Cheap RTT build

[slammer67]

I found a deal here locally for a Roof top tent that I couldn't pass up. I paid $50 for this thing and it's in pretty good shape.
Here's a few pics of it.

Found some documentation under the mattress

There's one bad spot on the canvas on one corner

The floor got wet through there and is warped and will need to be replaced.
I didn't get pics of the cover, but it has some holes. I believe the damage it from the cover and not from when the tent was set up.

What should I use to clean up the mold stain? And what can I do to the canvas in that area - the canvas is a little brittle in that area.

Besides that damage, it doesn't look like the Tent was used very many times.

There's no date on the documentation and the only other markings was this on the floor.

I searched "Air Camper" on google, and the only thing I found was this pic.

I'm pretty stoked to get this thing ready to go, I've already started on the floor, then I plan to clean up the canvas and waterproof it.

Then I need to find a way to mount it to this.

Any help would be appreciated

 

[slammer67]

I'm not sure if anyone's interested in this, but I'll continue if even for my own benefit.

The first thing I had to do was to replace both floorboards. I used 1/2" birch ply to replace the particle board stuff that was warped.

That's much better.

Got the other side done and started putting it together

For some reason it doesn't lay flat.

Coming together.

I found out why it doesn't lay flat

Had a couple bolts backwards.

 

[slammer67]

I've been trying to figure a mounting system for the ranger.

I don't want it too high, so I think I'll keep it even or under the off roads lights.

 

[VanIsle_Greg]

nice deal!

 

[pray4surf]

Great score! Looks like it just needs some TLC. Lots of options for mounting. I agree with you on keeping the weight as low as reasonable. Everything becomes a trade off. I'll be lurking/watching

Rick

 

[ZMagic97]

$50?! Sweet deal. Looks like it's coming along nicely.

 

[slammer67]

I had some time to work on the RTT today. I started fabbing up a mount for the truck.

I made some brackets to attach to the rollbar, then I used some c-channel stuff I had around for the mounts. I'll make something better in the future, it's just to help me figure everything out.

It's pretty simple, but it's actually really sturdy.

Looking at this pic, I wished I would have widened the mounting rails on this thing instead of going with what the tent originally had, which was like 22" spacing.

Opened up

All done

Yeah, right, I haven't even dealt with the canvas yet. I just put the cover over the frame for now, it looks like it's gonna rain.
You can see i had to patch some of the corners of the cover with duct tape. I guess I could have color coordinated and went and got some white duct tape to match.

 

[k9lestat]

Very nice

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[iowafj]

You can't go wrong for only 50$


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[Wainiha]

Great deal. How much do you think it weighs?

 

[slammer67]

I'm not sure of the exact weight, it's not a very big tent width-wise, about 50" on the inside. I'm guessing close to 100lbs. It has a metal ladder instead of aluminum like most RTT'.

Just with the frame on top of the truck, I can notice it's there when driving the ranger, it has soft springs and no swaybars though. I think I'll lower it a few inches when I get it done, It's as high as the ladder will let it go right now. I need it high enough to get all my camping equipment in the truck.

 

[steelheadbum]

1st congrats on the score!! Now with all that cage work why not modify the rear cage to those exact specs as your mod! I just wouldn't trust it setup that way.
Buck

The Redneck Mexican
2002 E350 7.3 PSD 4x4 8inch lift pop top conversion....

 

[proven]

Wait that is amazing, you're stoked!!

 

[slammer67]

I cleaned the canvas as good as I could then put it back on the frame.

I sprayed it with some Kiwi Camp Dry to waterproof it and I'll leave it open overnight.

I cleaned to mold-stained spot with some vinegar =/ water solution. It took the stains out, but some of the fabric fell apart when scrubbing it.
I cut all the bad spots out and I will be sewing in some new canvas when I find some matching fabric.



For now, I did a temp fix with some Gorilla tape. It'll work for camping for awhile.

I tried to resize this pic three times, still too big.




I'm not sure if mama's dog likes it yet.