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Rooftop tent on shell question...

Discussion in 'Tonneau Covers, Caps and Shells' started by Spolar, Sep 15, 2016.

  1. Sep 15, 2016 at 11:10 PM
    #1
    Spolar

    Spolar [OP] Going broke

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    Zac
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    Looked through the threads here and didn't see anything about this. I put a relatively cheap shell on my new tundra (pro top 500) and now I've been looking at rooftop tents. Does anyone know if I get roof racks installed that it will able to handle the weight of a tent? I assume that with the weight distribution from the racks it would be ok but I have no idea if specialty shells with some kind of reinforced frame are needed. Any info on the topic would be great.
     
  2. Sep 16, 2016 at 1:08 AM
    #2
    caboose

    caboose -1

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    I run a RTT on top of my shell but I had to special order it and get it reinforced. I have seen other people on Tacoma world that didn't get a reinforced shell and haven't heard of any problems occurring. I guess it is just personal preference. They all have a max weight rating and non reinforced shells have really low ratings. The one I got is a snug top rebel and has a weight rating of 600lbs so I have no concerns of it getting damaged while two people are in the tent. Your going to pay extra to get it reinforced but the price of RTTs are expensive so it really depends if you want to chance your shell getting messed up and possibly your tent (which I have never heard of it happening).
     
    Spolar[OP] likes this.
  3. Sep 19, 2016 at 12:41 AM
    #3
    caboose

    caboose -1

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    Dang I cant believe no one else has input on this. bumpin it.
     
  4. Sep 19, 2016 at 5:18 AM
    #4
    Jack Burton

    Jack Burton New Member

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    I put a commercial-grade shell on my Tacoma specifically for the purpose of supporting the RTT. As above, I do know of folks running them on standard-grade shells with no issues (that I'm aware of). I suppose it depends on just how well-made your shell is. I'd suggest contacting the manufacturer and discussing it with them first.
     
  5. Sep 21, 2016 at 3:16 AM
    #5
    Spolar

    Spolar [OP] Going broke

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    Anybody know of somebody reinforcing a standard grade shell on their own? I wouldn't mind doing that but honestly wouldn't know how to go about it
     
  6. Sep 21, 2016 at 7:59 AM
    #6
    pbryant44

    pbryant44 New Member

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    A good way to reinforce it would be to basically build a roll cage and then support it like a bedframe.
     
  7. Sep 21, 2016 at 2:47 PM
    #7
    Spolar

    Spolar [OP] Going broke

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    I figured that. But I was hoping there might be some cleaver way someone reinforced their shell without having to do a whole cage. That's a lot of fab work I don't have the money for.
     
    Last edited: Sep 21, 2016
  8. Sep 21, 2016 at 8:07 PM
    #8
    gosolo

    gosolo You Don’t Know Who I Am But I Know Where You Live

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    2"CB shackles, bushings and 1 shim, lockerdown console vault, rear folding seat back mod, snugtop shell with opening side windows, 46g fuel tank, SDHQ sliders and hidden winch, Decked Drawers, Alcan leaf springs and got rid of the interior chrome
    I saw one with the supports on the inside. The fabricator had penetrated the shell at 4 locations and the platform was on top of the shell with about 3" clear. It was quality fabrication but I have doubts about the water tightness of the penetrations
     
    Spolar[QUOTED][OP] likes this.

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