M101 help!

[Xterrachris81]

Does anyone know if the original rails that hold the canvas up on a m101a2 will support a rtt? I'm picking up my new trailer this week and am excited to start my new build!

 

[JoshN]

They will not. Replace them with steel or have a roof rack that goes over the bows and canvas supported from the trailer frame.

 

[Xterrachris81]

Thanks. I was thinking about modifying a pickup latter rack and slapping that on there. I'll do a,little digging and start posting picks as I get rolling

 

[Margincall]

My 101a2 rtt setup using bows and rails

This is a good question and I've been experimenting with my bows and canopy support rails. I felt secure in the tent, but haven't completely settled on this approach. I do feel the rails can support the static weight. I added screws at the base to hold the rails in place on the trailer.

 

[Xterrachris81]

That looks good

 

[shack]

I replaced mine with steel when I went that route. Came out to like 60 bucks or so. Check my sig for the build thread

 

[Margincall]

After considerable reflection, I decided to replace the original rails and bows from my earlier post with a custom made steel rack. My biggest concern was dynamic stress. The tent weighs 230 pounds and there was quite a bit of horizontal movement. If I had to make a sudden stop, I would not be confident the rails would hold under that kind of stress. Thankfully, I recently met a welder who really understood my needs. I will be posting pics in a build thread soon.

 

[Quiero_acampar]

I wouldn't trust a RTT up there, but they make great surfboard racks if you put a little foam on there

 

[Mark Harley]

I built a custom rack that mounts outside the tub so I could use a cover. It has held up well.
It holds a 7 x 7 expanded metal deck a Coleman dome tent two adults two kids and a dog.

 

[MrSmeed73]

I think it depends on the size and weight of your RTT. Also the bows: there are metal bows and wood bows. The wood, definitely not. I was in a similar situation, bought my trailer and had 2 weeks to ready it for a 4,000 mile road trip. I followed Shack's model, but used my metal bows and drilled one hole per bow on each side of the trailer to bolt them in. It's totally solid and I've got over 7,000 miles on it this year. Granted I'm not doing any crazy off-roading with it, but for driving 80 on the interstate and forest service roads, I had zero issues.