Turn Your Grenadier SUV Into an Overland Camper With the Alu-Cab Silenus Roof Conversion

For overlanders looking to maximize the INEOS Grenadier’s capabilities, the Silenus Roof Conversion by Alu-Cab offers a transformative solution. The Alu-Cab Silenus Roof Conversion turns the INEOS Grenadier into a fully integrated overland rig.

This aluminum pop-top camper seamlessly integrates with the Grenadier, turning it into a versatile home on wheels while preserving its rugged utility and off-road prowess. With the addition of standing room, a dedicated sleeping space, and smartly designed modular cargo options, the Silenus redefines what an expedition-ready Grenadier can be.

Alu-Cab Silenus

Constructed from lightweight yet durable aluminum, the Silenus Roof Conversion provides a robust, practical upgrade without compromising the vehicle’s off-road performance. Weighing in at 323 pounds, it effectively doubles as a roof rack, featuring integrated cargo rails for load bars and MOLLE plates for additional accessories.

While the weight may seem significant, it’s worth considering that you’re also cutting out weight from the vehicle’s roof during installation. The end result is a setup that’s comparable in weight to a high-quality roof tent and the required roof rack. But, the Silenus offers far greater functionality and an even lower center of gravity for technical terrain prowess.

The Silenus roof conversion also retains the Grenadier’s factory roof power points — if your INEOS is equipped with them — allowing seamless integration with the vehicle’s existing electrical systems and ceiling-mounted switchgear. So, whether you’re hauling gear, mounting solar panels and auxiliary lighting, or outfitting your rig for long-term travel, the Silenus ensures you’re prepared for whatever the road — or lack thereof — throws your way.

How the Silenus Came to Be

The development of the Silenus Roof Conversion reflects an impressive level of collaboration between Alu-Cab, OK4WD, and INEOS. Rin Oostdyk of OK4WD and a self-described “Defender nerd,” played a pivotal role in bringing this product to life.

“Back during lockdown, I kept seeing renders of the Grenadier and couldn’t help but think about the potential for a pop-top camper,” said Oostdyk. “Every email update I received about the Grenadier when it was still in development, I forwarded it to Jeremy Bergh, owner of Alu-Cab, asking them to develop an Icarus concept like Alu-Cab had done in the past for the Land Rover Defender 110.”

After months of persistence, a connection through Alu-Cab’s Bergh led to a breakthrough. “Jeremy mentioned a friend of his had taken a role at INEOS in South Africa. From there, we were able to secure a pre-production Grenadier for development and, together with Alu-Cab, develop the Silenus,” Oostdyk explained.

The name “Silenus” keeps with the mythology theme established by Alu-Cab, referencing the Greek god of alcohol and nodding to the Grenadier’s pub-inspired name.

Hitting the U.S. Market

In May 2024, the prototype was air freighted from South Africa to OK4WD and fitted to Oostdyk’s personal Grenadier with just hours to spare before leaving for Overland Expo West.

“Since then, we’ve been campaigning and camping the truck across the country while feeding back refinements to the production units,” Oostdyk added.

For Oostdyk, the Silenus Roof Conversion has become his favorite way to camp. “A roof conversion is just my favorite way to camp,” he shared. “Small footprint, a little hangout spot, and it keeps you from bringing too much kit along. Plus, with a prototype GP Factor aluminum interior that weighs barely more than the factory rear seat, you forget you are driving a camper.”

This perspective underscores the Silenus’ practicality. Unlike larger camper builds that can feel cumbersome on the road, the Silenus maintains the Grenadier’s balance between utility and drivability, offering overlanders the best of both worlds.

Sleep in Your Vehicle, Not on Top of It

Inside, the Silenus Roof Conversion offers a comfortable sleeping platform and mattress. It measures approximately 102 inches long, 46.5 inches wide, and 2.8 inches thick. This works out to be just a little smaller in width than a double mattress but much longer. This accommodates two friendly adults with ease.

For colder climates, Oostdyk suggests enhancing the setup with a diesel or gasoline-powered air heater, the latter of which can be plumbed into the factory fuel tank.

“This is the camper of your dreams,” Oostdyk noted. “The Grenadier is the 110 or Land Cruiser 78 that America never got. It’s a modern, ready-to-go platform that doesn’t require restoration or modification to enjoy.”

When Privacy & Comfort Become Essential

When you’re on the road for a weekend or years, setting up camp shouldn’t be a major chore. While a hard-shell rooftop tent is a significant upgrade over traditional options, the addition of a pop-top roof provides a game-changing advantage: critically important interior living space with the flip of a few latches.

The ability to stand up and change clothes within the privacy of your home on wheels might not seem like a major benefit when you’re camped in a secluded spot on the edge of civilization. But it becomes invaluable, especially for long-term travelers — like those tackling the Pan-American Highway.

Picture a crowded campground, filled with fellow overlanders. The comfort of being able to change, stretch, or simply enjoy your space without prying eyes becomes a luxury that borders on essential. It’s not just about convenience; it’s also about preserving your sanity when sharing close quarters and shared spaces with travel partners — those in your vehicle and out. The Silenus delivers this level of comfort seamlessly, elevating the camping experience while maintaining the Grenadier’s rugged reputation.

Two USB and two USB-C ports, complete with kill switches to prevent battery drain, are included. Additionally, the roof has an integrated Anderson plug for solar compatibility and LED lighting both inside and outside the camper.

Alu-Cab Silenus Roof Conversion: Price & Install

The Alu-Cab Silenus Roof Conversion is manufactured in South Africa and distributed in North America through OK4WD. It costs $10,999 before installation, which is available through select Alu-Cab dealers in the US and Canada.

Fitting the Silenus to your Grenadier isn’t a casual DIY project — it requires cutting a hole in the roof of a brand-new vehicle. While some adventurous owners might be up for the challenge, most will leave the job to professionals — who are insured.

Tiny Rig Company, a well-regarded vehicle conversion shop in Southern California, has already completed its first Silenus build on its shop Grenadier.

“I’ve built dozens of overland vehicles over the years, including a Tacoma with an Alu-Cab Camper that I thought was just about perfect,” said Daniel Elo, owner of Tiny Rig Co. “But the Grenadier with the Silenus might have just taken the top spot. Having stand-up living space in a modern chassis is a game-changer.”

Elo and his team have refined the installation process, which takes about 4 days to complete. “We can get it done for around $20,000 all in, including the roof conversion itself,” he added.

Of course, that $20K doesn’t include the price of the Grenadier, any interior build-out you’d like to do, or any accessories you might like to add, like a roof rack and/or solar. While this is no doubt a serious financial commitment, it is quite the value when you think about truck camper and other expedition rig alternatives.