Camper shell + rooftop tent question

I have a snugtop on my first gen and I'd like to install some roof tracks so I can mount a hard shell roof top tent.

However, the snugtop has a raised portion that tapers near the front, making the space narrower for mounting the tracks than what I have typically seen. I think most tracks are spaced about ~40ish inches apart, but I'd probably only be able to get them about 33 inches apart at most on my camper.

Is this a concern for mounting something like a hard shell tent from a weight perspective? I'm considering something like a roofnest sparrow, so somewhere in the neighborhood of 130-150 lbs.



Here's a pic of some else's rig I had saved with the exact same camper shell + truck as mine. Looks like it's not a problem for a light soft shell tent, but wondering if what I'm after would make a difference.

 

I have also wanted to do this but everything I have seen shows that eventually the fiberglass will begin to crack and eventually fail.
That would be my primary concern, the mounting width of the frame rails probably wouldn't have too big of an effect.


If you can fab, you could build an exoskeleton of sorts around the shell to carry the weight of the tent directly down onto the bed rails, keeping all the weight off the shell. Like this:


Or in the same vein, an internal frame that your roof rails bolt directly onto.
The ARE CX HD shell comes with an internal frame for this exact reason.

Can check these threads out for internal frame builds:
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/1st-gen-topper-rebuild-and-internal-frame.694546/
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...orcement-with-internal-frame-endocage.731523/

Either way you will also want to invest in some bed stiffeners, as our beds are prone to bowing out under weight. Theres some cheaper ones on Amazon that are made for 2nd and 3rd gen Tacomas, you have to drill new holes to use these but they can still work. Saves a lot vs the dedicated 1st gen stiffeners.
See this thread for Amazon bed stiffeners:
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/amazon-bed-stiffeners.830144/

$53 NORTHYUN Tacoma Bed Channel Stiffener Rear Bed Channel Support Bracket Compatible with 2005-2023 Toyota Tacoma

https://www.amazon.com/samman-Channel-Stiffener-Compatible-2005-2022/dp/B0B4656YL1?crid=1AA7L0I1SMZCJ&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.RZpCB3kscc5Rw1DDLookEh7W_3-s5PY6v411CBa4ZdRHeyeSvzPqSMG1jihsCxMne_GGOj6NoFs_dRTt4J0IeXWE6S1_ryIx3WOezuBSAdKYgPvxAkZTdUU9CBPrwWY0ALbXZIRW1hZeRiL60VoXL3Su-CrxACGx8w0R8Nj1FXsgRWvYVT6ZJX3t-FQiMhDITSX3qjDIj1pvOikPh3BawTpaQspBBNI9y7cC1ZWsZDQ._4KAfuZ9G82QaOZPu1uTYuuSb6tw99OINdyjFChvIyw&dib_tag=se&keywords=first+gen+tacoma+bed+stiffener&qid=1713031778&sprefix=%2Caps%2C157&sr=8-1-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGY#customerReviews

1st gen specific stiffeners: Of course there's always a chance you throw it up there and never have any issues, but you should be aware that fiberglass shells are not very well suited to carry all that weight. People have done and will do it.

 

That's some good info, thanks @time623 !

I figured it would be a pretty risky move considering how much weight everything adds up to be when you factor in 2 people sleeping in the tent. I'm already pretty reluctant to drill into a perfectly good shell and I don't want to take the chance of ruining it. It wouldn't be easy to find another one like it.

I know mounting a skybox or cargo basket is pretty common, like this:
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/roof-basket-on-camper-shell-easy-install.493289/#post-15248384

Would that be a safer alternative weight wise? (Assuming you don't load 200-300 lbs of gear on top)

Just trying to explore some options for a little extra storage and make setup + teardown easier for moto trips with all the gear I haul.

Btw, I do like that external frame idea! Going to look into that more and see if there is a way to mount one that doesn't require notching the sides of the shell for the brackets.

 

I’d like an EXO over the roof and the hood so that I could slide 4 x 8 sheets onto it.

 

I don’t think you’ll have any issues with a box.

With our 1st gen’s you shouldn’t have to notch the shell. Newer trucks have the edges of the shell wrap around the bed slightly, while ours sit flat on the bed rail (double check your shell of course). However, by not notching you’ll lift the shell off the bed rail slightly with the metal plates of the rack. So you may need to find a thicker bed rail gasket to stay sealed.

Another option is a ladder/lumber rack, there are some that are made to mount over a shell like this:

You can see how the shell didnt have to be notched here.
Drawback is you look like a contractor, but youd get over cab storage space too. May have to add a couple cross bars too to make it work for a tent.
I’ve been trying to find one of these, they’re pretty rare but I’ve seen them popup occasionally on FB Marketplace.

Another thing to add with these options, if you remove the shell frequently I would probably avoid the external rack over it. It’s a bit of a pain to remove.

 

@time623 that looks like a solid option honestly, and I don't hate the look! I'm guessing you just have to drill holes in the top of the bed frame rails to mount it. I'll keep an eye out for something like that.

 

I don’t know if you have resolved this or not but I have been running a very very large tent directly on my camper shell for several years. Done some significant off-roading with it including Mohave road, white rim and a whole lot of Missouri and Arkansas. Have slept my family of 5 on top as well. Zero issues.

I spent a significant amount of time pressing curious campershell manufacturers for info on these things before I did it. Let me know if you want pics or have any questions.