Roof Tent on an 07 Xterra? [Archive]

mountainpete

03-29-2007, 05:00 AM

Hi all,

More of my "hypothetical questions" - I'll explain more when I can :sombrero:

The roof rack on an 07 Xterra is rated at 150 lbs. My assumption is that this figure is based on the vehicle in motion, not what the capacity is while stationary.

Does anyone have any experience with a roof tent on a new Xterra? Any issues with the factory rack?

Thanks,

Pete

JayP

03-29-2007, 05:08 AM

The plastic rails, at least on my truck isn't the strongest. You could probably get away with it since the roof is braced where the roof rack mounts. Would I try it, probably not. lol.

mountainpete

03-29-2007, 05:20 AM

Thanks Jay

I'm more concerned about the tubular sides instead of the crossbars. I can always make up different crossbars or put on Yakimas.

Thoughts?

Allahades

03-29-2007, 11:36 AM

I can't imagine you'd have any problem as long as it was a tent that was under the 150 lbs. Plenty of people have rocket box-type things up there, and plenty of others carry gas cans.

The stock crossbars are held on by plastic brackets, however, and I've heard they're the weak point, so I'd suggest using Thule or Yakima crossbars.

I'm toying with the idea of getting a roof top tent for my 05 Xterra for a big trip this summer. My plan would be to use three Thule crossbars and mount the tent to that. But the tubular side bars are beefier on the 05+ Xterras than on the earlier X's, and people have carried all sorts of things on the first gen. Xterras, including roof tents.

IggyB

03-29-2007, 01:04 PM

Where, hypothetically speaking, would the roof tent be purchased ?

GCEC ?

I'm thinking of getting one once again.

mountainpete

03-29-2007, 02:48 PM

Where, hypothetically speaking, would the roof tent be purchased ?

GCEC ?

I'm thinking of getting one once again.

Not sure. They're going to be at the Outdoor Show this weekend. Hoping to chat with them more then.

Pete

Allahades

03-29-2007, 05:04 PM

The one question I have concerns the narrowness of the Xterra roof rack-- it's just 39 inches wide, so almost all the roof tents out there are going to hang over the edge. Is this a problem? I have no idea...

The roof of the Xterra is a little wider, about 43 inches wide, but I still wonder how this would work with tents like the Eezi-Awn (which are 48 inches wide). Aesthetically it strikes me as a little off-balance, having the tent hang off the top like that, but does anyone have any thoughts on what it would or would not do aerodynamically?

I've been contemplating an Autohome Overland, because it's just 43 inches wide when folded, and because it's the only roof top tent I've actually seen in person and climbed around in.

So, I'd love to hear anyone else's thoughts on this...

mountainpete

03-29-2007, 05:25 PM

It looks like it can be done!

http://www.xterraownersclub.com/ubb/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=4;t=004606

I sent an e-mail over to the owner of the truck with some questions and an invitation to come visit us here on ExPo. Hopefully he will chime in. :elkgrin:

hattrik21

03-29-2007, 05:27 PM

I've seen some of these on pre 05 Xterra's and they seem to work well. Here is a link to a thread in another forum for a guy who just got one.

http://www.xterraownersclub.com/ubb/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=4;t=004606

hattrik21

03-29-2007, 05:28 PM

articulate

03-29-2007, 05:41 PM

This dude has it going on, baby!
http://www.xterrawolf.com/images/xterra/rooftent.jpg

mountainpete

03-29-2007, 05:47 PM

This dude has it going on, baby!

He does... and I hope he joins in with our commuity and shares more :elkgrin:

Mike S

03-29-2007, 06:11 PM

We usually recommend that our customers with Xterras fit a Thule 450 Crossroads system to carry our tents. This will support 150 lbs (dynamic) when travelling. No problem to mount a tent on an Xterra...

Here's an OverLand fabric tent on an Xterra.

http://www.hunt101.com/img/484431.jpg

And here is a Maggiolina on an Xterra.

http://www.hunt101.com/img/484433.jpg

You can call me to discuss details of the rack systems, if you like

888-852-2359

eXpeditionXterra

03-29-2007, 06:29 PM

Hey all!

Just wanted to say hello, and let you all know I will be posting some detailed pictures of the mounting system that I cooked up for this sucker soon.

If you want to see what it looks like all packed up.

http://www.xterrawolf.com/images/xterra/bradshaw07/bradshaw5.jpg

mountainpete

03-29-2007, 06:42 PM

Glad you joined us Jason... looking forward to some additional pictures.

Bergger

03-29-2007, 06:43 PM

Nice rig. Welcome to the forum.

toyrunner95

03-29-2007, 08:49 PM

please tell me that you didnt forget anything. looks like you have my entire apartment in there.

kcowyo

03-29-2007, 10:07 PM

Welcome to the forum eXpeditionXterra1 :beer:

That's a tight set-up you have there. Looks like you're ready for just about anything. I look forward to reading more about what you've equipped your X with.

mountainpete

03-29-2007, 10:33 PM

please tell me that you didnt forget anything. looks like you have my entire apartment in there.

