Roof Tent on an 07 Xterra?

[mountainpete]

Hi all,

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

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]

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]

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]

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]

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

GCEC ?

I'm thinking of getting one once again.

[mountainpete]

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

[RCA2222]

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]

Oops, forgot the pictures...

[mountainpete]

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]

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