Final word on RTT on stock roof rails.

I'd bypass the crossbars altogether, attach directly to the side rails if possible.. I know some rtt's require horizontal bars though.

JSparky - Thank you so much! This picture is exactly the confirmation I was looking for. I just bought an Autana, and need to go pick it up. Planning on assembling and mounting it in their parking lot... Question: Are those the original bolts, and did you have to cut them? It looks like they need to be a pretty exact length so as not to hit the roof.
 
JSparky - Thank you so much! This picture is exactly the confirmation I was looking for. I just bought an Autana, and need to go pick it up. Planning on assembling and mounting it in their parking lot... Question: Are those the original bolts, and did you have to cut them? It looks like they need to be a pretty exact length so as not to hit the roof.

I want to say they were included but I couldn’t tell you if Tepui is still providing the same length. If I can dig up the hardware I’ll measure it and get back to you. If not I’m sure there’s a hardware store near them that would have what you need.
 
I'd bypass the crossbars altogether, attach directly to the side rails if possible.. I know some rtt's require horizontal bars though.

Im trying to attach my Tepui tent directly to the side rails but I’m having a hard time tightening the inside bolts of the brackets. Any tips? I don’t plan to keep the tent attached so hoping I can figure out an easier way to install and remove it.
 
Im trying to attach my Tepui tent directly to the side rails but I’m having a hard time tightening the inside bolts of the brackets. Any tips? I don’t plan to keep the tent attached so hoping I can figure out an easier way to install and remove it.

Instead of trying to attach the tent while it was on top of the vehicle, I took my side rails off and attached the tent upside down. This gave me full range of motion so I didn't have to try and squeeze my hands and tools under the rails. Then I had a buddy help me lift the tent already assembled to the side rails, back on top of the vehicle and attached the side rails back in their place on the roof. I haven't had a single issue with it.
 
Im trying to attach my Tepui tent directly to the side rails but I’m having a hard time tightening the inside bolts of the brackets. Any tips? I don’t plan to keep the tent attached so hoping I can figure out an easier way to install and remove it.

I dont have an RTT, but I was looking at this for quick attachment and removal. What do you guys think? Would something like this work for Yakima or Thule crossbars? Basically, these would be attached to the bottom of the tent platform then attached to the crossbars.


Global Truss Pro Clamp Wrap Around 2-Inch | PSSL
 
Im trying to attach my Tepui tent directly to the side rails but I’m having a hard time tightening the inside bolts of the brackets. Any tips? I don’t plan to keep the tent attached so hoping I can figure out an easier way to install and remove it.

It is super tight, that’s one nice thing about aftermarket roof racks.

Once you get the hang of it it’ll be easier. I usually adjust the nut on the inside bolt before attaching the bracket to the outside bolt. This makes it easier to get the inside bolt where it needs to be (so that the metal bracket is just past level with the bottom of the roof rack rail, then tighten it up with the outside bolt. Does that make sense?
 
Instead of trying to attach the tent while it was on top of the vehicle, I took my side rails off and attached the tent upside down. This gave me full range of motion so I didn't have to try and squeeze my hands and tools under the rails. Then I had a buddy help me lift the tent already assembled to the side rails, back on top of the vehicle and attached the side rails back in their place on the roof. I haven't had a single issue with it.

I do the exact same thing, and when my RTT isn't being used, I have the roof rack delete kit (OEM) installed. Works great and saved a ton of frustration installing the tent to the rack each time due to the low clearance of the hardware to the roof (I custom fabricated some .120 1x2 steel crossbars that sit quite low to the roof).
 
I've been using my stock rails on my 16' Trail with the tent mounted directly on the outer rails. It completely sucks to install and uninstall because of the spacing, but beggars can't be choosers.
 
Instead of trying to attach the tent while it was on top of the vehicle, I took my side rails off and attached the tent upside down. This gave me full range of motion so I didn't have to try and squeeze my hands and tools under the rails. Then I had a buddy help me lift the tent already assembled to the side rails, back on top of the vehicle and attached the side rails back in their place on the roof. I haven't had a single issue with it.

Ya, with the low clearance, it'll take me a long time so I'll have to give this method a shot. I assume you kept the cross bars attached to the rails to maintain the rail placement?

I dont have an RTT, but I was looking at this for quick attachment and removal. What do you guys think? Would something like this work for Yakima or Thule crossbars? Basically, these would be attached to the bottom of the tent platform then attached to the crossbars.

Global Truss Pro Clamp Wrap Around 2-Inch | PSSL

I dont know.. I'm trying to attach the RTT directly to my stock side rails but if this does work for you, it'd be much more cost effective than buying an aftermarket rack. Let me know how this works out for you.

