Can you put a Roof Top Tent on 4 runner factory roof rack?
I searched but didn't see anything. Any opinions on the smittybuilt RTT?
Thanks

lots of roof top mounting questions tonight... is it possible, sure with some ingenuity... would I do it? absolutely not.
My engineering judgement tells me the side rails are not strong enough to hold whatever contraption one could devise to hold the RTT and person in it.
My guess is with that much weight the side rails would definitely bend and probably buckle, even if the load was evenly distributed along it's length...

ultimately the major difference between a steel rack WMW or Gobi (since they all use the oem 8 mounting points (4 per side, 2 per foot)) and the oem roof rack are the side rails are not as strong... could you install steel cross braces, sure.. but the side rails carry the weight to the roof mounting points for distribution (in the WMW or Gobi case this is load is vertical directly down into the 8 holes) but with the oem roof rack the side rails don't overhang the roof mounting holes (the weight is carried between the holes), so there's your weak point in my opinion.

50 lbs is one thing.. so it could likely carry the RTT but I wouldn't get into it so it really does no good.

Thanks. So the gobi rack is the $1000 solution?

@Redswan is using "Front Runner Outfitters" Slimline Rack which he used a roof-top tent on top of. Not sure if it is more affordable than the Gobi, but maybe he will comment:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QCqLqTQVRxk

Thanks for the link. Trying to do a little 2 week trip with the family and need to have the RTT for the wife to go. Bears are a scary thing to me and her.

You do realize that when a Bear comes into your camping area, they are more concerned/focused about your food/ice chest and doesn't really care about you.

Correct answer: Yes the factory roof rack (minus crossbars) is more than strong enough to support a RTT full of people and gear. No flexing to be seen.



Using the factory rack, you can mount the RTT much lower in profile than any aftermarket rack or crossbar setup that I've seen. No need to spend an extra $1000 just to mount your RTT.

Wow that is what I wanted to hear. Thanks.

I do know about bears and why they come around. Unfortunately my wife is a type 1 diabetic and needs to have some form of sugar in the tent in case of a low blood sugar episode. So being off the ground is more ideal.

dont get the shitty built RTT. bobby from CVT should be doing another group buy. Look on tacoma world or expedition portal. he should be doing it in the next few weeks. last 2 or 3 group buys went off in march. I got a Mt Rainier. the shitty built one is a small tent.

fyi his group buy pricing is like 30% off

It's been working great for me. I have it mounted to the factory crossbars, I'm curious how RunnerAK has his mounted up since he mentions he runs the tent without the crossbars. I took mine on a 2500 mile road trip and have had no issues. I love my CVT Mt. Shasta.

Thanks I will look into that.

Where did you get this tent and how much does it cost in total ? Looks awesome

You want to check out The Best Roof Top Tents -RTT's for Truck's-Car's-SUV's and Off-Road Trailers-Cascadia Vehicle Tents | Cascadia Vehicle Roof Top Tents. I have the Mt. Shasta, it was $1450 plus $150 for the two windows in the roof. If I had it to do over again, i'm not sure i'd get the windows (they call it the stargazer option). I figured they'd be clear, but it's more of a frosted look. When I first got it I was kinda upset, but after using it for a few trips, it's an awesome feature to have simply to let light in, the tent can be pretty dark during the day. Not sure it's worth $150 though.

Damn wish I knew this as I ordered mine just recently. Excited to finally use this thing. I though will be mounting mine to a WM roof rack. My reason for the rack besides the RTT is it is more sturdy, also can put more stuff on the roof in front of the tent, and holds all my light bars.