RTT help

I have exhausted the search function and have read every post about RTTs on this forum.


17 Double cab long box, with Leer legend canopy. Looking at buying a RTT for short distance trips in BC to Bike Parks. I have a Tactical Roof Rack Solutions Prinsu style rack for the truck, looking at the CVT Mt.Hood(Clamshell) in the 60” width 85” long and 8” high.

I want to mount over the cab as I do remove the canopy for yard waste and other things. I do have a shuttle rack for the truck for 4 mountain bikes so rear access is not possible.

I was thinking and measuring, mount the RTT over the cab, the tent will overhang the canopy by about 16” and more or less flush or slight overhang at the front of the truck.

My Tacoma is not on off-road machine, so not using it for crawling or thrashing through the bush, that’s what the bikes are for, in my case.

Pros and cons of mounting this way, and removing the canopy or mounting to the canopy are not options.

Input from others would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

 

Here is the current set up with the bike rack

 

Most cloth RTT’s are made in China. Some are good and some are junk, save up and get an IKamper or similar style RTT!

Good Luck!
Dwight

 

Do it, works fine. But you will quickly become aware RTTs are a pain in the ass, especially if you have to drive to trailheads or shuttle.

 

Is there a specific reason why it must be an RTT and not any other type of tent/shelter solution?

 

For Grindstone

RTT solves the wildlife solution for the wife. Does not like sleeping on the ground in bear country. Setting up electric fences is a pain in the ass. The RTT seems like it will solve more problems, as well as creat a few minor inconveniences. I do have a very high quality 4 season mountaineering tent that with use for backpacking trips.

I use the canopy for storage of gear and for the 80lbs husky that comes along.

 

What are the downsides of using a RTT? The areas we ride have paid shuttle services, 15 passenger van and 15 place bike trailers. I like the hard shell RTT’s as they are fast to set up and sealed for dusty/wet weather. The tent would stay on the truck for most of the riding months and come off during winter.

 

The only downside is that you have to fold it all back up if you run out of beer early. Nowadays I don't open the tent until I'm sure that I've settled in for the night.

 

RTTs are great, but unless you have a wedge or clamshell they aren't the quickest or easiest thing to pack/unpack. So, unless you don't mind setting up and cleaning up to move it could be a pain. I never minded though all that much, but it does make you debate whether driving somewhere is worth it once the tents been unpacked.

 

I am looking at a clamshell so set up and tear down should be easy. Just looking for info on the roof rack system and weight rating now. No real clear info available.

 

Like some other people have mentioned, RTTs are a good option for being off the ground and depending on the tent it can be a breeze to set it up/pack up.

 

Once the tent is raised, looking at a hard shell RTT, I’m sure we’d be settled for the night.

 

Setting up and taking it down daily, the reduced mileage of having it on the roof, the middle of the night bathroom trips, and the only wildlife they deter are snakes maybe? Everything else climbs. I bought ours used, the kids like it, and it has more resale value than a treehouse, but I wouldn’t try it again unless doing an xc expedition or something.
I find the ground tent option more convenient.

 

This ^
Been there, done all that. Sold it for $200 less than I bought it for. Got a TT. Im sure there are those out there that would like RTT for their particular situation but we like to drive around and explore after setting up camp most of the time.

 

Snakes won't get there. Everything else will.

 

Thank you everyone for your support. I decided to go with a Thule Tepui Ruggedized Kukenam. It’s much lighter and smaller rooftop footprint than the CVT tent I was originally looking at. It might have its not so great moments but will serve my needs well.

 

I actually have the same tent, pre-Thule acquisition. Just don't forget to velcro down the hinge covers on cold nights!