As a Smittybilt Overlander owner myself, I was elated to see that they were releasing a second-generation model. The original model, both the regular and XL sizes, have been some of the most popular tents on the market for years.
They are so popular due to their very reasonable price and brand backed quality. The Smittybilt Overlander has become the ideal entry-level RTT recommend and used by a huge share of campers.
I was excited to see all of the new and improved features they made to this tent. In this article, I will touch on all of the details from top to bottom in the new Smittybilt Gen 2, and what has actually changed.
This will be a thorough and completely unbiased review. I love my Smittybilt roof top tent and since I was already doing the research for myself, I knew it would be helpful to share it with others too. With all of that said, let’s get right into it!
Where can you buy the Smittybilt Gen 2 Overlander and for how much?
The Smittybilt Gen 2 and Smittybilt Gen 2 XL is sold exclusively through 4wheelparts.com, as of its initial release. The regular-sized version (model 2583) which sleeps 2-3 people, costs $1,149.99. While the XL version (model 2683) is slightly more expensive at $1,264.99.
Unfortunately, unless you pick up the tent from a 4 Wheel Parts store, you will have to pay for shipping. This will cost $100-$200 or more depending on where you live.
What did Smittybilt upgrade in the Gen 2?
Not only will we talk about the specs of the new RTT, but we will be comparing them to the original model too. You can still snag the original model for way cheaper on Amazon, so is the new model worth it?
| Model | Price | Dimensions Open |
| SB Overlander (2783) | $900 | 95″ W x 56″ L x 51″ H |
| SB Gen2 (2583) | $1,149.99 | 95″ W x 56″ L x 51″ H |
| SB Overlander XL (2788) | $1,099.99 | 122″ W x 76″ L x 51″ H |
| SB Gen2 XL (2683) | $1,264.99 | 122″ W x 76″ L x 51″ H |
At first glance, you can see the sizes have stayed exactly the same from the previous generation. Another thing to note is the weight of the tents are comparable for both tent sizes. The price jump is roughly $150, plus that shipping fee you need to account for.
With the new and improved Gen 2, it seems Smittybilt listened to their customers and upgraded all of the features where people had the most complaints.
Ladder
For starters, let’s talk about the new 93″ telescoping ladder. The ladder capacity is now 300 pounds, compared to 260 pounds for the Gen1.
I think this was one of the worst things about the original model. It was plenty long which was great, both those sliding tracks are a pain and always get filled with dirt and dust. However, the new model comes with an aluminum telescoping ladder that is wider than its predecessor, thankfully!
Base and frame
One of the first things I noticed when I got my original Smittybilt RTT was the weak and thin material used in the base of the tent. This is a component you want to be durable and not have to worry about any cracks or knicks.
The Gen2 model has the same one-inch thick aluminum and polyurethane sandwich base. This would’ve been a feature I wanted to see improved upon.
Smittybilt did improve the tents poles which I am happy to see. They are still aluminum with steel hinges, but they are now a full inch thick pole. The poles in the Gen1 model were durable enough, but you could easily bend them by accident.
Fabric
The fabric in both the Gen1 and Gen2 is made from a 600D ripstop polyester. The “D” stands for denier, which is the measurement of yarn thickness, signaling how strong the material is.
I think this is fluffed up marketing on Smittybilts end because it is the same material, yet they’re marketing it as more durable material. The fabric is waterproof since it is fitted with a polyurethane top.
These specs are the same in both generations, however, the Gen2 now comes in a gray color rather than a tan fabric.
Design
The new “fast-fold design” helps keep the extra fabric tucked into the tent when you fold it up by using a bungee system. In theory, this new feature allows for a faster breakdown process since the fabric will be held into the tent and require less tucking.
If anything this might save you thirty seconds if that. I find it hardly takes anytime to tuck in the fabric when I fold up my Smittybilt. More than anything, its a convenience and not a huge time saver like they market it to be.
Cover
The PVC cover on the Gen2 was upgraded in many places. First, the material was improved from a 1000D to 2000D material. This is important because the sharp edges of the tent would eventually cause a hole to form in the corner of the cover.
Most notably, they added a zipper to the cover and got rid of that pesky velcro! I am so happy to see this change. This will save you so much time and frustration when taking it on and off. There is velcro on the corners of the cover to helps keep the it in place when you are driving.
This is one upgrade I am very happy to see because the cover has been a major complaint for most users of the Gen1.
Quality
Now let’s talk about the quality of the tent. The Gen1 has been wildly successful because of the value you get with the RTT for the money you spend on it.
As of a few weeks after the Gen2’s initial release, I have seen many reports of manufacturer errors and deficiencies for this RTT. However, Smittybilt has doubled down on their warranty and extended it to two years for the Gen2!
So in the even there is a ripped screen, broken zipper, or some other major manufacturer error, you can request to get it fixed at no cost to you. But I rather not deal with that entire process and not be able to use my brand new RTT I have been anxiously waiting for.
Smittybilt is a quality manufacturer so I will give them the benefit of the doubt and say this is just due to early production issues that they will fix sooner than later.
Gen1 vs Gen2
Overall, the major improvements on the Gen2 consist of the frame, PVC cover, bungee system, tent color, and some other really minor changes. I have found the Gen1 for as cheap as $900 on Amazon, but if you buy your Gen1 through Smittybilt for $1,034.99, then the price difference is only $115 for the new model.
I love the Gen2 design and everything they upgraded, as Smittybilt really listened to the consumers needs. With that said, I still feel like they’re marketing the tent to be leaps and bounds more durable when 90% of the material and specs were just copied and pasted over.
Smittybilt Overlander Hardshell
Recommendation
I would still recommend buying this RTT and I will admit I am jealous I have the older generation. If you can snag a Gen1 around $900, or cheaper buying it used, you’re really not missing out on too much. You will still get the RTT camping experience and be just as comfortable with plenty of good years left in the tent.
I am not surprised to see an updated version of the Smittybilt Overlander because it has been wildly successful and one of the most popular RTTs on the road. That says a lot about their product and company. I would hold off a few months until they figure out all of the production issues they seem to be having.
All in all, you can’t go wrong with this RTT because they are absolutely the best bang for your buck!