Roof Rack & Tent Combo - Help Needed!!!

[KNorm92]

Good afternoon everybody -

I got my 2018 TRD ORP in November after selling my Gen 4 SR5. With spring right around the corner, I have plenty of camping, fishing and wheeling ahead of me. I have been looking into racks and roof top tents quite extensively but am having a hard time figuring out what a good fit would be for my specific vehicle...not to mention what rack is compatible with what tent.

I want a full length rack so I can put an LED light bar up front, but I have a sunroof that I do not want to lose access to...so it has to have the cutout - plus I just like the aesthetics. The Gobi stealth and Gobi ranger are VERY common but seem to be kind of the gold standard if you do not mind having the same rack as everyone else. However, I'm not sure that the Gobi racks will work for a topper tent.

I have been talking with Go FSR about different tents and they recommended the Front Runner rack. There is a full size with no cutout for a sunroof and a 3/4 rack which would kill my lightbar mount project (I do not want to do a bunch of drilling).

Does anyone out there have suggestions on what works with what? I will happily take suggestions on rack and tent brands. I searched for a thread on this but was unsuccessful - hopefully someone has some solid info. AND if there is a thread out there that I missed, I apologize.

Thanks!

K. Norm

 

[Jeffy]

I've only had my Prinsu rack for about a week, but I researched a LOT before I bought it and it might be what you're looking for.

It's completely modular so you can adjust it to work with your sunroof however you'd like, you can completely remove the crossbars about the sunroof if you want. They have a full length option, with the choice to choose a wind fairing that already has a light bar cutout. The whole thing is aluminum and only weighs about 50 pounds so it's one of the lightest options out there. It's also one of the lowest-profile racks, it's less than an inch taller than the factory rack.

The only downside to this rack is that for the full-length, you have to drill through the roof. That doesn't bother me at all but some people are very hesitant to do so.

It shouldn't be too difficult to mount any tent on here, or at least fab/ modify something pretty easily. There's plenty of guys running this rack with tents up there.

In my opinion, it's also the best looking rack, but that's subjective.

Here's the rack with a lightbar cutout and tent mounted. On a Tacoma, but you get the idea:

 

[ALowe]

I can not comment on the rack question yet as im still battling with that same question but i can comment on the tent. My friend is an FSR ambassador and always comments on how cheap it feels compared to my Tepui. He has had an extreme and one of the standard ones. They are from the same factory in China but to different standards. Even as an ambassador he has had issue getting a hold of them for warranty problems too. Last I checked @boxrocket on another popular expedition forum gives 10% discounts on Tepui to forum members so that usually gets you in the same neighborhood cost wise. I can't speak to the FSR high country models either other than their foot print on the roof is much larger.
I have the tepui Autuna Sky in green and love it. I would do it all again for sure. The way they attach to racks is the same except for the hardware on the tepui is way stronger and it shouldn't matter what rack you get. They should all fit fine. I'm happy to answer any other questions too.

 

[TexasTJ]

I have a Gobi Stealth and Smittybilt RTT. Mounted to Gobi cross bars were a HUGE PITA. I bought some higher cross bars so I can easily mount it.

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[Cymon]

The Frontrunner 3/4 and CVT Mt. Rainier have been a great combo for my family. I would have gone full length of it was an option when I got the rack, but it didn’t come out until a few months later. I love the Frontrunner for its modularity and accessories. The best being their quick release tent mounts, it takes all of 5 minutes to take the tent on and off of our truck. I have some pics of the mounts in my thread... post 180, and then some more of them with the tent in action on the posts after. Without the mounts I would have stuck with the ol ground tent.

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/222282-cymons-weekend-warrior-mfd-thread-12.html

 

[Komarmy]

I have the Baja Rack -Utility Flat Mesh floor rack and my Tepui tent mounted up easily and works great. The BajaRack has a cut out for a sunroof. Baja Rack: racks_list_inside

 

[encryption]

I was introduced to overlanding a couple of years ago and have been dreaming of / researching building a rig for the intended purpose of. I recently ended up ordering a 4Runner just last week (couple of months until delivery), few years to mod out until my newborn is older and the fun then starts.

Based on my research, at this time, I have nailed down the FrontRunner Slimline Series 2 full sized rack + CVT Mt. Denali Extended Stargazer Summit. Although the Tepui Autana XL Ruggedized SKY was a close second, the much denser 380G material of the CVT tent that is capable of sleeping 4+ people with dual ladders and built in LED interior lights was the big Seller for me. It's an expensive tent - no doubt, but given it's the heaviest duty tent that I have found in my research and the length of time it will likely serve my growing family, I felt it would be worth the long term overlanding investment.

