Allof75
Pathfinder
Huh, what are the dimensions roughly? I've been toying with the idea, but since the factory rack only supports 125 lbs I've always thought I was in trouble. Since I have an xterra-like rack, what do xterra guys and gals do?
WreckDiver1321's 2003 Frontier CC SC
- Thread starter wreckdiver1321
- Start date
Huh, what are the dimensions roughly? I've been toying with the idea, but since the factory rack only supports 125 lbs I've always thought I was in trouble. Since I have an xterra-like rack, what do xterra guys and gals do?
mortonm
Expedition Leader
The issue is more often to do with the plastic crossbars, replace those and you should likely be okay
wreckdiver1321
Overlander
The factory rack would do okay I'd think, especially because it's not a heavy tent. I stand corrected, it's actally 88 pounds. But thats still a pretty healthy safety margin. I'd trust it. If a guy was worried, he could always throw some Thule or Yakima bars up there instead.
It's 96" long by 53" wide when open, so closed dimensions are 48" x 53". It's 55" tall when open and 8" tall closed. So half the height of mine when closed, and 5" taller when open.
There were a few distinct advantages of a RTT that I liked over a normal ground tent.
1. I camp in bear country. Making me harder to eat is always welcome.
2. Keeps me more insulated. The base is a piece of foam sandwiched between aluminum sheets. The tent canvas is actually thick enough to provide insulation.
3. Removes a tent and all the bedding from my storage areas.
4. I camp in bear country.
5. Way easier to set up.
6. A lot more durable than many ground tents.
7. Allows me to spend more time exploring, so I can go longer distances before needing to camp.
8. I camp in bear country.
9. The cool factor
Allof75
Pathfinder
My factory ones are aluminum so?
And wreckdriver, believe me we don't need justification for an RTT
mortonm
Expedition Leader
My factory ones are aluminum so?
And wreckdriver, believe me we don't need justification for an RTT
Mine are also aluminum but the clamps are plastic
richard310
pew pew
The factory rack would do okay I'd think, especially because it's not a heavy tent. I stand corrected, it's actally 88 pounds. But thats still a pretty healthy safety margin. I'd trust it. If a guy was worried, he could always throw some Thule or Yakima bars up there instead.
It's 96" long by 53" wide when open, so closed dimensions are 48" x 53". It's 55" tall when open and 8" tall closed. So half the height of mine when closed, and 5" taller when open.
There were a few distinct advantages of a RTT that I liked over a normal ground tent.
1. I camp in bear country. Making me harder to eat is always welcome.
2. Keeps me more insulated. The base is a piece of foam sandwiched between aluminum sheets. The tent canvas is actually thick enough to provide insulation.
3. Removes a tent and all the bedding from my storage areas.
4. I camp in bear country.
5. Way easier to set up.
6. A lot more durable than many ground tents.
7. Allows me to spend more time exploring, so I can go longer distances before needing to camp.
8. I camp in bear country.
9. The cool factor
Not sure if I understand, but where do you camp again?
stioc
Expedition Leader
The RTT looks nice! I imagine you're going to raise it (but not a whole lot) so you have access to the truck bed for storage without being too top heavy?
The roofs can support a whole lot more weight than the manufacturer rating which are usually the safe rating for the factory roof racks (not the roof or roof rails) - with plenty of input from the lawyers I might add. My roof rack alone weighs 60lbs and I've carried over a 150lbs on it with just two Thule 50lbs load bars. I try to keep the weight as low as possible but occasionally I don't have a choice and yes it does start to become top heavy especially when out off-roading on a lifted truck - all these factors add up
RTT on a pickup though is not a problem if done right (look at Box Rocket's Tacoma) because the pickups don't have the additional weight of the SUV's full body so IMO it evens out.
The roofs can support a whole lot more weight than the manufacturer rating which are usually the safe rating for the factory roof racks (not the roof or roof rails) - with plenty of input from the lawyers I might add. My roof rack alone weighs 60lbs and I've carried over a 150lbs on it with just two Thule 50lbs load bars. I try to keep the weight as low as possible but occasionally I don't have a choice and yes it does start to become top heavy especially when out off-roading on a lifted truck - all these factors add up
RTT on a pickup though is not a problem if done right (look at Box Rocket's Tacoma) because the pickups don't have the additional weight of the SUV's full body so IMO it evens out.
wreckdiver1321
Overlander
Thanks for looking at it! All those things are why I bought it in the first place. It's not big, but big enough for what I need. It's got enough power, especially on the trail. And it's really tough and reliable.
I really love your Patrol build! Keep stopping by for updates, they seem to happen pretty quick!
The RTT looks nice! I imagine you're going to raise it (but not a whole lot) so you have access to the truck bed for storage without being too top heavy?
The roofs can support a whole lot more weight than the manufacturer rating which are usually the safe rating for the factory roof racks (not the roof or roof rails) - with plenty of input from the lawyers I might add. My roof rack alone weighs 60lbs and I've carried over a 150lbs on it with just two Thule 50lbs load bars. I try to keep the weight as low as possible but occasionally I don't have a choice and yes it does start to become top heavy especially when out off-roading on a lifted truck - all these factors add up
RTT on a pickup though is not a problem if done right (look at Box Rocket's Tacoma) because the pickups don't have the additional weight of the SUV's full body so IMO it evens out.
I've been waiting on a bed rack from Front Runner. That should show up today
The rack will lift the tent up to about 14 inches off the bed of the truck. Mainly this is to access bed storage and allow me to see out the back window. This should put the top of the tent roughly 2-3 inches below the top of the roof basket. This should keep the weight as low as possible while making the whole setup as practical as possible. It will also allow me to have a tonneau cover (different to the one I have), which will be nice to keep all the gear and, eventually, the fridge out of the weather and away from sniffing bears. I just had it sitting on the bed because I got giddy Originally I was going to get a topper like Co-Opski's and mount the tent to the topper, but after doing a bit of research I scrapped this idea.
I had some experience with that top heaviness when I had my Disco. The truck itself wasn't top heavy (somehow), but when I added a roof load, it was very noticeable. This largely influenced my move to a pickup. That, and the available storage space.
I agree, it shouldn't make too much difference in my case. If I'm making the truck lean enough for it to be an issue, I'm picking the wrong line.
wreckdiver1321
Overlander
Weekender41
Ready to Learn
If you are making a rear bumper you gotta lemme see! haha
On a different note, do you still have plans for the ironman 4x4 front bumper or are you just keeping the arb?
On a different note, do you still have plans for the ironman 4x4 front bumper or are you just keeping the arb?
wreckdiver1321
Overlander
If you are making a rear bumper you gotta lemme see! haha
On a different note, do you still have plans for the ironman 4x4 front bumper or are you just keeping the arb?
Will do!
Ironman didn't work out eithter. Sent it back, got refunded, ordering a Shrockworks. If that doesn't work, I'll just blow the truck up.
Weekender41
Ready to Learn
Hmm do not blow it up, too many good memories!! Haha well, you are in Billings so if I get done with my front bumper and you like it then we can build you one aha. You are not too far away from my summer hangout. But Shrocks never seems to disappoint so hopefully they get it right!
wreckdiver1321
Overlander
I see you're in WY. We should try to hit a trail this summer.
Weekender41
Ready to Learn
Ill be up by Yellowstone for most of the summer with the girlfriend so if you want, just let me know when you are free and I can swing by.