ELKHART — Dometic, a global RV appliance manufacturer, was so excited about the return of awning manufacturing and distribution to northern Indiana that it rented billboard space to trumpet the news.

If you happened to be checking out Gear Patrol back in March (and why wouldn’t you??), you may have noticed a little story about Jeep filing for a patent on a pretty unique rooftop tent concept.

The popularity of rooftop-mounted awnings and tents has taken off as overlanding has gained traction among off-roading enthusiasts. Jeep has combined the two normally separate systems into a single ...