Newbie

[jscribn1]

Good Morning, My wife and I are looking into getting a RTT. I have a 2012 Jeep Wrangler 4dr. I really don't want a roof rack but understand it's probably not an option to not have one. I have a few questions I'm hoping someone could answer or give us some advice so we know what to look for. We will just be doing long weekends for now so no real long excursions as we both still work and have kids in high school.
1. Are there any crossbars that can be mounted to accept a RTT in lieu of a full rack like the Rhino rack? I don't like the racks that have bars coming down by the windshield or down the back to the bumper or frame.
2. I can get a good deal on a Smittybilt XL RTT brand new for $700. Are these decent tents or will I regret buying this one?
3. Any other helpful advice on what to look for/buy would be greatly appreciated. Thank you
Justin

 

[jscribn1]

Nothing in 8 days? I guess I got on the wrong forum to start this process..........

 

[CanucksRedRocket]

Hey, i never noticed this post earlier, i might try posting in the https://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/forums/roof-top-tents-and-awnings.138/ section, thats tents and awnings, they might have a better idea of what can and cant be done with a roof top tent, i have no experience with them at all.

 

[rubicon91]

I don't have any first hand experience with a RTT on top of the Jeep however I have had both a roof rack and RTT on a trailer. Here is what I know

1. No there are not any cross members that I am aware of. You will need a rack of some sorts. If you don't like the kargo or gobi what about one that drills into your hardtop. Aev Teraflex and others? Only way you are mounting a tent to the top of your jeep is with one of these whether a no drill gobi type or drilling.

2. I have no experience with smittybilt but friends have them and so far no issues. I would use the search button and see about threads in the tent section here for reviews.

3. Jscherbs threads here are a great read. In one gas what he used to mount a RTT on his safari cab. Can't remember which thread it is in though.

I had the gobi rack on my Jeep before I got my j30 and I absolutely loved it.

Anyways good luck hope this helps some.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G890A using Tapatalk

 

[NatersXJ6]

Also missed this.

I think you need a rack, although I’ve seen people go completely topless and bolt to roll cage.

There are racks that drill and bolt through the hardtop to the cage, eliminating your Exo-cage concerns.

You won’t be disappointed in the Smittybilt until you spend time in a nicer tent. There are lots of used options that hit a similar price point. Your tent needs and desires will likely evolve, so you may change up along the way.

 

[jscribn1]

Thank you for the replies I appreciate the help, I've had a good time reading up on this forum so far!

 

[Mass_Mopar]

I had an RTT mounted on a rhino rack backbone system. Expensive, and you have to drill your hardtop. If you’re only camping a few times a year a cheap RTT will be fine.

 

[Saev]

Check the Teraflex nebo rack

 

[warrpath4x4]

one other thought on what type of rack vs no rack, are you going to be leaving the RTT on all the time or just putting it on to go camp?