Mars AeroBlade Rooftop Tent open on van — Sandy Vans

Mars AeroBlade Rooftop Tent outdoor camping setup

Mars AeroBlade Rooftop Tent product overview

Mars AeroBlade Rooftop Tent latch detail

Mars AeroBlade Rooftop Tent open interior view

Mars AeroBlade Rooftop Tent specifications graphic

Mars AeroBlade Rooftop Tent closed on roof rack

Mars AeroBlade Rooftop Tent fabric and material closeup

Mars AeroBlade Rooftop Tent outdoor adventure

Mars AeroBlade Rooftop Tent campsite at night

Mars AeroBlade Rooftop Tent hardware detail

Mars AeroBlade Rooftop Tent mounting system

Mars AeroBlade Rooftop Tent walkable shell with solar

Mars AeroBlade Rooftop Tent strut and hinge detail

Mars AeroBlade Rooftop Tent adventure lifestyle

Mars Adventure Gear

Mars AeroBlade Rooftop Tent

Name: Adventure Kit Mars AeroBlade Rooftop Tent
SKU: MARS-AERO-ADV
Price: 3599.0 USD

$2,999.00

Product variants

The Mars AeroBlade is the slimmest hardshell rooftop tent on the market. At 3.48" closed and 110 lbs, it is built for vans and EV-friendly rigs where roof clearance and payload both matter. Tool-free setup in seconds, automotive-grade Stabilus struts, and a triple-layer 18,890 mm waterproof shell ready for four seasons.

Mounts to any roof rack crossbar system. On a Sprinter, it drops right onto your existing rack or pairs with our SV Starboard Rack. The shell is fully walkable, so your solar panels, gear, and rooftop views stay exactly where you left them when the tent is packed down.

Fits: Any vehicle with roof rack crossbars
Not compatible with: Bare roof rails without crossbars

World's slimmest 4-season hardshell — 3.48" closed profile
~110 lbs — lightweight for a hardshell, EV-range-friendly
Fully walkable shell — roof stays usable when packed (solar, T-track accessories, gear)
T-tracks on top — add crossbars and carry boards, bikes, or additional gear
CFD-optimized aerodynamics — one-third the drag of comparable hardshells
Triple-layer fabric, 18,890 mm hydrostatic head, UPF 50+
6-series CNC billet aluminum latches, Stabilus automotive-grade gas struts
Integrated foam mattress — open it and sleep, no inflation needed
Sleeps 2 adults (82.2" x 46.5" interior)
1-year manufacturer warranty

Choose your kit: The Standard Kit includes the tent and ladder. The Adventure Kit adds a thermal insulation liner for cold-weather camping and accessory crossbars for running gear on top of the shell when packed.

Pickup available at Sandy Vans HQ

Usually ready in 2-4 days

See it on your van. Add the Mars AeroBlade Rooftop Tent to your build in our 3D Van Builder and preview it on a real Sprinter before you buy.

Product Details

We carry the Mars AeroBlade because it's the only hardshell RTT that doesn't make you choose between sleeping on your roof and using your roof. The shell is fully walkable — your solar panels, gear rack, and that sunset-viewing perch on top of the van stay exactly where they are when the tent is packed down. Open it up and you've got two more sleeping spots in about ten seconds flat.

Mars engineered this thing like a vehicle component, not camping gear. CNC-machined billet aluminum latches. Stabilus gas struts — the same manufacturer inside your car's hood and hatch. A triple-layer waterproof shell rated at 18,890 mm hydrostatic head (standing-water territory, not light rain). The 3.48-inch closed profile is so low it barely registers on your van's silhouette, and Mars' CFD testing backs up the aerodynamic claim with one-third the drag of comparable hardshells.

For Sprinter owners, the AeroBlade pairs directly with your existing roof rack crossbars. Running an Aluminess, Front Runner, or our own SV Starboard Rack? It goes right on. The T-tracks on the shell let you add crossmembers to keep hauling gear on top while the tent is closed — we've seen builds with a full solar array and the AeroBlade on the same roof, and the tent still opens and closes clean underneath the panels.

If you're looking to add sleeping without giving up your rooftop utility, this is the move.

Fitment & Compatibility

Fits: Any vehicle with compatible roof rack crossbars

Not compatible with: Bare roof rails without crossbars; roof racks rated below the tent weight requirement

Also fits these Sprinter-platform RV & upfitter builds:

Winnebago Revel
Storyteller Overland (MODE, Beast Mode)
Outside Van
Airstream Interstate & Atlas
Grech RV (Strada, Turismo, Terreno)
Pleasure-Way Plateau
Leisure Travel Vans (Unity, Wonder)
Coachmen Galleria
Midwest Automotive Designs
Jayco Terrain
Tiffin Wayfarer
Thor Tranquility

Fitment depends on your exact model, year, suspension lift, and body kit. Confirm with our team before ordering.

Not sure your build qualifies? Reach out to our team.

Specifications

Exterior Dimensions (Closed)	87" × 52.2" × 3.48"
Interior Dimensions (Open)	82.2" × 46.5" × 50" (H)
Closed Profile Height	3.48"
Weight	~110 lbs
Sleeping Capacity	2 adults
Mattress	Integrated foam (no inflation required)
Waterproofing (Hydrostatic Head)	18,890 mm H₂O
Breathability (WVTR)	10,900 g/m² per 24 hrs
UV Protection	UPF 50+
Latches	6-series CNC billet aluminum
Gas Struts	Stabilus automotive-grade
Warranty	1 year (manufacturer defects)

What's in the Box

Mars AeroBlade hardshell rooftop tent
Telescoping aluminum ladder
Thermal insulation liner (Adventure Kit)
Accessory crossbars set (Adventure Kit)

Install Time1–3 hours

DIY FriendlyYes — tool-free, mounts to existing crossbars

Drilling RequiredNo

The AeroBlade mounts to your roof rack crossbars — no drilling into the van required. Clamp it down, run the hardware, and you're done. The tent opens and closes tool-free: pop the latches and the Stabilus gas struts do the lifting. Pack-up is the reverse.

