ARE CX HD/ RTT on shell question.

My plans are changing since we got a new puppy and it looks like I am going to have to get a topper. I just ordered a CBI bedrack that hasn't even been delivered yet so going to have to sell that and get a topper. My concerns are with adding an RTT to my topper. I've searched and spent two days reading through the forums but get all types of mixed answers. My first question is has anyone mounted a prinsu rack to an ARE CX HD topper that uses the "HD" frame part of the topper? From what I read it is only good for their supplied rack. I have a prinsu cabrack and want it to match and line up to the rack on the topper.
Second question is one I am sure has been asked but I could not get a positive answer and that is can I mount my RTT to any shell from the big 3, leer, are, snugtop? It would be the CVT mount shasta and I am 200lbs, girl is 130lbs, dog is 40lbs.

 

I have the CX HD shell.

In order to install a Prinsu toprack, you will need to install Thule/Yakima tracks on the shell. This is typically ordered and installed by the dealer when you order the rack. The Prinsu mounts to that.

https://www.yakima.com/60-tracks-w-capnut-hardware

I've seen multiple rigs with their RTT mounted on the Prinsu/topper. Seems fine but I have no idea on long term effects.

Personally, I wouldn't do it. Too much of a hassle for me. It's not that easy to install/remove and I don't like driving around with my RTT all the time.

 

Thanks for the input. I know it CAN be installed with the rack tracks but that is part of my confusion. I have read different posts saying the only rack that actually utilizes the internal "shell" of the CX HD is if you use their two bar style rack. Otherwise the HD part of it is useless? As far as the RTT, I have a pulley system in the garage which makes it pretty easy to load and unload. My concern is if the topper is strong enough with the RTT for static and dynamic weight of mild to intermediate tail running/off roading.

 

I have not seen/heard of the rack you speak of ... can you please link me

The load should be fine as well. I think the shell is rated at 500lbs static weight

 

If you look here you can see the rack and how it connects inside the shell. https://www.4are.com/product/hd/gallery.php I am now reading about the snugtop with sportsman package that claims the same 500lb capacity but seems to be able to mount rails as needed.

 

Gotcha. I see it now. Drilled through the fiberglass to attach to the internal frame.

 

Personally I'd be more worried about the dynamic load that happens when you share a tent. You have 500 pounds of static after tent, luggage, linens, and occupants.

Let's say worst case youre broadsided by straight line winds all night on top of that. The dog hates storms and won't sit still. You're doing the peepee dance trying to wait until the rain stops. Your significant other can't sleep from this ludicrous scene and is tossing and turning.

Now do you trust something that doesn't have a load rating of double the static? Go for it if you want, but if it were me I'd go for something a little stronger.

 

Can't agree more. This is why I am trying to pin down a trusted and tested answer. That is exactly my life. then throw in our two 7 year olds who will want to come up and watch a movie on the ipad or whatever. Not to mention the times we decide to get a little "freaky" up there when we do kidless trips. Really don't want to drop close to $3K and have it ruined in a few trips. I don;t have the cash to get a full habitat or that would be the gold...

 

I have the exact canopy ARE CX HD .... have not purchased a RTT to use with it but i do use the rack for work and it seems to hold up find..... i would recommend getting the bed brackets(Forget the actual name) that help with the box V'ing out before i would put any serious weight up top........the canopy was pretty expensive but they claimed to me 500 pounds moving load and 800-1000 when parked level and setting up seem legit enough to hold the weight of 2 people plus tent plus dog or children .... when i get the tent this spring and do a season outside with it ill report my findings .....but it seems okay my only gripe with the canopy was no stainless hardware i mean for that kind of $$ u would think .....we can all contemplate worst case scenarios (but wed all be dead right) im sure rock is trolling if not yikes i dunno ...they advertise the canopy with a tent on top as their main selling point

 

Have you added the RTT to the topper yet ? I'm curious as this is the route I want to take , I had kb voodoo low rise bed bars for tonneau covers but find a lack of storage space, so that why I want to make the move to a fiberglass topper .

 

Back in 2016 when I was considering an ARE cap, I wrote their customer service and this is exactly what they told me.

I'd encourage you to follow up with them to get more recent info.

 

I’m picking it up Thursday this week ..... but as long as you have bed stiffeners I don’t think it’s going to be a problem

 

Have you installed the rtt yet ?

 

Yeah I did ... works good been on for a couple weeks now .... I can’t see any problems yet .... but I geuss not exactly sure what to look for I do have bed stiffeners and was told the shell can handle the weight no problem
The tent I have is only 125 pounds
the biggest problems is I can no longer park in any underground lots and of course I am more top heavy now

What are your main concerns with the are shell exactly ?

Would post a pic. But phone camera is ruined >< maybe after work I can

 

Only concern I have is weight but I think the internal frame and 550 pound rating would be good . Just want a real life experience , as it is alot of money to put out . The lowest price I have found is $3644 (canadian dollars) , and the only options I selected were a headliner and the HD rack for the top.

How much did you pay ? And what options did you pick ?

Thanks

 

For options I only took the double lock pet screens led light ..... what do you mean by the HD rack for the top isn’t that just what comes with the HD canopy ...like the cross bars on top are similar to Yakima bars or whatever ...... I think I paid around there as
Well .... don’t remember exactly but not over $4000 for sure all in Canadian dollars as well ....I like the canopy so far it’s been through a lot of work and not enough camping though

 

They price out the roof rack separate, it's a $379 option , I think you can have the internal frame without the rack somehow , maybe to increase toolbox weight capacity . Ok good to know the price is the same ballpark I'm in, where did you purchase yours from ?

 

Ahh I didn’t realize that..... I got mine from canopy west in surrey bc about 2 years ago now .... only complaint I have was my clear coat came with finger prints in it and a paint run ....which it got sent back .... then came back again with a bit of swirling where they fixed some of the paint .... that spot still shows today after a wash .... but have not had any paint correction done ..... they asked if I wanted st the time to send it back again but I need the canopy for work so I live with it ..... seems are attention to detail especially on the HD series could use some stepping up ....canopy west was not very helpful as well during this time so I never went back there .... they sure missed a lot of business as I almost put a truck into my truck .... damn this website lol

 

There’s a pic ​

 

Beauty , I gave up after months of searching for a used one . Placed my order for one today , said it should be here in 4 weeks