Thule Approach 2 L
#14 in Soft shellFull review
A family sized soft shell from a big rack brand, with quick mounting and a low folded height. Check the roof and rack ratings, as it weighs 150 lb.
Amazon $3,599.95$3,599.95
3.2/5
A slightly wider two person Pioneer for couples who want elbow room and the option of an annex. It is heavy for its size, so check the roof load before buying.
- 2Sleeps
- 55 x 94 inBed
- 176 lbWeight
- 2 yearsWarranty
Check price at CVT$1,999
Price checked October 31, 2026. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Pros
- A 3 in mattress and 47 in of headroom make it comfortable to sit up and sleep in
- Two stargazer windows and windows on every side keep air moving on warm nights
- Heater and AC ports let you run ducted heat or cooling in cold or hot weather
- Room for two adults plus gear on the 55 x 94 in floor
Cons
- Takes 5 to 8 minutes to open and close, longer than a hard shell
- At a listed 176 lb it is heavy for a soft shell, so check the roof and rack dynamic load rating and follow the maker’s mounting instructions
- Only a 2 year warranty
- Sold out at CVT when checked
The CVT Pioneer family
Every CVT Pioneer model we rank, smallest first. Ratings compare each against its own type.
| Model | Sleeps | Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| CVT Pioneer Mt. Bachelor | 2 | 3.2/5 | $1,699 |
| CVT Pioneer Mt. Shasta (this one) | 2 | 3.2/5 | $1,999 |
| CVT Pioneer Mt. Rainier | 3 | 3.4/5 | $2,399 |
| CVT Pioneer Mt. Denali | 4 | 3.3/5 | $2,899 |
How it scores
The rating comes from 5 measured or published factors, each scored 0-100 against fixed reference points for its type. How we rank explains each one.
Specifications
| Model number | Pioneer 56 in Mt. Shasta (52PNOR56EV) |
|---|---|
| Sleeping | |
| Shell | Soft shell |
| Opens | Folds out |
| Sleeps | 2 |
| Mattress | 55 x 94 in |
| Bed area | 35.9 sq ft |
| Mattress thickness | 3 in |
| Skylights | 2 |
| Built-in lights | No |
| Weather | |
| Fabric | 320G ripstop canvas |
| Season rating | 4 season |
| Annex | Optional |
| On the vehicle | |
| Weight | 176 lb |
| Open size | 125 x 56.5 x 49 in |
| Setup time (maker) | 8 min |
| Warranty | 2 years |
| Released | 2025-04 |
Alternatives in this type
CVT Pioneer Mt. Bachelor
#15 in Soft shellFull review
A narrow two person soft shell for a solo camper or a couple who wants a full length bed, a thick mattress and good ventilation. Check the roof load first: CVT lists it at 152 lb.
CVT $1,699$1,699
Tuff Stuff Elite
#17 in Soft shellFull review
One of the biggest soft shells sold, for families of four or five with a full size truck or SUV on a heavy duty rack. The included annex adds a second room.
Amazon $3,025$3,025
Compare
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