Anyone with a RTT set up with a Topper

[freeze]

Just wanting to see who has a RTT set up with a camper top/Topper on a Second Gen Tacoma.

What kind of rack are you using and the tent set up?

Does the bedsides flare out when you're sleeping in it?

This is my truck that will eventually get a RTT.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2482/3620852041_861c8b4200.jpg

Thank you,

[Corey]

WASURF63 does.
I saw his a week back in my town as we were driving opposite directions.
http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=28208

http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=29745&d=1245525016

http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=29746&d=1245525016

http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=29747&d=1245525016

When I saw him the canopy was off,a nd the tent was just on the rack.
Neat how he can have it both ways.

His tent is the AutoHome Columbus.
Looks like my AutoHome Maggiolina when it is down, but his opens up at an angle, mine cranks straight up.

There are quite a few Tacomas on here with roof top tents.

[zolo]

The plastic bed and bed sides of the second gen Tacoma are way strong. I know there has been talk and questions of its strength but I wouldnt worry about it. Ive had several differnt racks mounted to the bed rail top on my second gen with mt RTT mounted and never a problem. Many miles, and no worries NO FLARE in or out of the RTT

[freeze]

awesome! thank you for the replies. I've been looking at either the ARB or the Ez Awn.

Any picts of this set up with a rack on the topper?

[Corey]

Here is another Tacoma setup with a tent.
http://homepage.mac.com/desertdude/04_tacoma_maggiolina_tent/index.html

http://homepage.mac.com/desertdude/04_tacoma_maggiolina_tent/pictures/picture-12.jpg http://homepage.mac.com/desertdude/04_tacoma_maggiolina_tent/pictures/picture-10.jpg

Another build 07 Tacoma
http://expeditionportal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=5767

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2100/2188693280_eeb2e3bf48_b.jpg

Wil from Sierra Expeditions setup on a CanBack topper.

http://lh5.ggpht.com/flyingwil/SAzUJkm2tvI/AAAAAAAACao/4oehhfvskog/s800/16.JPG

Not sure where I grabbed this from before, but it is mounted right to the top like you are asking about.

http://wileyp.smugmug.com/photos/282310055_hSnvc-L.jpg

[freeze]

http://wileyp.smugmug.com/photos/282310055_hSnvc-L.jpg

Hey thank you for the photo's!

Do you remember how high this rack sits on the topper?

I'm trying to get a rack that's low-profile so it's not sitting super high.

I also tried getting more info form Can-Back for their second gen Tacoma but just got a simple... we'll get back to you when it's finished. That would take off a lot of weight also.

[HMR]

Just found this thread while searching for something else...


Do you remember how high this rack sits on the topper?
That's my Tacoma in the photo above. I started with a stock Yakima setup:
http://wileyp.smugmug.com/photos/205908592_XNExR-M.jpg

http://wileyp.smugmug.com/photos/205908624_ZiWvE-M.jpg

It was too high, added unnecessary torque to the shell when offroad and, most importantly, wouldn't fit in my garage. I drilled holes through the roof and bolted on a set of Thule load bars:
http://wileyp.smugmug.com/photos/252608573_kGRsm-M.jpg

http://wileyp.smugmug.com/photos/209947919_i9ChX-M.jpg

I attached an identical set of Thule bars to the RTT. When I lower the RTT onto the topper the upper loadbars sit on top of the lower set and are bolted together:
http://wileyp.smugmug.com/photos/209942402_vGNMN-M-1.jpg

http://wileyp.smugmug.com/photos/229247860_ZASLZ-M.jpg

http://wileyp.smugmug.com/photos/353695792_onHAz-M.jpg



The "lowered" version of the rack handles better on/offroad and fits inside a standard height garage. I sealed the bolt holes with a silicone sealant and haven't had any leaks after many miles of rain and snow. So far, the topper hasn't developed any cracks or other signs of fatigue.

[Hilux_Max]

You could easily fabricate some sort of support frame that sits within the "topper" itself and bolts to the floor of the tub.....then whatever RTT you decide to fit, just drill holes through the topper into the frame itself and mount it like this.

it would be low profile and very strong.

just an idea.

[freeze]

http://wileyp.smugmug.com/photos/209942402_vGNMN-M-1.jpg

http://wileyp.smugmug.com/photos/229247860_ZASLZ-M.jpg


This is awesome! Would you happen to have more details on how they bolt together and keep the two bars from sliding off each other?

