*THE RTT Owners Thread (With BS)*

Strength? Cab mounted racks are only good for 200 lbs or so. Put on an RTT and you're almost at max or slightly over. Add in yourself, a sexy lady, bedding, and you have grossly maxed out a roof rack. IMO, no bueno. Seen it done, but I wouldn't.

 

I'd hate to feel what that amount of weight up high would do to your rig. I built my rack to be even with my cab, and will be lowering it when I get time.

I'd imagine that without a dedicated pulley/lift setup for your RTT, you'd have a heck of a time getting it on and off of your truck if you mount it above the cab. I'd be afraid of dropping it and blowing out a window/denting my roof.

Further; don't see putting that amount of stress on your roof rack as a good thing.

I always put a ratchet web strap around my tent/rack.. I'm really reluctant to trust the aluminum track mounting system in the event of a hard turn, fast stop.

 

Center of gravity and aerodynamics. Both are better with a tent mounted to a bedrack. Pretty dramatic difference actually.

 

I'm thinking of building a rack (amongst other things) this year with intentions of mounting a rtt. Those with home built racks, any tips or hard lessons learned? Did you need to reinforce the bed rails? It's difficult to tell from most photos what the mounting areas look like.

I've never welded, significantly cut or ground metal, but it is my goal to learn in 2014 might move this little project up if a good deal on a tent comes up.

 

to be honest, if my bed rack was welded together(it's' bolt on) it has SLIGHT play vertically/horizontally.

It's not noticeable but something I'm aware of.

Bed rails need no reinforcing from what i've seen, i've been driving with my RTT permanently mounted for over 2weeks now and theres no sign that needs to be done.

Overall, a bed rack is a pretty convenient way of storing gear under the bed and holding a RTT on top, giving you roof space to put a basket or roof rack for other gear.

Just my opinion though.

 

Rack in back for aerodynamics, lower COG and it looks better. Plus it provides shade for my dogs. My bedrack is on always. No where to put it right now when its off so it stays on everyday.

 

I have mine over my cab because I have a roof rack already and I have a soft topper over my bed.

Apparently the weight rating of roof racks is with the vehicles max speed in mind. Figure 200lbs with up to 100mph winds is a little more stress than just 200lbs. When the vehicle is parked the weight capacity is much greater. Hence why you can have a rooftop tent with a few people in it and not crush your roof.

(I don't have any actual facts, it's just what I was told)

Bed rack is a great first project. From what I've seen the flex of the bed while offroading can crush the top plastic piece on the bed sides (on 2nd gens).

The one person who's bed rack I've seen do this, ended up using longer angle iron feet where it sits on the bed rails.

 

Gotcha, thanks for that! It looks relatively easy. One thing, where is the best place to source the square (looks easier to work than round) tubing? For the bed side angled pieces, could I just halve square tubing with a cutting wheel and grinder? Total noob, I know.

 

I will echo what has been said by others, mounted on the roof is just too much weight, that high up in the air. A few guys with high bed racks have actually lowered theirs some after a season of use. On the trail, a high COG is not good for off camber situations and on the highway, getting the RTT out of the wind reduces the drag and helps with performance and MPGs.

As for bed strength, I can only speak from experience with my 1st gen. I have not had any issues at all. Its been on the truck for two full wheeling seansons now with no problems.

 

x2 what he said about the angle iron. I'm sure San Jose has a bunch of metal shops. If you're ever in the East Bay, there's a really good metal shop I go to called Naylor Steel

 

haha nooo don't cut square tube in half, just buy angle iron! lol

good info V

 

I can see that. I'm thinking now that the most optimal way to mount the RTT is the bed rack, with the top of the RTT (stowed) at about the same height as the top of the cab, for weight distribution and center of gravity considerations. I'd prefer the Kukenham XL Ruggedized if I can afford it. If I want more storage I can add a roof rack, preferably one like this : http://www.pelfreybilt.com/#!roof-racks/c1e6h

 

IMO, those are overkill(and priced) for what you want to do...

You can get a bed rack made for at least half(or even cheaper) if you look around. Im just saying. Its a nice product but for that price, you could get a rack made and have some change left to go toward a RTT.

 

Yeah, I've been checking out your build for awhile for ideas. I might go an inch or two higher on the bed rack, especially if I run with a rooftop basket. Maximizing useable space in the bed is also a priority. We're planning a cross-country family trip in 2016 after the next deployment, and effective space management will be a priority.

 

Subd

 

I have no problems making the bedrack myself for pennies on the dollar out of square stock and angle iron, I just want to buy a decent saw to make clean accurate cuts. I'm much less inclined to build the roof rack as I would load it up with the spare, recovery tools, etc. I don't have a good means of bending tube and it needs to be perfect as not to wreck my roof or risk damage in any way. I am comfortable fabbing up a rear high-clearance bumper, so I can find some cost savings there as well.

Overall, this stuff is going to take a pounding for the next decade. Besides a few fun weekend-long jaunts to the woods, we'll be bushwacking our way through the wilderness of Maine. I can't afford to skimp, or under-build.

 

I agree. I went with the Yakima megawarrior on the roof for aerodynamic purposes and it takes up the entire roof and leaves room for my CB antenna that i only use on trail runs anyway so it'll be a good idea to buy that in particular.

 

Do it Stefen, you know you want one.....ALASKA TRIP!

 

Yo dude... just down the street from you. I just bought the HF metal band saw. Pick up a blade for it and come down with the metal. Measure twice.... lol!

 

Gotta figure out what kind of tire gate to get, how to mount the spare or spares, and then how to create a quick detachable mount for the RTT since I won't want to mob with the tent on