Behold, The Ghetto RTT

Pskhaat

2005 Expedition Trophy Champion
Indeed, looks nice. Do a quick statics diagram on putting a sitting person on the overhang area, I bet there is a significant/damaging moment imparted to the roof, you may need to add some vertical supports?
 

Willman

Active member
First...very nice idea!

Indeed, looks nice. Do a quick statics diagram on putting a sitting person on the overhang area, I bet there is a significant/damaging moment imparted to the roof, you may need to add some vertical supports?

On this note....you should pickup a ladder to carry some of that weight and move your tent door to the ladder side...

Done!

:ylsmoke:
 

dustboy

Explorer
This is right up my alley..If I ever end up in an SUV, and I probably will as soon as we have a youngster, this is what I'm doing.
 

SwiCago

Observer
Indeed, looks nice. Do a quick statics diagram on putting a sitting person on the overhang area, I bet there is a significant/damaging moment imparted to the roof, you may need to add some vertical supports?

Has already been tested. I already stood on the overhang and leaned outward to insert the carriage bolts. It flexes little and I weight in at 165lbs.
In normal cases a person would only lay flat on that section and even out weight. If you were really heavy and concerned, then maybe only have feet hanging off onto that section.
If you look at my image of the slide outs install, you'll see that they only come out 50%. 2ft under rack and 2ft out. Each slide out is made of 1" square tubing, unlikely to bend. Each slide out is attached to the bottom of the rack with 10 bolts to disperse weight evenly across the supporting cross members they are attached too.
The vertical supports on the roof will handle overhanging feet just fine or a light person laying on the overhang section.
In my case my kid will lay on the overhang section, my wife in the middle and my fat ******** on the driver side of my rig.

But you are right, I don't recommend standing on the overhang on purpose just to be cool and say it will hold out. Eventually it could lead to stress and the vertical mounts to the roof could cave the roof.
 
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azyota00

Observer
SwiCage

I'm with you, I had the same idea, like the slides braces. I think all those factory RTT's are very nice but to pay so much.....there just tents, no way. This build makes so much more sense. :bowdown:
 

Adventure IQ

Explorer
Great build and very interested in doing this.

I am on a REALLY tight budget. Can this be done without the $1100 rack? I have yakama bars on the roof of my XJ and building a safari rack for my YJ (soft top)
 

Papa Tac

Observer
Great build and very interested in doing this.

I am on a REALLY tight budget. Can this be done without the $1100 rack? I have yakama bars on the roof of my XJ and building a safari rack for my YJ (soft top)

What he said!
I've been contemplating something like this, but thought about attaching hinged plywood sheets to the standard roof rack, and using legs to support the foldout.
Love the OP's DIY and great work, may just copy some of this. Ingenious.
 

Mark Harley

Expedition Leader
Ghetto RTT

I have been kicking an idea like this around for my trailer, I work at a fab shop and
already own several tents. The larger RTT versions are over $2000.00. My idea is to make rack that is 7' x 9' that is hinged in the middle. All aluminum with a floor of 1/4" hole perforated sheet and square tube frame.
It would be light and fold to 7' x 4.5' in size. mounted on a frame above the trailer.
and use a 7 x 9 dome tent on top.
 

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StreetsofCompton

Adventurer
I know Im late to this party but damn this is sweet! To the OP, youre a genius. Thanks for sharing. Did anyone else ever follow through with a hinged, plywood version?
 

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