How much surface area on roof rack for RTT?

[Torq]

New member here, so I'm still learning my way around the forums. I started a thread in the Land Cruiser forum, but this is probably a more appropriate place to continue the conversation:

http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/128119-RTT-with-ARB-roof-rack/page2

To recap, I bought an 80 series with an ARB roof rack installed and one of the first upgrades I want to make is a RTT. The two options I have are to cut the back and part of the side bars off (save the back and reattach it to create a smaller enclosed portion of the roof rack at the front of the vehicle), or buy a touring style roof rack.

If I go with the option to chop up the current roof rack, how much flat surface area do I need to install a RTT? I'm most likey looking to buy one that has the option for the annex and "unfolds" to set up, as opposed to "cranks."

http://tepuitents.com/collections/tents/products/gran-sabana-great-savanna
http://www.cascadiatents.com/index.php?m=87&s=615&&id=116
http://store.arbusa.com/ARB-Series-III-Simpson-Rooftop-Tent-ARB3201-P3658.aspx

The roof rack I currently have installed:

 

[stingray1300]

If you called Tepui and talked with Griffin or Evan, I'm sure they'd be a wealth of "experienced" knowledge about this subject...

 

[PNW/TRD Steve]

I would take the length of the tent you intend to install and add 2 to 3 inches on either end that has a riser on the rack (just one end if you remove the riser at the end of the rack). This will allow room to unzip/zip and tuck the material in when packing. I have big hands and would prefer 3 inches.

I have seen some racks that retain the riser on the non-folding side. As for orientation, CVT suggested passenger side, and I agree. Opening toward the rear is preferred by some as well.

Cheers and welcome,

Sent from my XT907 using Tapatalk

 

[Torq]

If you called Tepui and talked with Griffin or Evan, I'm sure they'd be a wealth of "experienced" knowledge about this subject...

Do you suspect one of those two would answer if I called the number at the top of this page:

http://tepuitents.com/

I would take the length of the tent you intend to install and add 2 to 3 inches on either end that has a riser on the rack (just one end if you remove the riser at the end of the rack). This will allow room to unzip/zip and tuck the material in when packing. I have big hands and would prefer 3 inches.

I have seen some racks that retain the riser on the non-folding side. As for orientation, CVT suggested passenger side, and I agree. Opening toward the rear is preferred by some as well.

Cheers and welcome,

Sent from my XT907 using Tapatalk

Thanks for the adivce.

I hadn't considered leaving the riser on the non-folding side. I guess that'd be possible if the tent fit entirely on the rack with no overhang. If the tent (folded and stowed) is wider than the rack, then I'd have overhang on just one side which I'd obviously want to avoid.

 

[PNW/TRD Steve]

Do you suspect one of those two would answer if I called the number at the top of this page:

http://tepuitents.com/



Thanks for the adivce.

I hadn't considered leaving the riser on the non-folding side. I guess that'd be possible if the tent fit entirely on the rack with no overhang. If the tent (folded and stowed) is wider than the rack, then I'd have overhang on just one side which I'd obviously want to avoid.

Very true.
I prefer mine centered for appearance and weight distribution. In addition, if you took it down on both sides you may have the option of turning the opening side if the need arises.
Another thing to consider ( I have not resolved this yet) is where your exhaust exits in relation to your annex. If you have or intend to use an annex. Cutting back the tailpipe, rerouting or just bracing up the corner of the annex if I need to idle are my expected solutions.

Sent from my XT907 using Tapatalk