1. Welcome to Tundras.com!

    You are currently viewing as a guest! To get full-access, you need to register for a FREE account.

    As a registered member, you’ll be able to:
    • Participate in all Tundra discussion topics
    • Transfer over your build thread from a different forum to this one
    • Communicate privately with other Tundra owners from around the world
    • Post your own photos in our Members Gallery
    • Access all special features of the site

About to pull the trigger on a RTT and rack setup

Discussion in 'Outdoors' started by 1794-BlackTundra, Feb 13, 2019.

  1. Feb 13, 2019 at 3:53 PM
    #1
    1794-BlackTundra

    1794-BlackTundra [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Sep 18, 2018
    Member:
    #19534
    Messages:
    205
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Sergio
    Vehicle:
    2019 Black Tundra 1794 Edition CM
    Rhino Linings, Smittybilt 11500 Winch (Internal), BAKflip MX4, RotopaX, MaxTrax, ARB Simpson III tent, Old Man Emu suspension, TRD rims, Pioneer Platform with Rhino-Rack Backbone System
  2. Feb 13, 2019 at 9:09 PM
    #2
    Sunnier

    Sunnier Pity the warrior that slays all his foes

    Joined:
    Aug 21, 2017
    Member:
    #9171
    Messages:
    12,266
    First Name:
    Sunny
    San Diego, CA
    Vehicle:
    2017 Inferno Tundra DC TRD & Longtravel 1st Gen, Banner/ HulkSmash build
    I have the 10" Steel Max and love it. It was a PITA to put together, for me, but I don't think most people lack visual spacial abilities to the extent that I do. It's solid, has required no tightening once I got it dialed in (I carry tools that fit when I go off-road, just in case), and I love that I can swap it over to another truck when the time comes.

    PRO, re: 14" rack with an RTT: you'll get more standing room in the annex. My 10" rack means I can stand in the area of the annex which extends beyond the footprint of the RTT, but have to stoop to walk under the unfolded portion of the RTT... but it works for sleeping space, or staging clothes, or to place our camp toilet overnight.

    CON, re: 14" or higher rack with an RTT: opening an RTT is easy. Packing one up afterward, if it has one of these built-on annex ceiling extentions, sucks! This part... which, I know, is one of the most attractive selling points... until it's time to put it away:
    IMG_6069.PNG.jpg

    It's doable with help-- one adult to hold the RTT ladder and slowly lift up and fold one half over the other, while another adult on an A-ladder (or a collapsible plastic step might work for a tall person) on the other side of the truck tucks in the masses of extra fabric which comprise the annex ceiling, fitting the fabric in between the internal support "spines" of the RTT, as the two halves of the tent floor fold together. Here's a pic which, I hope, illustrates what I'm describing:
    IMG_6070.jpg

    Anyway, it is doable with 2 adults (in this case, adult = and able to lift weight above head-height, so not every adult). We've gotten better at it and it's not a big deal for two of us together. But it's definitely more of a hassle than we want for one-night-at-each-camp trips. It's worth it for 2 or more nights in one spot... but that's not "overlanding", when the fun is built around driving cool places every day.

    However, it sucks to do it alone, and also takes a long time. One person can't slowly fold the RTT, but must fold it closed, then go around to the other side and lift half the weight of the RTT with one hand (above shoulder/ head height, even with a ladder), while balancing on a ladder or step, and tuck in fabric in multiple places, with the other hand. Gotta do the same on the cab (challenging) and tailgate sides (easiest). It'd be even tougher with a rack taller than my 10" for anyone doing the tucking in, but mostly, for anyone doing it alone.

    Anyway... it is what it is. The annex is a cool feature and helpful when 4 are out camping together. But if I'd known this before I bought, I'd have skipped the built on annex because of all the excess fabric.
     
    Last edited: Feb 13, 2019
  3. Feb 14, 2019 at 7:43 AM
    #3
    1794-BlackTundra

    1794-BlackTundra [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Sep 18, 2018
    Member:
    #19534
    Messages:
    205
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Sergio
    Vehicle:
    2019 Black Tundra 1794 Edition CM
    Rhino Linings, Smittybilt 11500 Winch (Internal), BAKflip MX4, RotopaX, MaxTrax, ARB Simpson III tent, Old Man Emu suspension, TRD rims, Pioneer Platform with Rhino-Rack Backbone System
    Thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts @Sunnier!!!

