Roof Top Tent

Hey guys, I am looking into buying a RTT for my Tacoma and I don’t know much about them. I was wondering if anyone cared to comment on any setups they are running and some quick pros, cons, and overall suggestions

I am looking to mount the tent and rack in the bed instead of on top the cab, so any recommendations on cages and brands is greatly appreciated. (Links if possible)

Thanks!


*2016 Tacoma TRD double cab - short bed. *

 

I've got the same truck (2016 OR SB). I'm using:

CBI Overland Bars: http://www.cbioffroadfab.com/products/3rd-gen-toyota-tacoma/overland-bars-duplicate/
Tepui Kukenam Sky tent: https://tepuitents.com/collections/3-person-roof-top-tents/products/kukenam-sky-roof-top-tent

No complaints with either. Happy to answer any questions about them.



-Craig

 

700+ pages of info.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/the-rtt-owners-thread-with-bs.312269/

 

I run a CVT MT Bachelor rtt on my 2017 Tacoma Dblcab SB. It sits on top of an RCI Bed rack.

Pros: Easy to open the tent and get set up> It’s more comfortable than a floor tent> Gets you off the floor on to higher elevations> You can leave your sleeping bag and pillow stored in the tent saving space> Girls love it. they will choose to come up to yours tent for the night V.S. staying in their bf’s shitty floor tent wondering why they are even with him in the first place

Cons: Heavy> Causes wind drag> loss of MPG> Pain to take on and off when not in use> need to buy bed stiffeners to keep the truck bed from flexing from weight if running a bed rack and RTT> kind of a pain to take down and zip the tent back up> Tent gets condensation in the mornings and it is recommended to let it dry before packing it up and leaving>Going to take a piss is a pain but you can bring a coffee can and piss in there if you are too lazy to go up and down the ladder> Being drunk and trying to climb up into your tent can be a challenge sometimes> Also last Angry Boyfriend might be waiting for you at the end of the ladder cause his girl climbed into your rtt.

That’s all I can think of and with that said. I think you should get one!

 

Thank you guys for the feedback thus far. Very nice setups I may add!

@doubletap your killing me with the gf pros and cons lol! But with that said, valid points to both sides haha

Also, in regards to bed stiffeners, I have never heard of these before... Anyone care to elaborate?

 

I haven't seen any problems and I don't have bed stiffeners -- @doubletap, is there anything I should be looking at for any signs of weird flexing?

 

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/bedside-reinforcements-tie-downs-in-stock.476123/

 

I think @doubletap hit all the crucial points. For me, the RTT is just a matter of convenience when camping with the family. Wife and dog generally get the tent, and I crash in my hammock. During winter, we all pile in the RTT.

I went with kbvoodoo hi-rise cross bars because I wanted to retain use of my factory tonneau cover and still be able to fit in the garage. The top of my tent sits flush with the roofline when mounted. http://www.kbvoodoo.com/shop/toyota...-use-with-tonneau-covers-fits-years-2005-2016

I also tried to remain on the cheap, so I went with a Tuff Stuff Delta that I found for $650-ish during a Memorial Day sale. No issues so far through Colorado summer and winter use. http://tuffstuff4x4.com/products/tuff-stuff-delta-overland-rooftop-tent/

I also added the bed stiffeners that @Drainbung linked above before I mounted the tent. Mostly for the bottle opening capabilities...

Not the best pictures -

 

It doesn’t happen right away but it happened with mine. Its start forming a gap in between your tail light and tail gate due to the weight on top on the bed rails.

 

Ah, I see. Good to know. It looks Total Chaos makes a set. I might pick up a pair just for the extra tie-downs...

-Craig

 

I am using the Total Chaos bed stiffy’s and I say it’s worth doing. You reinforce your bed, get extra tie down points, built in CB antenna or light whip holder, and you can also use it as a bottle opener. Don’t see any downsides.

 

Dang man thats a sweet setup! Wouldn't happen to have a build thread would you ?

 

OP take a look at hard top rtts as well as they are more aero dynamic and they open themselves up.

 

Rack:KB Voodoo w/ tonneau brackets and bike mounts
Tent: CVT Mt. Shasta Extended

It was nice I didn't have to cut the rails the tent mounts to or use the metal brackets (it's mounted directly to the rack with 4 bolts). Doubletap summed up all the pros and cons.

 

Anyone tried the Yakima bed rack and RTT? I've read the reviews of the tent, metal shavings and all, but the ease of removal has caught my eye. Certainly not going to leave a tent full time on my daily driver for monthly use at best.

 

Thanks! Here is the build.

TRD Pro front grill
TRD Pro Wheels
Frontrunner Slimline II Roof rack
48 inch CVT awning
RCI Bed Rack
RCI Rock Sliders
RCI Differential skid plate
CVT MT Bachelor RTT
ICON Stage 4 with 2.0 RR extended travel
OME Dakar HD Leaf pack
Safari Snorkel
BFG 2 KO2 285/75/r16
Wilco offroad Solo HC Spare Tire/Hi lift jack carrier.
Caliraised 52 Inch curved LED bar and Hood mounted flood POD's.
STV LED Rear Chase and Brake lights
WARN M8000s synthetic winch
US Offroad hidden winch mount

$323 ARB CKMA12 On-Board Air Compressor High Performance 12 Volt for Air Locker Differentials and Tire Inflation

ARB CKMA12 OBA
ARB Front Air Locker
Regeared to Nitro 4.88

 

I'm looking at running the Tuff Stuff 4-5 man RTT on my 2015 double cab, looking for any options for a rack that extends over the cab some, the tents specs are 48x79 collapsed, so obviously the standard bed racks won't work with a 60inch bed. Just want to see if anyone has seen this done or has some options.

 

Thanks for posting this up man. Helped a lot.

 

Flan2504, how have the hi-rise cross bars worked out for you? Your set-up is exactly what I have been considering. Is there enough room for the vent window to open nearest the cab, and insert the braces? Thanks