Has anyone seen what happens to the bed with one of these attached to a topper and doing a steep hill climb with a little chatter or hop?

Just watching these tacoma's the rear part of the frame really flexes if it gets into a slight hop on hill climbs. It's like an accordion! Wondering if the RTT will make it worse or might even dampen the effect.


You could easily fabricate some sort of support frame that sits within the "topper" itself and bolts to the floor of the tub.....then whatever RTT you decide to fit, just drill holes through the topper into the frame itself and mount it like this.

it would be low profile and very strong.

just an idea.

This too is a really good idea! Thanks Max

[TACODOC]

The plastic bed and bed sides of the second gen Tacoma are way strong. I know there has been talk and questions of its strength but I wouldnt worry about it. Ive had several differnt racks mounted to the bed rail top on my second gen with mt RTT mounted and never a problem. Many miles, and no worries NO FLARE in or out of the RTT

Same here. Big stout rack, big Eezi-Awn 1600 with two full size adults up there.

No worries.

[mountainpete]

Freeze,

If you want to see a RTT attached to a canopy you can come see mine - not a 05+, but it will give you an idea. I'm in deep SW Calgary.

Just PM me.

Pete

[freeze]

Hey Pete!

Thank you for your offer!

I just put on some Yakima rails and rack for an RTT. I ended up ordering a RTT from Camping Labs! It's backordered but should be here sometime this summer :wings:

[freeze]

Got the Camping Lab RTT on the Tacoma. Wow it sits high! I'm gonna have to figure something out as it looks a little strange.

[PHXtaco]

Picts?

[freeze]

hehe..... yeah snapped one the other day. It's off the iPhone. My friend there is about 6'2". I slept in it last night in -20 before going ski touring. Worked really well.

I don't have a collapsed photo to show how high it sits.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3534/4003945022_b4ccd30105_b.jpg

[PHXtaco]

Looks great!

[freeze]

Thank you!

I have some hair line fractures in the fiberglass from doing the Rubicon with about 100lbs on the roof basket. I'm just hoping they don't get bigger with the RTT on. I noticed the sides of the bed are starting to flare out as well. I've gotta look into a solution. I'm not really into doing an exo as it looks a little strange. I may look at doing an inexo?

[DarkHelmet]

Thank you!

I have some hair line fractures in the fiberglass from doing the Rubicon with about 100lbs on the roof basket. I'm just hoping they don't get bigger with the RTT on. I noticed the sides of the bed are starting to flare out as well. I've gotta look into a solution. I'm not really into doing an exo as it looks a little strange. I may look at doing an inexo?

Bummer, just what I didn't want to here. Was starting to think about an RTT on a Leer 100R but sounds like it may not quite be up to the weight requirements.

Leer has a reinforced 100RCC that they say will support up to 400lbs on a roof rack but they do not offer it for the short bed Tacoma, only for the longer bed.

I really want the look of a "consumer grade" fiberglass shell that will support an RTT, rather than the commercial looking ones or an exo cage.

[pray4surf]

Thank you!

I have some hair line fractures in the fiberglass from doing the Rubicon with about 100lbs on the roof basket. I'm just hoping they don't get bigger with the RTT on. I noticed the sides of the bed are starting to flare out as well. I've gotta look into a solution. I'm not really into doing an exo as it looks a little strange. I may look at doing an inexo?

Bed Stiffeners
http://www.warriorproducts.com/catalog/TBL_UniversalBedStiffeners.html

bed stiffeners (http://www.desertrides.com/reference/terms.php):tubes used to brace the bed on a truck without a tailgate. These run from the upper corner of a bedside down to the bottom of the bed, which triangulates it and keeps the bed from tweaking.

I'm familiar with stiffeners made from 1" OD (approx) tubing - had them on my 81 toyota 4x4

[MDH33]

I'm about to order an A.R.E MX topper for my '04 Double Cab Taco and I really want to use my RTT with this set up. Any more advice from those using toppers and RTT's? I was thinking of using Yakima Wide Body brackets (false gutter) with backing plates to attach 3 sets of Yakima A1 towers to the sides of the topper:

http://ep.yimg.com/ca/I/yhst-17131263593118_2078_24338484

Think it will support it? I won't be wheeling this truck on anything more than bumpy mountain forest roads. I know an exo-cage or ladder rack would be a more stout method, but I don't want the truck to look like a contractors rig when the tent is not on. I also like to remove the rack bars when not in use. I used the 3 sets of yak bars on my FJ60 with the tent and it worked great.