    Makes total sense what you point out about the RTT store process; on the other hand I've not considered getting the annex (I guess that's 'good'). I ordered yesterday night the Alumax 14" :der:, next week I'll order the Smittybilt XL...

    The smaller Smittybilt RTT (shown in the pic above on the right) can surely fit my needs, but for a marginal small price difference I can get the bigger one (on the left)... I tend to consider future 'what if' scenarios so, to certain reason, somehow the bigger the better...

    I can totally see how cumbersome the folding can be with just one person and a tall rack, also how tricky would be to tuck in the fabric and the tent insides on the cab end; will take quite some time going back and forth from side to side of the truck :annoyed:

    In my mind I foresee 3-4 days at each spot, maybe 2-3 spots at the time, I guess that's not really overlanding... Or at least it's a chillaxing mode one... LOL

    Thanks again for your great input and pics!
     
    CaptSpaulding, Sunnier and JDL17CM4x4 like this.
  4. Feb 14, 2019 at 7:50 AM
    #4
    JDL17CM4x4

    JDL17CM4x4 Adventure Mobile

    Joined:
    Dec 26, 2017
    Member:
    #11755
    Messages:
    580
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Daniel
    Riverside, CA
    Vehicle:
    2017 White Tundra TRD 4x4
    More to Come ...

    Excellent write up @Sunnier . I could not have said it any better myself. I am about to get a lift and higher rack but did not think about that part of my RTT and putting it away. Still not backing out of what I have planned though. I cant wait until he next meet up and I can actually make it!
     
  5. Feb 14, 2019 at 9:12 PM
    #5
    1794-BlackTundra

    1794-BlackTundra [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Sep 18, 2018
    Member:
    #19534
    Messages:
    205
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Sergio
    Vehicle:
    2019 Black Tundra 1794 Edition CM
    Rhino Linings, Smittybilt 11500 Winch (Internal), BAKflip MX4, RotopaX, MaxTrax, ARB Simpson III tent, Old Man Emu suspension, TRD rims, Pioneer Platform with Rhino-Rack Backbone System
    I'm having 2nd thoughts about the XL RTT :( seems it wont fit on my Crew Max... Smittybilt specs on the web show 76", Tundra CM bed it's 5'5"(66"):facepalm:
     
    Sunnier likes this.
  6. Feb 14, 2019 at 9:20 PM
    #6
    mjfriend1

    mjfriend1 New Member

    Joined:
    Mar 6, 2018
    Member:
    #13374
    Messages:
    28
    Gender:
    Male
    I think it will still work except it will definitely have some overhang. Depends if you are okay with that or not. I think I remember seeing some others members with a similar set up. I just purchased the XL also and looking to buy the same rack within the next day or 2.
     
  7. Feb 14, 2019 at 9:32 PM
    #7
    1794-BlackTundra

    1794-BlackTundra [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Sep 18, 2018
    Member:
    #19534
    Messages:
    205
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Sergio
    Vehicle:
    2019 Black Tundra 1794 Edition CM
    Rhino Linings, Smittybilt 11500 Winch (Internal), BAKflip MX4, RotopaX, MaxTrax, ARB Simpson III tent, Old Man Emu suspension, TRD rims, Pioneer Platform with Rhino-Rack Backbone System
    Gosh... and here I was getting ready to sleep peacefully, now all I can think about it's the overhang!!! LOL :lalala:
     
    Sunnier likes this.
  8. Feb 14, 2019 at 9:49 PM
    #8
    mjfriend1

    mjfriend1 New Member

    Joined:
    Mar 6, 2018
    Member:
    #13374
    Messages:
    28
    Gender:
    Male
    Hahaha well I’m just going to deal with it. I need the extra space up top with me having 14 and 10yr old boys.
     
  9. Feb 14, 2019 at 9:58 PM
    #9
    Spolar

    Spolar Going broke

    Joined:
    Sep 15, 2016
    Member:
    #4558
    Messages:
    1,119
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Zac
    Seal Beach CA
    Vehicle:
    2016 sr5
    Lots of bolts and nuts on that rack. Install with some blue or even red loctite if ur gonna take it offroad and save yourself some headaches.
     
