Box-shaped Car x HAWK'S NEST V2 SIDE: A "survival strategy" and "functional beauty" for conquering harsh nature
Apr 01, 2026

Box-shaped vehicles like Hiace, V-Class, and minivans are perfectly suited for rooftop tents. They offer ample cargo space and a roomy interior. Opening the rear hatch even provides a reliable canopy.
That's why simply choosing a tent that "just fits" is a waste. The key is how to comfortably connect the space above without compromising the usability of a box-shaped vehicle.
In that regard, the Hawk’s Nest V2 SIDE is an extremely natural choice. Feldon's V2 series (Low-Pro, Standard, Wide, Side) shares a robust foundation of a full aluminum shell, 316 stainless steel gas struts, and high weather resistance. Among them, the SIDE model beautifully showcases its compatibility with box-shaped vehicles.
1. Design that doesn't "block" the rear hatch area and family traffic flow 🪜🚪
The rear of a Hiace or V-Class isn't just a cargo space. It's for organizing gear, changing shoes, and children changing clothes. The area under the rear hatch becomes a hub that families frequent during camping.
For box-shaped vehicles, the rear is more of a "usable space" than a "place to go up." The SIDE's ladder design, positioned on the side, doesn't obstruct movement under the hatch at all. This makes a significant difference, especially when used by families.
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Under the hatch: Focus on cooking and organizing gear 🍳
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Inside the car: Space for changing clothes and packing 👕
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On the tent: A place to rest undisturbed 💤
This division of roles dramatically streamlines camping tasks on-site. The great appeal of SIDE is that it can extend the convenience of a box-shaped car without hindering it.
2. The "side-opening" design creates a sense of openness and clear views 🌤️🌿
The advantages of SIDE cannot be measured by specs alone. The first thing you notice when you get inside is the expansive view created by the wide side opening.
While box-shaped cars are convenient, anything mounted on top can often look bulky. SIDE gracefully softens this impression. The pleasant breeze that passes through, the seamless connection with the scenery. It transforms from a mere "box" for sleeping into a "space" for enjoying the surroundings.
3. Realistic usability as an extension of daily life 🚐🛒
For those who use their Hiace or V-Class daily for work, shopping, or chauffeuring, a rooftop tent should not be an "overly specialized piece of equipment." It can be cherished for a long time precisely because it extends the ease of everyday use.
You want to make full use of the cargo space. You want to use the area under the hatch as a living space even on rainy days. You want to cherish time with your family. For such trips that are an extension of daily life, SIDE is the most suitable companion.
4. Single-side opening that surpasses tower types. The "deflecting" functional beauty hidden in HAWK'S NEST ⛺🌬️❄️
There are also "tower type" rooftop tents that rise vertically, but a vertical structure itself carries significant risks in harsh weather conditions like those in New Zealand.
■ Tower types that "take the wind" vs. HAWK'S NEST that "deflects it"
The biggest weakness of tower types is that their four walls are vertical. In strong winds, the large fabric surfaces all become "sails that catch the wind," and inescapable wind pressure violently shakes the tent and vehicle body.
In contrast, HAWK'S NEST creates a sharp "sloping surface" by lifting one side as a pivot point. This slope becomes a path that smoothly deflects the wind, and by facing the aluminum shell surface towards the wind, the tent itself functions as a strong windbreak. This "deflecting structure" is the boundary that determines whether you can safely spend the night even in a storm.
■ No stagnation. The survival strategy hidden in the name "HAWK'S NEST"
Another concern with tower types is their flat ceilings. A structure where rain and snow remain on the surface directly leads to water leakage and weight load from accumulated snow.
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Sloping design that sheds under its own weight: HAWK'S NEST's unique slope prevents rain and snow from stagnating on its surface, allowing it to flow off naturally. This shape prevents problems like "unable to close due to snow weight," which are unavoidable with tents that have vertical walls or flat surfaces.
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Wind resistance of 45 knots (approx. 23.15 m/s): The 316 stainless steel gas struts, refined in the wild of New Zealand, perfectly maintain the shell's shape even in strong winds that vertical walls could not withstand.
■ Conclusion: Functional beauty is a "necessary form" derived from harsh nature
If tower types aim for "comfort in calm weather," FELDON SHELTER's HAWK'S NEST aims to be the "strongest shelter" that keeps your journey going even in rough weather.
Like a hawk building its nest on a sheer cliff, this functional beauty was arrived at to contend with harsh nature. For those who travel in box-shaped vehicles, this overwhelming advantage, unattainable by tower types, is what they can ultimately rely on.
Recommended for: ✅
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People who want to leverage the convenience of box-shaped cars like Hiace or Caravan 🚐
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People who want to balance daily life and travel, like with a V-Class 🌟
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People who want comfortable family camping with a minivan 👨👩👧👦
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People who prioritize actual comfort over specifications 😊
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People who want to fully utilize the rear hatch area
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People who want to choose a structure that can handle not only rain and snow, but also wind ❄️
FAQ
Q. Why is SIDE often a good fit for box-shaped vehicles? Because it allows you to keep the rear hatch area easily usable. You can utilize the rear as a living space while naturally connecting it to the space above.
Q. Is it significantly different from Low-Pro, Standard, or Wide? The basic structure of the V2 series (full aluminum shell, gas struts) is common. The difference with SIDE is that its opening direction directly translates to "usability" when mounted on a box-shaped vehicle.
Q. What is the difference between it and a tower type? Tower types are "space-oriented," rising vertically, while SIDE is "weather-resistant and deflection-oriented," lifting one side to create a slope. There's a structural difference, especially when facing wind, whether it takes the wind head-on or deflects it.
Q. What does 23m/s refer to? It refers to the common wind resistance specification for the V2 series, as announced by FELDON SHELTER officially. It signifies a design capable of withstanding wind speeds of 45 knots (approximately 23.15 m/s).
Q. Is it easy to handle even when snow accumulates? Yes. SIDE has a slanted surface, which allows snow to flow off more easily compared to a flat roof. Snow remaining on the fabric surface is also easier to remove due to the incline.
Q. Is it suitable for cars that prioritize daily use? Absolutely. Its greatest appeal is that it allows you to quickly add living space on weekends without overly compromising daily usability.