Roof Top Tent on Stock Rack??

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Joined
Aug 24, 2020
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Location
Long Beach, CA
Has anyone run a RTT on the stock FZJ roof rack, probably with extra cross bars? I've got a trip planned for this Memorial Day, so I'm looking for a quick, temporary solution to run an Inspired Overland tent on my '93. I believe the tent weighs about 80lbs and it'll only be for me (160lbs) and my son (~45lbs). If this is possible, does anyone in Socal (Long Beach/South Bay/OC) have cross bars for sale? Or any other options I should consider given the short timeframe?

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I wouldn't do it.

The factory rack is rated somewhere between 100 to 150 lbs, evenly distributed. It is a hard number to pin down and I can't find anything about it in my owner's manual. It was installed portside, which is probably why it isn't in the manual.

It is only attached to the roof sheet metal with a few nut inserts, and there is no internal support underneath the roof skin.
 
you can buy cross bars for universal fit on amazon for cheap and quickly, like 100$. Front Runner also sells cross bars which I have, they are great.
 
Agree with @NeverFinis. Any stress to the OEM mounts will increase their chance of leaking, eventually. Get the gutter mount crossbars. I would not attach any crossbars to the OEM roof rack, especially with the weight of the RTT and you and your son’s weight on top of that, while you’re sleeping.
 
OEM roof rack is essentially ornamental, perhaps a ladder but not much more. If your system is still watertight, leave it be and do not poke the bear.
 
If you're not ready for a full aftermarket roof rack, I would suggest some gutter mounts + crossbars.

I actually have some gamiviti gutter mounts (6) lying somewhere around in storage if you're interested:

 
Don’t do it 😎
 

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