  10. Feb 28, 2019 at 4:23 PM
    #10
    1794-BlackTundra

    1794-BlackTundra [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Sep 18, 2018
    Member:
    #19534
    Messages:
    205
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Sergio
    Vehicle:
    2019 Black Tundra 1794 Edition CM
    Rhino Linings, Smittybilt 11500 Winch (Internal), BAKflip MX4, RotopaX, MaxTrax, ARB Simpson III tent, Old Man Emu suspension, TRD rims, Pioneer Platform with Rhino-Rack Backbone System
    Damn I really like the XL!! I've just checked Amazon and shows a decent pricing ($854.98)... Still thinking about the 10" overhang tho... o_O
     
  11. Feb 28, 2019 at 4:34 PM
    #11
    mjfriend1

    mjfriend1 New Member

    Joined:
    Mar 6, 2018
    Member:
    #13374
    Messages:
    28
    Gender:
    Male
    Hopefully my rack comes in the next week or so and I’ll post pics of it with the overhang.
     
  12. Feb 28, 2019 at 6:36 PM
    #12
    1794-BlackTundra

    1794-BlackTundra [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Sep 18, 2018
    Member:
    #19534
    Messages:
    205
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Sergio
    Vehicle:
    2019 Black Tundra 1794 Edition CM
    Rhino Linings, Smittybilt 11500 Winch (Internal), BAKflip MX4, RotopaX, MaxTrax, ARB Simpson III tent, Old Man Emu suspension, TRD rims, Pioneer Platform with Rhino-Rack Backbone System
    That will be great @mjfriend1! Rack arrived today but I won't be putting it together until next weekend...
     
  13. Feb 28, 2019 at 6:39 PM
    #13
    pschiller86

    pschiller86 2017 SR5 CrewMax

    Joined:
    Nov 16, 2017
    Member:
    #11000
    Messages:
    781
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Paul
    Temecula, CA
    I purchased an RCI rack. Expected delivery tomorrow!!
     
    Black Wolf likes this.
  14. Feb 28, 2019 at 6:43 PM
    #14
    Darkness

    Darkness Allergic to white

    Joined:
    Jul 23, 2018
    Member:
    #17315
    Messages:
    9,976
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Luis
    All over SoCal
    Vehicle:
    The darkest
    It's really dark
    Damn Sunnier I almost bought one after reading that!

    Need a house though. :oops:
     
    1794-BlackTundra[OP] and Sunnier like this.
  15. Feb 28, 2019 at 6:45 PM
    #15
    1794-BlackTundra

    1794-BlackTundra [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Sep 18, 2018
    Member:
    #19534
    Messages:
    205
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Sergio
    Vehicle:
    2019 Black Tundra 1794 Edition CM
    Rhino Linings, Smittybilt 11500 Winch (Internal), BAKflip MX4, RotopaX, MaxTrax, ARB Simpson III tent, Old Man Emu suspension, TRD rims, Pioneer Platform with Rhino-Rack Backbone System
  16. Feb 28, 2019 at 6:47 PM
    #16
    1794-BlackTundra

    1794-BlackTundra [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Sep 18, 2018
    Member:
    #19534
    Messages:
    205
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Sergio
    Vehicle:
    2019 Black Tundra 1794 Edition CM
    Rhino Linings, Smittybilt 11500 Winch (Internal), BAKflip MX4, RotopaX, MaxTrax, ARB Simpson III tent, Old Man Emu suspension, TRD rims, Pioneer Platform with Rhino-Rack Backbone System
    Or you can live on the RTT :yes: Problem solved! You're welcome! LOL
     
    Sunnier and Darkness[QUOTED] like this.
  17. Feb 28, 2019 at 6:52 PM
    #17
    Darkness

    Darkness Allergic to white

    Joined:
    Jul 23, 2018
    Member:
    #17315
    Messages:
    9,976
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Luis
    All over SoCal
    Vehicle:
    The darkest
    It's really dark
    Good point but then the wife... :smack:
     
  18. Feb 28, 2019 at 6:57 PM
    #18
    1794-BlackTundra

    1794-BlackTundra [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Sep 18, 2018
    Member:
    #19534
    Messages:
    205
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Sergio
    Vehicle:
    2019 Black Tundra 1794 Edition CM
    Rhino Linings, Smittybilt 11500 Winch (Internal), BAKflip MX4, RotopaX, MaxTrax, ARB Simpson III tent, Old Man Emu suspension, TRD rims, Pioneer Platform with Rhino-Rack Backbone System
    true...:hattip:
     