For Sprinter owners without a rack yet, plan for a crossbar system first. Our SV Starboard Rack pairs well with the AeroBlade, or reach out and we'll help you spec the right rack for your build. Install time depends on your existing rack setup — budget 1 to 3 hours for a first-time mount.

No install manual is currently available from Mars Adventure Gear. For a full walkthrough of the tent's operation and how it fits into a Sprinter build, watch our team video above. For install questions, contact us at contact@sandyvans.com or call (619) 812-1903.

See all Sandy Vans install videos & manuals →

How to Choose a Hardshell Rooftop Tent for Your Van

There are a lot of hardshell RTTs on the market. Most get the basics right: they open, they close, they keep rain out. What separates the good ones from the great ones comes down to a handful of factors that matter specifically for van life setups.

1. Closed Profile Height

For vans, this is the number one spec. A tall tent profile changes where you can park, how your van handles in crosswind, and how much range you lose on a trip. The AeroBlade closes to 3.48 inches — among the lowest profiles available in a hardshell tent at this size. Mars ran CFD simulations to back up the aerodynamic efficiency. Check your clearance at the lowest garage or parking structure you regularly use before ordering any tent.

2. Shell Walkability

A non-walkable shell means you lose your roof as usable space while the tent is packed. On a van build, that typically means choosing between solar and sleeping. The AeroBlade shell is engineered to walk on. Solar panels stay on top, gear stays racked, and the tent opens clean underneath.

3. Weight

Most hardshells in this size range come in between 130 and 160 lbs. The AeroBlade comes in at approximately 110 lbs. That matters for roof rack load ratings and payload on a van already carrying water, batteries, and gear.

4. Weather Sealing

Hydrostatic head is the standard measure for waterproofing. The AeroBlade fabric is rated at 18,890 mm — high enough to handle prolonged rain and pooling water without leaking. The WVTR (breathability) rating of 10,900 g/m² per 24 hours means condensation has somewhere to go, which matters for sleeping comfort in shoulder-season temperatures.

5. Kit Configuration

The Standard Kit gives you the tent and ladder. The Adventure Kit adds a thermal insulation liner and accessory crossbars. If you camp in temperatures below 45 degrees or plan to run gear on top of the closed tent, the Adventure Kit is the right choice. The liner is significantly harder to source after the fact — if you're on the fence, go Adventure.

6. Rack Compatibility

Any crossbar-style roof rack will work with the AeroBlade. Make sure your rack is rated for the tent's weight plus dynamic load. If you don't have a rack yet, reach out — we can spec one with the tent and save you a second install appointment.

We carry the AeroBlade specifically because it checks every one of these factors. Questions? Reach out at contact@sandyvans.com or call (619) 812-1903.

What roof rack do I need for the AeroBlade?

The AeroBlade mounts to crossbar-style roof racks. Your rack needs to be rated for at least 110 lbs static load (the tent's weight) plus the dynamic load of your driving conditions. If you do not have a rack yet, reach out to our team at contact@sandyvans.com — we can help you select a compatible setup for your Sprinter.

Does the AeroBlade require any drilling?

No. The AeroBlade clamps onto your existing roof rack crossbars with no drilling into the van required. All mounting hardware is included.

What is the difference between the Standard Kit and the Adventure Kit?

Both kits include the AeroBlade tent and a telescoping ladder. The Adventure Kit adds two extras: a thermal insulation liner (which significantly improves warmth in cold-weather camping) and a set of accessory crossbars that mount on top of the tent shell, letting you carry boards, bikes, or additional gear even when the tent is packed and closed.

How do I open and close the AeroBlade?

Pop the CNC aluminum latches on the perimeter of the shell, and the Stabilus gas struts lift the top panel automatically. Closing is the reverse — push the shell down and re-latch. No tools needed. It is a solo operation and takes about ten seconds once you have done it once.

Is the shell walkable when the tent is closed?

Yes. The AeroBlade shell is engineered to be walked on. Our builds regularly include flush-mount solar panels on top of the tent, and you can stand on the shell to access gear, enjoy the view, or mount accessories via the built-in T-tracks.

Can I mount solar panels on top of the AeroBlade?

Yes. The walkable shell and T-track system are designed for exactly this. Flush-mount solar panels sit on top of the tent shell while it is packed, and the tent still opens and closes normally underneath them. Reach out to our team if you want help planning a solar-plus-tent roof setup on your Sprinter.

What is the warranty on the AeroBlade?

The AeroBlade rooftop tent comes with a 1-year manufacturer warranty from Mars Adventure Gear covering defects in materials and workmanship. The warranty does not cover normal wear and tear, UV damage, or damage caused by misuse or overloading. For warranty claims, contact Mars directly at support@marsag.co with your order number and a description of the issue.

What is the weight capacity of the sleeping platform?

We want to give you the confirmed number, not a guess. Reach out to our team at contact@sandyvans.com and we will get you the verified weight rating directly from Mars.

Still have a question? Email the team and you'll get a real answer.