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Side-loading clamshell for vehicles where rear access is limited
Last reviewed: March 2026
The OVS Sidewinder 3 is a 3-season hardshell clamshell rooftop tent with a side-loading design, aluminum shell, and 600D polyester ripstop fabric. It sleeps 3, weighs 220 lbs, includes a 2.5-inch mattress, and sets up in about 30 seconds.
At a glance
Why this product
The Sidewinder 3's side-loading clamshell design solves a specific problem: accessing the tent when rear loading is blocked by a spare tire, bike rack, or other gear. At 220 lbs it is not light, but the side-load access is genuinely useful on certain vehicle setups. Same 600D ripstop and 2.5-inch mattress as other OVS clamshells. Choose this specifically for the side-loading capability, not for general use where standard clamshells work fine.
Detailed specs
| Tent Type | Hardshell Clamshell |
| Sleeping Capacity | 3 people |
| Season Rating | 3 Season |
| Setup Time | 30 sec |
| Tent Weight | 68 kg |
| Garage Clearance OK | Yes |
| Mattress Thickness | 6.4 cm |
| Mattress Type | High Density Foam |
| Sleeping Area | 3.3 m² |
| Has Annex | No |
| Ladder Included | Yes |
| Gas Strut Assisted | Yes |
| Windows | 2 |
| Doors | 1 |
| Crossbar Compatibility | round, square, aero, factory |
| Shell Material | Aluminum |
| Fabric Material | 600D Polyester Ripstop |
| Waterproof Rating | 3000 mm |
| Interior Lighting | Yes |
| Shoe Storage | Yes |
| Has Awning | No |
Best prices
| Retailer | Price | Status | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amazon | Check price | Check availability | Check Price |
Disclosure: MyCargoRacks.com is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. Learn more
Disclosure: MyCargoRacks.com is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. Learn more
Price may vary. Prices and availability are subject to change.
Performance analysis
vs. average in rooftop_tent
Price vs. score for all rooftop_tent
Fitment
| Model | Years | Fit | Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tahoe(5th Gen) | 2021+ | good | Crossbars needed |
| Model | Years | Fit | Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Escape(4th Gen) | 2020+ | good |
Alternatives
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Crossbars needed |
| Explorer(6th Gen) | 2020+ | good | Crossbars needed |
| Model | Years | Fit | Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pilot(4th Gen) | 2023+ | good | Crossbars needed |
| CR-V(6th Gen) | 2023+ | good | Crossbars needed |
| CR-V(5th Gen) | 2017–2022 | good | Crossbars needed |
| Model | Years | Fit | Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Santa Fe(5th Gen) | 2024+ | good | Crossbars needed |
| Tucson(4th Gen (NX4)) | 2022+ | good | Crossbars needed |
| Model | Years | Fit | Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grand Cherokee(WL) | 2022+ | good | Crossbars needed |
| Model | Years | Fit | Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Telluride(1st Gen) | 2020+ | good | Crossbars needed |
| Sportage(5th Gen) | 2023+ | good | Crossbars needed |
| Model | Years | Fit | Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rogue(3rd Gen (T33)) | 2021+ | good | Crossbars needed |
| Model | Years | Fit | Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forester(6th Gen) | 2025+ | good | Crossbars needed |
| Crosstrek(3rd Gen) | 2024+ | good | Crossbars needed |
| Outback(6th Gen) | 2020+ | good | Crossbars needed |
| Forester(5th Gen (SK)) | 2019–2024 | good | Crossbars needed |
| Model | Years | Fit | Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| RAV4(5th Gen (XA50)) | 2019–2024 | good | Crossbars needed |
| 4Runner(6th Gen) | 2025+ | good | Crossbars needed |
| Corolla Cross(1st Gen) | 2022+ | good | Crossbars needed |
| 4Runner(5th Gen (N280)) | 2010–2024 | good | Crossbars needed |
| Highlander(4th Gen) | 2020+ | good | Crossbars needed |
| RAV4(6th Gen) | 2025+ | good | Crossbars needed |
