Roof top tent experts

[mtnwrunner]

Any RTT experts out there?
Looking for input on a good quality, fairly affordable system which will actually be mounted on a 6 x 12 utility trailer.

Randy

 

[mthayr]

IDK what makes one an "Expert" but I had one (aluminum clamshell style) and am happy to answer any questions I can...

 

[MuleyFever]

Have you gone down the YouTube rabbit hole yet?

 

[Skerhunter]

FYI these are getting nicer and cheaper by the day. Naturenest and topoak would both be worth a look.

Whatever you do, get an aluminum shell!

 

[ianpadron]

FYI these are getting nicer and cheaper by the day. Naturenest and topoak would both be worth a look.

Whatever you do, get an aluminum shell!

I was looking at both of those for my old 4Runner... they look legit, great reviews and a ton of features at 1/3 the cost of other more established options

 

[Maverick1]

I met a guy in Arizona that was camping/staying in a RTT on top of his 4Runner. He said it was alright, except that he never got to sleep in late into the morning. He always had to wake up early because it got too hot inside - middle of the summer, in the desert. (I think the only thing that would have worked for him would have been an RV or other camper type with A/C in that situation.)

Met another guy in Colorado near the trail head, similar setup but on top of a truck. He absolutely loved it for hunting.

 

[4090Sharps]

I met a guy in Arizona that was camping/staying in a RTT on top of his 4Runner. He said it was alright, except that he never got to sleep in late into the morning. He always had to wake up early because it got too hot inside - middle of the summer, in the desert. (I think the only thing that would have worked for him would have been an RV or other camper type with A/C in that situation.)

Met another guy in Colorado near the trail head, similar setup but on top of a truck. He absolutely loved it for hunting.

Most of them have dark or black outer shells. Painting the shell white makes a HUGE difference for desert use.

 

[Poser]

Recently, I've been hearing quite a bit about how "overlanding" has peaked in popularity as it was a Covid trend and RTTs have hit critical mass in FB marketplace. I can't confirm whether this is true or not because every 10th vehicle has them mounted locally and this region has required stickers and Jeep badges for Instagram overlanding credentials in the form of Black Bear Pass, Imogene Pass, Cinnamon Pass, Engineer Pass.

From what I've heard, you are super sensitive to catching wind which will then rock your vehicle enough to be noticeable. And, secondly, getting in and out in the rain is far from ideal. Basically, if conditions are good and you're on flat ground, its super fast and convenient. If you are going to need to get in and out of rain gear, not so much. Mounting one on a trailer is probably the way to go.

 

[mtnwrunner]

Thanks for the replies. Ive watched the crap out of YouTube and just thought i would get real roksliders input. And the aluminum looks like the way to go for sure. Im retiring April 17th and thought this would be a great project for my utility trailer. The 4runner is set up to sleep in but extra gear would be nice to put in the trailer underneath a RTT.
It's an older landscaping trailer but hauls alot of stuff.

Randy

 

[mtnbiker208]

Piss bottle for those middle of night calls?

 

[BBob]

It's an older landscaping trailer but hauls alot of stuff.

I have close to the same thing I’ve considered converting as well. Mine is smaller , 4x6x4 with a full steel floor and sides. If I do it I’d probably build a removable top panel to seal it up completely. I’d also do an axle flip and either a pintle or one of the Lock N Roll hitches.

 

[mtnwrunner]

This thing is almost 7 x 12 and I figure ill put some sort of support bars across the top rails for the tent to sit on.

 

[tx_shooter]

I have had a CVT RTT for almost 10 years now. I will say if you plan to put the RTT on and off much then get a drywall lift from Harbor Freight. It makes the process much safer and easier. My wife (aka Sammich Maker) was ready to file paperwork trying to put the RTT on my 4Runner with me.

I bought the drywall lift and it literally saved my life and marriage. A plus is it has many other good uses for holding heavy items up when painting, installing, or general fabrication work.

Pic from a trip to Big Bend Ranch State Park a few years ago.



https://www.toyotaoff-road.com/media/bbrsp_-14-jpg.1495/

 

[BLJ]

Don’t know if you’ve been to Expedition Portal yet or not.
There’s a few ideas over there.

 

[DrBeetleKill]

Congrats on retirement! Definitely not an expert but I am in the market as well. I am looking into the Naturnest or Topoak as budget friendly options. I have looked at KayakUSA for some trailer build options.

 

[Shraggs]

Thanks for the replies. Ive watched the crap out of YouTube and just thought i would get real roksliders input. And the aluminum looks like the way to go for sure. Im retiring April 17th and thought this would be a great project for my utility trailer. The 4runner is set up to sleep in but extra gear would be nice to put in the trailer underneath a RTT.
It's an older landscaping trailer but hauls alot of stuff.

Randy

View attachment 1029622View attachment 1029623View attachment 1029624

Not exactly what you asked but my thoughts would be not a tent but hybrid.

Think I’d build like a roof structure and slopped front like a cuddly cabin of a boat on a platform 7x7 and 16”. Storage under.

I’d extend the storage on each side 2’x5’x16”to the rear ramp as lockable boxes with 3’ floor center. Great seating and secure storage.

The back of the forward roof leave open as well and sides above each aluminum side. Find a canvas tent company that can cut side and back canvas curtains with a center door and windows and figure out snaps or Velcro to attach and seal for sleeping. Great breathability. The canvas can be removed which could then allow an atv to be loaded atop of the two lock boxes and a bit under the roof atop the 7x7 platform if needed.

Line the metal sides above platform with thin insulation and 1/4” birch plywood, roof should also be insulated similarly.

Just living vicariously thru your idle trailer