RTT plus plate plate bumper experience?

[TheWendi]

Hey all

I'm really curious to hear from folks out there running RTT AND front bumper on a 3rd gen, specifically what your experience has been like with handling, accelerating, braking etc.

I've got:
-a hard top RTT on my 2000 sr5 year-round, mounted directly to FrontRunner custom drilled rails, no rack
-881s in front and 891s in rear with 5100 Bilstein shocks
-SRQ skid plate
-pretty heft storage drawers in the trunk, maybe 100-150 lbs together.

Been running it for a couple years, love it. Never had any less-than-ideal handling I can associate with the RTT on or off-road. We're pretty slow going up long hills, but sounds like that's pretty par for the course. Almost exclusively driving it around just me and my girl, no other passengers.

Been really waffling about the taco ARB bumper for a while now. Mostly thinking about it to better protect the front end but could also see getting a mounted winch down the line...possibly. So far haven't needed that, though, most extreme stuff I've done is in Utah (white rim and intermediate roads in Moab area), mostly I run forest roads out here in the Northwest for hiking and camping.

Also, first time posting - been so overwhelmed and grateful over the last few years with the sheer MOUNTAIN of knowledge on here that, frankly, I've never had the guts to engage directly too much...but here goes nothin. Thank you so much in advance, and for all you've already shared in helping me get into this stuff!

 

[flooredrunner]

Hey all

I'm really curious to hear from folks out there running RTT AND front bumper on a 3rd gen, specifically what your experience has been like with handling, accelerating, braking etc.

I've got:
-a hard top RTT on my 2000 sr5 year-round, mounted directly to FrontRunner custom drilled rails, no rack
-881s in front and 891s in rear with 5100 Bilstein shocks
-SRQ skid plate
-pretty heft storage drawers in the trunk, maybe 100-150 lbs together.

Been running it for a couple years, love it. Never had any less-than-ideal handling I can associate with the RTT on or off-road. We're pretty slow going up long hills, but sounds like that's pretty par for the course. Almost exclusively driving it around just me and my girl, no other passengers.

Been really waffling about the taco ARB bumper for a while now. Mostly thinking about it to better protect the front end but could also see getting a mounted winch down the line...possibly. So far haven't needed that, though, most extreme stuff I've done is in Utah (white rim and intermediate roads in Moab area), mostly I run forest roads out here in the Northwest for hiking and camping.

Also, first time posting - been so overwhelmed and grateful over the last few years with the sheer MOUNTAIN of knowledge on here that, frankly, I've never had the guts to engage directly too much...but here goes nothin. Thank you so much in advance, and for all you've already shared in helping me get into this stuff!

I have a Roofnest Falcon on a Sherpa MK1 rack with a 4xinnovations rear bumper with swing full size spare (33" e load general grabber). It is on Dobinsons C59-210v rear springs.

Still handles great, but man, when the tent is off, it feels like a race car handling-wise LOL.

 

[TheWendi]

Haha dude, I bet. I guess I'm glad I don't take mine off cus I'll never know the difference! Mine's a Roofnest Sparrow. You ever been tempted to put a front bumper on too? Thanks for the reply, and sweet rig

 

[Romeo1]

What you running for tires size wise, model, and load rating?

 

[TheWendi]

What you running for tires size wise, model, and load rating?

BFG KO2s, 265/75/r16 load E

 

[flooredrunner]

Haha dude, I bet. I guess I'm glad I don't take mine off cus I'll never know the difference! Mine's a Roofnest Sparrow. You ever been tempted to put a front bumper on too? Thanks for the reply, and sweet rig

I keep mine on all year for now as well. Had my old tent off due to a recall and it felt amazing during that time.

I have definitely been tempted to put on a front bumper. However, I would most likely want coilovers for the adjustability from the added weight, and I'm also hesitant of throwing even more weight on the lower balljoints so I haven't done anything yet. Maybe if I ever crunch the front bumper it will tempt me more.

 

[octanejunkie]

Haven't seen anyone mention the TBU which I think starts to become less of an option as we make these vehicles heavier...

