68GTconvert
Banned
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
I searched but didn't see anything. Any opinions on the smittybuilt RTT?
Thanks
Can you put a Roof Top Tent on 4 runner factory roof rack
- Thread starter 68GTconvert
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NuclearN8
New member
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.
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.
68GTconvert
Banned
Thanks. So the gobi rack is the $1000 solution?
preacher35
New member
[MENTION=15853]Redswan[/MENTION] 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
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68GTconvert
Banned
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.
having fun
New member
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.
RunnerAK
New member
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.
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.
68GTconvert
Banned
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.
68GTconvert
Banned
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.
gshadow325
New member
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
68GTconvert
Banned
Thanks I will look into that.
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.
Where did you get this tent and how much does it cost in total ? Looks awesome
przm
New member
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.
wadle5
New member
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.
RunnerAK
New member
I would recommend STAYING FAR, FAR AWAY from a CVT group buy. Last year's was a total fiasco. We ordered our tent during the group buy in March, with the understanding that it may take a month or two to get, but we didn't actually get it until mid August, so we missed out on using it for the summer trips we had planned for it. If I'd known it was going to take that long to begin with, we'd have taken our money elsewhere. Communication was bad too, after taking our money they didn't provide any updates unless prompted by emailing/calling them several times first.
I'm quite happy with the tent I (finally) got, but the group buy experience was terrible. If you check the Tacoma World forum group buy thread, you'll see that many people shared the same experience we did. Perhaps non-group buy customers get better service from them?
I have the Mt. Shasta and love it too. I rotated the tent rails 90 degrees before bolting them to the floor of the tent (you have to shorten them slightly with a hacksaw) and then clamped them on to the factory rack with the provided hardware. This way it mounts a bit lower than cross bars would allow.
For anyone interested, the Tepui site has an excellent video on installing the tents. CVT didn't provide any instructions with the tent, or respond when I asked for some.
68GTconvert
Banned
thanks for all the reply's. I am now looking for a larger tent like a 3-4 person. Any problems with a larger style tent on the 4runner?
Sorry to hear of your bad experience with CVT. My experience 2.5 years ago (a group buy through expeditionportal) was nothing short of stellar. I spoke with Bobby a couple times during the process and he was nothing but accommodating and informative. Perhaps they're experiencing some growing pains--hopefully your experience won't become the rule.
I've enjoyed my Mt. Shasta immensely (sorry,mounted on my Ram, not my 4R):
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gshadow325
New member
I too am sorry you feel this way. I am quite happy with my RTT from CVT.
I originally oredered a Mt Bachelor, immediatly realized it was a bad choice in side since i have a family of 4. Ordered march 15, and march 21 i reordered a Mt Hood. My end of April, I get a call with info that the Mt Hood was oversold and back ordered till June/July. I was offered a refund or I can get a Mt Rainer shipped out to me today at no extra charge, if it would fit on my vehicle.
I took the offer and been a happy camper ever since. well my wife was a happy camper since she is a NON-camper!
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/129154214@N04/16071687019" title="20150111_083632 by gshadow3225 .., on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7538/16071687019_1968d2a57f_z.jpg" width="640" height="360" alt="20150111_083632"></a>
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