such conditions, additional lights mounted lower – at the bumper level – work better, which minimizes this effect and better illuminates the road under the layer of dust. That is why two powerful Dark Knight Fortex work lamps hidden in a small housing were mounted on the front.

Dark Knight Fortex

The Dark Knight Fortex work light shines with a power of 3200 lumens, which in total gives a little over half the power of the LED bar. Its main advantage is the ability to adjust the color temperature of the light to current needs – you can choose between 4000K (for driving in rain or snow), 5000K, and 6000K (ideal for bright, cloudless nights). The lamp also has a red position light, which not only improves visibility but also gives it a characteristic, attractive appearance.

Fortex features a solid construction, covered with a special coating that protects against stone chips, making it extremely durable. It is also waterproof at IP68/IP69K, which ensures reliability in the harshest off-road conditions. Thanks to the 180-degree adjustment range, you can precisely adjust the angle of the light, and the DT4 connector prevents water and dirt from entering.

Side and rear lighting

On the sides went two cheapest 6 LED 18W work lamps with diffused light. The same one landed on the back. In this case, I cut costs. For now, I’m happy with the effect.

What I will definitely do additionally is cut out shades for these lamps from red transparent plexiglass, to have nice camping lighting that won’t glare during night cooking and resting.

The rear lamp was mounted on the Front Runner ladder. The cable ran easily through the seal into the interior, where it then runs under the plastic to the controller.

Switch Panel

Here again, cost-cutting and a Chinese Universal Switch Panel with a panel were ordered on AliExpress on Michał’s recommendation. The controller, tested in various conditions, works great and it seems that it will serve for a long time without failure.

Pedders 2″ suspension kit

The most important modification in the case of Suzuki Jimny. I decided on a 2″ lift because it does not require additional activities such as replacing brake lines. Today, after a year of use, I regret that I did not immediately go for a bigger lift. From what I know, the 3.5″ lift works quite well in the JB74.

What gives a lift?

Lift is simply raising the suspension. It is worth noting that the lift does not increase the ground clearance but raises the body relative to the bridges. However, it allows for the installation of larger wheels, which already increase the ground clearance.

By extending the work of the shock absorbers, the lift also increases the cross-section. This translates into better off-road capabilities. In bumpy terrain, the wheels reach the ground while maintaining traction.

The greater the lift, the better the off-road capabilities, but the worse the vehicle’s behavior in normal driving, especially on bends.

Suzuki Jimny Pedders 2″ Lift

Better quality, thicker, longer springs and shock absorbers not only raise the vehicle but above all incomparably better vehicle behavior. Road bumps are dampened, and Jimny does not rock on bends. Pedders is a much stiffer and harder suspension compared to the factory one. Thanks to this, it compensates for the increased vehicle weight due to the additives.

The behavior on and off-road with the Pedders 2″ suspension is incomparably better. I think mounting a roof rack and a tent in a hard shell on the factory suspension would be a disaster.

In addition to the suspension kit itself, the following were also needed:

• Frame beam lowering kit under the front driveshaft
• Correcting eccentric bushes at the front axle

Underbody covers

Having learned from my experience of off-road motorcycle trips, I decided to buy a full set of protective chassis elements. After just one season, some elements turned out to be salvageable.

Engine and front axle cover

This cover has already slid over rocks several times, effectively protecting the Jimny’s heart.

This is the most important cover that protects both the engine and the front axle from hitting terrain obstacles. Especially important when overcoming deep obstacles, where contact with the ground is frequent. Crossing rivers without an engine cover is asking for trouble.

The 6mm thick aluminum plate from Heavy Cruiser does not require drilling, but fitting it and installing it (especially without a workshop with a pit) is a real pain. Unfortunately, such large elements are often not precisely made, and additionally, during transport, small bends can occur, which ultimately translate into laborious installation.

Reducer cover

The Heavy Cruiser transfer case guard protects the drivetrain in difficult terrain.

Fuel tank cover

You wouldn’t want to be stranded in the middle of nowhere without fuel. The Heavy Cruiser fuel tank guard provides protection against punctures or damage, especially on rocky trails.

Shock absorber covers – rear

Small but sometimes sufficient shock absorber covers from Heavy Cruiser.

Front Runner ladder

Initially, the ladder was mainly used to get to the roof rack, but after installing the SNAILER roof tent, it is now mainly used to enter the tent. Thanks to it, there is no need to use an additional ladder for the tent.

