RTT mounting options

[Brique]

I know this question has been asked before, and I've googled it, and read extensively, but I'm having a hard time pulling the trigger on a mounting solution for my new RTT.

The majority of posts I've seen on mounting RTTs on 3rd gens have the majority of responses being something to the effect of "I just welded up my own" or "I use a Whitson Metal Works rack" or some other discontinued solution. Other solutions mentioned that sound promising all seem to have dead links since the threads are so old. I'm handy enough to build things with wood (not helpful for a roof rack, i know) and I can cut and screw things like unistruts together, but I don't weld or have anything in the way of metalworking tools (or knowledge, for that matter)

The tent is the Smittybilt Overlander XL 2883, which weighs in at 150lbs, is 76" long, 48" wide, and 14" tall folded.

I've looked at tower/crossbar solutions like the Thule 460R, Yakima Skytowers and Rhinorack RLTP. I've also looked at Full size racks like Rocky Mountain Racks Matterhorn and Bajarack. And I've considered fashioning my own using unistruts.

My concern with the tower/crossbar solutions I've seen is that I'm worried they're not going to be robust enough to handle the weight of a massive RTT getting windblown on the highway or jostled around on a trail. Add to that the concern that the stock rails that the aftermarket crossbars would mount to are much shorter than the tent itself means that there would be about 1-2 foot overhang forward of the rails.

My issue with a full size rack is that they all seem to be in the neighborhood of $1k+ and would be custom to the 3rd gen. Since I'm considering stepping up to an LC in the next few years, I don't really want to drop that much on a rack that won't carry over to the LC. That and I don't really have $1k to drop on a rack right now anyway.

The problem with doing a DIY unistrut solution is just that my wife doesn't trust that I can pull it off safely/successfully.


So I'd love to read your thoughts on how you've mounted your RTT or what you reccomend in my situation.

Thanks in advance!

 

[T4topher]

I’d bet you could come up with a way to attach it to your oem rack. That would be what I’d try, maybe use a u bolt/plumbing strap. Maybe even some 1/4” aluminum bar stock.. What’s the center to center on the bolt holes under the tent? 2 bolt holes per corner correct?

Don’t have a rtt but have thought about it and how to attach it.

 

[Brique]

I don't have those measurements yet - the RTT is supposed to come today. But my understanding is that there are three rails on the bottom of the tent that allow for u-bolt type hardware to secure it to the crossbars.

 

[Brique]

I'll be using the stock rails, but from what I've read, it's not worth trusting the stock crossbars.

 

[Wedgy]

Inexpensive Full Length Roof Rack (Curt Rack)

 

[nc-grayson]

I use a simple Yakima setup with towers, landing pad 1’s, and round bars. Not the most aerodynamically solution out there, the rtt sits about 6 inches off the roof when it’s all said and done. But with the fairing it’s fine. Literally can’t tell it’s up there cruising 79 down the highway - no road noise. I’m not concerned about weight.

And when I’m not running the rtt, I can remove it from the crossbars, and then unclip the sky towers from the landing pads and remove the bars for extra mpg’s.

Works for me, and it’s cheap. You can find any used Yakima/Thule setup on CL for dirt - just gotta eat the right landing pads that mount to the factory rails and you’re set. I e had my yak rack for about 10 years over 4 vehicles. It’s more than paid for itself in the $200 I paid for it used.

 

[phattyduck]

Aftermarket crossbars would use the same bolts to hold it down to the rack as any full size rack setup (M6 bolts). Thule and Yakima both probably have foot kits that attach to the stock rails using square nuts that fit in the rails.

If you are worried about strength, maybe get a third crossbar to help spread the load? You would have to use spacers to bolt everything down due to the curve of the roof...

Be happy in knowing that the roof top tent base should help spread the load out...

-Charlie

 

[Hopeless Diamond]

End of the day, doesn't pretty much every rack and option come down to using the stock rails? As long as you can come up with a good way to attach to them, I don't see any reason why cutting some strut and using it as cross bars wouldn't work. You could put 3 or 4 across and spread the load. Its all about attaching it to the rails.

 

[GhostRing]

Out of all the off-the-shelf kits I've installed, I've been quite happy with the Rhino RLTP towers and vortex bars. The nice thing about certain RR bars is you can shim-adjust them to level the bars.
As we know, the T4R drops off a fair amount towards the rear. The above kit also is one of the lowest profile towers out there - especially good for heavy items such as RTTs.

 

[sleepydad]

pulling the trigger on a mounting solution for my new RTT.

Thanks in advance!

I will give you anther option.

I own 2 RTT's one for my 3rd gen and my rover.

if I was going to mount a smaller tent on my 3rd gen today I would get a set of rails, then 4 mounting feet and 2 x-bars from these guys.

Load Bar Set – Equipt Expedition Outfitters

40 mm is the lowest set
K9 Roof Rack Foot – Equipt Expedition Outfitters

track
K9 Roof Rack Rail Set – Equipt Expedition Outfitters

these are expedition quality and super solid. I have their full length racks but if I would do it again I would just go with their load bars for sure.

I can tell you their racks a very high quality and super strong. not cheap for sure but... you want nice you pay for nice.

<a href="https://imgur.com/59Bb68X"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/59Bb68Xl.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a>
<a href="https://imgur.com/xtMfbDk"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/xtMfbDkl.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a>
<a href="https://imgur.com/ozJQnv6"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/ozJQnv6l.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a>

 

[4runnerfiend]

extra set of stock bars

I have a smittybuilt overlander (standard size) mounted to the stock bars. I got an extra set so I have 4 bars that the tent mounts to. I have heard that the stock bars can fail at the plastic end pieces, however with 4 rails if one fails I have three more attached.

The smittybilt tent comes with 1 set of hardware that will allow you to mount to 2 rails. You can purchase another set for 35 bucks online. The kit comes with bolts that are waaayyy longer than needed and nylon nuts which are a ***** to screw in. I mean attaching that thing is awkward enough. Also the nylon bolts are technically one time use.

This was what I did.

Extra set of cross bars 50 bucks used
Pulled out all the screws that hold the rails to the roof. Re-tighten and blue thread lock them.
Extra set of Hardware from smittybilt 35 bucks online.
new set of stainless bolts, lock washers and standard nuts from hardware store. 30 bucks
My wife and I can get the tent on and mounted in 20 min to all 4 bars (8 mounting locations) with standard wrenches.

The XL is larger than the one I have so not sure if the mounting rails on it are set out wider than the standard size. I assume they are...? the mounting rails are held onto the tent base by two bolts each. Yes just two bolts. I guess you could re position them but drilling out a new mounting hole in the tent base further in. That is just a guess.

Sorry for the long post.

 

[Nixid]

I am using Smittybilt defender Rack Roof Mounting kit DS2-6, and some rhino rack cross bar I found. I found mounting hit on ebay for $53 for a set of 6. Smittybilt Defender Rack Roof Rack Mounting Kit - DS2-6 | eBay