    Darkness[QUOTED] likes this.
  19. Feb 28, 2019 at 7:01 PM
    #19
    AKSig88

    AKSig88 New Member

    Joined:
    Dec 5, 2018
    Member:
    #22640
    Messages:
    127
    Gender:
    Male
    Ann Arbor, MI
    Vehicle:
    2023 SR5 Tundra
    IMG_20180615_224948_647.jpg
    This is my setup on my "temp lease". It's a CVT Mt. Rainier on a pair of Thule Xsporter bars. Love this setup especially since the ladder area has the annex.
    I might be upgrading to Victory 4x4's new bed rack as long as @brimy311 gives an awesome introductory price! :thumbsup:
     
  20. Feb 28, 2019 at 8:20 PM
    #20
    3mxdivr

    3mxdivr New Member

    Joined:
    Aug 22, 2018
    Member:
    #18458
    Messages:
    221
    Gender:
    Male
    NorCal
    Vehicle:
    2018 Limited Crewmax TRD Off Road
    We love ours...... KB Voodoo max modular alumax & CVT stargazer w/annex

    rtt 1.jpg

    rtt 2.jpg
     
  21. Mar 22, 2019 at 7:23 PM
    #21
    mjfriend1

    mjfriend1 New Member

    Joined:
    Mar 6, 2018
    Member:
    #13374
    Messages:
    28
    Gender:
    Male
    Here you go @1794-BlackTundra finally got my RCI rack mounted along with the tent. Rack took a little bit longer delivery due to an error on my end. Looks great and don’t mind the overhang at all. Really satisfied with the Smittybilt XL along with the annex. I was able to mount in on truck and set it up solo too which was nice.

    FE0DFAD4-1B02-40A5-ACFA-453D2356B335.jpg 2B863F01-2B97-47FD-A050-4C652B4AD6F0.jpg 37994477-AA50-4410-B860-39FA88024911.jpg
     
    Black Wolf and itsdchz like this.
  22. Mar 22, 2019 at 7:28 PM
    #22
    pschiller86

    pschiller86 2017 SR5 CrewMax

    Joined:
    Nov 16, 2017
    Member:
    #11000
    Messages:
    781
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Paul
    Temecula, CA

    How much room is there in the annex ?
     
  23. Mar 22, 2019 at 7:35 PM
    #23
    mjfriend1

    mjfriend1 New Member

    Joined:
    Mar 6, 2018
    Member:
    #13374
    Messages:
    28
    Gender:
    Male
    Pretty spacious in there. I think the specs are 82 in. x 92 in. My plan is to put a twin mattress for one of my boys plus dog bed for my golden retriever. Will still have space to store gear.
     
  24. Apr 2, 2019 at 10:13 PM
    #24
    1794-BlackTundra

    1794-BlackTundra [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Sep 18, 2018
    Member:
    #19534
    Messages:
    205
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Sergio
    Vehicle:
    2019 Black Tundra 1794 Edition CM
    Rhino Linings, Smittybilt 11500 Winch (Internal), BAKflip MX4, RotopaX, MaxTrax, ARB Simpson III tent, Old Man Emu suspension, TRD rims, Pioneer Platform with Rhino-Rack Backbone System
    Woah! :eek2: That's a really nice setup you got there!!! Sorry for the late response buddy, I was on a 11 day road trip :D I think I can handle that overhang! Now I need to figure out how to get it were I am which involve overseas shipping, customs, taxes... all funny stuff... :puke:

    IMG_2323.jpg
     
    jewsNbrews and Black Wolf like this.
  25. Apr 6, 2019 at 11:56 PM
    #25
    1794-BlackTundra

    1794-BlackTundra [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Sep 18, 2018
    Member:
    #19534
    Messages:
    205
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Sergio
    Vehicle:
    2019 Black Tundra 1794 Edition CM
    Rhino Linings, Smittybilt 11500 Winch (Internal), BAKflip MX4, RotopaX, MaxTrax, ARB Simpson III tent, Old Man Emu suspension, TRD rims, Pioneer Platform with Rhino-Rack Backbone System
    Hey @mjfriend1! Would you mind taking some pictures of the railing setup inside the bed? I’m having a hard time setting up a MAX Modular ALUMAX 14" with No-Drill Clips (by kB voodoo) and a Bakflip MX4!
    I’ve just spent 7hrs with my cousin trying to figure out the setup to attach it on the actual truck bed (top of rack it’s already assembled), having an extra rail for the cover has proven to be difficult though rack manufacturer says both products are compatible... I’m exhausted, disappointed and feeling retarded! Maybe a pic can shed some light! Thanks!
     
