Roof Top Tent on Cab Area Specficially

[Sarge502]

Little backstory to lay my foundation:

I've never really classified myself as an Overlander by any means. However, as of recently I have been "exploring" (pun intended) the idea of a RTT mainly for wanting to actually get out more as compared to previously. A main reason I've put off the idea of a RTT for so long, is primarily due to my Diamondback bed cover. I've had it early on and swear by it. It's by far the best addition to my truck and it will likely never leave. With that being said, most bed rack systems don't or won't work on Diamondback covers solely because design wise they cover the bed rails where most bed racks generally mount. That's maybe the only con to the DB. But, for me that hasn't been a big deal because if it comes to my DB or a bed rack, it's going to be my DB any day. Even the few bed rack systems options that do actually work with the DB (Uptop Overland and Chassis Unlimited) limit the functionality of the DB not being able to fully open it or maybe just one side at a time at best. Another reason I swear by the DB is that I live in the city, so security is huge for me.

Moving forward and wanting the "explore" the idea of a RTT, I've thought about maybe the option to mount a RTT on some kind of cross bars on the cab area to basically keep the bed area and DB fully functional. I understand that would limit my use/removal of my hardtop and Sunrider. But I'm willing to potentially sacrifice that if I could find a reasonable option. I only found one other thread on here that even slightly hit on the idea but wasn't really helpful. And I can't really seem to find many Gladiator set ups with RTTs over the cab area only; to maybe use as a basis. I've seen some that use bed racks and slightly overhang the cab but not really straight over it.

I would imagine, with the right reputable roof rack/cross bars that would support the weight of a 1-2 person tent, it could be a possibility. I mean, I see JL's which obviously have no bed at all, have RTTs over their whole hard top, so I would imagine there would be no differences in that concept on a JT am I right?. Not being able to really find a lot of set ups like that to go by doesn't help with any concerns or advice. So anyone with a similar set up or knowledge could maybe chime in on maybe what to consider and even recommendations on cab racks, tents, etc would be great. Again, I'm not even dead set on this but would like more knowledge and thoughts.

Thanks in advanced.

Sponsored

 

[Aleph]

Most roof racks for the JT and JL attach using the rain gutters which wouldn’t be suitable for the dynamic weight of a RTT. The hardtop is made of fiberglass and I wouldn’t feel comfortable mounting any significant amount of weight to it.

There are a couple of roof rack systems that bypass the roof as a weight-bearing structure. The RhinoRack Backbone roof rack involves drilling through the roof to mount to support structures inside the cab. Or the ARS/MetalCloak Overcab system, which is supported by exterior mounting points on the cowl and bedrails and doesn't involve drilling through or touching the hardtop at all.

 

[Sarge502]

Most roof racks for the JT and JL attach using the rain gutters which wouldn’t be suitable for the dynamic weight of a RTT. The hardtop is made of fiberglass and I wouldn’t feel comfortable mounting any significant amount of weight to it.

There are a couple of roof rack systems that bypass the roof as a weight-bearing structure. The RhinoRack Backbone roof rack involves drilling through the roof to mount to support structures inside the cab. Or the ARS/MetalCloak Overcab system, which is supported by exterior mounting points on the cowl and bedrails and doesn't involve drilling through or touching the hardtop at all.

Thanks this is the type of information/considerations I'm wanting to hear about. Although I do feel like I've seen an abundance RTTs used on JL specifically without either of the above mentioned options (although I could be wrong).

 

[loganjeeps]

agree with Aleph, the fiberglass tops and raingutters are barely suitable for bike racks. i worked in a shop that built and installed custom RTTs (didn't make it due to COVID, diff story). On JTs and JLs we only used Rhino Rack which goes through the roof with reinforecment brackets and not many people are willing to bite that bullet.

I would also point out if you end up considering and looking at a bed cap to then put on an RTT you have to read closely the options you get. The ARE and Leer standard bed caps only have a static roof load of 200-250 lbs if you read the fine print, you have get an upgraded HD kit to really support an RTT safely.

i don't have the posts handy but I have seen a few on the "what did you do to your gladiator" thread where members have figured out bed rack and tonneau cover options that are compatible toegether.

 

[loganjeeps]

curiosity killed the cat, dug up these two threads

https://www.jeepgladiatorforum.com/forum/threads/rack-compatible-with-bak-revolver-x4s.90348/

https://www.jeepgladiatorforum.com/...ver-rolling-tonneau-install-and-review.33134/

 

[Sarge502]

Thanks exactly the considerations I'm looking for and makes sense.

 

[kb5zcr]

I would suggest that you check out the jl section of this forum and read till your eyes get tired. Lots of jl folks have rt tents.

 

[HooliganActual]

Thanks this is the type of information/considerations I'm wanting to hear about. Although I do feel like I've seen an abundance RTTs used on JL specifically without either of the above mentioned options (although I could be wrong).

The Rhino Rack Backbone system is the way to go for this application.

For starters, I installed the AEV branded version of the backbone on my 2016 JKUR and a James Baroud Evasion RTT (~140lbs) and ran that system for years with no issues.

When I bought my 2020 JTR, it's primary mission was to become my overlanding vehicle so that my Wranglers could become the crawlers. My JTR got set up with an Alu-Cab canopy and the RTT got moved over to the top of the canopy (which doesn't help you); HOWEVER, I needed a spot to install solar panels because the top of the Baroud RTT really isn't desigend for that. I bought the Rhino Rack Backbone system for the JTR and installed that. As a side note, at the same time I soundproofed/insulated the inside of the hardtop and installed a CoverKing Topliner as well. Since you have to have the top off and have to do a bunch of drilling through the top, you might as well do it all at once...it does make a world of difference inside the cab.

