RTT: Off the Side or Off the Back?

[AZchris]

I'm getting my new RTT this week and was wondering what are the pros and cons of setting is up to open off the back or off to the side. Thanks.

 

[Corey]

Really up to you, but answer this:
1. Which way will be more aerodynamic to have the best handling/MPG.
2. If it opens up the back, will it interfere with opening rear door/hatch.

I have seen them both ways, and either way looks good, but it depends on the vehicle too.

Which brand of tent and what kind of rig is it going on?

 

[chasespeed]

I would put it so that it DOESN'T interfere with access to the cargo/equipment while in in camp. In most cases, that would mean open to the side.....

Just my thoughts....

Chase

 

[wjeeper]

Well i just picked up my roof top tent to put on my wrangler last week and I have been playing around with different mounting options...........so this is a question I was actually thinking of all weekend!

I have quickly mounted the RTT opening over the back, hood and both sides and this is what I found works and doesn't for my application:

• OVER THE BACK: does provide covered access to the back in case of rain. In my case the hatch glass touches the bottom of the tent. Also since my Jeep wont be lifted for awhile so the tents a bit on the low side. I decided against it since I would loose too many brain cells getting gear in and out of the back:sombrero:
• OVER THE HOOD: at first I liked the idea but i would have to make up some mounts on the front bumper to keep the ladder in place. It also means I would have to relocate my driving lights and I thought it looked kinda silly for some reason.
• OVER THE SIDES: Seems to work the best for me. At the moment I am undecided which side. A friend pointed out to me that most established campgrounds are set up for camp to be on the passenger side. (backing into the camping "stall" solves that problem. I am leaning towards the tent opening to the passenger side due to the way my tailgate/ tire carrier swings.

Consider access to the rear hatch and doors, the possibility of removing the top, how the tent mounting rail and the rack will mount.

Keep in mind the RTT is is a camping lab/ Mombassa/ Car-top-tent 55" wide model and its going onto a 1995 Wrangler with a hard top and the roof rack is in the design phase......so your needs and situation will probably be
different.

I am curious to other opinions. I don't want to overlook something obvious:snorkel:

 

[1leglance]

I had is mounted to open on the side and hood on my FJ Cruiser, and a buddy had his open over the rear on his.
My thoughts:
If you have a changing room attachment then over the rear is a great way to access your stuff and change clothes, use the bathroom, shower and all.
If you don't have a changing room then the hood is nice if your ladder doesn't mess with the hood/bull bar. It also keeps your footprint narrow for campsite selections.
The sides also works if you have a changing room, passenger or drivers didn't seem to make a difference.

 

[the dude]

For our lifted Cruiser with a tailgate we love the tent off the back. Our hatch doesn't hit and it gives us dry access to the rear. With an awning out the side we didn't want to have to have enough room for both to deploy out the sides. With it out the back, we can hug one side of the truck up against the trees for added shade if needed.

 

[Errant]

I've got mine opening up over that back of my Rover, with a changing room installed. It makes for easy access to gear stowed in the cargo area, makes a great doggie room alowing them access to the cargo area for sleeping, and leaves the sides free for an awning.

 

[Ford Prefect]

Personally I like off the front the best, that way you do not take up any more space than is needed to park the jeep. However off the side may be nice if you wanted a room below. If you put it off the back you run a risk of not being able to open the back up easily. Personally I want the RTT mounted as low as possible, therefore with my WJ I would not be able to open the thing up more than half way.

Anyhow, my two bits. Good luck!

 

[Ford Prefect]

[*]OVER THE SIDES: A friend pointed out to me that most established campgrounds are set up for camp to be on the passenger side. (backing into the camping "stall" solves that problem. I am leaning towards the tent opening to the passenger side due to the way my tailgate/ tire carrier swings.

A thought for you WJjeeper... Aside from you coming down and buying that tent which was only ten miles from my house before it could!

Most established campgrounds are set up for either "pull through" or "backed in" Ergo if you run your tent off of the driver's side you will need to drive into the spot. As most people prefer to back into their spots this is something to keep in mind.

Cheers
Brian

 

[wjeeper]

A thought for you WJjeeper... Aside from you coming down and buying that tent which was only ten miles from my house before it could!

Ha ha yeah sorry about that.........hope there are no hard feelings! I was actually expecting it to be long gone by the time I made it there! Nothing like a screaming deal to spur on a 350 mile afternoon drive :costumed-smiley-007 (I dont know why but all the good deals seem to be down in Utah county)

Most established campgrounds are set up for either "pull through" or "backed in" Ergo if you run your tent off of the driver's side you will need to drive into the spot. As most people prefer to back into their spots this is something to keep in mind.

Cheers
Brian

That does make sense come to think about how the few established campgrounds I have stayed in are set up. In all honesty its a non issue for me, as I plan on more remote campsites. Plus my little wrangler can be pretty much maneuvered into most any stall.

I didn't consider how nice it could be having the changing room covering the rear hatch of the jeep! I totally overlooked that when I was playing around with the RTT! That is why I like this site......somebody always has a better idea than what I come up with:elkgrin: Maybe that is the excuse I need to get the Jeep lifted a bit faster.

 

[Errant]

I didn't consider how nice it could be having the changing room covering the rear hatch of the jeep! I totally overlooked that when I was playing around with the RTT! That is why I like this site......somebody always has a better idea than what I come up with:elkgrin: Maybe that is the excuse I need to get the Jeep lifted a bit faster.

It works perfect for me. I put the dog's sleeping bags in the cargo area, and there is a dog guard that keeps them from roaming the rest of the vehicle. I can easily open and close the cargo door, but I prefer to leave it open so they can go in and out as they please. If I get caught in the rain, I can move chairs into the annex and gear into the cargo area to keep dry

 

[AZchris]

What do you do with your RTT cover, doesn't it just hang down over your cargo area or does your cargo door keep it of the way?

 

[Errant]

I just roll it up and bungie it. Kind of a pain, since it's usually pretty dirty from the trail and but I haven't figured out a better solution, yet.