Roof Top Tent on DCSB Roof

There is a thread like this in the second gen forum, and I've seen a few post here and there on third gens, but no dedicated thread for the newer generation.


Anyone who runs their tent on the cab, do you have any long term issues?

What's the time length you've had it mounted to the cab?

Pros/cons for those who have their RTT mounted this way?


I just picked up a Leer 100XR for my DCSB and have to make the decision to either order tracks (drill a bunch of holes) and order a Prinsu for the shell, OR just put it on my Prinsu roof rack.

I had my RTT mounted to CBI Overland bed bars and it was great, but I finally managed to find a used camper shell in Cement semi-locally.

I have Total Chaos bed stiffeners already, but I'm iffy on putting it on the shell without the Milford LoadMax support system which is another added cost.
https://www.milford.one/LoadMax-universal-roof-rack-support-system-505500

If I put it on the roof, I'll still eventually get a rack of some kind for the shell and move my awning and Plano cases back there to have almost full length coverage once the tent and awning are both open.

Obviously MPG will suffer moving it above the roof line, but I had a RTT mounted to my JKU's roof for tens of thousands of miles. That was a brick on 35's with a smaller brick bolted to the top, so I'm used to the MPG hit.

Here are a few pictures of my setup(s) because threads are 10x better with pictures.

 

The cab can support the weight of the truck. It wouldn't be any different than mounting a RTT on the roof of a SUV.

 

This is my understanding as well. Someone else mentioned the 150lbs weight limit, but I believe that is for the stock roof rack.

This is directly from Prinsu's FAQ page:

"Our roof rack will hold a roof top tent and 2-3 people, so about 600 LBS static weight and about 300 LBS dynamic weight.
*disclaimer: we do not have our rack weight rated but we have field tested them."


That statement combined with the fact I've seen a few floating around on the forum with them mounted on the cab leads me to believe it'll be totally fine structurally.

I'm just hoping for some input from other members on their experience so far.

 

Sounds like you answered your own question. Order the tracks, drill the holes, get the topper rack, and try both Both ways will be just fine, but I think most prefer it on the topper verses the cab. Either can support the weight. My opinion is the truck looks more aesthetically pleasing and balanced with the largest brick of stuff most rearward. You also gain the option of orienting the tent to open off the rear of the vehicle, though most rarely do that. One pro is you won't have to move any of your front rack items. The only con to going topper is it costs you money to get the rack, although you already know you're going to eventually.

 

The cab can support the weight of the truck when the weight is evenly distributed across the roof, that statement is irrelevant when it comes to roof racks as the weight is concentrated to a certain area.

I would think 600 pounds would be cutting it close with the weight of the rack, tent and persons in said tent.

 

https://empyreoffroad.com/blogs/res...ng, if it's attached,around 300 to 750 pounds.

100 pound weight limit according to this source.

 

That's what the actual rack will support, not the roof itself.

 

I think my full exo-skeleton *frame-mounted* rack for my Wrangler was listed as the same capacity. I wonder if that's just everyone's go-to answer for legality reasons. I agree though, the rack, tent, and 2 people would be cutting it close to the 600 pound limit.

I'm surprised the listed rating for the camper shell is so low and no one seems to have problems with a RTT mounted over a topper if they aren't bouncing through rock gardens.

 

It'll be completely fine structurally. Just use common sense; don't stack 8 people up there. Most rack companies don't rate their racks because the rack structural integrity is very obviously way more than what the vehicle manufacturer (Toyota) rates their roof rack mounting points for, so it becomes a liability (I assume). Prinsu's numbers are conservative guesses at what they've seen in the field for themselves, and there's really no logical reason to go above those numbers, so no need to "rate" it for more. All that to say, a prinsu rack on a the cab can support a RTT and a couple people.

 

Have you ran a roof top tent on the cab? Sounds like you are shooting from the hip when it comes to the advice here.

 

"Don't stack 8 people up there". This was how I looked at it too. My wife is small, I am not. Almost 6'4 210+lbs on a good day, so the magical 600lbs would be close.

I was hoping some members had theirs mounted long term and could give a real world experience. There are a few people on YouTube who are currently or have been running with the tent over the cab, but no one ever does a good follow up video after some miles and time!

 

I've run RTT's on Subarus with stock and Yakima crossbars, "rated" for far less.

 

Can we see?

I have Yakima crossbars on my tacoma and could not imagine trying to run 600 pounds on them.

 

Worth a watch: overloading roof racks.

You should consider dynamic loading, as that would likely govern when putting a roof top tent on top of your cab.

 

Is it going to change your mind? Do you actually think I'm lying for the sake of internet cool points? Do a simple google search; RTT's are on stock vehicles across the world.

 

I get it. But lets see your set up? Don't get all defensive, I just wanted to see what it looked like using Yakima bars. Post up a picture.

 

My only long term experience follow up is "it works; its not worth it though". And what I mean is leaving a RTT mounted full time on a daily driver isn't worth the MPG hit/parking deck clearance loss/wind noise/etc. But structurally, there's really no issue.

 

Plenty of examples in a simple google search; As you may notice, I don't post personal information on public forums. If that sways your belief in my credibility, I'm 100% okay with that. I'd much prefer people do their own research and don't believe internet strangers anyway

Edit to save you time, looks like this, but not mine:

 

How is showing a picture of your old vehicle with a tent on it, posting personal info lol?

 

To expand on the topic, you should consider the loading cases putting a roof top tent on top your cab will do.

In static loading conditions (i.e. truck parked with people on top), it's very likely that the cab roof can sustain the load of the RTT + 1 or 2 people inside. However, in dynamic loading conditions (i.e. truck during movement or transport), you are subjected to higher and dynamic loads that it reduces your effective loading capacity.

Do note that the factors of safeties used in both loading conditions are different: maybe for static it's FOS=1 or 2, and for dynamic it's FOS=3 or 4. The roof rack manufacturer should take this into account, to be sure that there would be little risk of your rack shearing on its mounting locations.

In this case, ultimately what would govern is the Tacoma's cab roof load capacity. Unless you know that, I would be leery in putting a roof top tent on top of the cab.

Another consideration too is putting a roof top tent will elevate your center of gravity, likely making the vehicle unstable during motion.

Having said all this, you should ask yourself whether you are willing to accept the risks?

Reports of racks shearing on their mounts: video by Tyler Thompson.