You must have a well equipped, expedition ready apartment!

jingram

03-29-2007, 10:38 PM

Awesome... so glad you joined our community over here! Not many guys using the X for Expedition work and there should be. Welcome aboard!

Jack

:clapsmile

eXpeditionXterra

03-30-2007, 12:06 AM

If you guys want, I can do a whole writeup of all the many many MANY things I have had done to this truck.

riverfever

03-30-2007, 12:43 AM

If you guys want, I can do a whole writeup of all the many many MANY things I have had done to this truck.

I would be very interested in more pics and info on your rig. Looks very well thought out.

Bergger

03-30-2007, 12:46 AM

I would love that. I currently use my Tacoma but last October we just got an 06 Xterra OR and I have been thinking of doing some stuff to it. I'm sure I could use a lot of your ideas and incorporate them into the 2nd gen Xterra.

jingram

03-30-2007, 05:29 AM

I for one would love a write-up and a bunch of pictures on everything you have done to the X, what issues you have encountered, current fuel economy loaded down, etc.

This place should be right up your alley. XOC as you know doubt well know is primarily full of rock climbers and guys throwing a lot of money towards a vehicle that will never come close to having the ability or the aftermarket support to climb rocks like a Jeep or Sammy. That being said, as an expedition platform, I think the X is one of the best platforms currently available in the North America.

eXpeditionXterra

03-31-2007, 08:42 PM

I don't think I will have the same problem with the plastic footings. I don't use the factory cross-bars. There are 5 total 1/4" thick aluminum cross-bars spanning the entire length of the tent.

http://www.xterrawolf.com/images/xterra/tentmount1.jpg

http://www.xterrawolf.com/images/xterra/tentmount2.jpg

I had to improvise on the little mounting tabs, because they only give you four. I made four additional tabs from 3/8" thick steel. Doesn't fit exactly perfect, but it isn't going anywhere.

That gave me a total of 8 mounting points. They suggest four... but I defy them.

http://www.xterrawolf.com/images/xterra/tentmount3.jpg

IggyB

03-31-2007, 11:40 PM

Just got back from the Outdoorsman show here in Calgary.

Had a look at the Hannibal rooftop tent. Pending approval from the better half, I should be pulling a pin on one Monday. Just have to figure out if I want the 1.2m or the 1.4m wide unit. Best of all, they tell me that the tents are in stock.

Had a chat with the GCEC guys as well as Jacques W - the managing director of Hannibal in South Africa. Got another Scepter gas can too. Can't have too many of them.

http://www.hannibal.ca/images/tents/tent_10.jpg

IggyB

04-06-2007, 04:13 AM

The 1.2m Hannibal is now sitting in the garage :clapsmile

Just have to figure out how to mount it

Lost Canadian

04-06-2007, 02:05 PM

The 1.2m Hannibal is now sitting in the garage :clapsmile

Just have to figure out how to mount it
I actually just finished up a custom frame & mount for my Hannibal 1.4. I could take some photo's for you later tonight if you would like? I went through GCEC as well, nice guys.

IggyB

04-06-2007, 08:30 PM

Yes, please, I would like some photos.

I need to make mounts for the bed of the truck and some for the M101CDN as well

Lost Canadian

04-06-2007, 11:56 PM

Ok I don't have pics of how it's mounted but here are some of the frame. I constructed the frame first and then bolted it to the tent floor. I wanted to be able to have a simple way to bolt the tent on and off my bed rails without creating wear spot in the wood. So I simply used 2 x 1" square bars for the internal bracing and for improved support of the floor and then bolted 2 x 1" angled "L" bars parallel with the square. The 4 pieces are then bolted together with 2 more 1" angled "L" bars to complete the frame. The two outer "L" bars will have holes drilled in each corner around the area where the black tape is and then a bolt passed though the hole to be bolted down to my bed cargo rails which have been reinforced. The cargo rails run vertical across the tent frame edging and across the area where the black tape is on the internal frame I wipped together. The internal frame is bolted to the floor of the tent where the square bar is. Hard to explain and I'll try for better mounted pics soon. In the mean time these are the best I have. (Don't mind the black dots, there just pen marks I made while I was thinking of ideas.)
http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l242/adventurenorth/Truck%20stuff/Rails008.jpg

http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l242/adventurenorth/Truck%20stuff/Rails014.jpg

http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l242/adventurenorth/Truck%20stuff/Rails004-1.jpg

http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l242/adventurenorth/Truck%20stuff/Rails003.jpg

http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l242/adventurenorth/Truck%20stuff/Winter053.jpg

IggyB

04-07-2007, 01:54 PM

That gives me a few ideas, thanks.