It’s a bit narrow, and climbing it may seem uncomfortable at first, but after a few climbs, you can get used to it. I like to use the spare wheel when climbing onto the roof.

In my case, the ladder was also useful as an element to which Michał and I attached a holder for the rear light.

Front Runner Roof Rack

The Front Runner aluminum modular roof rack seems to me to be one of the best available on the market. It’s not the cheapest, but it’s well-made and well-thought-out.

The aerodynamic profile with an additional deflector reduces air resistance and reduces noise and fuel consumption.

The rails with beams and frames provide truly enormous possibilities for mounting various elements. Michał and I installed the entire lighting system without any problems, elegantly and professionally.

The Font Runner rack offers a huge variety of additional mounts, e.g. for a bicycle. You can also easily mount boxes on it.

Currently, I have a SNAILER tent mounted on the trunk, which fits perfectly into the line of the trunk and the vehicle.

Rotopax mount on spare wheel

I used the Rotopax spare tire mount for my Jeep Wrangler. After widening one hole, everything fits like it should. The mount is adjustable in length (to fit a variety of tire widths) from 4 to 7 inches (10 to 17.78 cm) and has “beans” in 2 of the 3 mounting holes.

Link to mount: Rotopax spare tire mount – Jeep Wrangler

SNAILER rooftop hardshell tent

The SNAILER tent is now permanently installed on my Suzuki Jimny. Full review available in a separate post:

Bison Gear molle panels

Together with my Suzuki Jimny, I went to Bison Gear headquarters, where a 3D scan of the car interior was made. Then the Bison Gear team designed the panels – the first products in their offer for the Suzuki Jimny JB74. Soon after, I received the finished elements, which fit perfectly.

Bison Gear’s powder-coated Molle panels provide unlimited cargo capacity. In a vehicle as small as the Jimny, every inch of space counts.

Bison Gear panels do not require drilling and anyone can easily install them in just a few minutes.

Product link: MOLLE panels for Suzuki Jimny IV (JB74, 2018+)

Bison Gear Jimny shelf

Another product created by Bison Gear is an expedition shelf, on which not only can you put a lot of luggage – it offers great possibilities for hanging various types of items.

Product link: Roof shelf for Suzuki Jimny IV (JB74, 2018+)

Side fold-out panel

This time, the Chinese one is almost 3x cheaper than the alternatives. I was a bit worried about the quality, but I have nothing to complain about. However, you can complain about a lot of things that you want to have on hand during the trip.

I use the table mainly for making coffee and as a workspace when camping. In the future, I’ll probably mask half of the grate to have a uniform surface for smaller items. There are two extendable brackets at the bottom, for which I also need to think of better attachments than a piece of Velcro.

Yokohama Geolandar A/T G015 215/75 R15 100 S

The Yokohama Geolandar A/T G015 in size 215/75 R15 100 S are all-terrain (A/T) tires that perform well both on and off-road. This model is a popular choice among off-road enthusiasts thanks to its durability and versatility. The tires have a load index of 100 (up to 800 kg per tire) and a speed index of S (maximum speed up to 180 km/h).

I decided to buy all-season tires because, in Poland’s unpredictable weather conditions, this is the best option in my opinion. Tires mounted, the subject is over until they wear out. Traction on snow and icy roads is very good. Geolandar AT tires have the 3PMSF (Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake) certification. This is the only indicator of a winter tire that confirms its properties on snow. They are verified in demanding tests.

ATs work best in the rain, which is quite important in the case of rear-wheel drive and such a short car as the Jimny.

What’s worth adding, they glide through the desert like Dakar vehicles! Yokohama Enduro Compound technology provides better resistance to cuts and punctures, which is crucial when riding on rocky trails.

The only downside is riding in the mud. Here, unfortunately, the MT is unmatched.

Other

Recovery ramps

The traps are light, don’t take up much space, and if you get stuck in mud or sand, you just throw them under the wheels and keep riding! At least in theory. Although they have saved my skin on the trail more than once. In combination with a winch, such traps can do a lot.

AUER boxes

During a visit to Bison Gear headquarters, Paweł recommended inexpensive, good-quality plastic crates from AUER.

The ones that worked best for me were the crates with open handles and latches. I also attached Velcro tape to them. This way, even when riding off-road, the crates stick to the base of the trunk. Connected one on top of the other, they also hold solidly. You can ride off-road without worrying about the contents spilling all over the trunk.