  26. Apr 7, 2019 at 5:38 AM
    #26
    brimy311

    brimy311 New Member

    Joined:
    Nov 25, 2018
    Member:
    #22188
    Messages:
    821
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Brian
    Kalamazoo
    Vehicle:
    2018 Tundra Platinum
    Here is my setup:
    @Victory4x4 half rack, Free spirit high country tent.

    Tent deploys faster than any other tent. Fold open, pin the rain fly over the door.

    1EE3B0A3-4D0B-4E8F-BE1C-79BC7B20B0B3.jpg
    99EE563F-556E-423A-A7EC-589763DCD590.jpg
     
    stewtopia, Sunnier and Black Wolf like this.
  27. Apr 7, 2019 at 6:57 AM
    #27
    xtyfighterx

    xtyfighterx New Member

    Joined:
    Aug 28, 2016
    Member:
    #4360
    Messages:
    2,357
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Ty
    North Idaho
    Vehicle:
    2015 Black Crewmax Mid Travel
    Mid travel fox 2.5 coilovers 2.0 real shocks shims 295 70 18 trail grapplers pro accessories 32in light bar blacked out bed cover sway bar Moto metal 970 18x9
    My smitty tent has held up great two years in now. No complaints can’t beat it for the price...watch eBay there is one vendor who lets them for go for $700 free shipping
     
    This site contains affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.
    #27
  28. Apr 7, 2019 at 8:05 AM
    #28
    pschiller86

    pschiller86 2017 SR5 CrewMax

    Joined:
    Nov 16, 2017
    Member:
    #11000
    Messages:
    781
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Paul
    Temecula, CA
    4FD80CD6-9D4A-458E-8CD5-DF1224219D46.jpg

    Loving my RCI rack with tuff stuff tent.
     
    fundra_goes_west likes this.
  29. Apr 17, 2019 at 10:20 PM
    #29
    1794-BlackTundra

    1794-BlackTundra [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Sep 18, 2018
    Member:
    #19534
    Messages:
    205
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Sergio
    Vehicle:
    2019 Black Tundra 1794 Edition CM
    Rhino Linings, Smittybilt 11500 Winch (Internal), BAKflip MX4, RotopaX, MaxTrax, ARB Simpson III tent, Old Man Emu suspension, TRD rims, Pioneer Platform with Rhino-Rack Backbone System
    Still trying to figure out the rack installation, I’ll leave it to the guys installing the RTT... hopefully they’ll have more experience and clear mind than me! RotoPax and MaxTrax are in transit... YEY!

    Update: I’ll go with the ARD Simpson III + Annex https://www.arbusa.com/tents-awnings-camping/rooftop-tents/ pretty sure later on I’ll also get an ARB awning room too!

    34850F1A-08B3-4E9C-990F-893059F865AC.jpg

    27D8FF48-86A7-4C83-A395-273BB47C94E5.jpg
     
    realtorblake and Challenger1 like this.
  30. Apr 17, 2019 at 11:20 PM
    #30
    Sunnier

    Sunnier Pity the warrior that slays all his foes

    Joined:
    Aug 21, 2017
    Member:
    #9171
    Messages:
    12,266
    First Name:
    Sunny
    San Diego, CA
    Vehicle:
    2017 Inferno Tundra DC TRD & Longtravel 1st Gen, Banner/ HulkSmash build
    I'm sorry I didn't see this before. Yeah, I found the instructions from Voodoo really hard to follow. I feel like I'm an expert now. Anyway, I can't tell if you still need the info, or gave up and went another direction. Here's a pic and my modifications to voodoo's diagram, to show perspective though:

    IMG_6883.jpg
     

    Attached Files:

    Last edited: Apr 17, 2019

Products Discussed in

To Top