After market roof rack - Is there one that removes easily

[flipinoc]

Looking to purchase a roof rack, with the purpose of using a roof top tent. When not using a tent I would like to remove and store. Are the racks easy to remove? Is there a brand that removes easier than others?

 

[Spike555]

Why not just a pop up camper then? Used ones are pretty cheap.

 

[planomateo]

I have some yakima crossbars that I mount my RTT to when I put it on the LC. Super easy to remove/install when needed.

 

[flipinoc]

Why not just a pop up camper then? Used ones are pretty cheap.

Thanks for the suggestion Spike555 but I don't have that much room to store the pop up. Wish I did though.

I have some yakima crossbars that I mount my RTT to when I put it on the LC. Super easy to remove/install when needed.

Planomateo do the crossbars mount to the stock rails? Sorry I'm a noob to all of this.

 

[planomateo]

Planomateo do the crossbars mount to the stock rails? Sorry I'm a noob to all of this.

Yes. And for the record, I'm not trying to talk you out of a roof rack.

 

[duggy]

I agree that crossbars are probably your best bet if you are looking to remove and are looking to transport a RTT.

 

[Bomar]

You will not want to install and uninstall every time or you will have leaking issues. Unless you like wet seat belts and smelly floors.

Go with a quality rack like Front Runner and install and leave it on. It will be same height as OE and has zero wind noise.

 

[brando1]

Crossbars.
I would not want to take off my baja rack.

 

[geanes]

I agree with the sentiment above.....either just do Yakima/Thule crossbars to the factory rack (relatively cheap) or go "all-in" and get a quality low-profile roof rack such as Gamiviti (my choice and LOVE the thing), Baja or FrontRunner. While these are removable with a TON of effort, they are essentially designed to be permanently in place. They are superior to the factory rack in every way imaginable (more load carrying space, lower profile, greater load distribution and capacity, etc.) My Gamiviti attaches at all 8 usable anchor points and can handle a LOT more weight than the factory bars and any associated attachments. Expect to pay over $1k for a quality aftermarket rack....but well worth the cost depending on your needs. If you're just going to do a roof top tent from time to time and need no other roof carrying capacity, mount it to the factory crossbars and call it a day. The person I bought my rig from did that for years with a CVT tent and never had an issue.

 

[flipinoc]

Thank you all for your input, really appreciate all the suggestions. I will go with the crossbars as it makes the most sense for my use and the money saved can help with another upgrade.

 

[Emcd]

This is what we use

 

[flipinoc]

This is what we use

View attachment 1487235

View attachment 1487236

Nice! Are you using crossbars? If so which ones ard size? And how did you mount awning to rail?

 

[Emcd]

Thule crossroads mounts with 3-58" Thule bars. It holds great and you can find the parts on CList cheaply.

 

[TXSunDevil]

Thule crossroads mounts with 3-58" Thule bars. It holds great and you can find the parts on CList cheaply.

Does your factory rails mount in 2 or 3 points per side?

 

[Emcd]

3 points. I used a straight 2x4 to get it as close to even so the tent doesn't flex and it works great.

 

[bucfl]

You, wife and two kids sleep okay in there?

 

[Emcd]

Yeah, they love it. One kid with me and the other in with my wife on the trailer tent. I sleep on the pad and lay a 3" memory foam topper on top of it. Slept like the dead.

 

[Emcd]

Kid approved