Roof Tent on an 07 Xterra?

[IggyB]

That gives me a few ideas, thanks.

 

[RCA2222]

I just (last week) mounted an Eezi-Awn 1400 on my '07 Xterra. The brackets I made are fitted to the side rails, so there is no load at all on the cross members. The tent is 120 pounds, so it is well within the load limit when underway, and we have slept in the tent for two nights without incident. There was no indication of flexing of the rack or the roof when my wife, myself, and my daughter (total of 350 puunds) were inside. I intend to keep the tent mounted for the next month of around town driving before the big road trip in May in an effort to confirm the mounting and the effect on milage.

If you decide to do the Eezi-Awn, send me a PM and I'll email pictures of the mounting system I devised. By moving the rails a bit on the bottom of the tent, and using steel "u" straps, the tent can be mounted to the rack while still allowing access to the forward roof box.

We are about to undertake an 8,000 mile road trip with the tent being the primary accommodation. I'll post the results upon completion.

 

[RCA2222]

Oops, forgot the pictures...

 

[mountainpete]

RCA222,

Thanks for the pics and welcome to the forum!

That last pic showing the front of the rack with the tent on was great. Would you be able to take a similar pic with the tent closed if convenient?

Also, what are you planning for that 8000 mile trip?

Pete

 

[RCA2222]

I'll be glad to take a picture for you tomorrow AM. The tent closed with the cover on really looks OK - not too big or unruly. Reasonably quiet as well - 80mph on the highway without much noise at all.

As for the road trip, the plan is as follows:

May 1: Lexington, VA to NM, UT, AZ, ID, MT, WA, OR, CO and home again. Two adults, one five year old girl (going on 35), and one Rhodesian Ridgeback dog that doesn't like to ride in the car. Pray for me.

RCA

 

[Allahades]

Ah, you may be the first to put a roof tent on an 05+ Xterra. Excellent! Sounds like a great trip you've got planned.

How about some pictures with the tent closed up? --Edit: whoops, mountainpete beat me to it.

 

[vengeful]

That looks good man. I like the idea of a roof-tent, but I don't really like having a whole lot of weight up on top of my truck, I like to keep the center of gravity lower.

I wonder if there are any ultra-lightweight roof tent options out there....:safari-rig:

 

[mountainpete]

I'll be glad to take a picture for you tomorrow AM. The tent closed with the cover on really looks OK - not too big or unruly. Reasonably quiet as well - 80mph on the highway without much noise at all.

As for the road trip, the plan is as follows:

May 1: Lexington, VA to NM, UT, AZ, ID, MT, WA, OR, CO and home again. Two adults, one five year old girl (going on 35), and one Rhodesian Ridgeback dog that doesn't like to ride in the car. Pray for me.

RCA

Thanks - I'm not too worried about looks myself - more the height difference between the front of the rack and then enclosed tent.

Sounds like an amazing trip! But let's hope that dog doesn't get car sick :smilies27

 

[RCA2222]

Here are the pictures of the mount and the stowed tent.

Note that the tent mounting rails must be relocated from their original position to achieve the clearances shown.

 

[RCA2222]

One more shoiwing rear hatch clearance.

 

[mountainpete]

Great pics! Your X looks wonderful!

Thanks!

 

[RCA2222]

Thanks!

If you need any help with the mount let me know.

 

[articulate]

Here are the pictures of the mount and the stowed tent.

Note that the tent mounting rails must be relocated from their original position to achieve the clearances shown.

Sweet. Can you elaborate on the hardware used in mounting the tent to the rail? What did you use to slide into the aluminum channel to hold the bolt (like in this photo)? I like that semi-circle band that wraps around the rail. Good idea.

 

[RCA2222]

The mounting kit that comes with the tent includes four 2" pieces of aluminum extrusion that fit into the base rails. You need two mounting kits so you can have a total of eight. I had considered using steel or aluminum bar stock, but decided against it since the supplied ones fit so well and are designed to retain the bolt heads. Discard the steel hardware included in the kits, and replace with 5/16 - 18 stainless steel bolts / washers / nylocks. Add eight 5/16 rubber washers to isolate between the "U" clamps and the stainless washers. Cut four small squares of hard rubber hose to place between the tent rails and the roof rack rails.

The "U" clamps are 2" EMT straps, normally used to secure metal electrical conduit. Grind off the two gripper dimples from the inside radius of each clamp, then apply four coats of Plasti-Dip.

When all four mounting points are cranked down, the tent is as solid as a rock and the roof rack is protected from damage.

 

[LUISJG]

those are some great looking xterras, nver saw xterras built up like that,
im in the market for a new expedition vehicle with low miles and now seriously considering xterra. that olive green ones look awsome.