:)

[freeze]

Bed Stiffeners
http://www.warriorproducts.com/catalog/TBL_UniversalBedStiffeners.html

bed stiffeners (http://www.desertrides.com/reference/terms.php):tubes used to brace the bed on a truck without a tailgate. These run from the upper corner of a bedside down to the bottom of the bed, which triangulates it and keeps the bed from tweaking.

I'm familiar with stiffeners made from 1" OD (approx) tubing - had them on my 81 toyota 4x4

Hey thank you! Looks like that would keep the sides together.

[TRDFAN]

Bummer, just what I didn't want to here. Was starting to think about an RTT on a Leer 100R but sounds like it may not quite be up to the weight requirements.

Leer has a reinforced 100RCC that they say will support up to 400lbs on a roof rack but they do not offer it for the short bed Tacoma, only for the longer bed.

I really want the look of a "consumer grade" fiberglass shell that will support an RTT, rather than the commercial looking ones or an exo cage.

I have the Leer RCC100 for my short bed Taco. I got the reinforced version with plans of putting a RTT up there.

I am planning on ordering a set of Yakima rails for the top this week. I will let you know how it works out. I will probably follow a set up similar to HMR's.

Got to love the portal. Always useful stuff on here!

http://i615.photobucket.com/albums/tt236/Trdfan/PA090085.jpg
Boats
http://i615.photobucket.com/albums/tt236/Trdfan/PA080068.jpg
Camping Set up
http://i615.photobucket.com/albums/tt236/Trdfan/P9060003.jpg
http://i615.photobucket.com/albums/tt236/Trdfan/P9060004.jpg
And a little dirty
http://i615.photobucket.com/albums/tt236/Trdfan/PA030019.jpg

[MDH33]

I'm about to order an A.R.E MX topper for my '04 Double Cab Taco and I really want to use my RTT with this set up. Any more advice from those using toppers and RTT's? I was thinking of using Yakima Wide Body brackets (false gutter) with backing plates to attach 3 sets of Yakima A1 towers to the sides of the topper:

http://ep.yimg.com/ca/I/yhst-17131263593118_2078_24338484

Think it will support it? I won't be wheeling this truck on anything more than bumpy mountain forest roads. I know an exo-cage or ladder rack would be a more stout method, but I don't want the truck to look like a contractors rig when the tent is not on. I also like to remove the rack bars when not in use. I used the 3 sets of yak bars on my FJ60 with the tent and it worked great.

:)


I have the Leer RCC100 for my short bed Taco. I got the reinforced version with plans of putting a RTT up there.

I am planning on ordering a set of Yakima rails for the top this week. I will let you know how it works out. I will probably follow a set up similar to HMR's.



Are you planning on running the tent on the topper without additional reinforcement? I am considering doing the same thing.

[TRDFAN]

Are you planning on running the tent on the topper without additional reinforcement? I am considering doing the same thing.

Yeah, the RCC100 is designed to support 600lbs on top. If you look at the underside of the op you can see the two larger "ribs" that give it this extra strength.

I plan on running a RTT the same way HMR does, with the load bars mounted directly to the rails on top of the camper. My thoughts are the higher the legs make the tent sit from the top/shell the more torque or leverage they have to crack or break the top when you start to move around.

I think the top should hold up fine. I have seen several people on this site who run their RTT's mounted directly to their shell. Im sure you have to. Just make sure when you are mounting to the top you use the proper adhesives and maybe mix up a small amount of fiberglass to apply to the outside for extra strength.

Let me know how this goes when you do it, i'm right behind ya with the same thing.

[MDH33]

Yeah, the RCC100 is designed to support 600lbs on top. If you look at the underside of the op you can see the two larger "ribs" that give it this extra strength.

Gotcha. That sounds like a good solution. Unfortunately, it doesn't appear that Leer makes the RCC100 or RCC180 for the 5.5 foot bed on the 2001-2004 DC Tacomas, according to their website.

[Jacket]

I'm sure this has been discussed, but couldn't you add some additional support inside the topper in the form of a piece of flat steel that you run the mounting hardware through?