It is super tight, that’s one nice thing about aftermarket roof racks.

Once you get the hang of it it’ll be easier. I usually adjust the nut on the inside bolt before attaching the bracket to the outside bolt. This makes it easier to get the inside bolt where it needs to be (so that the metal bracket is just past level with the bottom of the roof rack rail, then tighten it up with the outside bolt. Does that make sense?

SUPER tight! I imagine you're doing this while the RTT is already on the roof and not going the route of attaching the rails to the RTT before putting it up on the roof. Are you saying tightening the inside bolt enough to get thread through the bolt prior to adding the bolt to the outside (?) If so, ya i guess that would work too and eliminate all that time trying to work my hand and tools under the tent. I figure I'd still have to go back to the inside bolt after tightening the outside - seems like it would speed the process a little bit.
 
Ya, with the low clearance, it'll take me a long time so I'll have to give this method a shot. I assume you kept the cross bars attached to the rails to maintain the rail placement?



I dont know.. I'm trying to attach the RTT directly to my stock side rails but if this does work for you, it'd be much more cost effective than buying an aftermarket rack. Let me know how this works out for you.



SUPER tight! I imagine you're doing this while the RTT is already on the roof and not going the route of attaching the rails to the RTT before putting it up on the roof. Are you saying tightening the inside bolt enough to get thread through the bolt prior to adding the bolt to the outside (?) If so, ya i guess that would work too and eliminate all that time trying to work my hand and tools under the tent. I figure I'd still have to go back to the inside bolt after tightening the outside - seems like it would speed the process a little bit.

It’s really not that bad, tight but quick. Let me try to throw a video up tomorrow.
 
Attached the side rails to the tent first and then put the set up on the roof. It worked like a charm! Thanks for the tip fellas!

7516799216_IMG_4769.jpg


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This thread is awesome. I was about to drop 1k on a roof rack plus the tent, now i can order tent, and replace rails if needed down the road!
 
RTT usng factory rails

Have 5th gen 4runner with factory rails. looking at the Thule 4058 rail system so I can mount a Tepui Kukuman RTT. The load for the 4058 does not seem sufficient (?) for my load (2 adults/ approx 400lbs) and the RTT. Question: will the 4058 system work for this load or is there another higher rated system you'd recommend. I liked the 4058 as it has minimal installation (like the simplicity) and no drilling holes.
 
Have 5th gen 4runner with factory rails. looking at the Thule 4058 rail system so I can mount a Tepui Kukuman RTT. The load for the 4058 does not seem sufficient (?) for my load (2 adults/ approx 400lbs) and the RTT. Question: will the 4058 system work for this load or is there another higher rated system you'd recommend. I liked the 4058 as it has minimal installation (like the simplicity) and no drilling holes.

I use the 45058 system with my Autohome (actually have two sets). One stays mounted to the RTT while the other gets used for canoes/kayaks. The white PVC slides over the bar ends making it easier to lift when mounting or removing. They slide off of the bars once mounted.
 

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I'll play too. It works, it's safe, and it's cheaper! I've had mine bolted to the factory cross-bars all last summer and into this year. You'll see a bit of a dip in MPG (you just put a bit box on top of your vehicle, duh), but not more than 2-3 hwy from my experience.



And pics, because why not?

Snapseed-M.jpg


VegFest2018-5-L.jpg
 
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I'll play too. It works, it's safe, and it's cheaper! I've had mine bolted to the factory cross-bars all last summer and into this year. You'll see a bit of a dip in MPG (you just put a bit box on top of your vehicle, duh), but not more than 2-3 hwy from my experience.



And pics, because why not?

Snapseed-M.jpg


VegFest2018-5-L.jpg

Sorry...can you clarify your setup...I think I am confused between factory rails or whether you are using factory cross bars or perhaps a combo? Guess I am mostly interested to learn if Thule Evo SquareBar | Thule would be sufficient with RTT occupied by 2 adults? thnx
 
Sorry...can you clarify your setup...I think I am confused between factory rails or whether you are using factory cross bars or perhaps a combo? Guess I am mostly interested to learn if Thule Evo SquareBar | Thule would be sufficient with RTT occupied by 2 adults? thnx

I'm using all factory parts that came on it. My tent is bolted to the factory black cross-members that go sideways.

I did use shorter bolts from Ace Hardware as the SmittyBilt bolts would have put holes in my roof, but other than that, what came on the 4Runner when you bought it should be more than enough.
 

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