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Alu-Cab Icarus Interior Dropdown Table review
Together with the installation of the Alu-Cab Icarus, we decided to fit the internal dropdown table as well. Our goal was to make better use of the interior space, and we’d already seen this table in action in Alu-Cab’s Gen-3R tents.
While it took a little time to get used to the positioning, it quickly became an accessory we use daily. It provides a fixed, always-available work and dining surface without permanently taking up space, something that really matters in a compact living setup.
Although the internal dropdown table is included in our Icarus review, we wanted to take a closer look at it in this dedicated write-up.
Installation: Measure three times
We installed the dropdown table during the Icarus pop-top installation to make optimal use of the new space from the start. As soon as we began measuring its position, it became clear that the supplied manual was incorrect. The table sits relatively high, more than we initially expected, but this isn’t a design flaw as much as a structural limitation. The mounting points are fixed, and positioning is dictated by the ceiling beam structure.
Because of this, careful measuring is absolutely critical. The original manual indicated a different mounting position, and following it would have meant drilling straight through the ceiling and roof while completely missing the structural beam.
Drilling through the ceiling liner also requires care. To prevent the fabric threads from spinning and fraying, we either melted the fabric slightly or cut it into a small cross before drilling.
Once the holes were in the correct position, the rest of the installation was straightforward: mounting the brackets with rivets and bolting the table platform into place.
You can find the original Alu-Cab Icarus Dropdown Table instructions here.
Specifications
- Bamboo wooden fold-down table
- Independently adjustable
- Lightweight and stable construction
- Folds flat against the ceiling
- Brackets made from powder-coated metal
- Table made from lightweight bamboo
- Adjustable via buckle straps
- Table surface: 102,7 x 58,6 cm
- Weight: 8,2 kg
Pros
- Creates a usable working surface that’s otherwise missing
- Usable during dinner, movie nights, work days in bed, etc.
- Sits relatively high, which can be a downside, but allows our dog Nimba to pass underneath without risking spilling our drinks
- Made of powder-coated brackets and lightweight bamboo wood
- Easy locking mechanism to keep the table in the closed position
Cons
- Fairly expensive for what it is
- Don’t expect it to become an office desk, as it sits too high and far away for that
- A dirty table surface will result in a stained ceiling liner
- The use of metal buckles on the straps feels ‘rough’ in a sleeping area
- Mounting the brackets can be tricky, as you have to drill through the liner
Daily use of the table
In daily use, the dropdown table has proven to be far more useful than we initially expected, despite its placement. We had anticipated it sitting lower and closer to the backrest, making it more suitable as a laptop desk. In reality, it sits higher and slightly further away. This differed from what we expected based on photos and videos online, but structurally, there was no alternative mounting position.
Rather than becoming a dedicated desk, the table has turned into our go-to surface for a wide range of everyday tasks:
- placing breakfast or dinner bowls and pans while we eat from our laps in the tent area
- watching a movie with our laptop set up on the table
- storing office items while we work on our laptops in the tent area
- placing small items within easy reach at night
When folded away, the table sits flat against the wall and doesn’t interfere with movement through the vehicle. Deployed, it feels solid and stable, even during longer use.
The slightly higher mounting position does take some getting used to, but in practice it hasn’t been a deal-breaker. As a bonus, it also sits high enough for Nimba to comfortably pass underneath.
Our approach for gear reviews
As long-term overlanders we fully understand the need for high-quality and reliable gear. We know that if gear isn’t up to standard it can hinder your adventures, resulting in discomfort or a dangerous situation.
We write our reviews after extensive testing and with you – an adventurous overlander – in mind. We hope you appreciate our information, and feel free to reach out if you have any questions.
Would we install it again?
Yes, without hesitation. While it isn’t the cheapest accessory, the dropdown table adds a level of usability that’s hard to replicate with portable solutions. It’s one of those upgrades you quickly stop thinking about because it simply works.
Beyond the table, we’re also considering adding a multi-pouch storage bag to the ceiling. We’ve seen these in Alu-Cab’s tents and in other Icarus setups, and they look like a perfect complement to keep the interior even more organized.
Check out these product shots
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