Southwest Chuck,
That's a pretty cool setup. I have the same con-ferr rack, I never really thought about putting a tent on top of it, I just assumed I'd be putting the tent in place of it.
Thanks. Originally, I took the rack off and just put the tent on top. I found out pretty quick that it really limited the amount of gear I could carry and turned my XJ into a 2 seater, since I had to put down the back seat to fit all my gear. I ran across the low profile military case (Viper Rocket Case) at a surplus store that fit perfectly inside the rack. So I just built the swing-up cross-bar rack to clear it (both are removable, too). It's held down with 2 adjustable latches that have a secondary safety catch as well and also locks closed for security with an American 2000 (hocky puck style) padlock. Instead of using standard hinges, I used a large, full width (1/4" shafted) piano hinge for strength and support.
As for the Con-ferr Rack, I reinforced it so it has 12 mounting points now instead of just the six gutter mounts that it came with by adding 6 more in-board mounting points to the stock roof-rack rail. It's a really solid set-up....
I can take some better pics of it if you're interested in making one, or since your not to far from me, give me a holler when your going to be in my area to take an up close gander.
Also, in addition to the weather-proof storage in the case, I carry: 2 chairs, a roll up table, a lantern, and a propane stove up there (and still have some room left), around the case and everything is easily accessible :ylsmoke:
