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Cap+Rack+RTT

Discussion in 'Tonneau Covers, Caps and Shells' started by Styx2015, Feb 15, 2016.

  1. Feb 15, 2016 at 5:26 PM
    #1
    Styx2015

    Styx2015 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Hey everyone, I've got a question that I'm hoping someone can answer. I've called around to the manufacturers and dealers and no one seems to be able to give me a straight answer.

    I have an ARE CX series shell that I just purchased in October. I purposely got this specific model because their website stated that this shell had reinforced fiberglass that was capable of supporting roof loads.

    I am also installing the factory roof rack support tracks on the shell itself as well as putting the Yakima load bars on top, all from the ARE dealer. (I didn't get the option before because of a stupid mixup. It's being taken care of.)

    On top of all of this, my goal is to mount up a roof top tent of a still undecided brand to the Yakima load bars. I am aware that static and dynamic load limits are different.

    My question: With this setup, will the shell, tracks, and rack have any issues bearing the weight of either a) the tent itself mounted while the truck is moving or on trails, or b) while the truck is parked, tent deployed, with two adults sleeping inside?

    ARE and the dealer both will not give me a straight answer of load limits I assume due to legal issues. Yakima's website also states that their rack systems are only designed for 165 pounds.

    I know TW members all over are making their setups work with a RTT on top of their cap. Have you had any problems with cracking fiberglass shells or issues supporting the weight? If so, how did you solve the problem?

    Thanks in advance!
     
  2. Feb 15, 2016 at 5:29 PM
    #2
    NorthwestCruiser

    NorthwestCruiser Well-Known Member

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    Nope, I haven't read about any fiberglass problems at all. I had my tent on my canopy (reinoforced snug top) for a year, put it through some good bumpy roads and never had an issue (my tent also weighs 170lbs).

    Remember when you are at camp with the tent out, half of the weight is on the ladder and half is on your shell so that takes a good bit off. Never had any troubles. If you are really worried about it just add 1 or 2 more Yakima bars to the tracks to really spread the weight out.
     
  3. Feb 15, 2016 at 5:33 PM
    #3
    Styx2015

    Styx2015 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Thanks for the quick reply! Just wanted to check and make sure I wasn't going to have any problems. The dealers and manufacturers are strangely silent on topics like this. Mostly I assume because there are idiots who end up loading their rack up to the absolute limit then wondering why they roll their truck while trying to drive it like a sports car.

    If anyone else has any input/stories, please chime in! Thanks
     
  4. Feb 22, 2016 at 12:40 PM
    #4
    Demeat50

    Demeat50 Well-Known Member

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    I have had this same issue except have not bought anything yet. Posted a similar thread just today and then the ARE guy called me back. If they made their HD series to fit the 2nd gen Tacomas, then that would be the best solution. But they cannot do it bc bed is too narrow. Said it will work if you get one of their models with toolboxes on both sides as the weight will be distributed over those boxes and then onto the truck bed rails.

    But this is what is interesting....the ARE guy told me all of their fiberglass models have been tested to hold 800 lbs but they just do not guarantee that. Also said something about dynamic load but I zoned out.

    I was gonna get a CVT McKinley but think I will now just look for a smaller model and limit it to 2 people at a time up top. Or put it on the cab.
     
    Last edited: Feb 28, 2016
  5. Feb 22, 2016 at 3:55 PM
    #5
    Styx2015

    Styx2015 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    I don't think I ever want to put more than two people up there regardless. They probably cannot guarantee the 800 lb weight test rating because then idiots who don't understand vehicle dynamics and loading will put 800 lbs on top of the cap, then drive the truck like their sub-compact car, whip around a corner, roll the truck, and blame the company for telling them they are capable of loading the cap up like that. It all comes down to legal issues. I did look at the HD series, but I didn't get it simply because I didn't need to go that far with it.
     
  6. Feb 22, 2016 at 3:58 PM
    #6
    zscott

    zscott Well-Known Member Vendor

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    I have had 2 shells now. One snugtop and one leer. Had the rooftop tent on both for numerous trips with 2 adults and 1-2 kids in the tent and have never had problems.
     
    Styx2015[OP] likes this.
  7. Feb 22, 2016 at 3:59 PM
    #7
    Styx2015

    Styx2015 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Awesome! Thanks for the input
     
  8. Feb 22, 2016 at 4:01 PM
    #8
    PPansini10

    PPansini10 Well-Known Member

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    Ive had a leer cap with used thule crossbars and now an ARE Z-series with a Prinsu CapRac and have never had problems with either set up.
     
  9. Feb 22, 2016 at 4:11 PM
    #9
    techride

    techride Weekend Warrior

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    The issue I'd be more worried about is the actual load capacity of the bars, not the shell or tracks
    If using standard yakima load bars, Id find a way to distribute the weight over 3 or 4 bars, certainly not 2 for that much weight. Prinsu, Baja rack and a couple other male racks with much higher load capacity than standard yakima bars that'll bolt up nicely to the tracks you have in mind.
     
  10. Feb 22, 2016 at 4:13 PM
    #10
    Styx2015

    Styx2015 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Why do sites like CVT, for example, recommend using Yakima or Thule rack systems for mounting?
     
  11. Feb 22, 2016 at 4:15 PM
    #11
    CO Ryan

    CO Ryan Well-Known Member

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    stuff
    Because they work just fine. I mount mine on Thule crossbars
     
  12. Feb 22, 2016 at 4:17 PM
    #12
    Styx2015

    Styx2015 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Okay, that's what I was thinking. I don't have the money to get two of Prinsu's racks. Not to mention I'm on the waiting list, so that kinda sucks. Plus I figure with the bars on the cap and (hopefully) a Prinsu rack on the cab, I will have a large variety of ways to mount different things.
     

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