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
3.0/5
A polished, easy to mount soft shell for two adults who want a big bed and a low folded profile. It costs far more than budget tents with the same bed.
- 3Sleeps
- 51 x 95 inBed
- 128 lbWeight
Check price at Amazon$2,999.95
Price checked October 31, 2026. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Pros
- A 95 x 51 in bed fits two adults with room to spare, or three at a squeeze
- Lockable mounting brackets with a torque limiting tool make fitting and removing it quicker
- Thick 2.4 in dual layer foam mattress and a built in port for a heater or AC hose
- Folds to 11 in tall, so it adds little wind noise and height
Cons
- At 128 lb, check that the roof and rack are rated for it while driving
- Costs about twice as much as budget soft shells of the same bed size
- Thule publishes no waterproof rating or warranty term for it
The Thule Approach 2 family
Every Thule Approach 2 model we rank, smallest first. Ratings compare each against its own type.
| Model | Sleeps | Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thule Approach 2 S | 2 | 2.8/5 | $2,499.95 |
| Thule Approach 2 M (this one) | 3 | 3.0/5 | $2,999.95 |
| Thule Approach 2 L | 4 | 3.2/5 | $3,599.95 |
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 | Approach 2 M (901040) |
|---|---|
| Sleeping | |
| Shell | Soft shell |
| Opens | Folds out |
| Sleeps | 3 |
| Mattress | 51 x 95 in |
| Bed area | 33.6 sq ft |
| Mattress thickness | 2.4 in |
| Weather | |
| Fabric | 100% recycled 600D polyester ripstop |
| Season rating | 4 season |
| On the vehicle | |
| Weight | 128 lb |
| Closed size | 49 x 56 x 11 in |
| Open size | 95 x 56 x 40 in |
| Closed height | 11 in |
| Static load | 660 lb |
| Ladder | 102.4 in |
| Setup time (maker) | 3 min |
Alternatives in this type
Thule Approach M
#18 in Soft shellFull review
A polished, easy to mount soft shell for two adults who want a big bed and a low folded profile, for $300 less than the Approach 2 M.
Amazon $2,699.95$2,699.95
Rhino-Rack Soft Shell Roof Top Tent
#20 in Soft shellFull review
A light, low profile two person soft shell for smaller SUVs and racks with modest load ratings. The thin mattress and short floor make it better for one or two shorter sleepers.
Northridge4x4 $1,799.99$1,799.99
Compare
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