Stock photos below

 

[Cymon]

I was introduced to overlanding a couple of years ago and have been dreaming of / researching building a rig for the intended purpose of. I recently ended up ordering a 4Runner just last week (couple of months until delivery), few years to mod out until my newborn is older and the fun then starts.

Based on my research, at this time, I have nailed down the FrontRunner Slimline Series 2 full sized rack + CVT Mt. Denali Extended Stargazer Summit. Although the Tepui Autana XL Ruggedized SKY was a close second, the much denser 380G material of the CVT tent that is capable of sleeping 4+ people with dual ladders and built in LED interior lights was the big Seller for me. It's an expensive tent - no doubt, but given it's the heaviest duty tent that I have found in my research and the length of time it will likely serve my growing family, I felt it would be worth the long term overlanding investment.

Stock photos below

Just be mindful of the weight of the Denali with Frontrunner. The max weight capacity of the Frontrunner is 660lbs static load and the Denali Summit is close to 250lbs with annex. I am at about 600lbs with the Rainier Summit Series and our family of 4 (Myself, wife 5 year old and 3 year old). Not saying it can’t be done but you might want to contact Frontrunner and CVT to make sure that the load capacities work out. This and other reasons are why I’m starting to look into trailer options for our tent.

 

[encryption]

Just be mindful of the weight of the Denali with Frontrunner. The max weight capacity of the Frontrunner is 660lbs static load and the Denali Summit is close to 250lbs with annex. I am at about 600lbs with the Rainier Summit Series and our family of 4 (Myself, wife 5 year old and 3 year old). Not saying it can’t be done but you might want to contact Frontrunner and CVT to make sure that the load capacities work out. This and other reasons are why I’m starting to look into trailer options for our tent.

I know what you mean, once the 4Runner gets paid off, Peanut (from Nuthouse Industries) OR Turtleback Trailer is next on the purchase list. The tent will migrate to it then.

 

[KNorm92]

I've only had my rack for about a week, but I researched a LOT before I bought it and it might be what you're looking for.

It's completely modular so you can adjust it to work with your sunroof however you'd like, you can completely remove the crossbars about the sunroof if you want. They have a full length option, with the choice to choose a wind fairing that already has a light bar cutout. The whole thing is aluminum and only weighs about 50 pounds so it's one of the lightest options out there. It's also one of the lowest-profile racks, it's less than an inch taller than the factory rack.

The only downside to this rack is that for the full-length, you have to drill through the roof. That doesn't bother me at all but some people are very hesitant to do so.

It shouldn't be too difficult to mount any tent on here, or at least fab/ modify something pretty easily. There's plenty of guys running this rack with tents up there.

In my opinion, it's also the best looking rack, but that's subjective.

Although I'm not super privy to drilling, I would consider it. Do you know if I went with Prinsu and got a full length rack and skipped the first few cross bars up front to leave it open for my sunroof...would it still hold a RTT and 2 people? Just don't want to overload it and cause it to fail.

 

[tristero]

Anyone looking for tents should really head over to the group buy section and check the Tacoma World group buys as well. There are 2 starting up now.

 

[KNorm92]

I can not comment on the rack question yet as im still battling with that same question but i can comment on the tent. My friend is an FSR ambassador and always comments on how cheap it feels compared to my Tepui. He has had an extreme and one of the standard ones. They are from the same factory in China but to different standards. Even as an ambassador he has had issue getting a hold of them for warranty problems too. Last I checked @boxrocket on another popular expedition forum gives 10% discounts on Tepui to forum members so that usually gets you in the same neighborhood cost wise. I can't speak to the FSR high country models either other than their foot print on the roof is much larger.
I have the tepui Autuna Sky in green and love it. I would do it all again for sure. The way they attach to racks is the same except for the hardware on the tepui is way stronger and it shouldn't matter what rack you get. They should all fit fine. I'm happy to answer any other questions too.

Very good to know!

 

[adio3x]

Gobi's are so 2012 (no offense to anyone with Gobi, I had one lol).

+juan for the Prinsu. Yes you an remove the first couple bars to retain the moonroof function. The rack in completely modular. Also the biggest issue I had with the Gobi was how a RTT would be mounted. Unless you have child like hands, getting your hands on the cross bars is near impossible. Next solution was to run some Thule square bars to get a gap going. With the prinsu, you can simply measure the distance, take two bars off, mount to tent, screw the bars back in. Or the way I'll be mounting my wedge hardshell, through the moonroof for the front mounts, remove the last bar and stick my hands in for the back mounts.

If you're looking for a rad rad tent. Check these out: http://www.toyota-4runner.org/group-buys/240682-chandlerdooms-hardshell-rtt-round-3-live.html

I ran the popup for awhile, now testing out the wedge. Way better than a tradition fold out/box/giant wind sail RTT. Hit me up if you're interested!