RCA2222

04-09-2007, 12:13 AM

I just (last week) mounted an Eezi-Awn 1400 on my '07 Xterra. The brackets I made are fitted to the side rails, so there is no load at all on the cross members. The tent is 120 pounds, so it is well within the load limit when underway, and we have slept in the tent for two nights without incident. There was no indication of flexing of the rack or the roof when my wife, myself, and my daughter (total of 350 puunds) were inside. I intend to keep the tent mounted for the next month of around town driving before the big road trip in May in an effort to confirm the mounting and the effect on milage.

If you decide to do the Eezi-Awn, send me a PM and I'll email pictures of the mounting system I devised. By moving the rails a bit on the bottom of the tent, and using steel "u" straps, the tent can be mounted to the rack while still allowing access to the forward roof box.

We are about to undertake an 8,000 mile road trip with the tent being the primary accommodation. I'll post the results upon completion.

RCA2222

04-09-2007, 12:20 AM

Oops, forgot the pictures...

mountainpete

04-09-2007, 01:55 AM

RCA222,

Thanks for the pics and welcome to the forum!

That last pic showing the front of the rack with the tent on was great. Would you be able to take a similar pic with the tent closed if convenient?

Also, what are you planning for that 8000 mile trip?

Pete

RCA2222

04-09-2007, 02:10 AM

Allahades

04-09-2007, 02:10 AM

Ah, you may be the first to put a roof tent on an 05+ Xterra. Excellent! Sounds like a great trip you've got planned.

How about some pictures with the tent closed up? --Edit: whoops, mountainpete beat me to it.

vengeful

04-09-2007, 02:35 AM

That looks good man. I like the idea of a roof-tent, but I don't really like having a whole lot of weight up on top of my truck, I like to keep the center of gravity lower.

I wonder if there are any ultra-lightweight roof tent options out there....:safari-rig:

mountainpete

04-09-2007, 03:32 AM

I'll be glad to take a picture for you tomorrow AM. The tent closed with the cover on really looks OK - not too big or unruly. Reasonably quiet as well - 80mph on the highway without much noise at all.

As for the road trip, the plan is as follows:

May 1: Lexington, VA to NM, UT, AZ, ID, MT, WA, OR, CO and home again. Two adults, one five year old girl (going on 35), and one Rhodesian Ridgeback dog that doesn't like to ride in the car. Pray for me.

RCA

Thanks - I'm not too worried about looks myself - more the height difference between the front of the rack and then enclosed tent.

Sounds like an amazing trip! But let's hope that dog doesn't get car sick :smilies27

RCA2222

04-09-2007, 12:44 PM

Here are the pictures of the mount and the stowed tent.

Note that the tent mounting rails must be relocated from their original position to achieve the clearances shown.

RCA2222

04-09-2007, 12:47 PM

One more shoiwing rear hatch clearance.

mountainpete

04-09-2007, 04:05 PM

Great pics! Your X looks wonderful!

Thanks!

RCA2222

04-09-2007, 04:10 PM

Thanks!

If you need any help with the mount let me know.

articulate

04-09-2007, 05:02 PM

Here are the pictures of the mount and the stowed tent.

Note that the tent mounting rails must be relocated from their original position to achieve the clearances shown.
Sweet. Can you elaborate on the hardware used in mounting the tent to the rail? What did you use to slide into the aluminum channel to hold the bolt (like in this photo (http://expeditionportal.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=6886&d=1176122572))? I like that semi-circle band that wraps around the rail. Good idea.

RCA2222

04-09-2007, 05:21 PM

The mounting kit that comes with the tent includes four 2" pieces of aluminum extrusion that fit into the base rails. You need two mounting kits so you can have a total of eight. I had considered using steel or aluminum bar stock, but decided against it since the supplied ones fit so well and are designed to retain the bolt heads. Discard the steel hardware included in the kits, and replace with 5/16 - 18 stainless steel bolts / washers / nylocks. Add eight 5/16 rubber washers to isolate between the "U" clamps and the stainless washers. Cut four small squares of hard rubber hose to place between the tent rails and the roof rack rails.

The "U" clamps are 2" EMT straps, normally used to secure metal electrical conduit. Grind off the two gripper dimples from the inside radius of each clamp, then apply four coats of Plasti-Dip.

When all four mounting points are cranked down, the tent is as solid as a rock and the roof rack is protected from damage.

LUISJG

04-10-2007, 03:30 AM

those are some great looking xterras, nver saw xterras built up like that,
im in the market for a new expedition vehicle with low miles and now seriously considering xterra. that olive green ones look awsome.

eXpeditionXterra

02-06-2008, 02:35 AM

Wow, excellent!!!!

LexusAllTerrain

02-06-2008, 03:53 AM