iKamper Skycamp 3.0 Review: The Ultimate Dog-Friendly RTT for the Rivian R1S?

If you are short on time, here is the bottom line from a K9 wellness perspective.

The Good:

• massive King-Size Floor: Enough room for two adults and two large dogs without crowding.

• Hard Shell Durability: Protects against low-hanging branches on narrow trails better than soft shells.

• 1-Minute Setup: Critical when arriving at camp late with restless dogs who need dinner.

• Insulation: The quilted interior helps maintain a stable temperature, crucial for dogs sensitive to heat or cold.

The Challenging:

• Accessibility: Unless your dog is small enough to carry, or you train extensively for a ramp, the ladder is a barrier.

• Footprint: On the Rivian R1S, it fits perfectly but requires specific crossbar placement to avoid tailgate interference.

• Price: It is a significant investment compared to a ground tent.

Best For: Active owners with agile dogs, medium-sized breeds you can lift, or those committed to ramp training. Essential for those camping in areas with high predator activity where ground sleeping is risky.

In my line of work, equipment failure isn't just an inconvenience; it can be a safety hazard. The iKamper Skycamp 3.0 is built with a double-layer fiber-reinforced plastic (FRP) shell. Why does this matter for dog owners? Sound dampening. Flimsy shells vibrate in the wind, creating acoustic stress that can trigger anxiety in noise-sensitive dogs. The Skycamp 3.0 is remarkably quiet, creating a sensory deprivation zone that helps reactive dogs settle faster.

The canvas is a breathable, 300gsm poly-cotton canvas. From a physiological standpoint, this is superior to pure synthetic nylon. It allows moisture from panting dogs to escape, reducing condensation build-up inside the tent. I found that even with two large dogs exhaling moisture all night, the interior remained dry—a critical factor in preventing the growth of mold and maintaining respiratory health.

The Floor: The floor is made of aluminum honeycomb panels. It is rigid and lightweight. Crucially, iKamper uses a fairly thick mattress, but I recommend adding a layer of interlocking foam tiles under the mattress if you have senior dogs. The aluminum can conduct cold, and while the mattress is good, arthritic joints benefit from extra insulation from the metal base.

Mounting the rooftop tent for R1S requires specific attention to aerodynamics and functionality. The Rivian is an incredible platform for dog adventures due to its gear tunnel (on the R1T) or massive frunk (R1S) for storing dog food and muddy gear.

Range Impact

With the Skycamp 3.0 mounted, I observed a range efficiency drop of approximately 10-15% at highway speeds. The aerodynamic profile of the Skycamp is sleek, but physics is physics. However, because the R1S has such a robust range, this rarely impacted our ability to reach remote trailheads.

The Camp Mode Advantage

Here is where the Rivian shines. Using the R1S 'Camp Mode,' specifically the vehicle leveling feature, is a game-changer. Sleeping on a slant causes dogs to slide into you or the tent walls all night, disrupting REM sleep. The Rivian self-levels, providing a perfectly flat platform for the tent.

Power Availability

We utilized the R1S's bed/trunk outlets to run a heated blanket inside the tent during a freezing night in the Sierras. Having a massive battery bank underneath you allows for climate control solutions inside the tent that combustion vehicles simply can't offer without idling.

This is the core of the review. Sleeping with dogs in tents elevated 7 feet off the ground presents unique logistical challenges.

Space and Layout

The Skycamp 3.0 features a king-size mattress (83" x 77"). This is massive. In testing, my husband, myself, and our two sizable dogs (a Retriever mix and a Shepherd) fit comfortably. Unlike wedge-style tents where the foot box narrows, the fold-out design of the Skycamp maintains width throughout. This allows dogs to sprawl out without kicking you in the face—a common complaint in smaller RTTs.

Interior Surface

The mattress cover is removable and washable—mandatory for muddy paws. However, the material is somewhat slippery. I strongly suggest laying down a gripping yoga mat or a textured dog blanket like the Rumpl. This gives your dog traction when they stand up to reposition, preventing that panic-scramble sound in the middle of the night.

