Bolting RTT directly to canopy....thoughts??

[NWEXPEDITIONS]

So I have previously bolted my ARB RTT directly to a Brahma canopy with no rack and I have never had a problem with it nor found it to be unstable/unsafe.

Here's a picture of the previous setup. (I apologize I do not have any inside pics)

So now I have a 2004 Double Cab Tacoma, (you may have previously seen my build thread Im continuing to work on http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/81121-NWEXPEDITION-s-2004-Expedition-Double-Cab-Build) and am thinking about installing it on my matching canopy that came with the truck. I ran last summer with a bed rack I made and it worked flawlessly. Here's a shot of that.

I have done countless searches for a rack for the roof of my canopy to mount the RTT on vs bolting it through the canopy again. Ive looked on craigslist, eBay ect: and cannot seem to find anything.

Heres a shot of the truck now with the canopy I want to use, again I apologize for no upclose or inside pics, let alone it being at night.

I really like the build by Zam15 and would like to go along the same path. Any thoughts on mounting it directly to the canopy? I understand its not the "right way" or even the "logical way" of doing it, just wanting some thoughts, opinions and ideas.

Thanks everyone! :coffeedrink:

 

[surlydiesel]

Why not get a Thule or Similar rack system for the cap. They make a channel you install on the rack and you can mount feet into the channel and you could put 3 or 4 rails for good support. Otherwise, why not just hard mount it again?

-jorge

 

[zscott]

I personally remove my RTT when I am not camping. So bolting it right to the canopy would make for a not very fun set-up and take down before each trip. I also would hate to have the frame of a RTT sitting on top of a 1-2 thousand dollar topper. My third argument would be that I like to have the utility of the rack for other things when the tent is not up there. I guess it all depends on how you plan on using the vehicle. I would think that a rack to carry the RTT would offer more flexibility and versatility.

 

[NWEXPEDITIONS]

Why not get a Thule or Similar rack system for the cap. They make a channel you install on the rack and you can mount feet into the channel and you could put 3 or 4 rails for good support. Otherwise, why not just hard mount it again?

-jorge

I cant seem to find a rack system anywhere. I know theres a canopy shop not far from me but Im sure they'd want a fortune for it haha. I bought some Thule racks there for the cab of my truck for my kayaks and they were around $400. Now when you say hard mount it again, you are referring to straight to the canopy correct?

 

[NWEXPEDITIONS]

I personally remove my RTT when I am not camping. So bolting it right to the canopy would make for a not very fun set-up and take down before each trip. I also would hate to have the frame of a RTT sitting on top of a 1-2 thousand dollar topper. My third argument would be that I like to have the utility of the rack for other things when the tent is not up there. I guess it all depends on how you plan on using the vehicle. I would think that a rack to carry the RTT would offer more flexibility and versatility.

I remove mine as well. Its on a steel bed rack currently and has been off since the start of Fall. When it comes to the canopy, I have pretty much had it off the truck since I bought it. Only had it on there a hand full of times. I respect your thoughts on the value of it, I know they arent cheap and Id hate to have it sitting on the gel-coat as well. I was planning on having the tent frame rails sitting on top of some rubber matting when bolted down so that it wouldnt ruin the gel-coat. (hopefully) I understand the versatility of the rack on the canopy, but I also have a utility trailer to use in the event of needing to haul something. Still in the thinking phase of this...

 

[Mrknowitall]

I can't say enough good things about the Yakima control towers. They come with "landing pads" that can be bought for either a track or can be had complete with hardware for bolting through the cap. Unless your RTT requires more than 2 cross-bars, I wouldn't bother with a 3rd or 4th cross-bar. I don't see the point in spreading the load to above the window.

 

[surlydiesel]

This is what I was referring too... http://www.thule.com/en-us/us/produ...ories/thule-top-tracks-54-inch-tp54-_-6270999

It's a track you put on the cap, then attach the adjustable feet to the track and use load bars.

Cheers,
Jorge

 

[NorthernWoodsman]

You might look at REI for rack options. They sell both Thule and Yakima. There is the flagship store in Seattle if you get over there, otherwise I'm sure you can find the same stuff on their website.

Also...Whoa! You were brave enough to actually mount and sleep in a RTT while it was bolted to a Brahma canopy?! Those things aren't even fiberglass, just cheap plastic. You must have some good luck.

 

[montypower]

Have a custom rack built for it... I can give you the contact for the guy who built mine (Washugal, WA) : http://www.expeditionportal.com/for...dition-Build-2013-Toyota-Tacoma-DC-TRD/page14

Also, you may want to reinforce your canopy. Most are not setup to carry heavy loads. (check with the manufacturer)

 

[jeverich]

Fairly certain we could work something out.. I'm in Bellingham.

Here's an RTT rack I built..

 

[NWEXPEDITIONS]

Thank you all for your help. I do have a REI Store not far from me, I will check them out for sure. Some setups appear on Craigslist from time to time so Im keeping my eye out and my options open.

 

[NWEXPEDITIONS]

Very nice! I built a bed rack for it and it performed well. Do you do swing out tire carriers? Id be interested. Something simple and basic.

 

[jeverich]

Very nice! I built a bed rack for it and it performed well. Do you do swing out tire carriers? Id be interested. Something simple and basic.

Hmm.. Pretty sure we could work something up; shoot me a PM with what you're thinking of..

 

[robert]

I've got a set of the Yakima tracks on my ARB and I think they do a pretty good job of distributing the weight along the shell but I'm not sure that I would feel completely confident in mounting a RTT up there with two people. I've carried a couple of kayaks and a canoe at the same time as well as lumber but unless you have one of the contractor grade or whatever they're called most aren't rated for more than 200lbs.

I do have an extra set of Yakima tracks I picked up for another project that didn't get done that I'd be happy to sell but I think even at a really good price the shipping ould be almost as much as buying a new set locally- I think they're the 54" which would be right for the short bed. They're new in the shipping/packing tube and should have all of the hardware if you're interested. If you go the track route, follow the directions, do not mount/drill on the thicker honeycomb part of the shell, do lots of measurements to get them straight then tape where they are to go and use pilot bits to avoid cracking the fiberglass and finally, don't gob on the silicon, use enough to seal but too much will tend to push it out and it'll leak.

ETA- the second gen Tacomas also seem to have a tendency to spread the bedsides if you load a lot of weight on them; there are several examples on Tacoma World. I'm sure you could mitigate this by adding some sort of brace into the corners though.