Side Vs. Back opening RTT

[2scars]

Is there any reason you all wouldn't have the RTT open to the rear of a Tacoma, or any pickup? I want to add a Truck box for storage and then mount a Tepui Kukenam opening towards the rear so there isn't any overhang from the tent when folded. The tent measures 48" X 56" and the truck box is 20", therefore I will have around 68" of "stuff" in a 72" opening, a little wiggle room.

Let me know, if not show me your setup, or any complaint that I may not have thought of. and I have a folding table and camp chairs so sitting on or working from the tailgate isn't a problem.

Brandon

 

[Ramdough]

My tent opened sideways. I liked it that way so that I could park perpendicular to the wind and I could have the small side of the tent aiming at the wind while the truck provided some protection from the wind. With that said, I had to park with room next to me so that I could deploy the tent. You could flip a coin and probably not be too disappointed.

My web site has some pictures. I am posting from my phone so I can't post the directly.

 

[Mike S]

Be sure you have room (access) to remove and replace the tent travel cover.

 

[overlander]

I've spent a lot of time pondering this before and after my install. I really like having it over the back, as I have a T-top, and the lower annex along with my rear safari door really makes my setup a 2 story living complex.

that said, the trail behind you is the only one of the four sides that is always guaranteed to be open to the ground. Think of where you would want the tent opening in this picture, if you broke down, got stuck or were too tired to go on and there was no lateral openings to pull off too.

 

[Mad_Texan]

Mine opens to the back...did it so the tailgate is covered

 

[pray4surf]

My only concern with RTT's that open to the back is you present a larger surface area to catch the airflow while driving. On my Med CampingLab, if I position it so that it opens to the back (or front) the dimension of the closed RTT facing the airflow is 1' x 5' - positioned for side opening, the dimension is 1' x 4'...

I guess if you are already placing this big box on top of a vehicle, then it might not really matter whether it is 5 sf or 4 sf...

Additionally, I don't care for the extra overhang on either side with the 5' dimension facing forward...

Rick

 

[ssssnake529]

If it opens to the back, you wouldn't be able to use a Foxwing awning with it.

 

[Mad_Texan]

My only concern with RTT's that open to the back is you present a larger surface area to catch the airflow while driving. On my Med CampingLab, if I position it so that it opens to the back (or front) the dimension of the closed RTT facing the airflow is 1' x 5' - positioned for side opening, the dimension is 1' x 4'...

I guess if you are already placing this big box on top of a vehicle, then it might not really matter whether it is 5 sf or 4 sf...

Additionally, I don't care for the extra overhang on either side with the 5' dimension facing forward...

Rick

I have the medium also...the difference between 47" to 55" is minimal considering pushing a truck through the wind. I am considering making a spoiler for my rack to go in front of the big box...:smiley_drive:

 

[2scars]

All god points....

I intend to keep the RTT low enough behind the cab that it won't really catch wind from the front, and I just removed a bed cap so I am used to some sort of side breeze pushing me around. I went through Kansas from VA to get to Moab and it was almost unbearable with constint 15 mph breeze pushing you North when you want to go West.

However, Pray, you bring a good point that I hadn't though about. I was trying to keep the back from over hanging, and creating the over hang on both sides, probably more of a chance to hit those than back into something. Good point indeed.

Overlander, you also make a good point, however in my next few planned outings I will be on the East coast where there may be trees, but I will be camping in either camp grounds for a night stop or in Nat'l forests where there will be established camping areas. If that ever comes up I will have to rotate the tent. Ever get any leveling issues with it opening to the rear?

 

[grandpa]

How about a rotating turntable mount with a latching system. You could turn the tent in any direction.

Turntable> http://www.mcmaster.com/#turntables/=ly20fi

 

[overlander]

I intend to keep the RTT low enough behind the cab that it won't really catch wind from the front, and I just removed a bed cap so I am used to some sort of side breeze pushing me around. I went through Kansas from VA to get to Moab and it was almost unbearable with constint 15 mph breeze pushing you North when you want to go West.

However, Pray, you bring a good point that I hadn't though about. I was trying to keep the back from over hanging, and creating the over hang on both sides, probably more of a chance to hit those than back into something. Good point indeed.

Overlander, you also make a good point, however in my next few planned outings I will be on the East coast where there may be trees, but I will be camping in either camp grounds for a night stop or in Nat'l forests where there will be established camping areas. If that ever comes up I will have to rotate the tent. Ever get any leveling issues with it opening to the rear?

All input for your ultimate consideration, but even some established campgrounds can be highly constrained on the sides. I was in a campground nearby my home with family last summer. it had a firepit and picnic table adjacent to the parking spot, with large oak trees on both sides of the parking spot. I would not have been able to open a side mounted RTT in that particular spot. you can get around it by choosing a spot that works (hoping it's available) before committing, but you have to be there on site to do that. campground site reservation maps don't show trees online. Just take that into consideration if you go sideways.

As for level, if you are referring to the arm moment of weight extended out causing level issues, that probably comes down to your vehicles suspension. On my 110 with HD suspension, it's irrelevant. If you are referring however to tent level from your spot, same rules apply to the RTT as does a ground tent. Make sure you park on reasonably level ground before setting up. RTT does not correct unlevel parking.

 

[Mike S]

I find that I use use the rear entry and side entry on my AutoHome Air Top about equally, and I have a swing away ladder on the back of the Landcruiser. Many of our customers with pick-up trucks like a Columbus tent that opens at the rear, as they can mount it on ladder rack - forward over the cab and open/close/access it from the bed. Some have even built a 'deck' on the ladder rack. Some creative people out there.

 

[2scars]

measure twice, cut once...

Went out and checked the box dimensions of the truck and the width is 57 inch inside the box, so there will be no overhang if mounted to open to the rear. I thinkI will go that route and leave a couple of 2x6 boards a couple feet long for leveling . I can't wait to get this thing!! Sleeping in the back of a Tacoma with my fiance was doable, but almost uncomfortable. This will be much nicer and have muc better ventilation.

Thanks for the input folks.

 

[bobmil]

hi, from my point of view:

pro rear opening:
- back of the car is covered
- most rts are wider than long when folded, so rear opening allows more storage space in front of the tent
- when side opening, the tent usually sits all the way on one side (not centered) which can look odd
- allows for narrower footprint on camp side
- most rts have a 2nd door, i.e. you can access whatever is stored in front of your rt through that door

side opening would be preferrable when:
- tailgate swings up
- awning setup covers rear of the vehicle

 

[overlander]

hi, from my point of view:

pro rear opening:
- back of the car is covered
- most rts are wider than long when folded, so rear opening allows more storage space in front of the tent
- when side opening, the tent usually sits all the way on one side (not centered) which can look odd
- allows for narrower footprint on camp side
- most rts have a 2nd door, i.e. you can access whatever is stored in front of your rt through that door

side opening would be preferrable when:
- tailgate swings up
- awning setup covers rear of the vehicle

Bingo