The Window Situation

The Skycamp has massive windows with bug mesh. This allows for excellent cross-ventilation. For dogs that are visually reactive (barking at movement outside), the ability to close the canvas flaps from the inside is a huge plus. You can control their visual stimuli without leaving the sleeping bag.

This is the single biggest hurdle for RTT ownership. If you cannot safely get your dog up and down, this product is useless to you.

1. The Lift Method: If your dog is under 50 lbs, you can carry them. However, climbing a ladder while holding a squirming live animal is a biomechanical nightmare and a safety risk. I do not recommend this for anyone with back issues or compromised balance.

2. The Guided Climb (Not Recommended): Some owners try to encourage dogs to climb the ladder rungs. As a specialist in canine anatomy, I advise against this. Dog paws are not designed for thin metal rungs; a slip can result in cruciate ligament tears or severe lacerations.

3. The Ramp Solution: Several aftermarket companies make long, telescoping ramps specifically for RTTs. The Desert Armor Doggo RTT Ramp is a popular choice. I tested this setup. It requires training. You cannot just deploy it and expect your dog to walk up. It took three training sessions of positive reinforcement (high-value treats) to get my Shepherd confident on the steep incline.

4. The Solo Lift: For my larger dogs, I use a specialized harness (the Ruffwear Doubleback) with a hip lift handle. I climb up first, and my partner guides the dog from below while I lift from above. It is a workout. If you are a solo traveler with a giant breed, stick to a ground tent.

There is a misconception about the dog mode hack regarding rooftop tents. Rivian's 'Pet Comfort' mode maintains the cabin temperature, not the tent temperature. However, we found a strategic way to utilize this.

During extreme weather (heatwaves or severe storms), the RTT can become unsafe or uncomfortable. In these scenarios, we utilize the R1S cabin as a 'safety bunker.' We set the car to Pet Comfort mode at 68°F. The dogs sleep in the climate-controlled boot (seats folded flat) while we sleep upstairs in the tent.

Because the Skycamp 3.0 has a skylight window, we can actually look down through the R1S panoramic roof (if aligned correctly and bedding permits) to check on them. While not a direct integration, having a massive, climate-controlled 'kennel' underneath your tent relieves the anxiety of wondering if your dog is overheating.

Why spend $4,000+ on a Skycamp when a $400 ground tent works?

Safety & Security: Being elevated removes your dog from the immediate path of ground-dwelling wildlife (snakes, scorpions, curious raccoons). My dogs are significantly less reactive in the Skycamp because they don't hear footsteps right next to their heads. They sleep deeper, which means I sleep deeper.

Cleanliness: A ground tent inevitably becomes a sandbox. Dogs track in dirt, mud, and ticks. The RTT stays surprisingly clean because the dogs' paws are usually wiped before the lift/climb, and they aren't walking directly from mud into the bed.

Mobility: In a ground tent, if we need to move camp, I have to disassemble everything. With the Skycamp on the R1S, I can fold the tent up with the bedding inside in 60 seconds and move to a new trailhead. For high-energy dogs that require different hiking locations, this mobility is invaluable.

The iKamper Skycamp 3.0 is an engineering marvel that pairs beautifully with the Rivian R1S. However, it is not for every dog owner.

Buy this if:

• You have high-energy, athletic dogs that you can lift or train to use a steep ramp.

• You prioritize quick setup and mobility.

• You camp in climates where being off the cold/hot ground is a health benefit for your dog.

• You want the durability of a hardshell to withstand heavy trail use.

Pass on this if:

• You have giant breeds (Great Danes, Mastiffs) or senior dogs with mobility issues.

• You are a solo traveler who cannot physically lift your dog.

• Your budget is tight—a high-quality ground tent setup is significantly cheaper and easier to manage for beginners.

Ultimately, the Skycamp 3.0 has earned a permanent spot on my rig. The peace of mind, comfort, and build quality justify the logistics of the ascent.