ZR2 w Diamondback HD - looking for thoughts on Yakima Skyline w RTT

[Trvlngnrs]

Hi, just purchased a new Chevy ZR2 vs. I have the Diamondback HD on order which can hold 1,600 pounds.

I'm thinking of putting a RTT on Yakima HD bars mounted directly to the Diamondback with the Skyline towers & landing pads. I figure others have already done this and I can learn from you. The drawback is there is only about 4 ½" between the cover and the bottom of the bar to stow stuff. The advantage is it'll put the tent at the truck's roofline and since my wife and I are in our 60's.. less ladder is good. Also it'll be easy to disconnect everything - unlock and pull 4 levers.

Here are a couple screenshots from Youtube with a tent on and off.

Thoughts please?
Trvlngnrs

 

[spectre6000]

My first thought is that you lose a lot of bed utility with the tent mounted. A drawer system might bring a lot of that utility back, but... Check your weights; that diamond plate tonneau doesn't look light. I think it's silly to see people running around with RTTs mounted all the time, so it's good that it cleans up when removed.

 

[Trvlngnrs]

Thanks for your thoughts. The Diamondback weighs about 40-50lbs. The top opens on both ends and each section can be removed in about 10 seconds.

I'm thinking of using a lift fastened to the ceiling in my garage to take on & off the RTT. There's a bunch of videos on Youtube of people doing this. Racor makes a lift that is good for 250lbs.

 

[emulous74]

Do you really want to be crawling into the bed under the tonneau cover to get stuff out of it? If you go with that setup, I would suggest considering getting a bed slide or put everything you need in the backseat area and do a rear seat delete. I get the idea of having the tent lower, just need to realize what you'll be loosing because of it.