Anyways, some pics...

In these two pics, you can see the rear supports for the BackBone system:

It's worth pointing out in case you weren't aware, but the Backbone system actually bolts through the hardtop and into the Sport Cage, which it is why it can handle a lot of load. The exterior support(s) in the rear:

I have my platform set as far back as I can so that the Freedom Panels are still functional. But Rhino Rack makes many different size platforms and you'll be able to fins one that will suit your use case:

 

[ChrisNLA]

@HooliganActual is spot on. A buddy of mine had the Rhino Rack Backbone System on his previous Gladiator. It transfers all the weight to the cage / body tub. He ran his RTT up there once before but mostly used it to hold an awning and other items.

Another friend has the same Backbone on a JK 2 door and ran an RTT on it for a while. Again, no issues - that's what its designed for, to handle the loads that a rain gutter system will not.

 

[1945gpw]

agree with Aleph, the fiberglass tops and raingutters are barely suitable for bike racks. i worked in a shop that built and installed custom RTTs (didn't make it due to COVID, diff story). On JTs and JLs we only used Rhino Rack which goes through the roof with reinforecment brackets and not many people are willing to bite that bullet.

I would also point out if you end up considering and looking at a bed cap to then put on an RTT you have to read closely the options you get. The ARE and Leer standard bed caps only have a static roof load of 200-250 lbs if you read the fine print, you have get an upgraded HD kit to really support an RTT safely.

i don't have the posts handy but I have seen a few on the "what did you do to your gladiator" thread where members have figured out bed rack and tonneau cover options that are compatible toegether.

I’ve was told by my ARE manager that the standard camper shell could hold 450 no problem so been running a roof top tent on mine. I’ve looked for weight limits online but never found any. Do you have a link or something showing that 250 number?

 

[John in the Woods]

I run my RTT on a VooDoo rack over the bed that works with the Mopar soft tonneau cover, but I don’t think you’ll find a rack that doesn’t severely limit the Diamondbacks function. Those things are amazing, so I can see why you love it.

I think @HooliganActual has your fix. I’ve spent as many ad six months at a time living on the trails out of my RTT and I’ve seen more than a few JLs and a few JTs out there with the Rhino system through the hardtop and a RTT mounted up top. They seem very solid.

My RTT is a Roofnest condor with the metal box. About 180 lbs empty. That can rock your rig when the trail gets uneven. It sleep two, with one of them being me that means your pushing 400 lbs in added load with just some basic gear. So make sure that whatever you do even your static rating can top 500. From what I’ve seen, the Rhino system is the way to go.

 

[loganjeeps]

I’ve was told by my ARE manager that the standard camper shell could hold 450 no problem so been running a roof top tent on mine. I’ve looked for weight limits online but never found any. Do you have a link or something showing that 250 number?

see below from their down loadable brochure. before real truck bought them it was a bit more obvious and disclosed in the cap specifications on each product website page. they may not even realize this brochure is still floating out there. also all their warranty information clearly discloses they only warranty a weight rating on the HD.

 

[1945gpw]

see below from their down loadable brochure. before real truck bought them it was a bit more obvious and disclosed in the cap specifications on each product website page. they may not even realize this brochure is still floating out there. also all their warranty information clearly discloses they only warranty a weight rating on the HD.

Thanks! I see it says approximate gross weight of 200 so assuming the are talking weight of the shell not what the roof can hold?
Think I’ll be fine though, I purchased some adjustable support rods to help with the weight when I’m in it. Also have a friend who’s run a RTT on a standard cab for years with no issues

 

[Sarge502]

The Rhino Rack Backbone system is the way to go for this application.

For starters, I installed the AEV branded version of the backbone on my 2016 JKUR and a James Baroud Evasion RTT (~140lbs) and ran that system for years with no issues.

When I bought my 2020 JTR, it's primary mission was to become my overlanding vehicle so that my Wranglers could become the crawlers. My JTR got set up with an Alu-Cab canopy and the RTT got moved over to the top of the canopy (which doesn't help you); HOWEVER, I needed a spot to install solar panels because the top of the Baroud RTT really isn't desigend for that. I bought the Rhino Rack Backbone system for the JTR and installed that. As a side note, at the same time I soundproofed/insulated the inside of the hardtop and installed a CoverKing Topliner as well. Since you have to have the top off and have to do a bunch of drilling through the top, you might as well do it all at once...it does make a world of difference inside the cab.

Anyways, some pics...

In these two pics, you can see the rear supports for the BackBone system:

It's worth pointing out in case you weren't aware, but the Backbone system actually bolts through the hardtop and into the Sport Cage, which it is why it can handle a lot of load. The exterior support(s) in the rear:

I have my platform set as far back as I can so that the Freedom Panels are still functional. But Rhino Rack makes many different size platforms and you'll be able to fins one that will suit your use case:

This right here!!! Thanks. Very helpful if I go this route which I may. Although the possibility of drilling through the top does scare me slightly. Makes that whole permanent feeling sit in. But this is spot. Not sure if its still available but I may look into that AEV version you speak of if thats an option and I do actually go this route. I'm a big AEV fan and wasnt aware previously of that.

 

[loganjeeps]

Thanks! I see it says approximate gross weight of 200 so assuming the are talking weight of the shell not what the roof can hold?

Yeah your right I looked at that too quick, thought cross weight was the static load the roof can take cross bars. So basically they aren't disclosing weight rating on the non-HD models but I can assure its much less than 500 pounds. They've clearly hidden the weight rating since real truck bought them.

Leer clearly discloses it as 165-220. The construction design on all these fiberglass ones is basically the same unless you get their HD reinforced models.

Sponsored