RTT mounted in the bed, looking for input

[opie]

Sar...I like that. Alot.

Heres my thinking... Either a used pop-up that Im going to stay within $2000-$2500. Flip the axle, bigger wheels and tires to match my truck. Im thinking of going with a 10' box, but 12' would be OK if the price is right. With a pop-up Ill have the ability to cook inside should the weather turn nasty. Ill have a furnace and possibly a 3 way fridge. Seating and lots of storage room. The ability to add a clean water tank (or expand if it already has one) somewhere under the box. Provisions for 2 20#propane tanks, solar panel on the roof with a battery on the tounge. And lots of room on the rear bumber for other storage. The roof of the pop-up will accept Yakima/Thule configurations for whatever we choose to add in the future.

With the RTT, everything is still contained within the confines of my truck. Downside is if we want to explore we have to pack camp. With the pop-up...just unhitch and go.

Fortunately Im in no rush to make a decision. Im not decided either way.... I love the idea of the RTT... May have to build another trailer to mount it on...

 

[cruiseroutfit]

The Front Runner Bakkie rack setup:

Some other ExPo threads with pics:
http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=28965
http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=29577
http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=19521
http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=24336
http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=16230

 

[opie]

That looks nice cruiser.

And thanks for the leg work on finding those links.

 

[Titanpat57]

I used sched. 40# aluminum pipe and aluminum railing fittings available at Grainger. I set it on top of my LaserLite cover and bolted it down with turnbuckles...that was, of course before I discovered the small trailers...all down hill since then...:drool:

 

[pray4surf]

One thing to note about bed-mounted RTT's, if you get the tent to close to the cab, you may not be able to insert a spring steel 'stays' - It looks like you addressed that in your application :ylsmoke:

I've had to put a bend into one of the stays in order to extend a window awning...

Thanks for linking to my rack SAR_Squid79. Stay Safe :sombrero:

 

[opie]

I used sched. 40# aluminum pipe and aluminum railing fittings available at Grainger. I set it on top of my LaserLite cover and bolted it down with turnbuckles...that was, of course before I discovered the small trailers...all down hill since then...:drool:

Ingenious!! Do you have a pic or a link to the turnbuckle?

 

[Titanpat57]

One thing to note about bed-mounted RTT's, if you get the tent to close to the cab, you may not be able to insert a spring steel 'stays' - It looks like you addressed that in your application :ylsmoke:

I've had to put a bend into one of the stays in order to extend a window awning...

Thanks for linking to my rack SAR_Squid79. Stay Safe :sombrero:

"I has a Ruler"...:smiley_drive:

PM me at plambert57@gmail and I'll hook a bruther up

 

[cruiseroutfit]

One thing to note about bed-mounted RTT's, if you get the tent to close to the cab, you may not be able to insert a spring steel 'stays' - It looks like you addressed that in your application :ylsmoke:...

I use a magnet and short cord to stretch the awning, that way I could keep the tent mounted close to the cab yes still have full function of the tent.

 

[Bugspray]

Thule xsporter

The Thule rack seems really burly and can be configured for almost any truck bed/tent combo....(besides 05+ Tacoma or Honda Ridgeline). The crossbars are 3 1/2" wide so required longer mounting plates for the RTT. I also trimmed 2" off each end of the crossbars so they didnt whang me in the head everytime I walked by, the length would be perfect on a full size truck.
Only time will tell if it holds up to the rigors and everyday beating. The major drawback is the $$$ around $500!!! Ouch! Other than that I've been very happy with the rack.

 

[Mike S]

Thule makes a couple of racks for mounting at the bed rail. They are all quite stout. e usually recommend the Xsporter rack because of its ajustability. pay the price and cry once, as DD says.