RTT on a ARE

[JTGuy]

Has anyone ever put a RTT on an ARE fiberglass camper top? I know I would need to use some rails of some type. I am just wondering about the strength of the ARE to hold the weight of the RTT and me. I weigh 175.

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[MattK]

There are folks that do this. I have an ARE CX Classic and I wouldn't do it. ARE won't tell you a static or dynamic load rating for the basic fiberglass shells. I have a Rhino Rack on top of mine, and it carries stuff I don't want in the bed like firewood, dirty/muddy items etc.

You will see this page with an RTT on it: CX Classic Truck Caps : A.R.E. Truck Caps and Tonneau Covers (4are.com) but again, it's just advertising for the lifestyle people.

Mount one at your own risk.

 

[JTGuy]

A good RTT weighs about 175. add 2 people another 300. So better be good for 500. Then be ready to spend about 5K for all of it. Or Just get a Gazelle tent and EZ up for about $750 and deal with it.

 

[MattK]

More than static weight you should consider dynamic loads. Those loads that occur while moving especially while off-roading if that's what you'll be doing with it on there. Then there are the forces that pull UP on the roof tracks on the ARE. This can happen if you hang things off the side causing the leverage on it to pull on the track furthest away from that weight like an awning or something else that hangs out and away.

 

[JTGuy]

UPDATE::::
a call to ARE and the Classic that is on my JT has no weight rating. That is zero. So that is the end of any RTT on one. I would guess that would be the same for all fiberglass campers not ordered with a HD frame option.

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