Depending on my needs, I use several sizes interchangeably, which I set up freely depending on my needs. For example, I keep a supply of food in one, various tools in another, and yet another serves as a rescue box.

The boxes I use: Skrzynki EURO

Tinted windows

Simple thing. Better aesthetics from the outside and some privacy in the trunk. 3 windows in the back have been tinted.

What’s next?

This is not the end of the expansion of my JB74, next will probably be:

• Snorkel
• A bigger lift and bigger wheels?
• CB radio
• Awning
• A water tank and shower
• A heating system for the tent?
• Solar panels?
• A reversing camera and a video recorder

So I invite you to update in some time. If you have any more interesting suggestions – share them in the comment below.

Post Suzuki Jimny (JB74) – my ultimate overlanding vehicle pojawił się na AdvAnywhere.

Why did I choose a rooftop tent, and why a hardshell? I’ll do my best to explain everything below.

All technical specifications can be found on the manufacturer’s website – SNAILER Alduo roof tent – while I will focus on my personal experiences and observations. Enjoy the reading!

Why a hardshell rooftop tent?

Initially, I considered soft-shell tents, primarily due to their lower price.

I was also attracted to the idea of a soft-shell roof tent because extending it to the side provides a bit of shelter above your head. However, the reality is that it doesn’t serve as a true replacement for an awning. In the end, though, the numerous advantages of a hard-shell tent won me over.

The closed shell offers excellent protection

The hard shell ensures complete safety for the sleeping area against all weather conditions, so I don’t have to worry about water or dust getting inside the tent.

When closed, the SNAILER Alduo tent measures just 17.5 cm in height!

Possibility of installing additional accessories

Hardshell roof tents typically feature a rail that allows you to attach various accessories. With the SNAILER Alduo rooftop tent, you can mount M6 flat-head screws or insert a half-nut into the rail. This setup enables you to attach practically anything—from hooks and tool holders to traction board mounts. Ladder hooks and the handle for opening the tent are also mounted in this manner.

Extra space on the roof

Having a rooftop tent on your off-road vehicle doesn’t mean sacrificing luggage space—this is especially true with a hard-shell tent.

You can easily attach various elements to the hardshell rooftop tent. Currently, I have railings installed (only one is shown in the photos because I lost the screws while tinkering before the expedition) that can hold traction boards and an emergency box with ease. In the future, I also plan to mount solar panels.

Roof tent mounting

The tent can be mounted on railings, allowing it to sit as low as possible.

In my case, the SNAILER roof tent is installed on the Front Runner Slimline II (KRSJ003T) roof rack, which weighs 26 kg. This setup enables me to remove the tent when it’s not in use, preserving valuable luggage space.

While I don’t plan on taking the tent off, I keep the roof rack on “just in case.” The second reason for this is that I already have the entire lighting system installed on the roof rack.

The SNAILER Alduo tent weighs 68 kg, and together with the rack, LED bar, lights, and cables, the total weight on the roof is nearly 100 kg.

What do you need to install a roof tent?

Roof rack or railings

The SNAILER Alduo tent, like other rooftop tents, can be easily mounted on railings, meaning you don’t necessarily need an off-road vehicle to sleep on the roof.

A roof rack is typically found on most off-road vehicles, and one of its universal applications is the ability to mount a rooftop tent. However, with so many different roof racks available, it’s best to consult the tent manufacturer to ensure compatibility.

In my case, with my Jimny and the Front Runner rack, the tent’s mounting beam had to be shortened slightly.

Optional: Suspension

The suspension must be adequate to handle the increased load capacity, which is crucial given the added weight, especially on the roof.

I have the Pedders +2″ Suspension Kit installed in my Suzuki Jimny. This not only boosted the load capacity but also significantly improved the vehicle’s handling. In the case of the Suzuki Jimny 2018+, the factory suspension should be replaced immediately, even without a rooftop tent. Of course, each vehicle is different.

Driving with a roof tent

Fuel consumption

I was concerned that the design would lead to significantly higher fuel consumption. I estimate that it increased by about 1 L/100 km, but that’s just an approximation.

In a short period, I added numerous elements to my expedition Jimny, which increased the weight and compromised the already average aerodynamics of the small, boxy car.

Currently, when driving economically and avoiding aggressive acceleration with all my modifications and the tent on the roof, my fuel consumption is around 7.5-8.5 L/100 km. Before making any modifications, I believe I achieved fuel consumption in the range of 6-7 L/100 km. If you also own a Jimny, let me know in the comments how your fuel consumption compares!

