question regarding mounting RTT on trailer top

[Jevy]

Hey everyone,

I have a RTT that I am going to be looking to put on top of my m416 trailer in the next few days. I was curious if you guys used anything to keep it up off of the trailer cover or if you just bolted it directly to the top? I didn't know if holding it say 4" above the trailer top would be of any benefit when it rained or anything like that? Just for reference this is where my trailer is at now. I'm hoping to finish up the fab work this week so I can get it painted by next weekend. Thanks.

 

[toymaster]

There is no reason not to bolt it directly although using a roof rack lets you use different configurations. I used a rhino brand rack so I could use a basket or other type mounts and not have to put any more holes in the trailer. In short a rack is a versatile system.

Edit: When I got mine first of the year this is the best price I found. http://www.backcountryracks.com/rhino-rack-heavy-duty-track-mounted-rack-system.html $289 w/free shipping. The 50" fit perfectly. It is the one pictured below in the next post.

 

[RAZORBACK]

I use a rhino rack system as well. Like toymaster said, it allows you to use different configurations should you decide to load other things on the rack. You can also store things under the RTT on the lid like solar panels, etc.

 

[DonBeasley]

Ditto!!!!!!!!!!!

Go with a rack

 

[Jevy]

glad I asked. Looks like I will be going the track system route. I also like the idea of being to haul kayaks on there as well. Thanks guys!!!!

 

[Fresno]

I agree that rack give you options vs. direct mounting. I went a different way. Instead I am using airline cargo rails. Much stronger and more mounting options. Swap out the RTT and cross bars, put a 4 wheeler and use the rail with cargo straps.

This is the systems Adventure Trailer uses. In fact, they are building my cross bars.

I don't have the bars yet, but I will post pics when I get them installed. The Adventure trailer at the Pomona show had them and they looked great. Also called L track, they have about a dozen options for tie downs and mounts. I ordered extra bars (very reasonable) to secure the RTT for off road.

 

[Jevy]

I'm going to go with the yakima rack because that is the system I have on my car and I like the idea of interchanging the attachments. I am going to do some measuring and probably add a little more re-inforcement underneath to support the weight. I'm probably fine as it is but just wanted to be a little more cautious.

 

[jeepfreak81]

I have had my RTT mounted on my Yakima rack on our H3, no modifications needed.

 

[VanIsle_Greg]

Direct mount to the lid. I saved $300+ dollars and get a lower center of gravity to boot. I don't plan on hauling stuff on my trailer lid even if I had a rack, and the RTT will remain mounted as long as I own it. If I really need the trailer to haul stuff, the lid and RTT will come off in a few minutes and get stowed in the shed.

My setup is not for everyone, but it works for me and made the most sense after a LOT of thought and pricing. I have racks on the Jeep if I need to haul stuff.

 

[Fresno]

I'm going to go with the yakima rack because that is the system I have on my car and I like the idea of interchanging the attachments. I am going to do some measuring and probably add a little more re-inforcement underneath to support the weight. I'm probably fine as it is but just wanted to be a little more cautious.

I would go with at least 3 bars. The Thule/Yakima are only rated for loads less than 400 lbs. L track is rated at 1,800 lbs. Adventure Trailers developed the L track system after too many Thule/Yakima failures in intensive off roading.

 

[wntrcmpr]

Direct mount to the lid. I saved $300+ dollars and get a lower center of gravity to boot. I don't plan on hauling stuff on my trailer lid even if I had a rack, and the RTT will remain mounted as long as I own it. If I really need the trailer to haul stuff, the lid and RTT will come off in a few minutes and get stowed in the shed.

My setup is not for everyone, but it works for me and made the most sense after a LOT of thought and pricing. I have racks on the Jeep if I need to haul stuff.

How is it unzipping the cover on the RTT. Seems like it would be more difficult mounted directly to the lid

 

[VanIsle_Greg]

Nope...no trouble at all.
My CVT has a pair of aluminum rails that is mounts on, this is the stock way to fasten it to whatever it is you want to mount it to. You slide in the stainless hardware, and away you go. This raises the base of the RTT about 3/4 of an inch off the lid. Also with the way my sides slope down on an angle to match the tub, I have lots of room.

Can see in this pic how much space there is. The flap hangs down over the zipper an inch or so all the way around.

 

[Fresno]

What a great looking rig.

 

[VanIsle_Greg]

What a great looking rig.

Thanks man... I love it!

 

[Ozarker]

Absolutley agree that's a nice rig.

I doubt I would buy any rack system, I'll have it made. There won't be anymore adaptaions that can be concievedby man kind on the market that can't be dupilcated or improved for certain applications, that can't be made by a custom rack. But that's just me, it's part of the sport doing something yourself! I't's fun engineering and fabing your own system........if you can, otherwise go buy the market stuff.