SnugTop XV + 4 person RTT?

[SALT]

Howdy,

I'm contemplating a RTT for my Tacoma. I have a 2012 Tacoma, DCSBOR with OME suspention, etc.

Can anyone tell me the weight restrictions on a 2012 Snugtop XV? Snugtop's website is sub-par and they have (still) not yet replied to my emails. I'm confident that most RTTs would be ok just on the yakima cross bars, except we have two children. So I'm exploring the idea of mounting a CVT Mt. Rainier or something similar to the link below.

http://www.cascadiatents.com/index.php?m=94&s=594&c=&id=117

My Snugtop has the factory rails with two towers & cross bars plus the OEM Toyota cab rack. I can change the roof rack if needed, never liked that the cab rack and the cross bars are different heights.

Long term I'd love a off-road trailer, but this is step one.

Thanks for your comments!

Salt
Lyons, CO

 

[summerprophet]

You are likely not going to get an answer on this from snug top...... or any fibreglass canopy manufacturer.

The key is in weight distribution. The tracks are a good base to begin with as they do a decent job of distributing the weight. If it were me, I would distribute the load over three crossbars if there are going to be two people up there. Two crossbars should be suitable for one.

Now, if you are thinking about a flip out style of rtt, then you need to consider the forces that want to pull the mounts out of your shell, rather than weight onto your shell. Assuming the tent, flips to the left side, then the right side rail needs to be supported underneath the shell, where it bolts through. Large washers would be barely ok, a full length 1"x1/8" aluminum bar would be best.

Fiberglass is usually stronger than people think it is. I have a similar set up, and carried 5 ocean kayaks on the rack for 2 hours down washboard and it did just fine.

Four people?!?! Four adults and you are likely pushing things unless you are very gentle.