 

[scopela4]

IMO, FrontRunner full length is the best option if you can stomach drilling into your new vehicle due to the build quality, available accessories and the fact that it's aluminum. A close second is Rhino Rack's full length utility rack with backbone system. RR is aluminum and doesn't require drilling

As far as the tent is concerned, I own a CVT Mt Rainier Stargazer and have been more than satisfied with the function and quality.

I may get banned from the forum for even mentioning his name but if you search "drabbits" you'll find another full length low profile basket style rack with the option for a sunroof cutout and as many adjustable/removable crossbars as you'd like. I can testify to the build quality and noticed he updated the 1st page to show he's back in business. The most recent post has an alleged customer who received his rack 20 days after order. If you decide to give drabbits any consideration I suggest you read thru the entirety of the thread. My experience with him was better than some but far from perfect

 

[KNorm92]

Gobi's are so 2012 (no offense to anyone with Gobi, I had one lol).

+juan for the Prinsu. Yes you an remove the first couple bars to retain the moonroof function. The rack in completely modular. Also the biggest issue I had with the Gobi was how a RTT would be mounted. Unless you have child like hands, getting your hands on the cross bars is near impossible. Next solution was to run some Thule square bars to get a gap going. With the prinsu, you can simply measure the distance, take two bars off, mount to tent, screw the bars back in. Or the way I'll be mounting my wedge hardshell, through the moonroof for the front mounts, remove the last bar and stick my hands in for the back mounts.

If you're looking for a rad rad tent. Check these out: http://www.toyota-4runner.org/group-buys/240682-chandlerdooms-hardshell-rtt-round-3-live.html

I ran the popup for awhile, now testing out the wedge. Way better than a tradition fold out/box/giant wind sail RTT. Hit me up if you're interested!

[MENTION=50186]adio3x[/MENTION] I definitely agree with you on the Gobi's haha! Plus from what I hear, the lead times are dogsh*t and they are way overpriced. With that being said, they also have an 800lbs static weight load...where most others seem to be 600.

I think I've narrowed it down to the full length Prinsu or the Baja Utility flat rack.

Do you have any suggestions for quick release mounts that would work for a Prinsu or Baja?? Since this is my DD, I'm going to be pulling my RTT on and off constantly and want a secure easy way to do so.

Also - those hardshells are pretty freaking sweet!

Thanks :cheers:

 

[Gossamer]

I know what you mean, once the 4Runner gets paid off, Peanut (from Nuthouse Industries) OR Turtleback Trailer is next on the purchase list. The tent will migrate to it then.

I spoke with Tom from Nuthouse the other day. What a great guy. I can't wait to get my set up and then get a trailer from those guys. First class people all the way.

 

[delgadtn]

I custom ordered a roof rack from Tim at Gamiviti. He has cross bars that can mount over your expedition rack so that you could have gear on the rack and then a RTT floating above on cross bars. Because I already have a Yakima setup. He is fab’ing me some custom plates that will mate with my Yakima landing pads so that I can easily take on and off locking Yakima control towers/cross bars. He’s based out of Denver and will install your rack for you or ship it per preference. Check it out.


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[KNorm92]

I custom ordered a roof rack from Tim at Gamiviti. He has cross bars that can mount over your expedition rack so that you could have gear on the rack and then a RTT floating above on cross bars. Because I already have a Yakima setup. He is fab’ing me some custom plates that will mate with my Yakima landing pads so that I can easily take on and off locking Yakima control towers/cross bars. He’s based out of Denver and will install your rack for you or ship it per preference. Check it out.


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Good to know! A few questions:

- How much did you pay for your rack?
- After looking at pictures, I'm assuming that you had some drilling done with installation?
- What was the lead time like for the rack?

 

[delgadtn]

Lead time is 4-6 weeks. The base price is around $800. I added a ton of extra stuff, sunroof cutout, expo bar, extra plates, drop in basket, wire grid, extra light bar tabs and gussets, and custom riser feet to mount my Yakima rack. That was $1300. Not cheap but you could totally get away with a nice rack for under $1000. I’ve talked to a lot of Land Cruiser Folks and they are super happy with his product. The nice thing is that he will customize it any way you want. He has the option not to drill in to the roof. I am drilling in to my roof for extra supports up front. The middle and rear mounting points use the existing holes. He uses NutZerts. I am driving 6 hours to Denver for him to mount it as it’s worth it to me to have someone who knows the rack system and drill points Install it right. Here is a picture of the design I used. I should get it second week of March.

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[24poepoe]

Here is my full length Prinsu with a Yakima shyrise 2 person tent. I have had the rack a couple months now and absolutely love it. ( sorry about the crappy pic. Cell phone thru closed window)