Roof Top Tent inside a Soft Topper

Nice, that makes more sense now. The Softopper doesn't have the rear pins so would require removing the two pins and the topper. Similar to what you're doing here but I want to leave the topper on and only fold it down but this answers my question. My setup required a 2 person tent since it's only 48" long for the Softopper to fold down. I could have fit a 3 person tent with removal of the topper but the tent I got saved me like $700 from the three person. Hope this helps others building this as well...

Ordering the steel today and building it soon..

 

I ordered my steel and ordered me a welder today. I'll be fabbing this up when it all comes in, thanks to your genius idea. Quick question, how come you didn't weld the rack to the angle iron but used bolts instead? I'm sure you have a good reason. Also, what did you use for the trays on top and where could I find those pins? I'm wondering if I should make it so the entire tent and rack should be removed as one or if I should remove the tent separately like you did.

 

I wanted to be able to quickly take the rack on and off, If I used a long piece of angle I would of had to take the topper off every time i wanted the rack off. The small pieces of angle that bolt to the rail stay on the truck To put the whole thing on was 8 bolts 3 pins and one lock, took 20 min solo

I use a piece of "C" Channel that was slightly wider than the aluminum square that was on the bottom of my tent, the reason for this is i wanted to be able to quickly remove it and to be able to do it solo. to get the tent on all you have to do is get the aluminum squares in the channel and slide it on. You could drill a hole in the channel on the ends closet to the tailgate put a 3/8" bolt and a small pice of something like this https://www.mcmaster.com/#8705k33/=1d57ejato Would make a little slider to make the tent go on even easier.

You can get the pins at Home Depot but they'll for sure be short one or https://www.mcmaster.com/#linch-pins/=1d57a4x I used three and one combo lock

I would keep the two separate as it'll be easier to install the rack then put the tent on top. Together will be awkward and heavy requiring two people to install the two together

 

Ok that makes sense. I need to order the c channel too then. My tent weighs 98 lbs so I should be good without the roller but may add it if not.

You mentioned the tent locks and your gear can lock under it. How do you do that exactly? I can put a lock on the tent pretty easily but how is your gear locked below?

 

Just lock your tailgate with the tent locked on the rack

 

I finally got mine built! It took way more hours than expected but it’s also been a while since I’ve welded. So, if I lock my tailgate it’s very easy to reach under and grab anything under my Softopper an the rack. I’m not sure how yours was more secure and I’m curious how you did the fourth pin with a combination lock. I’m getting the c channel welded on tomorrow for the tracks because you were right and unbolting it isn’t the easiest to take on and off. Is there a special lock I need for the fourth pin?

 

Where did you get that c-channel? I got mine together and the tent does aluminum bars do not drop all the way into the channel. I have the same tent as well. Mine has a smaller radius at the bottom. I got 2 x 1 steel c-channel.

 

What c channel did you buy? I got 1 x 2 and the tent bars don’t drop all the way into them.

 

I can go through pics but I swear I didn’t use c channel and just bolted the tent to the rack. I made the rack a little shorter than the rails for that reason.

If you made yours longer and don’t have that option just get anything that’s wider than the widest part of the rails. The tent is made to sit on the rails not necessarily in a channel.

 

I got my Channel form a local steel supply place,

The tent doesn't have to sit on the bottom of a channel you just need enough room to drill a hole in both the tent rail and the channel for your pins to pass through both.

I just used a combo lock.

The bed gear wont be secure with just the rack on it, but will be with the tent on it and tailgate locked, Out the cooler and bigger items towards the tailgate

 

I'm making a set of bed bars for someone who saw this. I'll be test fitting this soon for clearance and final dimensions. I used 30 degrees after a few that just wouldn't work for tent rail width and space for the softopper to fold. I'll put tabs to bolt the tent and lose the ugly hardware. EDIT: This setup will work I'll post a pic when they are finished. If your near Charlotte NC and would like a set I can make them.

 

All done with this one, killed my last piece of tubing!!! I'll build a couple more sets now that I have the pattern. If you'd like a set drop me a message. This will allow clearance for your softopper to fold and have clearance for your tent to open. Will fit 2nd or 3rd gen.

 

Are you still making these and can ship? I'll need it to fit between the Bestop rails on either side. Let me know and I can send you some details.

 

All done and waiting on pickup! I'll post pictures with everything installed once he gets everything installed.

 

Better pictures, if your near Charlotte/Gastonia NC and would like a custom bed rack/rails or anything else made out of 1.750x.120 tubing I have over 100 ft. In stock and ready for your custom project.

 

Those look awesome!

 

Thanks

 

They look great! How do they bolt on to the truck?

 

They will bolt to the rail in the bedside.

 

I have a question about your sofopper @mac33. I noticed in the pics that the rear bar clips for the window flap look to be metal and I assume custom made. Did you make them? I broke my plastic one o. Drivers side and had to order a few from softopper. They are inexpensive, but I like the idea of metal ones that won't break. How well do yours work?
Love the rtt under the softopper, I'd do it but I have dogs.