Not to hijack but how do you like the Front Runner rack? Is it a full size and what if any drilling did you have to do? Considering the the Alu Cab Gen 3 rooftop tent. Thanks. I would like to avoid drilling but curious how your install went and how you like the rack. I have also heard you cannot have anything, including the ladder inside the tent when you close it. Is that true?
I did end up drilling for the front mounts since this is the full length version. A total of 4 holes. I tried searching around for days to see if anyone had just used rubber pads like some brands. I think there was one that did it from my research. Everyone else recommended to drill though.
It uses the OEM points for the rear two mount points then drilled two holes for the front on driver and passenger side.
I watched quite a few YouTube videos on installs and how people like it. All in all, not bad but still scary.
Assemble the rack rails and install on the roof by bolting down the OEM spots. Use a center punch to mark your drill spots for the front, remove the rails and drill away. It uses rivets for the front. I however just used a bolt and nut so I drilled a smaller size I think. I made sure to use quite a lot of RTV silicone and blue loctite on everything so the threads don't rust and I don't get any leaks. I saw an awful post from a user where his whole roof had a huge rust hole. Haven't noticed any leaks yet since installed in July I believe.
I like the strength of the rack and the looks of the rack. It's a bit high and I knew that buying it. Part of me wishes I would have gone with one of the more slimmer and low profile racks with a no drill option. But I really liked the FrontRunner. Sherpa really caught my eye though.
But since this is higher, I can reach my arm underneath the tent/rack fairly easy as well to do any work.
For my Falcon tent, true, the ladder won't fit. It's already a tight fit trying to close it with just the mattress. Not sure about the one you're looking at. I just leave it in my trunk. My parents used the RTT for a trip in Colorado this past August and I was able to leave their blanket in there with a bit of a tighter fit. Folded the blanket and put it in the middle of the bed.
Now unless maybe you decide to use a different bed other than the supplied one and it can deflate, you may have room for more things in there.
I used 8 of their Tall Mounts to hold the tent in place. Originally tried their quick release but I could never get it to hold the tent in place nice and firm. Bumps I would hit on the road had little up and down play and so on. I couldn't imagine what it'd be like off road. So I opted to get their other mounts quickly. Probably error on my end though.
