Thule Truck racks

[Finatic Angler]

Anyone use a Thule 422XT Xsporter for their fullsize truck? It is pretty cool that I could keep the rack and tent set up below the roof line so the drag factor does not affect fuel economy.

On top of that anyone have a RTT on one?

I like the room I have in my Silverado and not ready for a Alsakan camper style slide in yet.

I would probably go for the new smaller version autohome so I could also get a kayak rack on the side.

Pictures would be great.

Thanks

Jim

 

[dsw4x4]

Not sure what your time line is looking like however when you go to purchase your auto home rtt I invite you to look into a Top Bunk by colorado camper van. This a company I am starting or I guess you could say restarting. The Top Bunk is the original clam shell RTT it was built in the 90s for a limited production run and then pushed aside by the inventor so he could focus on other things. He has a patent on the rtt clamshell idea. To make a long story short I aquired the molds and will be producing them in the very near future. I currently have a completed unit at the house and the first new production unit should be ready for showing by the end of the month. This unit will be cheaper than autohome and built here in the usa. The web site is just begining to come together so check us out. www.coloradocampervan.com The units are hand laid fiberglass we can even mount yakima racks on the roof to carry your Kayak, bike or what ever. We also have a patented wee bunk that sleeps a child in a overhead bunk.
Derek

 

[Finatic Angler]

I am in NY so unless a deal comes through in the winter that I cannot let go I will wait till early spring.

I would like to see some pics of what you are going to produce.

Jim

 

[dsw4x4]

Pictures should be on the web site beefore to long but here are some teasers in the mean time.

Open

Closed

top up windows closed

This will give you a visual.
Derek

 

[Gunnslinger]

I have a Thule Xporter rack on my Dodge Ram. Never put an RTT on it but it carries the kayak OK.

It works as advertised. Care is needed to make sure everything is squared up nicely for assembly. If anything is crooked, it will fight you going up and down.

I'll see if there is a picture I can post.

 

[Mike S]

We have fitted many tents to the Thule Exporter rack system. It is sturdy and reliable. The crosss bars are wider (front to back) than the standard Thule bars or Thule Aerobars. They can easily be accomodated ob tents with configurable mounting systems.

Give us a call if you have further questions..

 

[Finatic Angler]

We have fitted many tents to the Thule Exporter rack system. It is sturdy and reliable. The crosss bars are wider (front to back) than the standard Thule bars or Thule Aerobars. They can easily be accomodated ob tents with configurable mounting systems.

Give us a call if you have further questions..

Mike:

Is it safe to assume the overcamp would fit on it?

Jim

 

[Mike S]

Mike:

Is it safe to assume the overcamp would fit on it?

Jim

Yes, it will work just fine. A caution though -- if you want the tent to be 'below the top of the cab' check the possible amount of rear overhang. The OverCamp is 79" long and some short beds are shorter.

 

[DaveM]

A word of caution on the xsporter, it is not fully adjustable in height but has stops on the bar for up or down (IIRC). It's either all up or all down. If you use this in a compact bed where the rear wells are against the back wall you can only use it in the full up position.

Because of that I opted for the non adjustable and slightly stronger Thule Professional rack. Until last year it housed a Maggiolina Airland with no complaints. The standard Maggiolina attachments do not fit over the bar as Mike hinted at. But you can easily make your own lower clamps with some aluminum bar. Or, make an L that bolts directly to the rear facing T slot on the rack and the T slot of the tent for a tight and clean looking install.