Trying to figure out the best set-up for my build - have a full size Prinsu rack and I'm looking for ideas regarding rooftop tents, Show me what sort of set-up you've got - trying to get ideas here - looking to install a tent and side canopy as well. Tent doesn't have to be large - there are two of us.
Camping out - rooftop tent, canopy etc - looking for ideas.
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johnnygraphic
Member
Surprised there hasn’t been 1,001 replies on this already!
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MAST4R
New member
Yeah, there is not much activity in the offroad section 
Maybe try the 5th gen forum and specify exact model and intended use. For example, in Montana, I have used the roof basket essentially as a roof skid plate. No way a rooftop tent can be used on the few true 4x4 trails I have driven there. On the other hand, no way would I camp on the ground here in desert AZ either. I just do day trips in the desert, but if I wanted to camp here, rooftop would be ideal.
I am not into rooftop tents but if I were looking for one low profile and low weight would be priorities. Hard shell.
Maybe try the 5th gen forum and specify exact model and intended use. For example, in Montana, I have used the roof basket essentially as a roof skid plate. No way a rooftop tent can be used on the few true 4x4 trails I have driven there. On the other hand, no way would I camp on the ground here in desert AZ either. I just do day trips in the desert, but if I wanted to camp here, rooftop would be ideal.
I am not into rooftop tents but if I were looking for one low profile and low weight would be priorities. Hard shell.
There are plans to hit the trails not much in the off-road fashion but more in the way of an exploratory type of thing. We just don't wanna go into a motel every night and rooftop has been chosen, as opposed to regular, is that my wife is sort of scared of any kinds of creatures that can visit us while on the trail (read animals). Utah is on the books first - camping out in the national parks for starters - we are heading to Europe the end of the year to start our journey there so tent and camping out of our Yota makes sense.
Mr_Bingley
Member
We have an ARB awning and the tent room for it, which is where we camp. As we're in our late 50s neither my Bride nor myself relish the idea of going down that thin ladder at 2am to go pee, and the tent room is big enough that we can actually sleep on cots. Just another idea.
that might not be an option for me though - general idea for a rooftop tent is to avoid all sorts of creatures that might otherwise be able to crawl in - that's not me - just trying to keep my other half happy...
Mr_Bingley
Member
the secret to a long life
And no, thats not the sun, or the moon. Thats my LED area light that is powered by a Ecoflow power station.
Im at the point now where i have everything i could need outdoors, the only step up for me from here is to get a damn RV!! lol.
5thgenMikeG
New member
Sleep inside car
I have a Prinsu on a 5th gen and I use the roof rack for a rifle case (storage), fly fishing rod holder, and a water tank. I mostly go solo, so I sleep inside the truck.
My reasoning for skipping the rooftop tent: (1) they're expensive; (2) it eliminates the ability to use the roof rack for anything else; (3) if I'm solo, then sleeping inside the truck is just easier.
I have a Prinsu on a 5th gen and I use the roof rack for a rifle case (storage), fly fishing rod holder, and a water tank. I mostly go solo, so I sleep inside the truck.
My reasoning for skipping the rooftop tent: (1) they're expensive; (2) it eliminates the ability to use the roof rack for anything else; (3) if I'm solo, then sleeping inside the truck is just easier.
I'm sure there are 1001 ways to do it, all with different budgets as well, but what I'm running on my 03 is a Costco-branded MIA Outdoors hard shell RTT on top of my prinsu-style rack with a smaller awning on the drivers side. The tent opens towards the passenger side. Having a hard shell tent was a game changer since now I don't have to worry about taking it off every time we aren't camping. Sure, its added weight, but its significantly lower profile than a regular RTT and I don't mind the look of it up there.
Set up and break down on a hard shell is also super quick compared to my previous smittybilt RTT I had.
For the rest of the build I am running a drawer system I built via plans purchased from adventureindex. I have a gas stove tucked away nicely with all of our camping goodies in there. Makes it really quick to pack to get off road. I have a ton of other (arguably un needed) overlanding equipment that gets shoved back there as well. It's worked out nice for me so far. A sleeping paltform build is also very doable and I see a lot of folks run it. I just like the idea of sleeping in a more comfortable setup tent, that isn't on the ground.
Set up and break down on a hard shell is also super quick compared to my previous smittybilt RTT I had.
For the rest of the build I am running a drawer system I built via plans purchased from adventureindex. I have a gas stove tucked away nicely with all of our camping goodies in there. Makes it really quick to pack to get off road. I have a ton of other (arguably un needed) overlanding equipment that gets shoved back there as well. It's worked out nice for me so far. A sleeping paltform build is also very doable and I see a lot of folks run it. I just like the idea of sleeping in a more comfortable setup tent, that isn't on the ground.
Really nice build you've got there! Thank you for the feedback - drawer system is a must for me in this case as I'll be able to stuff all my equipment in there - rear of the rig is not gonna get much use as there are just two of us that do get on the road in this thing. Still waiting for my Victory 4x4 rear bumper - swing outs are here, still missing the bumper itself - awning is a nice touch too and is on my list. A lot easier to install with hard shell IMO.
thanks again for your feedback - these are the kinds of things I was looking for to get ideas of my own.
thanks again for your feedback - these are the kinds of things I was looking for to get ideas of my own.
Morning fellas,
Please be aware of your roof loading on your rig. At a quick glance, looks like a 2020 5th gen has a dynamic roof loading of 125 lbs and a static loading of 265 lbs. I wonder if our owner's manual has this info? Hopefully our 4th gens have a higher rating than a 5th gen since manufacturers are going toward lighter and stronger construction these days for fuel econ and crash rating.
It's the dynamic roof loading that's more important since this is the weight the roof is suppose to carry while the vehicle is moving.
A RTT can easily weigh more than 125 lbs so please be aware of not overloading your rooves! Stress cracks may occur if the roof is overloaded, not to mention if you're involved in an accident, your insurance company may throw a fit.
Just making you folks be more aware!
Cheers.
Please be aware of your roof loading on your rig. At a quick glance, looks like a 2020 5th gen has a dynamic roof loading of 125 lbs and a static loading of 265 lbs. I wonder if our owner's manual has this info? Hopefully our 4th gens have a higher rating than a 5th gen since manufacturers are going toward lighter and stronger construction these days for fuel econ and crash rating.
It's the dynamic roof loading that's more important since this is the weight the roof is suppose to carry while the vehicle is moving.
A RTT can easily weigh more than 125 lbs so please be aware of not overloading your rooves! Stress cracks may occur if the roof is overloaded, not to mention if you're involved in an accident, your insurance company may throw a fit.
Just making you folks be more aware!
Cheers.
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