Roof Tent on an 07 Xterra?

[mountainpete]

Hi all,

More of my "hypothetical questions" - I'll explain more when I can :sombrero:

The roof rack on an 07 Xterra is rated at 150 lbs. My assumption is that this figure is based on the vehicle in motion, not what the capacity is while stationary.

Does anyone have any experience with a roof tent on a new Xterra? Any issues with the factory rack?

Thanks,

Pete

 

[JayP]

The plastic rails, at least on my truck isn't the strongest. You could probably get away with it since the roof is braced where the roof rack mounts. Would I try it, probably not. lol.

 

[mountainpete]

Thanks Jay

I'm more concerned about the tubular sides instead of the crossbars. I can always make up different crossbars or put on Yakimas.

Thoughts?

 

[Allahades]

I can't imagine you'd have any problem as long as it was a tent that was under the 150 lbs. Plenty of people have rocket box-type things up there, and plenty of others carry gas cans.

The stock crossbars are held on by plastic brackets, however, and I've heard they're the weak point, so I'd suggest using Thule or Yakima crossbars.

I'm toying with the idea of getting a roof top tent for my 05 Xterra for a big trip this summer. My plan would be to use three Thule crossbars and mount the tent to that. But the tubular side bars are beefier on the 05+ Xterras than on the earlier X's, and people have carried all sorts of things on the first gen. Xterras, including roof tents.

 

[IggyB]

Where, hypothetically speaking, would the roof tent be purchased ?

GCEC ?

I'm thinking of getting one once again.

 

[mountainpete]

Where, hypothetically speaking, would the roof tent be purchased ?

GCEC ?

I'm thinking of getting one once again.

Not sure. They're going to be at the Outdoor Show this weekend. Hoping to chat with them more then.

Pete

 

[Allahades]

The one question I have concerns the narrowness of the Xterra roof rack-- it's just 39 inches wide, so almost all the roof tents out there are going to hang over the edge. Is this a problem? I have no idea...

The roof of the Xterra is a little wider, about 43 inches wide, but I still wonder how this would work with tents like the Eezi-Awn (which are 48 inches wide). Aesthetically it strikes me as a little off-balance, having the tent hang off the top like that, but does anyone have any thoughts on what it would or would not do aerodynamically?

I've been contemplating an Autohome Overland, because it's just 43 inches wide when folded, and because it's the only roof top tent I've actually seen in person and climbed around in.

So, I'd love to hear anyone else's thoughts on this...

 

[mountainpete]

It looks like it can be done!

http://www.xterraownersclub.com/ubb/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=4;t=004606

I sent an e-mail over to the owner of the truck with some questions and an invitation to come visit us here on ExPo. Hopefully he will chime in. :elkgrin:

 

[hattrik21]

I've seen some of these on pre 05 Xterra's and they seem to work well. Here is a link to a thread in another forum for a guy who just got one.

http://www.xterraownersclub.com/ubb/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=4;t=004606

 

[hattrik21]

It looks like it can be done!

http://www.xterraownersclub.com/ubb/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=4;t=004606

I sent an e-mail over to the owner of the truck with some questions and an invitation to come visit us here on ExPo. Hopefully he will chime in. :elkgrin:

Wow you beat me to it!!

 

[articulate]

This dude has it going on, baby!

 

[mountainpete]

This dude has it going on, baby!

He does... and I hope he joins in with our commuity and shares more :elkgrin:

 

[Mike S]

Tenting an Xterra

We usually recommend that our customers with Xterras fit a Thule 450 Crossroads system to carry our tents. This will support 150 lbs (dynamic) when travelling. No problem to mount a tent on an Xterra...

Here's an OverLand fabric tent on an Xterra.

And here is a Maggiolina on an Xterra.

You can call me to discuss details of the rack systems, if you like

888-852-2359

 

[eXpeditionXterra]

Hey all!

Just wanted to say hello, and let you all know I will be posting some detailed pictures of the mounting system that I cooked up for this sucker soon.

If you want to see what it looks like all packed up.

 

[mountainpete]

Glad you joined us Jason... looking forward to some additional pictures.