Rooftop tents for cab roof

Hi,

thanks for letting me join your group! I have a 2013 tundra crew max 4x4 TRD with an ARE bed topper, I want to keep the topper but it’s not strong enough to mount a rack and tent, I have therefore been looking into mounting a roof rack system of some kind on the cab, I’m currently looking at a rhino rack system that fits permanently in the channels on the roof, it’s rated for 220lbs dynamic...731lbs static weight, however I cannot find any published loading info for the cab, I contacted Toyota via email and they could not provide any numbers and suggested I should not mount a tent on the roof (liability issues i guess) So I’m confused, I see photos of all kinds of vehicles on line with roof tents....I need some suggestions and input Please....thanks

 

You pretty much almost described to a tee what I ended up doing, Anyways, this is my setup and no issues so far. My RTT weighs in around 120lbs. Mounted on a rhino rack backbone and pioneer system combo. Ditch channels is the strongest part of the roof and mounting requires drilling and installing rivnuts. I was a bit hesitant but pulled the trigger on installing myself and it worked out fine. Figured I’m not stopping in belief that I’m DIY’ing everything in my build... learning a ton and having loads of fun doing so.

 

Welcome from NY.

 

Welcome from NW PA (North Western Pennsylvania)

 

What makes you believe your topper is not strong enough?

For the record, toppers rarely fail from RTT’s. If it happens, it’s stress cracks from torsional forces offroad combined with the dynamic roof weight. Remember they are made like boats and can handle a huge amount of static weight as long as it is spread out. Personally, I have had over 800 lbs on a Tacoma fiberglass topper with zero issues.

 

Thanks for all the input, I really appreciate it, mountainpete, I’m just quoting the A.R.E. dealer, I have a “V” cap, they said it was only good for 200lbs dynamic, they never quoted Static. I looking into a bed rack from Victory 4x4 which installs into the rail system and is easily removed, I’m thinking of removing the topper, The previous owner installed it for his three dogs! I rarely actually Use it, it weighs about 180lbs, weight I could better use Elsewhere Xtundra08X .... Nice rig, looks really sharp, I’m just getting into this as my buddy just bought a sprinter ($65k!) and is going to upbuild it (another $60k) too rich for me but I want to tag along in the tundra, looking to eventually get a comfortable 4 season set up on the tundra for under $10k...

 

What type of front bumper is that? Have you had any issues with it so far?

 

Bumper is from Expedition One and no issues so far. Far as I can tell, there’s a handful of members here that have it. Very stout but comes with weight obviously. I have a badlands APEX 12k winch attached as well and together, they weigh in at roughly 225lbs easily.

 

You can mount it on the cab. Keeps your bed free. No issues

 

Nice!!! I was wondering if there were others that mounted an Xcover over the cab as well. Looks great on your setup, color and all...

 

Thank u. People called my crazy for putting it up there but I love it. It flows great.
I love the Xcover. I load up my kayaks and bikes on it and drive this baby like I stole it...

 

I like that front bumper bro, who is the manufacture? thanks

 

Sorry, haven’t logged in here for a while.
P&P engineering winch bumper
They are on here. Or u can Google em too
Offer 10% discount

 

Any issues with the sharkfin antenna? (if you have one...)

 

Did an unscientific mockup of my planned RTT cabover setup. Victory rack on order (going to install myself, or Slee or Toytech if the price is right). Definitely will be dropping the headliner, using drillstops, etc...

 

Do you have that iKamper mounted to Yakima Aero Bars? If so any issues?

 

it’s not Yakima it’s some other bars for tundra. I think I paid $550 for it.
No isssues.
My truck is supercharger and I have hit 140mph on it w RTT