Wind

The first week of testing the tent was a real baptism of fire. On my return from Italy, the Jimny drove the entire route through Storm Boris, facing heavy rainfall and wind gusts of up to 100 km/h, which tried to throw the vehicle off track. Fortunately, nothing of the sort happened.

In the case of the Jimny, the tent extends slightly at the front, which could be felt during gusts of wind. However, you won’t notice the tent much in moderate or slightly windy conditions. It’s worth emphasizing again that modifying the suspension is crucial, as it has the greatest impact on steering performance.

Wind noise

Due to their rigid, streamlined construction, hard-shell tents should generate significantly less noise than those covered with fabric.

However, I noticed virtually no difference in noise with the Jimny.

There was, however, a whistle caused by a small gap between the rack and the tent. I easily resolved this issue by inserting a rubber strip into the rack rail. Now, the tent rests on the rubber strip at both the front and back, sealing the connection and dampening potential vibrations between the rack and the tent.

It’s worth noting that each vehicle is different, and various mounts can produce different levels of noise. Therefore, I can only comment on my specific experience.

In short, with the SNAILER Alduo roof tent attached to the Front Runner rack (with a deflector), there is virtually no sound generated by the tent.

Setting up and folding down the Snailer Alduo tent

And here we are talking about seconds…

Real magic! In literally just a few seconds, we can set up the tent, and with a few more seconds, it’s tightly packed away.

For someone like me, who values process and time optimization, this is an absolute delight!

This optimization allows you more time to set up the rest of the campsite. Imagine you’re on a trip and want to take a quick nap after lunch. You can simply pop open your tent anywhere in the bushes, and within 15 minutes, you’re all set to relax.

Setting up the SNAILER Alduo rooftop tent

Simply unfasten two buckles and give the handle a gentle push — the hydraulic cylinders take care of the rest.

You can set up two canopy stretchers without even stepping inside the tent. I store the canopy and ladder neatly behind the armchairs.

The entire operation takes several seconds.

Folding the SNAILER Alduo roof tent

After extending the poles, simply pull the strap. Before closing, push the fabric walls inward from both sides, ensuring nothing sticks out of the shell—just 5 quick moves. The attached rubber strap helps guide the tent fabric inside. The top closes smoothly with the help of the actuators, and you’re all set.

The entire operation takes several dozen seconds.

The interior of the SNAILER tent

Fabric covering

The aluminum part is covered with a soft-touch fabric that prevents condensation from forming and dripping down the aluminum surface due to moisture from breathing.

This is an important feature to consider when choosing a roof tent with an aluminum cover.

SNAILER ensures both sides of the interior are fully lined with fabric that retains moisture, preventing it from condensing and running down the walls. Without this, you might wake up with wet feet in the morning.

Mattress

This is a big positive surprise: the mattress, made in Slovakia, is the world’s first two-layer mattress that comes with a rooftop tent. Unlike other brands, you won’t need to upgrade to a more comfortable mattress—this one comes with a tent and is top-tier.

The mattress features two 3.5 cm layers. The lower, firmer layer offers great support, even if you lean on your hands or sit on your knees. The upper layer is soft foam for a cozy, restful sleep. Honestly, I sleep better on this 6 cm mattress than in my own bed.

The entire mattress is wrapped in a double-sided, zippered cover. The top layer is soft and comfortable, while the bottom is made of waterproof rubber for extra protection.

Condensation mat

The mattress sits on a condensation mat, one of the most crucial yet often overlooked components. SNAILER has ensured that under no circumstances will the mattress become damp, keeping it dry and comfortable throughout your trip.

Why a condensation mat in a roof tent?

The condensation mat not only enhances the mattress’s elasticity but also creates an air layer between the tent floor and the mattress. This allows moisture, which is sometimes unavoidable when camping, to evaporate without coming into contact with the mattress. As a result, the mattress stays completely dry, even in the most challenging conditions.

I’ve already tested the tent during high humidity and several days of downpours, and the mattress remained dry throughout. There’s no risk of moisture issues, even on multi-day expeditions.

LED strip

The SNAILER Alduo roof tent includes an LED strip that can be controlled via a cable when connected to a power bank, offering adjustable brightness across several levels.

