REI Co-op Trailgate Shelter Smittybilt Overlander 4 Person Tent
Head-to-head comparison: specs, scores and expert verdict
REI Co-op
REI Co-op Trailgate Shelter
Best for: Perfect for vehicle-based tailgate camping.
Smittybilt
Smittybilt Overlander 4 Person Tent
Best for: Budget-friendly overlanding with spacious, durable quarters.
Our Take
Both are suv tents, so this is a direct apples-to-apples comparison.
The REI Co-op Trailgate Shelter is noticeably taller inside (6'3" peak height versus 4'3"), giving you more headroom to move around.
Floor space is also wider — 99 sq ft versus 64 sq ft for the Smittybilt Overlander 4 Person Tent.
Both score 7.9 overall, though the Smittybilt Overlander 4 Person Tent wins more individual scoring categories.
The main tradeoff: the REI Co-op Trailgate Shelter leads on value for money despite trailing overall.
The REI Co-op Trailgate Shelter also has a price edge — $1100 less at $199 versus $1299.
Your best pick will come down to personal priorities, so check the full specs comparison below.
🏆 Our pick: The Smittybilt Overlander 4 Person Tent scores higher overall.
Score Comparison
Pros & Cons
REI Co-op Trailgate Shelter
- Tall peak height for standing
- Generous hundred square foot coverage
- Simple intuitive hoop pole setup
- Sketchy instructions make setup difficult
- Unstable performance in high winds
Smittybilt Overlander 4 Person Tent
- Massive King-sized mattress
- 360-degree rainfly coverage
- Integrated LED lighting strip
- Cumbersome ladder overhang
- Thin stock mattress
Full Specs
| Spec | REI Co-op Trailgate Shelter | Smittybilt Overlander 4 Person Tent |
|---|---|---|
| Tent Type | SUV | SUV, Rooftop |
| Capacity | — | 3 people |
| Seasons | 3 Season | 4 Season |
| Est. Price | $199 | $1,300 |
| Weight | 11 Lbs 11 Oz | 170 Lbs |
| Floor Area | 99.2 ft² | 64.4 ft² |
| Vestibule Area | None | — |
| Peak Height | 75 | 51 |
| Doors | 0 | 1 |
| Floor Dimensions | 100.5 X 93 In | 122"L X 76"W X 51"H |
| Pole Material | Aluminum | — |
| Floor Fabric | The REI Co Op Trailgate Shelter Does Not Have A Floor. | — |
| Rainfly Fabric | 75 Denier Polyester With PU Coating And Durable Water Repellent (DWR) | 420d Oxford Rainfly |
| Setup Time | 5 Mins | 5 10 Mins |
| Warranty | Limited | 2 Year |
| Made In | Imported | Imported |
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