Roof Tent Mounting Options

[p1michaud]

Originally Posted by Mike S

Yes we have mounted tents on this type of set up, and they are generally strong. I would DEFINITELY check with the shell manufacturer as to their top load limits. They could be unwilling to comment on any load on their campers ofr liability reasons, but it is worth a try. I don't know what shell you have, or what rating it would have, even guessing.

Thanks for the info. The shell I have is a LEER model 100R and I will be checking with them for their load capacity. I was curious if you had mounted roof top tents to these rail type systems before and you have. I have used this set up for a roof basket, two mountain bikes and a 20’ canoe without an issue (not all at once!). I do however recognize that the rails are only relatively light aluminium and would be the weak link in the system IMO.

I have looked a Ramdough’s set up and like it very much. For my purposes I’d like to maintain full use of the interior of the shell but don’t wish to go exo-cage. What I did think of was to build an interior cage to support the additional weight. Something like this (Ramdoug I hope you don’t mind that I butchered your pic!).



Like Ramdough, I’d probably use aluminium for this structure.
Cheers ,
P

[pskhaat]

MikeS gives some good info on the AutoHome tents. How does the Hannibal and Eezi-Awn mount to load bars/racks? Do they have similar mechanisms?

[Ramdough]

P1,

Butcher away.

There are some real disadvantages to the way I did my frame. It kind of locks me into a design for my deck, but I plan on using the frame as part of my deck so I guess it will work for me. The vertical poles do get in the way when hauling cargo though.

One thing to consider is if you get a fold down front window. I have one, so my forward stilts have to be 11" off of the front wall so I can fold my window down. That makes my placement of storage bins a little awkward in that area. On your design, just make sure everything clears.

I often wonder if I should have built my frame more like the way you drew yours, but for now I am happy. Please post pics once you build your frame.

[p1michaud]

Originally Posted by Ramdough

P1,

Butcher away.

There are some real disadvantages to the way I did my frame. It kind of locks me into a design for my deck, but I plan on using the frame as part of my deck so I guess it will work for me. The vertical poles do get in the way when hauling cargo though.

One thing to consider is if you get a fold down front window. I have one, so my forward stilts have to be 11" off of the front wall so I can fold my window down. That makes my placement of storage bins a little awkward in that area. On your design, just make sure everything clears.

I often wonder if I should have built my frame more like the way you drew yours, but for now I am happy. Please post pics once you build your frame.

Thanks for the tips. I do have a removeable front window and may have forgotten about it! I won't be building until next summer, but I will post some pics once the work starts.
Cheers ,
P

[flyingwil]

Originally Posted by Mike S

The absolute ideal expedition rig would, in my opinion, be a camper shell that has side lockable side openings (like those that tradesmen use), and a bed-mounted exo-frame of DOM tubing at each end of the bed, joined by tubing lengthwise on the top above the shell, with three adjustable load bars spanning it. The tent could go on top and all your gear inside. The camper could be used or not, depending on your needs, an it would be indestructible. You could fit a small basket in front of the tent to carry gas cans and driving lights.

This eliminates one of the major hassles in a camper shell... getting down on your knees and crawling inside through the tail gate to get at you gear, and he weight of the tent, occupants and misc. top load would be on the truck frame, which can easily support 450 lbs. - perhaps more.

Just a thot.

M

Wouldn't this move the CG too far up!? There is no way I could do what I do with 450# that far up with out flopping onto my side!

I like the ARE option, but wonder if drilling holes and such into the fiberglass would create weakness and reduce the weight load bearing... Which then leads back to a solution similar to Mark's and Scotts setup for P/U owners.

[Mike S]

Originally Posted by flyingwil

Wouldn't this move the CG too far up!? There is no way I could do what I do with 450# that far up with out flopping onto my side!

I like the ARE option, but wonder if drilling holes and such into the fiberglass would create weakness and reduce the weight load bearing... Which then leads back to a solution similar to Mark's and Scotts setup for P/U owners.

Will

I am not suggesting that you carry 450 lbs up high while driving - you'd just have the tent up there - maybe 100 to 135 pounds, depending on what tent you choose. But once parked you could put a LOT of weight up there without any concerns. As you know, a good rule for top loads is heavy stuff down low, light bulky stuff on top.

Using a set of QuicknEasy, Thule or Yakima artificial rain gutters on a camper shell requires only eight 1/4" holes be drilled at the side of the camper where the roof turns down to the sides. This area is very strong, and has very low flex. This is a good option for those who need the extra carying space and security.

One of the best executed truck set-ups I have seen is Desert Dude's Tacoma with the rack system over the bed. He doesn't use a shell, but has optimized the bed set up below the tent, which acts like a 'ceiling' above the bed. Mudrak also has a stout set up on his FJ45 trayback (shown below) and he takes this truck through the Rubicon and other nasty trails.


Desert Dude's Taco:



Mudrak's FJ45

[flyingwil]

Mike, I think I was thinking complete exo-cage and then a tent on top for your ultimate solution! I get what you are getting at. I have actually seen the Pasqual's taco in action and was most impressed! I think i get what you were getting at now.... LOL

[Equipt]

Originally Posted by pskhaat

MikeS gives some good info on the AutoHome tents. How does the Hannibal and Eezi-Awn mount to load bars/racks? Do they have similar mechanisms?

The Eezi Awn tent utilizes an aluminum extrusion around the perimeter of the base of the tent. The extrusion captures a rectangular washer and allows that washer to slide anywhere in that perimeter. The washer is designed to hold the head of a bolt, and there are 4 of these that come with the tent. With this set up, there are an infinite amount of mounting options. This perimeter extrusion also gives the tent its rigidity.

My original set up was the use of universal mounts on a set of Thule bars on my factory rack on my UZJ 100. I mounted the bars on the rack as far apart as possible, drilled hole through the bars, and bolted the tent right to the bars. This set up seemed to work fine, for light duty use. My faith in the factory rack as a long term solution was not concrete. I think for a person not traveling off highway very often, this would be sufficient. Not for my type of travel.

I upgraded the rack a little. I removed the factory rack and I went with a set of 6 ARB roof rack mounts. They bolt right up to the factory locations above B,C,D pillars. The mounts above the B pillar are a bit different than the others and required redrilling. I utilized several load bars from Eezi Awn and I fabricated an 83"x48" aluminum rack to place on top of it. I mounted the tent to the top of the rack. I am thoroughly impressed with this set up. I'm about 240, and can walk around on the top of my 100. I have bolted my tent on top and leave it there year round.

Hope that helps

[TACODOC]

From my 05 Tacoma thread:
Looking for a rack to mount an eazi-Awn tent over my bed like this:




Thanks to Mark for the idea. He has a CanBack, they dont make one for my 05... so I'm looking for an alternative. Anybody have a ladder rack or anything similar for an 05 Tacoma??? I just need a simple rack so I can mount the tent and still use my bed and retain my toolbox for overland.

I really like Desert Dudes setup as well!

Anyone in SD or OC know of any fab shops that could knock this out before the Trophy?

Anyone???

[Boston Mangler]

Thule makes a cool utility type setup that would probably work perfect for ya!