Quick Pitch Quick-En-Suite Review: Fast, Durable Privacy for 4WD Touring
Quick Pitch Quick-En-Suite Review After 5+ Years
We’ve used the Quick Pitch Quick-En-Suite for over 5 years (bag-stored version), which shares the same setup hardware as the newer box model. This review covers build quality, setup, DOT373 camper trailer vs vehicle use, performance, pros and cons, and how to choose between bag and box based on weight, size, and dust protection.
A Quick Note on What We Own (Bag vs Box)
We use the bag-stored Quick Pitch Quick-En-Suite on our camper trailer DOT373 and have done so for 5+ years. Quick Pitch also offers a box-stored version. Crucially, the ensuite itself, the drop-down cubicle, the aluminium arm mechanism, and the ensuite fabric, are the same across both. The differences come down to storage and mounting:
- Box: Slightly heavier and bulkier, but keeps the ensuite in a sealed, dust-free housing (ideal for long red‑dirt runs).
- Bag: Lighter and slimmer (around 6.4 kg), stored in a tough ripstop awning-style bag, great when you’re mindful of roof weight or prefer a smaller footprint.
Everything in this review about setup, stability, space, and usability applies to either storage format. Choose bag vs box based on payload limits, available mounting space, and how much dust you want to deal with. Although the bag option does not have massive issues with dust ingress in our experience to be perfectly honest.
Why Choose the Quick Pitch Quick-En-Suite?
Off-grid camp life runs smoother with a dedicated, private space for showers, getting changed, or a portable toilet. After five + years of real use, the Quick Pitch Quick-En-Suite remains one of our most reliable bits of camp gear: fast one-person setup, a rigid overhead arm structure that holds up in wind, and a fabric that dries exceptionally quickly. It’s consistently less fiddly than pop-up ensuite tents and far more stable than bargain alternatives. Believe me, we have tried both the annoying compact options with the wire frame that drove me crazy every time I had to pack ours up. And much quicker than the Coleman pop up ensuite which is actually a pretty good option if you can’t mount something on your vehicle or want something setup away from everything.
- Cheap Pop Up Ensuite Tent
- Coleman Pop Up Ensuite Tent
- Camp Setup Outback
Key Specs (Ensuite System)
- Approx. weight (bag storage): ~6.4 kg
- Packed size: ~1080 mm (L) × 210 mm (H) × 60 mm (D)
- Drop length: ~1650 mm with ~600 mm top-strap adjustability
- Fabric: Silver inside (light retention), safari green outside (low visual impact)
- Arms & back plate: 3 mm aluminium, oxidised and powder-coated
- Mounting: Four 6 mm holes on the back plate (easy to adapt to racks/brackets)
- Bag material (if applicable): Heavy-duty black ripstop (~1.5 mm)
The arm architecture and fabric hardware are identical in both storage styles. Once setup, performance is the same.
Build Quality & Materials (5+ Years In)
- The 3 mm aluminium arms and back plate create a solid, confidence-inspiring frame. Over the years, that rigidity has proven the key difference compared with cheaper alternatives.
- The oxidised, powder-coated finish has held up well to coastal air and dust; we rinse it after all trips.
- The dual-colour fabric / curtain is robust and dries quickly, a practical win when you’re moving camp soon after showers.
- The universal mounting pattern (four 6 mm holes) makes custom brackets or roof rack mounting straightforward.
Wear & tear reality check: After long-term use we’ve seen some stitching loosening along the bottom sections. This is where the bottom has stitched in a solid plastic rod (or something similar) to give the bottom of the ensuite a bit of rigidity to assist with setup. It hasn’t affected function. We treat it as preventive maintenance, lockstitch or apply seam sealer when threads show, and it’s good for many more adventures.
Setup: Seconds, Not Minutes
Our routine after hundreds of setups is the same, and that’s the point:
- Zip open the bag and flip the top side of the bag back over and out of the way.
- Undo the hook and loop straps securing the rolled ensuite to the backing frame.
- Unroll the ensuite toward the ground.
- Swing out the arms.
- Set height using the adjustable top straps (should only really need to be adjusted at first use).
- Pick your entry side with the full-length corner zips.
- Peg the four corners (webbing loops) if it’s breezy.
- Add retractable tent poles in the two outer corners if staying a while and you want more support.
Access flexibility is a highlight:
- A dual-sided zip at the front-left for primary access.
- Two interior zips for direct vehicle access, ideal for plumbing a shower hose, accessing soaps and other useful items.
- Because the zips run the full height, you can tailor the entry side to suit your setup.
Stability, Space & Dry Time
The rigid arms reduce wall flap and the dreaded “collapse” feeling in gusts. Inside there’s plenty of room to shower, change, or use a portable toilet without wrestling the fabric. The fabric dries fast, which saves hassle when packing up.
If we’re staying put in windy weather, we add two lightweight support retractable tent poles. This:
- Stops the walls “breathing,” giving you more usable elbow room.