Sent from my Pixel 4 XL using Tapatalk

 

[busmup808]

My truck is loaded 6600 at camp mode. 5500 raw daily. I have the 231mm tundra upgrade for the brakes. My truck has a solid front axle now and I’m regeared with 5.29s. The acceleration is way better with the 5.29s. As far as handling, I had aftermarket ADDCO sway bars front/rear with poly bushings. I liked them so much that I tried having it my solid axle front and 3link rear, but it wasn’t happening due to the set up. So I opted for ANTIROCK sway bars from ROCKJOCK4X4.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

[Romeo1]

BFG KO2s, 265/75/r16 load E

I don’t run a RTT, but I have all kinds of steel plates and a winch added. So it’s semi on topic. But, I have to say, after dropping a from a load E aggressive 3ply sidewall tire to a Load C 3ply sidewall mud terrain (both 265/75) what a world of difference. It’s crazy how different the driving experience is with the Load C’s. Better in everything possible. I’ve thrashed on them. Driven over sharp Idaho lava rocks. Drove through a nail and pallet infested area this last week. Bounced all over moab and canyon lands at the beginning of the month. Pointy ledges on poison spider mesa. Just all kinds of abuse really.

I really think you can free up some parasitic loss that the E tires cause by going to a Load C. Now that said you can’t the the KO2 in C in your current size. They do make it in a 17” in 255, 265, and 285 though.

If you could find somebody with a set of Load C’s to try out, I think you should try it for a day if you could just swap the tires and wheels on to your rig. I think you would be very surprised at the difference. Those E tires sure have a way of sucking the horsepower and acceleration potential out of these third gens.

All the weight hasn’t hurt anything but the rear springs in my case. I’m going to move up the front shocks to the 2.3” setting this week when I blow the front end apart for control arm overhaul, and up the rear spring to the next size up. The C’s made such a difference that I don’t really think about supercharging it now. I mean no kidding, I was about ready to pull that trigger since it felt slow. Not anymore. Sure they’ll never be a speed demon, but it’s at least tolerable now.

Give it a shot. I think you’ll be surprised.

 

[Endlessblockades]

Haven't seen anyone mention the TBU which I think starts to become less of an option as we make these vehicles heavier...

Sent from my Pixel 4 XL using Tapatalk

I've believe I've already warped my rotors and am still waiting for a bumper.....
I should probably verify that as the cause of the braking feedback I have at the steering wheel first, but a TBU is in the cards....

 

[Bad Luck]

I've believe I've already warped my rotors and am still waiting for a bumper.....
I should probably verify that as the cause of the braking feedback I have at the steering wheel first, but a TBU is in the cards....

That’s really easy to check. Does your steering wheel only vibrate/shake when braking? If yes then you have warped front rotors or severely hot spotted/hardened rotors. If your vehicle vibrates when you pull the hand brake while driving then you have a problem with the rear brakes.

 

[bmason8159]

I’ve never really seen the allure of the roof top tents, expensive heavy and when I see people with them I know they hardly ever use them but I guess each there own. I like to camp in the back of the 4Runner. Way more room than a rooftop tent.

 

[busmup808]

I’ve never really seen the allure of the roof top tents, expensive heavy and when I see people with them I know they hardly ever use them but I guess each there own. I like to camp in the back of the 4Runner. Way more room than a rooftop tent.

The RTT layout has way more room than the rear of our 3rd gen 4Runners. I speak from experience. I used to camp in the rear of my truck before getting my RTT and not only is it better, but you get more space in length, width, and height. Plus your sleeping platform in the RTT is just your sleeping area. When I used the cargo area as a sleeping platform, everything that was in it had to be moved outside no matter what kind of conditions you are in. With my RTT, the cargo area stays the same way you packed it. I made the jump to a RTT, drawer system, drop down fridge slide w/ARB fridge, etc because I live in WA and we camp yearly/seasonally. Going out and enjoying what ever Mother Nature throws at you.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

[TheWendi]

I really think you can free up some parasitic loss that the E tires cause by going to a Load C. Now that said you can’t the the KO2 in C in your current size. They do make it in a 17” in 255, 265, and 285 though.

If you could find somebody with a set of Load C’s to try out, I think you should try it for a day if you could just swap the tires and wheels on to your rig. I think you would be very surprised at the difference. Those E tires sure have a way of sucking the horsepower and acceleration potential out of these third gens.

All the weight hasn’t hurt anything but the rear springs in my case. I’m going to move up the front shocks to the 2.3” setting this week when I blow the front end apart for control arm overhaul, and up the rear spring to the next size up. The C’s made such a difference that I don’t really think about supercharging it now. I mean no kidding, I was about ready to pull that trigger since it felt slow. Not anymore. Sure they’ll never be a speed demon, but it’s at least tolerable now.

Give it a shot. I think you’ll be surprised.

Thanks for that, Romeo! Great advice. I hadn't really heard much in the way of concrete comparison between Es and Cs like this (mostly just a lot of worrying about the comparative strength of the tires, hah), but this is a compelling take. Will definitely look into that.

