Location of RTT on Frontier questions

[Gadgetech]

I'm thinking about jumping on the CVT group buy and getting a RTT. The factory roof rack has a load rating max at 125 but it seems as thought that is a suggestion looking at what some have done on various sites. I read on CVT that there are dynamic and static load ratings but I'm nervous about damaging something. What are others doing? I've got a friend who can weld up a rack for me with just material cost so that's not a concern if I go that route. I'd just hate to loose storage in the bed b/c if I mount it back there, I don't want it to be a whole bunch higher than the roof line. I was trying to think of a lower trunk mount that was still high enough I could hang an awning off of. So, what is your setup? Pics would be great.

 

[mike r]

I will be using the Thule xsporter racks when i get mine from CVT but i am sure there are cheaper methods, Im also trying to work out how to have a awning on the side.

take a look at http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/1483-Roof-Tent-Mounting-Options

 

[mike r]

Not a frontier but i like the setup

 

[mike r]

 

[mike r]

Hope they give you some ideas

 

[CoastalDefender]

I'm going down to pick up my Mt Rainier model on Friday. I'll take pics for here.

The good thing is the Frontier has the best load rating for a roof in it's class. (I had a bookmark for that study, but I lost it when my computer crashed).

 

[mike r]

how are you mounting yours?

 

[Gadgetech]

I found this setup on club frontier (I think). I have a friend who can weld aluminum and will help me build it.

 

[CoastalDefender]

how are you mounting yours?

I have a canopy and two crossbars, and two crossbars on my roof. I plan on mounting across three crossbars, both of the bars on the canopy, and one on the roof.

I plan on getting another crossbar on the front and putting 1/2 my yakima load warrior mounted on that to maintain some cargo space. The viability of that part remains to be seen...

 

[edsd90]

I know you don't want to mount it right above the bed, but will add that mine's been mounted there during overland trips for the last 2-3 years, and for me, has been a great choice. I've got a retractable bed cover, so can readily access anything in the bed with the tent folded or set-up. I made a detachable cover for the tailgate, again attached just for overland travel, so it's flat and perfect for food prep and cooking. I've got a car-tarp that can be attached to the tent frame if I need rain protection for the tailgate area.
With the tent mounted low, set-up and take-down is really simple. And with the edge of the tent frame about chest level when camped, I use that frame to support all the things we like to hang in camp, such as my MSR 10L water bag, toilet kit, and towels.
I've never been happy with my Thule mounts however, they just don't hold up to the forces of off-pavement travel. Right now, I'm in the process of building a custom cross bar set welded out of heavy duty steel, which will be powder coated when done.
Here's a couple shots showing it stowed and set-up.

 

[Finlay]

I'm thinking about jumping on the CVT group buy and getting a RTT. The factory roof rack has a load rating max at 125 but it seems as thought that is a suggestion looking at what some have done on various sites. I read on CVT that there are dynamic and static load ratings but I'm nervous about damaging something. What are others doing? I've got a friend who can weld up a rack for me with just material cost so that's not a concern if I go that route. I'd just hate to loose storage in the bed b/c if I mount it back there, I don't want it to be a whole bunch higher than the roof line. I was trying to think of a lower trunk mount that was still high enough I could hang an awning off of. So, what is your setup? Pics would be great.

It's not a Fronty, but I built a custom bed rack for the RTT for my Taco. Like you, I didn't want to lose storage space in the bed; we've got dog kennels that go back there for hunting season. Having the RTT up that high was a concern when offroading, but it held up like a champ against the branches and whatnot. It doesn't seem to have hurt my gas mileage very much either; maybe 1 MPG or less. This can be offset by slowing down a bit, so it works out.

FWIW, we have mounted the RTT on my wife's 4Runner factory roof rack to test it out. I haven't slept with it there, but it seems stable enough. If you're not up there doing jumping jacks, I think the factory roof rack should be fine.

 

[Gadgetech]

This is mine.

I would be hesitant to mount it on the roof.
You can figure the tent and two bodies will likely be in excess of 400lb.
That's a lot.

This thread has other rack options
http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/1483-Roof-Tent-Mounting-Options

Where did you find that rack? Looks like it attaches to the utilitrack.

 

[CoastalDefender]

Got mine installed. Here's a few photos-

(The tallest girl and shortest boy are mine, the rest just stood in to help class up the photo)

Bobby is a fantastic guy and installed it on location. I got the annex as well and spent a great weekend in Bend after the install running the OBDR Route 4 with my wife and two kids.

I encourage anyone looking for a locally owned company supplying RTT's to check out CVT in Bend. He requires premium materials in the manufacturing, and he stands by his products by taking care of his customers when things go wrong. I arrived when he was reinstalling a new tent in place of a faulty tent for a customer. He and I installed my tent and because my ladder was faulty, he replaced that on the spot for free with a new working unit. Setting himself apart from other manufacturers, he's also replaced the standard issue travel cover with a heavier duty "truckers tarp" material (the exact same material used in the Giant Loop line), so it's solidly built to withstand the elements for my location (pacific northwest).

Again excellent tent, excellent price, excellent service. CVT should be the first stop shopping for new and renewed RTT purchasers.

-CD

 

[CoastalDefender]

I would be hesitant to mount it on the roof.
You can figure the tent and two bodies will likely be in excess of 400lb.
That's a lot.

Not really. You're dealing with dynamic ratings vs static setups when occupying the tent.

The roof ratings by manufacturers are for dynamic situations= situation where the vehicle is in motion and the roof is loaded with gear.
The truck parked in a campsite is a static situation where the roof is easily capable of much more weight as long as it's distributed properly, not stressed in any one direction vs others, and generally respected, as far as mounting and setup goes.


Found that referenced article I mentioned earlier-
http://www.iihs.org/ratings/roof/detailsbyclass.aspx?75

The frontier has the highest rating, and naturally is the best candidate for such applications.

And this weekend I had myself, my wife, my daughter, my son, and the tent itself on my roof... Easily 550lbs supported by my canopy and roof... And no ill effects...

 

[mike r]

I saw saw you pictures on bobbys site tonight for the first time and was glad a frontier was showing out, Looks like you have a great truck

How was route 4?
got any more photos or details, did or would you chose to use sliders next time or was it ok?

i'm picking up my tent next week and would like to spend another night there.