While it’s a cool feature, I’m not a fan of the white, hospital-like light—it’s not ideal before bed either. I’d prefer a warm light option, with the ability to switch to a red mode, which doesn’t attract insects or mosquitoes. Thankfully, it’s easy to swap out the LED strip yourself if you want to make that change.

Clothes net

In the tent, you can easily change into your pajamas and store your clothes in the net, keeping them out of the way without taking up any sleeping space. In the morning, everything is organized, and you’re ready to go without any hassle.

Pockets for small items

There are two spacious pockets on each side of the tent, perfect for storing small items you always want close at hand.

Seal and zippers

The quality of the sealing, material bonding, and zippers is excellent. What I particularly appreciate is that every component of the tent can be unfastened. In case of any damage, you won’t have to worry about sending the entire tent for repairs.

Entry openings in the SNAILER roof tent

The tent features two symmetrical entrances on the sides and one large entrance at the back, all equipped with two layers: a fabric layer that fully closes the space and a mosquito net for insect protection. This setup offers numerous options for regulating temperature and airflow.

While mosquito nets allow air to flow through, they do slightly obstruct it, which is beneficial on colder days, ensuring a comfortable sleep without the worry of freezing. When the fabric layer is closed, it provides complete insulation from wind and cold. By opening or tilting the opposite windows, you can promote air circulation and enjoy a pleasant breeze. You can also close the side walls, leaving only the mosquito net at the back, eliminating the risk of getting too cold. The variety of options for regulating temperature and airflow is truly impressive—we could write an entire article about it!

The rear door features the opposite layering compared to the side doors—here, the fabric layer is on the outside, which prevents water from entering the tent when pitching it in the rain before deploying the canopy. Additionally, the main door includes a built-in bar that keeps it from flapping in the wind, even if it’s not fully zipped.

The side doors have the fabric layer on the inside, allowing for a quick closure of the tent when the temperature begins to drop.

How to sleep in a roof tent?

As often as possible!

But seriously, I just wanted to mention that the Outwell Contour Lux Double sleeping bag works wonderfully. With two of my favorite pillows, it provides everything you need for a good night’s sleep in a roof tent. I leave a thick duvet and those pillows in the tent while traveling, so when I open it, everything is ready for bed.

The SNAILER Alduo tent is big and spacious enough for two people to sleep comfortably. For reference, I’m 181 cm tall.

Accessories for the SNAILER Alduo tent

Ladder

The telescopic ladder, with a maximum height of 230 cm, weighs just 6 kg, making it one of the lightest ladders of its kind.

I store the ladder in a cover behind the armchairs instead of inside the tent.

This way, I avoid having a potentially wet or dirty ladder where I sleep. I also don’t have to reach into the tent when folding or unfolding it, which significantly speeds up the process. Plus, I reduce the load on the roof by 6 kg.

The ladder is so quick and easy to use that I will end this topic in the sentence you are reading right now.

Hooks and bags for shoes

The SNAILER Alduo rooftop tent also includes two waterproof bags with mesh bottoms.

These bags are perfect for leaving your dirty or wet shoes in before entering the tent. They’re well-designed to keep moisture from seeping through, even during heavy downpours, while allowing wet shoes to drip and dry through the mesh.

Summary

A rooftop tent on an off-road vehicle is not just the beginning of a completely different style of traveling; it also enhances comfort and saves time.

Why choose the SNAILER Alduo? After reading this review, I hope you understand why. For a long time, I tried to convince myself to go for a “soft tent,” but the numerous advantages of a hard-shell tent ultimately led me to choose the SNAILER Alduo. It’s incredibly well thought out, refined, and offered at an affordable price.

The tested tent will remain in my small off-road vehicle for good. If this article has helped you decide whether to get a rooftop tent and which one to choose, I can confidently recommend the Alduo model from SNAILER, which I have thoroughly tested: https://snailer.eu/roof-tents/1-snailer-alduo-rooftop-tent.html

SNAILER Tents

Get €100 off when you buy a Snailer tent!

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Top-quality rooftop tents that elevate your camping experience to new heights. These durable hardshell rooftop tents, designed in Slovakia, feature locally manufactured, extra-thick mattresses for the ultimate sleep experience.

My review of the Alduo Rooftop Tent:
SNAILER Alduo Rooftop tent – review

Photo gallery of the SNAILER roof tent on the Suzuki Jimny

Post SNAILER Alduo Rooftop tent – review pojawił się na AdvAnywhere.