 

[TheWendi]

Haven't seen anyone mention the TBU which I think starts to become less of an option as we make these vehicles heavier...

Sent from my Pixel 4 XL using Tapatalk

Like less of an option and more of a necessity? I've been thinking the same when it comes time to swap em out

 

[Romeo1]

Thanks for that, Romeo! Great advice. I hadn't really heard much in the way of concrete comparison between Es and Cs like this (mostly just a lot of worrying about the comparative strength of the tires, hah), but this is a compelling take. Will definitely look into that.

There aren’t any real comparisons. If your on 16” tires, your stuck with a limited set of C options. Tire manufacturers for whatever reason didn’t proliferate C rated tires in 16 like 17’s or 15’s have. I think there’s a few reasons for this, but in the end it’s irrelevant. Hardly anything new has a 16 anymore, so what’s available is available probably won’t change much.

I think assuming a 3ply sidewall on a purpose built off-road/quality All terrain tires, I think the durability claims of E being “stronger” than C isn’t accurate at all. On straight highway-ish tires? I dunno, Maybe? But I can’t even tell you how much abuse I’ve engaged in the last 1000 miles on these C’s. If they weren’t up to task, it would have happened with all the rocks, sticks, brush, and crunched up pallets in the desert along with the several G outs I’ve done so far on these generals.

The reality is that the tire casingfor an E is constructed to be filled to 80psi, and a load C isn’t. 80 psi at a load range 120+ is something that will never happen on a 4200-6000 lb suv. E tires are built to hold a higher pressure with a higher load rating to match, but I don’t believe saying that saying an E is stronger than a C is accurate. It’s like comparing a big hammer to a little hammer. They aren’t the same. They’re different tools for different jobs.

Load rating E, or the 10 P.R. (Ply rating, which needs to die. Good grief that’s such and antiquated and plain silly way to do this. There ain’t a damn tire one in this universe that’s built with 10 physical plies anymore. Fricking BS, [sounds of bucket getting kicked…. man shouts at clouds]

I firmly believe that the majority of owners and drivers of 3rd gens that aren’t happy with power or acceleration probably have a set of E’s on. Even the wife could tell the new tires were different, and she can’t tell jack chit apart when it comes to the finer points of vehicle dynamics. For the guys that never go off road, an SL probably makes even more sense.

 

[flooredrunner]

Thanks for that, Romeo! Great advice. I hadn't really heard much in the way of concrete comparison between Es and Cs like this (mostly just a lot of worrying about the comparative strength of the tires, hah), but this is a compelling take. Will definitely look into that.

This, its really nice to be able to leave everything in place inside the rig, especially when going on a multiday trip, just pop up the tent, and pass out.

Cant compare it to setting up a ground tent, then putting all your sleeping stuff inside, then having to break it all down. Or, like you said, moving most things from the inside of the rig outside or onto the front seats.

If you camp a lot, RTT is amazing.

 

[shadow247]

This, its really nice to be able to leave everything in place inside the rig, especially when going on a multiday trip, just pop up the tent, and pass out.

Cant compare it to setting up a ground tent, then putting all your sleeping stuff inside, then having to break it all down. Or, like you said, moving most things from the inside of the rig outside or onto the front seats.

If you camp a lot, RTT is amazing.

I have thought long and hard about whether I would get enough use out of an RTT to justify the price. I camp about 4-6 times a year, and usually in a group. I manage to keep everything inside my rig at night except for my chainsaw, and still sleep comfortable. Granted I don't bring the kitchen sink, a bathroom setup, or anything else, since my crew usually has that stuff in a pickup truck or trailer setup.

I'm setup faster than anyone else with ground tents or RTTs. I just keep everything on the passenger side that isn't related to sleeping, then I don't have to mess with it every time I move camp for the day.

I'll be camping 3 nights next weekend. I'll post some pics of my basic setup, but it's great for a solo camper.

 

[Endlessblockades]

Far fewer coyotes, snakes, spiders, scorpions, and bugs when off the ground (inside or on top)! I need to get a set of those window vents now that I think about it..... might seem a bit pricey but you get a pair of handmade in the USA units.

3rd Gen 4Runner Window Vents – OPT OFF ROAD

 

[shadow247]

Far fewer coyotes, snakes, spiders, scorpions, and bugs when off the ground (inside or on top)! I need to get a set of those window vents now that I think about it..... might seem a bit pricey but you get a pair of handmade in the USA units.

3rd Gen 4Runner Window Vents – OPT OFF ROAD

I'm about to make a set of these out of Cedar. We'll see how it goes...