- Creates solid points to hang towels off the corners.
- Makes the ensuite feel rock-solid for comfortable showers.
- Using Tent Poles for Additional Support
- Hook and Loop Straps to Secure to Tent Pole
- Ensuite Secured Against Poles
- Use Clothes Pegs to Secure Cover in Wind
How We Use It: Camper Trailer DOT373 vs Vehicle
We run the Quick Pitch Quick-En-Suite on our Camper Trailer DOT373, which has been an excellent combo for 5+ years:
- With the trailer setup, the ensuite sits exactly where we want it: beside our Joolca hot water setup and clear of the rear kitchen and living area under the awning.
- The top strap adjustability is handy on uneven ground; height tweaks are quick.
- We have also made a bit of a franken-soap holder from an old plastic container and bending a few pieces of flat aluminium bar. This hooks up over one of the aluminium arms for easy access to soaps.
- We have a similar bracket that holds our Joolca showerhead.
Day to day, the DOT373 pairing gives us a compact camp footprint and a repeatable routine.
What about on the vehicle?
On our 76 Series Land Cruiser, we’re currently testing a cheaper quick setup alternative for a future comparison. Early impressions (not final):
- The Quick Pitch Quick-En-Suite feels far sturdier due to the design and construction of the arms and overall bracing.
- The curtain fabric appears superior quality (cheaper option almost seems see through in certain light).
- The cheaper unit saves dollars (a lot of dollars to be fair – more than half the cost) but compromises on rigidity and overall quality is apparent.
We will publish a head-to-head vehicle comparison once we’ve logged enough kilometres with the budget option. For now, the DOT373 and Quick Pitch Quick-En-Suite remains our preferred, dependable setup for shower privacy and toilet use on short and long trips alike.
- Top View With Soap & Shower Head Holders
- Quick Pitch Setup Welford NP
- Using Shower and Quick Pitch Ensuite
- Cheap Alternative Being Tested on Our 4WD
Maintenance Tips From 5 Years of Use
- Rinse after each trip and let it air dry before packing away.
- Inspect lower stitching periodically; lockstitch or seam-seal early.
- Lube zips with silicon spray at least once a year (ensuite and bag zips).
- Clean the bag or box when you clean your vehicle, it’s as simple as that.
Bag vs Box: Which Storage Suits You?
Since the ensuite hardware is identical, decide by storage needs:
Choose the bag if you want…
- Lower weight and a slimmer roof profile.
- The most cost-effective way to the same setup experience.
- You don’t mind wiping dust after big gravel drives (but seriously this is not even an issue).
Choose the box if you want…
- Dust-free, sealed storage for months of outback road driving.
- A clean, premium look with less external fabric wear.
- You can spare the extra size and weight.
Either way, once it’s setup, the user experience is the same: fast, sturdy, and genuinely practical. To be perfectly honest, the bag option is the best way to go as it is much lighter and costs slightly less. The boxed option is really for the look as it does look a little tidier.
How It Compares to Cheaper Ensuite Tents
Common issues with budget quick ensuite setups: flimsy frames, thin fabric, poor stitching and in some cases setup that’s slower than advertised. Over five years, the Quick Pitch Quick-En-Suite’s arm structure, tough fabric, and one-person, repeatable setup have proven the difference. You pay more upfront, but you get quick setups, better wind performance, studier arms, and gear that lasts.
Price & Value
At $595 AUD (for the configuration we own), this is a premium choice. Cheaper options are more than half this cost but remember you get what you pay for (and we will do a detailed comparison to the cheaper option we are currently testing in the future).
We think it’s worth it if you:
- Move camp frequently and value speed and consistency.
- Want a stable, roomy ensuite in wind.
- Prefer materials that dry fast and will survive touring.
Pros and Cons Summary
Pros
- Seconds-fast one person setup.
- Rigid aluminium arms = stable in wind.
- Adjustable height for varied vehicle/trailer setups.
- Spacious interior for shower/change/toilet.
- Quick-drying curtain fabric reduces pack-up hassle.
- Full-length corner zips + interior access zips to vehicle.
- Corner webbing for pegging and pole support.
- Applies equally to bag and box (identical setup hardware).
- Proven over 5+ years of real touring.
Cons
- Bottom stitching can loosen with years of use, easy to pre-empt with quick maintenance.
- Premium price vs budget ensuite tents.
- In high winds, extra poles (optional) make it significantly nicer.
Verdict (After 5+ Years)
The Quick Pitch Quick-En-Suite nails the big three: speed, stability, and durability. Whether you store it in a bag or a box, the setup experience is identical and excellent. On our Camper Trailer DOT373, it’s a set-and-forget essential that makes daily camp life easier. We’re still evaluating a cheaper vehicle-mounted competitor, but for now, this remains our go-to for a reliable, roomy, and fast camp shower and toilet ensuite.
Overall Rating
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