Attaching a RTT to the 4th Gen sport roofrack

Hey guys, so as it goes- I bought a Tepui Kukunem during the recent REI members sale. Im looking at picking up/mounting this sucker up top in the parking lot with whatever tools I need. Not so much concerned, but am wondering if anyone has experience mounting one of these badboys to the stock Sport roof rails (round). Thanks for your input.

Mr.emergency said:

Hey guys, so as it goes- I bought a Tepui Kukunem during the recent REI members sale. Im looking at picking up/mounting this sucker up top in the parking lot with whatever tools I need. Not so much concerned, but am wondering if anyone has experience mounting one of these badboys to the stock Sport roof rails (round). Thanks for your input.

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Your rails (running front to back) are going to be too wide for the aluminum tracks on the bottom of the tent. You could, depending on how large your cajones are, widen the tracks to work by looking down into the pre-drilled hole for the tent rails, seeing which way the frame inside the tent platform goes, and drilling new holes through the frame.

If you're talking about mounting to the factory crossbars I really, really, recommend just taking the tent out of the box, folding down your rear seats, and setting it on top of the wheel wells.

If you HAVE to mount it to the factory crossbars I would run a ratchet strap under the roof rails and over the tent for the ride home. I am sure that's over cautious, but I'd hate to see MY tent fly off on the highway.

You got it in Silverdale right? So at least it's not too far a drive...

If I were in your shoes I would either buy a set of Yakima or Thule cross bars at REI, or I'd throw it in the back and start shopping for a roof rack or cross bars when I got home.

The tent SHOULD be 48" wide, and I believe the hatch opening on the 4th gen is 50". Should fit like a glove back there.

I had the same roof rack before upgrading to the Prinsu, and had my tent mounted to the stock rack cross bars as well.

It worked great, and my tent is larger than the average RTT.

You should have no problem.

HINT: Have tools such as a ratcheting wrench (GearWrench at Home Depot), or the sears craftsman Max Axess set that will allow you to get a ratchet on a nut that is on a long stud.

The biggest problem you might have is getting your hands under the tent and rack rails to reach the bolts.

I have to disagree with Alex. There is no need for a new rack or cross bars.

The stock rack is rated for a 165 pound max load for regular highway speeds. Our tents weigh much less than that.

The rack/crossbars are capable of a much heavier static load.

I had that huge tent I've got up there without even so much as a creak or rattle on the stock rack. You'll be fine.

4RunAmok said:

I have to disagree with Alex. There is no need for a new rack or cross bars.

The stock rack is rated for a 165 pound max load for regular highway speeds. Our tents weigh much less than that.

The rack/crossbars are capable of a much heavier static load.

I had that huge tent I've got up there without even so much as a creak or rattle on the stock rack. You'll be fine.

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Perhaps the 4th gen rack is better constructed. The 3rd gen rack is also rated (according to the sticker on it) but when I put my tent on them it did NOT feel good. The bars flexed, rattled on the road, and just didn't feel right. When I took my crossbars off to replace them I dropped one in my garage (3 feet maybe) and the end of it broke off.

For what it's worth, I don't know of any tent manufacturers that recommend using factory crossbars.

If it works it works, but I wouldn't bet my $1000 tent on it.

A.Wilson013 said:

Perhaps the 4th gen rack is better constructed. The 3rd gen rack is also rated (according to the sticker on it) but when I put my tent on them it did NOT feel good. The bars flexed, rattled on the road, and just didn't feel right. When I took my crossbars off to replace them I dropped one in my garage (3 feet maybe) and the end of it broke off.

For what it's worth, I don't know of any tent manufacturers that recommend using factory crossbars.

If it works it works, but I wouldn't bet my $1000 tent on it.

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For the same reasons, I replaced my 3rd Gen roof rack with Yakima risers and bars. Three sets of them.

I was happy to find I wouldn't have to do that with the Sport Edition rack, because Yakima setups aren't cheap.

It was also temporary, since I had a Prinsu in production and on the way. I would not have mounted the tent up there if not for some friends who wanted to camp before the Prinsu arrived. But it did work, and did well. And I'm not a slow driver. 80+ is not out of the ordinary, and it held up just fine First hand experience because I was just crazy (dumb?) enough to do it.

Not familiar with the differences between the sport rack and my sr5 one, but I ended up mounting our RTT to the factory side rails. There is just enough height to clear the cross bars without having to remove them, and the rails are more than strong enough.

Keep in mind you will probably have to assemble the tent when you pick it up (bolt on the mounting rails and ladder), as well as trim the tent mounting rails to length if you are mounting it to the rails and not the crossbars. (This step can be done when you get home)

4RunAmok said:

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Awesome man! love your setup. Follow you on IG, always love seeing your photos and trips. Thanks for the input- I'm feeling pretty sure the sport edition rack can handle the weight. Looking forward to getting my tent up there and on some overland trips!

exo_toy. said:

Not familiar with the differences between the sport rack and my sr5 one, but I ended up mounting our RTT to the factory side rails. There is just enough height to clear the cross bars without having to remove them, and the rails are more than strong enough.

Keep in mind you will probably have to assemble the tent when you pick it up (bolt on the mounting rails and ladder), as well as trim the tent mounting rails to length if you are mounting it to the rails and not the crossbars. (This step can be done when you get home)

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Thank you for the pics! It helps to see the mounting hardware

Welp- trip down to Portland was a success. Although it took about an hour and a half in the REI parking garage to install, it worked in the end. It is a bit of a ***** to get the nuts on due to clearance between the roof and end of bolt. But given enough time it attaches sturdily. Supports 2 people without breaking or creaking haha. Thanks for the help guys!