Roof Tent Mounting Options

[dblosch]

I sold that rig and got into a quad cab pickup.

DOH!! I read the whole thread, saw all of your posts, and I guess I just thought your 4Runner magically grew a shortbed.

Thanks for the reply- I'm trying to decide between the low profile route, or planning ahead with triple load bars (for a slide-out solar array underneath the RTT...)

Dan

 

[bsl]

Bed level RTT mount on a Raptor w/ bakflip

Hi all,
Nice thread! I am planning to mount an eezi awn RTT 1600, alternately a maggiolina/airtop on my F150, and I would prefer to have an over the bed mount.
However I also have a bakflip G2 folding tonneau cover installed, and it seems difficult to find an compatible rack off the shelf.
The alternatives seem to be:
- as shown by theferg earlier in this trail, use artificial rain gutters like the Thule 542 to install on my rails, and add an heavy duty van rack like the DeWalt 332 http://www.orsracksdirect.com/thule-332-van-rack-system.html or the frontrunner gutter mount legs with their load bars http://www.frontrunneroutfitters.com/Roof-Racks-c35/. This would have the advantage to sit low on the bed, and also offers a 500 lbs load for the thule, however would require some drilling on the rails.
- the Adarac agri-cover, nice 500 lbs load advertised. I could not find any review, only a short video
YouTube - Access Adarac Truck Bed Rack System
It uses the stake pocket holes for an easy install. However the load bars are really high (25 in. over the bed),
http://www.agricover.com/index.php/products/category/C204/

- the backflip CS, only 300 lbs load, I will need to replace my existing rails so it is quite expensive, and very high mount too,
http://www.bakliner.com/bakflip/bak_flip_CS.html

- there are plenty of other bed level racks (like the frontrunner truck bed rack, or the thule xsporter), but they mount from the inside of the rails so are not compatible with the tonneau cover.
What do you think, any opinion welcome , thanks!
(I hope to take soon the same pictures as below but with the RTT on the raptor...:wings

 

[Gifu]

been searching high and low, and can not find an answer. For those using Thule or even Yakima, gutter mounts...
how do you clear the towers?

this is a small columbus on Thule mounts on a 1995 80 Series land cruiser.

i'm worried that the weight sitting on the thule towers will crack the tent.

 

[wardrow]

I mount these tents often. What I have found is that if you remove the tent and install some auto / marine weather striping http://www.homedepot.com/Tools-Hard...splay?langId=-1&storeId=10051&catalogId=10053 to the top of the bars you will fill that void and it will also get rid of annoying squeaks and scratches. Just my .02

 

[Gifu]

thanks. I'm just worried about the weight being on the towers causing cracks in the fiberglass.

 

[TRegasaurus]

Not too bad of price for what you're getting.

Checked out the link, and to say the price isn't too bad is an understatement.
when you compare this to the cost of a Thule system these things are dirt cheep.

 

[cruiseroutfit]

been searching high and low, and can not find an answer. For those using Thule or even Yakima, gutter mounts...
how do you clear the towers?

I used a stip of aluminum flat stock between my load bar and rack, just enough to clear so it make no contact. On my trailer I used some high density foam weather stripping and it has held up OK for the last 5 years.

 

[Mike S]

I mount these tents often. What I have found is that if you remove the tent and install some auto / marine weather striping http://www.homedepot.com/Tools-Hard...splay?langId=-1&storeId=10051&catalogId=10053 to the top of the bars you will fill that void and it will also get rid of annoying squeaks and scratches. Just my .02

If you use a foam spacer between the tent mounting surface and the bar, be careful to check that the foam does not become compressed and thus loosen the grip of the clamp system.. This may cause your tent to start shifting while under way. In any case you should check the tent mounts before every trip.

 

[Fresno]

@bsl

Something to conside. Add a ARE (available in Tux Black with load bars). The Air Top is the way to go, but go with it in BLACK. Worth it. Ill post some pics.

 

[jeffrro1]

Any Ideas

I have read all the pages of posts and there have been some good ideas. I have a 2006 GMC Sierra 2500 hd crew cab short bed disel. I like the idea of mounting the rtt over the bed but under roof line when stowed. I also have a toneu cover. It is nice to be able to cover all of your stuff in the bed so no one sees it. Anyone come up with a good way of doing this.

All of the RTT I have seen are mounted right on the roof. Anyone have an idea how much it would effect my gas mileage on this type of truck? I know if matters on the vehicle but thought I would throw it out there.

Always interested in hearing any ideas.

Thanks for any help.
Jeff

 

[Mike S]

Jeff

Impact of an RTT on mileage is affected by a number of factors...

- Shape of the tent
- Mounting position (including distance from the windshield wind envelope)
- Weight of the tent
- Dynamics of the rack that the tent is mounted on
- Horse power of the vehicle
- Your driving patterns and habits

The impact might be anywhere from zero to 4-5 MPG.

 

[clcoyle]

Subscribed

 

[Wormfood66]

I am wiser.

Great info, I believe I am wiser at this point.

Did I miss it or has anyone posted a pick of a tent mounted using the: Thule-422XT-Xporter-Multiheight-Aluminum Rack?

I like the versatility this option would offer, with also allowing a tool box to remain mounted in the front of the bed.

This site is costing me much $$$, well spent!

 

[enzo]

Great info, I believe I am wiser at this point.

Did I miss it or has anyone posted a pick of a tent mounted using the: Thule-422XT-Xporter-Multiheight-Aluminum Rack?

I like the versatility this option would offer, with also allowing a tool box to remain mounted in the front of the bed.

This site is costing me much $$$, well spent!

I have my ARB mounted on one of those. Ill try to post some pics up later when get home.

 

[YotaPilot]

4. Mounted to shell - This is a very simple and effective way to go. Most of our customers who mount tents to their pick-ups opt for this solution. Mounting to the shell does not need to be an engineering project. Most shells can be fitted with artificial rain gutters, standard cross bars, and the tent secured to the cross bars with standard mounting hardware.

Does anyone have any longterm experience with this? Has there been any fatigue cracking in the fiberglass from having so much weight on the shell and no rigid frame support?

8. Mount above cab - This may look a little weird, but more than a few of our customers do this, and report that it works well. This really works best with a extended or double cab truck. Standard roof rack systems are employed.

Does anyone have any photos of the type of setup. I have a DC Tacoma with a shell. I am not sure the load capacity, so this may be the best/most conservative option in regards to the cab rooftop load capacity vs the cap.