How to get roof top tent onto roof rack?

[jkuaz]

Hello Folks!

I've tried searching the forum, as well as googling this quite a bit, but couldn't come up with an elegant solution to this problem: how to get roof top tent onto roof rack?

Ideally, a garage ceiling hoist would be perfect, except that my Jeep won't fit in/out of the garage with the RTT on top. Between me and my wife, and our 13 yr son, we won't be able to lift an ARB RTT on my new Frontrunner rack.

I'm thinking of using a rack roller (rhino makes one) mounted to the edge of the rack, and use some 2x4s as a ramp, and slide the RTT on it. Did anyone tried this?

Any other suggestions? Any ideas are welcomed!

BTW, this is for a Jeep JKU w/ a modest 2.5" lift.

 

[expedition4x4]

2 of us lift our CVT hardshell tent on our jku with 3.5" lift and 35's , go up from side

 

[jkuaz]

2 of us lift our CVT hardshell tent on our jku with 3.5" lift and 35's , go up from side

The ARB is about 130Lb, which might be a tad heavier than we'd like to lift, if we can avoid it. Also both of us are on the short side

Thanks for the reply.

 

[ducktapeguy]

I've installed a Tepui by myself onto a lifted vehicle and it was a challenge. I used a couple of step ladders and 2 4x4's and made a ramp like you're suggesting. Then used a lot of moving blankets folded up on roof to cushion and protect it. Once the tent was on top of the roof, I removed the blankets one side at a time until I got everything lined up. If you already have a rack, I'd just get a couple of U-bolts to attach the 2x4's to the rack and push it up there. Once the tent is about halfway on the roof you can pivot it and it gets easier.

 

[ZMagic97]

I've installed tents on my JK by myself, but it's not easy when it's 7ft tall. I cannot remember where I saw it (probably here somewhere..) but a guy who lived by himself got two 2x6's with l brackets/hooks that attached to the rack, and he slid them up the wood onto the rack and then they just popped off when he was done. Obviously the longer the board the less work you have to physically have to do to in order to get the tent up there.

I myself always wanted to do a garage hoist, however my JK has about 1" of clearance getting into the garage, so the tent cannot by mounted for ingress or egress.

 

[Utah KJ]

Holy crap, ExPo has a search button! :wings:

http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/125832-DIY-Solo-RTT-mounting-contraption?highlight=rtt+hoist

 

[brentbba]

Invite friends an neighbors and ply them with :beer: and :steak: as needed.

I 'had' my tent put on top of my trailer about two weeks after knee replacement surgery! I was the supervisor with my cane to beat people as needed and had two brothers in law, one son and one daughter doing all the lifting. 200lbs, but only onto a trailer, not a roof top rack. :wings:

 

[Javelinadave]

Sounds like you need to make friends with a neighbor or two. The taller the better.

 

[Bluedog225]

Get a cheap engine hoist from harbor freight and attach a fence pipe. Figure the geometry. Slide the over the end and attach an eyebolt and pully.

Pull the tent up, or just lean the hoist down to attach. Crank it up and wheel it over.

Use same hoist to raise your hardtop with straps. Take pics.

 

[jkuaz]

Holy crap, ExPo has a search button! :wings:

http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/125832-DIY-Solo-RTT-mounting-contraption?highlight=rtt+hoist

That's a good post indeed. Thanks.

 

[jkuaz]

Sounds like you need to make friends with a neighbor or two. The taller the better.

I see you're in AZ as well, sooo ... how tall are you? and wanna be friends

Joking aside, I'm looking for more of a solution that I could use anytime. I'd like to be able to do every other week or so ...

Thanks for the suggestion.

 

[brianjwilson]

It's not that heavy, grab someone walking by. Or a friend or neighbor etc.

 

[brianjwilson]

Didn't see your post on page 2 about wanting to do it frequently.

It is reasonable to store it on a rack that is the height of the roof rack and slide it over?

 

[jkuaz]

Didn't see your post on page 2 about wanting to do it frequently.

It is reasonable to store it on a rack that is the height of the roof rack and slide it over?

I can't due to a very strict HOA. The rack would have to be as tall as the Jeep, which means that it will be visible from the street.

 

[Javelinadave]

I can't due to a very strict HOA. The rack would have to be as tall as the Jeep, which means that it will be visible from the street.

Grayhawk or DC Ranch? I may be closer than you think.