Roof Top Tent on Cab Area Specficially

[HooliganActual]

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.

FWIW, I’m a big AEV fan as well but…honestly…it was just a rebranded Rhino Rack and Pioneer Platform. The thing is, they really had no customer support for the rack…because it wasn’t theirs. So any parts, etc. you needed sent you off to Rhino Rack anyways. Save yourself the middle man hassle and just go straight to Rhino Rack. Besides, places like Rack Attack and others carry Rhino Rack systems and accessories. I literally have two stores that I can walk into, one within 5 minutes. Save your AEV “mark-up money” for something else, brother.

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[Aleph]

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).

No, you’re right; a lot of people with JLs have RTTs on gutter-mounted roof racks. You could probably get away with it using a light RTT on a gutter rack that distributes the load over large lengths of the gutters and you don’t take it off-road at all. Still a gamble though. I bet those guys off-roading with it have micro fractures in their fiberglass.

 

[Tennessee Gobi]

Saw this today a thought of this thread.

 

[RudeJeepin]

@Tennessee Gobi
Just found this thread and was gonna add that to it, but seen you already did.

@Sarge502
I have a DB cover also and love it 99% of the time. I've kinda looked at an RTT setup but didn't want to loose the function of the cover. Mine has the Yakima base tracks on it from DB. But putting a rack on it would kill the opening feature.
I've thought about adding a track to the center non opening section and then a roof rack on the back of the cab. But I'm not sure about the flex issues if offroading. Maybe some big rubber pads between rack and tent to help either flex.
But I'd really like a low mounted setup to help with wind resistance. I recently stumbled apon the DeeZee hinge mounts posted above. These might be an option. Would probably only be able to open the back half of the DB, especially if the tent was setup.
https://www.deezee.com/home/productdescription/36464/Tonneau-Hinge-Slide

 

[ericw.]

Put the RTT on a trailer, then you're not top-heavy and you can save your campsite while you explore. Doesn't work for everyone but it works great for me.

 

[MPMB]

Put the RTT on a trailer, then you're not top-heavy and you can save your campsite while you explore. Doesn't work for everyone but it works great for me.

That's what we moved to, with a Hiker Trailer. Have a base camp, without having to haul the extra weight on trails or have to "break camp" if we go someplace.

 

[Mountains to Sea - JT]

Put the RTT on a trailer, then you're not top-heavy and you can save your campsite while you explore. Doesn't work for everyone but it works great for me.

What measures do you take to ensure no one steals your setup while you are gone?

 

[ericw.]

What measures do you take to ensure no one steals your setup while you are gone?

Nothing really, just standard stuff.. I keep my campsite clean, put high value things out of sight, and lock the cabinets. I put a locking pin in the trailer hitch so it can't be easily hooked up and towed away but if someone wants it bad enough, they'll take what they want.

I operate on the assumption that it's mostly good people who are adventuring into the forest as far as I do, and that's worked out so far.

 

[RacerAV]

Here's my set up! Inspired Overland RTT on a Rhino Rack pioneer platform. I have the full backbone system, ordered separately from the rack. I ordered a larger rack than their system for the Gladiator. It's 5 or 6 inches longer. I have it slid back with a little overhang off the rear of the cab, and I can still get the freedom panels off easily.

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