Just installed James Baroud Grand Raid XXL!

[atsparkinson]

James Baroud had a sale so I finally pulled the trigger. The Tent is sitting on the factory rack of a 2018 200 Series!... I can post a detailed install if people want.

I did have to put some shims in to ensure the mounting bolts wouldn’t hit the roof.

I would have preferred an after market rack but it didn’t seem necessary and I will likely leave it on! Looking forward to the trip this weekend!

 

[Mogwai]

Hope you can get out of the garage!

 

[indycole]

As a prior owner of an XXL JB tent, I think you’ll really like the spaciousness and the view from within the tent when the windows are open. It’s a great tent.

A couple considerations for the next time the tent is off the truck:

1.) Trim the mounting brackets to fit your rack rather than running spacers.
2.) Just my personal opinion, but at 160 lbs + a bit more in bedding you may be pushing the limits of the factory rack not to mention once you factor in an adult or two within the tent. Maybe add another load bar or two at a minimum?

 

[atsparkinson]

From what I’ve read I think dynamic weight limit is somewhere near 440#s... and the tent spans across each cross bar and sits flush on the side rails... I think I’ll be ok for the time being. But it’s good advice and I will most likely get a few more cross bars .

 

[indycole]

The roof itself is extremely strong and can handle a lot of weight with a rack. I’m pretty certain the stock rack rating is around 150 lbs.

Edited to add: I’m not trying to be a bubble-burster here... the tent looks great on the truck and I’m sure it’ll be fine for a while. Just something to think about

 

[TeCKis300]

I have a different opinion of the stock rack.

I'd put my money on the OEM side rails being tougher and more durable than most of what you'll find in the aftermarket. They are well designed with the feet being substantial castings and main rail a robust extrusion. Versus aftermarket stuff that is typically some folded sheet metal for feet.

The OEM cross bars admittedly are flexy (for durability). If the main load is on the side rails, I'd say it's a non-issue. More cross rails can't hurt if you want the load to be more stable.

I use to have a big folding CVT tent on my 100-series which has the same basic roof rack. Bobby at CVT had no hesitations with the stock rack.

 

[indycole]

I have a different opinion of the stock rack.

I'd put my money on the OEM side rails being tougher and more durable than most of what you'll find in the aftermarket. They are well designed with the feet being substantial castings and main rail a robust extrusion. Versus aftermarket stuff that is typically some folded sheet metal for feet.

The OEM cross bars admittedly are flexy (for durability). If the main load is on the side rails, I'd say it's a non-issue. More cross rails can't hurt if you want the load to be more stable.

I use to have a big folding CVT tent on my 100-series which has the same basic roof rack. Bobby at CVT had no hesitations with the stock rack.

I agree with you on the rails. The crossbars are definitely the limiting factor in that 150lb load rating, but it’s not like I’ve done the FEA on it.

 

[Kurosawa]

Looks fantastic, let us know how your first overnight goes and have fun! I'm looking right now to do the same, curious how much you notice it up there when underway.

 

[grinchy]

I saw one today on a Subaru Outback. Wider than the roof!

 

[atsparkinson]

I will update you all on the first trip... planned this weekend... if anyone is interested about the install on factory rack I would be happy to share!

 

[atsparkinson]

Drove to Jersey this weekend... drove mostly highway miles at around 65 to 70 MPH and had no issues what so ever. The first night sleep was in pouring rain and 30 + MPH winds on the coast... tent held up perfectly. So far really happy. Only thing that would make this better would be to get a full length roof rack... but that wouldn’t only prevent a tiny bit of up and down motion from the rack because the tent is so huge...

 

[zipdoa]

Hows your tent holding up? I have the same model and the tent fabric is getting pin holes everywhere, chafes against itself when shut and is generally not very durable.

 

[atsparkinson]

Hows your tent holding up? I have the same model and the tent fabric is getting pin holes everywhere, chafes against itself when shut and is generally not very durable.

Tent and fabric are holding up great. I’ll take a look maybe this weekend to see if there is any degradation.

 

[eatSleepWoof]

Hows your tent holding up? I have the same model and the tent fabric is getting pin holes everywhere, chafes against itself when shut and is generally not very durable.

I had those some problems: James Baroud Tent Review - Problems – Overland Tested - https://overlandtested.com/gear/james-baroud-tent-problems

 

[ChowChilla]

WOW, I feel so much better now that I got the Alu-Cab. I was up in the air with the JB tent

 

[atsparkinson]

I put mine through some pretty harsh wind and winters and it’s holding up great... i would expect no less for the price LOL.