RTT Question

[gnarshredder]

I am considering the purchase of a RTT and would like to mount it on my shell/canopy rack system. I have a full Yakima set up on my shell including, tracks, footpack, and crossbars. Has anybody installed a RTT to this EXACT setup? Please post pictures of your setup. Thanks!!

 

[Corey]

I have a big thread with many pics in it, and there is a Tacoma and maybe some others with it on the shell.
It should give you some ideas.
Here is the thread.
http://www.yotatech.com/f172/rooftop-tents-139672/

Although if I had a truck, I think I would go this way, but without a canopy.

On a Tacomas canopy.

 

[gnarshredder]

The utility rack system would be sweet. However, I already have too much invested in the shell/yakima rack system to turn back. thanks for the photos and link. Anybody else have input on this??

 

[HMR]

I have a full Yakima set up on my shell including, tracks, footpack, and crossbars.

I started with that same setup but ditched it after a few trips. The weight of the tent combined with the height of the crossbars created a lot of torque and caused too much side to side movement on the trail.

I drilled holes through the tracks and mounted a set of Thule bars directly to the shell.
I leave the Yakima feet on the tracks and can still use all of my Yakima accessories:

I have two Thule bars connected to the RTT that mount directly on top of the Thule bars on the shell (total of 4 Thule bars):

I drilled holes through both sets of bars and connect them with an extra set of RTT clamps using grade 8 bolts (1 clamp on each bar end= 4 clamps total):

Lowering the RTT just a few inches made all the difference: the weight of the tent is barely noticeable on the trail, now. It also fits in the garage without having to air down the tires. We only install the RTT for camping trips and have used this setup for >15,000 miles and many, many nights. A good number of the miles have been offroad and we haven't found a single sign of fatigue or experienced any leaks in the shell (just got back from another wet trip to the PNW).

 

[gnarshredder]

HMR-Thanks for the detail and pics. You have a great setup. It's good to know that I can at least start out with the RTT on my current setup (footpack and crossbars) and determine any trail performance issues. If it turns out the RTT is an issue mounted on the footpack I now have the blueprint to solve the problem. Gracias!!!

 

[freeze]

I have the the Yakima topper rails, towers and tubes for the Camping Labs Tent. Works really well so far.

My ladyfriend piloting

Photo by Jeff Moss

 

[articulate]

I started with that same setup but ditched it after a few trips. The weight of the tent combined with the height of the crossbars created a lot of torque and caused too much side to side movement on the trail.
...
I drilled holes through the tracks and mounted a set of Thule bars directly to the shell.

Few questions for you, bro:

1. What is the weight of your tent? Or if you don't know, which model is your tent?
2. Which shell (brand and/or model) do you own?
3. Do you get the impression that you could be damaging the shell at all?

Thanks!

 

[HMR]

Few questions for you, bro:

1. What is the weight of your tent? Or if you don't know, which model is your tent?
2. Which shell (brand and/or model) do you own?
3. Do you get the impression that you could be damaging the shell at all?

Thanks!

1) Approx. 130lbs. It's an older Maggiolina model that hasn't been made for years (can't remember the name off the top of my head). FWIW- my wife and I weigh 270lbs combined.

2) The Shell is made by Vista.

3) Not anymore. Originally, I figured the shell might show fatigue cracks after a few dozen trips and I'd have to replace it with a custom rack (like your brother's) or something like an ARE contractor shell. Many, many trips later and after all the abuse it's taken, I still haven't found a single stress crack in the fiberglass. I'm pleasantly surprised with how it's holding up.

 

[gnarshredder]

Freeze- How you liking that camping labs tent?? I've been looking at that one and the ARB simpson III ($$$ Ouch).

 

[articulate]

Originally, I figured the shell might show fatigue cracks after a few dozen trips and I'd have to replace it with a custom rack (like your brother's) or something like an ARE contractor shell. Many, many trips later and after all the abuse it's taken, I still haven't found a single stress crack in the fiberglass.

Okay! Good to know. Thanks for the beta.

 

[Mike S]

Short answer to your original question is YES you can mount an RTT on the Yakima system on your camper shell. The track system is what I use on my F350 (ARE shell) with Yakima cross bars. It is even stronger than individual mounting plates for each tower. Either will work, but the track system is stronger.

HMR - Looks like a Maggiolina Top Line. Nice tents, now discontinued.

 

[Blackwater]

freeze- what are the dimensions of your Camping labs tent??

Thx