Cheap RTT for those on a budget.

Yup this is where I got the idea from. Thank you! How did it work out for you? I feel like it might be a little easier to get in and out of on the back of my truck then way high up like you had it though.

 

I have the factory man step installed so stepping on that to the open tailgate to this cheap RTT will work perfectly without a ladder.

 

Right now I enlisted my wife to help me come up with this portion of the project. We ended up using a material called PUL which we got from a Joann Fabrics store for a total of $24 bucks. It is a waterproof strong like plastic material people use for making diapers and bibs for babies. Luckily they had it in a camo pattern. I have been driving around with it on the truck for a few days to see how it holds up in the wind and rain and so far it has been great. My wife sewed some para-cord in the base of it so I could snug it up that way but we also decided to run a couple of straps from one side to the other for extra security. I thought about using canvas but then I would have to waterproof it and I also thought about using a tarp but my wife didn't want to use her sewing machine on that!

 

That is great. The only issue with still having the tailgate down when you get in it is that you have to have a way of getting the tailgate closed once you get in the tent! I just close it before I get in and use the bumper.

 

You want the tailgate closed while sleeping to keep the bears out?

 

Haha I guess it is personal choice! For me it is to keep things dry and locked away. If a bear is that close I think I might have other things to be worried about.

 

That's awesome! Thank you! I have a rack on my civic but if I get some extra feet brackets i can modify it to fit, use it on both cars and save a lot.

 

This is awesome!!

I'm going to mount one on our mid height bed rack and leave it there all summer.

For a cover, I'm going to order a 5 sided custom tarp from a place like this: http://www.tarpsplus.com/custom-tarps.html

 

I am glad you like it. I have to say I have been drooling over your products!

 

Where are you located? You might be right by us, given your username.

 

I am in Victor NY but I work in Rochester and also travel to Elmira once a week for work.

 

We are about one hour away in Olean.

 

Nice! Do you have a actual shop that people can come in?

 

We don't have a retail location, it's just me in my shop night after night, but anyone is welcome to come by and check things out, especially if they bring beer.

 

Awesome idea. What do you think the tarp would cost?

 

I'm going to call around to a few places tonight and find out. Will report back.

I like this idea a lot. I don't have a need for a full blown RTT, and I certainly don't have the space to store one. This is small and light, and it will do everything I need it to do.

The cover is the only thing that is needed to make it work.

 

Wow! I can't believe how affordable these are now. The first time I ever saw one was during a field problem at FT Bragg. The unit had ordered them at some point and brought them along. I really liked it and looked into buying one and IIRC they were super expensive. I had forgotten about them until now. We had the rain fly that goes over them and they stayed dry during a tropical storm that passed through.

 

It is funny how beer can open doors! You are definitely first on my list when it comes to getting some load bars if and when I get tired of the modified Thule rack I am using right now or need something more heavy duty. I think that your load bars are very well priced and look great! Plus if I can support a what local business to me I am all for it! As for you with the tent cot RTT you could have a nice setup if you ran three of the load bars so that the middle one supported the middle bar on the tent instead of my cheesy little wood feet made hastily.

 

That is some great feedback! I almost bought the one you have pictured but I wanted to have some extra room for the dog or possibly one of my kids if they wanted to come on a journey. They also sell a over-sized version of the one you posted that is longer and has more headroom if someone is looking to save room on the back of the truck but get a little more room in the tent.

Kamp-Rite Oversize Tent Cot, The Leader in Off-The-Ground Camping, Rainfly and Carry Bag Included, Holds 350lbs, Sets up in Seconds

https://www.amazon.com/Kamp-Rite-DT...UTF8&qid=1488469112&sr=1-2&keywords=kamp-rite

 

Thanks. And I agree. My camping will be a few nights occasionally and I cant see spending hard earned cash for a real RTT for my needs. This is the best idea since sliced bread!