So I bit and ordered a roof top tent for the 4runner. I got the smittybilt overlander xl. Was thinking of getting new cross bars to mount it to but also have the thought of just replacing the roof rack. Guys with tents what do you recommend? Just get cross bars or whole new rack?

I am running a rocky mountain rack and love it.

if youre willing to spend 10% of the vehicles cost on a different rack by all means, those $600-$1000+ aluminum setups seem nice. Id go the route of those rectangular aftermarket crossbars LFG (sp?) or thule/yakima most likely, used on craigslist. even aftermarket no name brand decently reviewed crossbar options off amazon thatll fit to the stock rails and pull off what youre looking for for under $200.

Also, nice choice (OP) on the smittybuilt. i just saw trailrecons review of that tent in 2P i believe and it seems rugged. no tears or leaks with a good amount of use, 116lbs, $795 or something like that.

i was thinking of getting one just because MA is so bad for camping/offroading, figured it might gain me a loophole for staying at some surf spots for the night and dawn patrol sessions, etc. but well see. i run a marmot ground tent (catalyst 3p) that is sweet, never wet, just cant camp anywhere in this state unless in a campground.

enjoy!

I might just do rails idk tent was kind of an impulse buy

I just got back from a vacation and went camping for 5 nights, I don't want to be on the ground anymore, I live on Long Island and drive on the beach a lot. Camping on the beach in a regular tent gets annoying fast. Figure it would be easier with this.

i hear you lol i just camped horseneck beach a few weeks ago with my pup and coworkers and it was tough to not get sandy in there

I think I might just go the DIY route with cross bars. Some u-bolts and box steel would be a heck of a lot cheaper then some of this stuff Im looking at

yeah - ive been modding vehicles for my entire time with my license (16 years) and as ive got older im careful not to just get something because its trending or cool in the scene...kind of why i brought up the fact that we have racks stock, can put better bars on for a few hundred bucks, and realistically carry what we need to (some exceptions, sure) without dropping a grand on a roof rack.

I have the same RTT and have been using the LFD ruggedized cross bars. Very strong and secure. Great option for less than $200, rather than buying a rack that costs as much as the tent.

LFD Off Road - Ruggedized Crossbar 4th Gen

Got the tent yesterday and installed in last night. ended up making my own cross bars and attached them with u-bolts. Then attached the tent. Cant wait to use this thing. The tent is huge. So far 1000% happy with it

Seems like a huge trend right now along with light bars. I bet 80% of the people with the tents never have even used them.

Probably right. Plan on using mine this week.

I have a James baroud mounted on two rhino flat crossbars. I’ve thought about a lower profile rack but I don’t off-road as much or have other accessories that would go with it, like an awning, Plus with the cross bars I still have access to my sunroof.

The rhino flat cross bars have built in locks and are less expensive compared to Thule and Yakima. I’ve been happy with them. The tent has been permanent on the 4runner since I bought it 2 years ago. My gf and I use it quite a bit. It does decrease the mpg by ~2-3mpg so it takes its toll.

I first bought a Yakima RTT but that was crap. Extremely happy with the JB even tho it cost a lot more. I had to use their customer service once and they were amazing. Best of luck and happy camping!

I have had one for 3 years, I use it regularly every summer. I'm a fair weather camper, no winters for me

OP, lots of people on here have RTT's and tons of discussion on using the stock roof rack (I think it is a horrible idea).
on my 4th gen I had a Gobi rack with RTT, on my GX I am using the frontrunner. If you can spend the money on a tent you should secure it safely.

I would suggest reading through a few of the threads to find out more info