Rooftop tent on stock rails?

[funnyfingers]

I’ve searched the forums and found varying opinions on this.
it looks like the weight limit on stock rails for the 100 series is 150lbs. So any RTT under that should be fine.
Some people say you need a new rack system, others say they have run RTT’s on stock rails with no issues.
Who is running RTT’s on stock rails?
What crossbars did you use?
Any issues?

I have a 2005 LX470 and a Maggiolina Extreme RTT that weighs 143lbs.

 

[95Fantasma80]

You have it right, there are dozens of threads with varying opinions, pick the group you most agree with and move on, going stock has more cons and risks compared to attaching to a larger sturdy rack but some don't mind as you save 1k which can be put towards something else.

 

[BnvS]

I dont have a RTT but I bet if you add more standard cross bars like i did for my cargo carrier rack. it will handle more weight for sure. I think it should work just fine.

I have 4 cross bars btw. I see no problem to putting on 250lbs or 300 even on there with extra cross bars. Hit up some Mudders for cross bars. I bet some will be will to let them go for free or close to nothing.

I got my from @MongooseGA - Thanks buddy.

 

[planomateo]

Depends on how the tents mounting system aligns.

I have a larger CVT and it is setup to mount to crossbars, as it opens either over the passenger or driver side of the vehicle. So I bought some crossbars.

Look at how your RTT is setup...then you'll understand how it can be mounted (either to the rails or crossbars).

 

[funnyfingers]

Depends on how the tents mounting system aligns.

I have a larger CVT and it is setup to mount to crossbars, as it opens either over the passenger or driver side of the vehicle. So I bought some crossbars.

Crossbars attached to stock rails?

 

[s2kutah]

I have Thule crossbars, x2 holding up a 3 person Tepui tent, maxtrax, diy shower and now the awning. All has been fine I’ve the last years of ownership. Using stock rails the whole time. I just put the bars on the ends of the stock rails. Although, now I’m thinking it might be good to add an extra bar.

 

[planomateo]

Crossbars attached to stock rails?

Yup. I don't remember which crossbars I bought, Yakima or Thule. I can look in the morning.

I ran that setup for a while. Then got a Gamivit rack, I still use the crossbars on my Gamiviti when I have the tent on.

 

[funnyfingers]

I have Thule crossbars, x2 holding up a 3 person Tepui tent, maxtrax, diy shower and now the awning. All has been fine I’ve the last years of ownership. Using stock rails the whole time. I just put the bars on the ends of the stock rails. Although, now I’m thinking it might be good to add an extra bar.

View attachment 2340263

View attachment 2340264

View attachment 2340265

Any issues? Creaking? Leaks? Taken it off road with this setup?

 

[s2kutah]

Any issues? Creaking? Leaks? Taken it off road with this setup?

No issues... nothing too crazy off-road, just your typical Utah Mountains and San Juan’s in Colorado. Might add a third bar... but it works for now.

 

[87warrior]

Replaced my cross bars with 8020 and my ARB RTT rides up there nicely.

If you RTT is big enough, you can bolt it directly to the side rails and not mess with cross bars. If the RTT mounting slots are running the wrong way, remove them and install them rotated. Most RTT floors will allow you to do this.

 

[chudly]

nice, i'm thinking of doing the 8020 cross bars on stock rails

 

[funnyfingers]

Replaced my cross bars with 8020 and my ARB RTT rides up there nicely.
View attachment 2340593
View attachment 2340596

If you RTT is big enough, you can bolt it directly to the side rails and not mess with cross bars. If the RTT mounting slots are running the wrong way, remove them and install them rotated. Most RTT floors will allow you to do this.

Nice! What are 8020?

 

[oakback]

Nice! What are 8020?

Versatile t-slot aluminum extrusion: link

 

[leej]

I really like the idea of 80/20 (or something similar) for cross bars in stock side rails. Did you make mounts to attached them to the rails, or is there some aftermarket or off the shelf mount that easily attaches to the stock side rails?

Lee

 

[bamabrock]

Nice! What are 8020?

I really like the idea of 80/20 (or something similar) for cross bars in stock side rails. Did you make mounts to attached them to the rails, or is there some aftermarket or off the shelf mount that easily attaches to the stock side rails?

Get more from your factory roof rack with t-slotted aluminum (8020)

Hey gang, In the summer I keep an XL Thule box on top, plus maxtrax, shovel, and a pop-up shelter that I hope to replace with a fixed awning. Someday I want to get a Gobi or FrontRunner rack for my 570. But today ain’t that day. One common improvement is extra crossbars. But rather than do...

forum.ih8mud.com

 

[Enrique Sonora]

Versatile t-slot aluminum extrusion: link

Wonderful solution with the 80/20. I have a similar question, Did you make your own brackets to attached to the factory rails? If you did, can you upload any schematics? It will be appreciated. Have a great day.

 

[87warrior]

Wonderful solution with the 80/20. I have a similar question, Did you make your own brackets to attached to the factory rails? If you did, can you upload any schematics? It will be appreciated. Have a great day.

I attached the 8020 with 8020 brackets. In addition to the thread posted above, also check out this one for some more 8020 ideas:

80/20 with Stock Roof Rack

Something I have been playing with for a bit. Different sizes. Different spacing. Mounts up pretty solid.

forum.ih8mud.com

 

[funnyfingers]

The Maggiolina RTT I have is 51" wide, the stock rails are 48" so it would actually be sitting on the rails. The crossbars wouldn't be holding the weight but I would need them to mount the tent to. The tracks go front to back and are are about 8" in from the edge. Without the tent sitting on them the stock crossbars should be able to hold it in place I'd imagine. I contacted rocky-road who have cross bars for the land cruiser but was told they aren't compatible with the LX. So as of now I'm looking at just tossing it up on the rails and stock bars or a Yakima timberline tower and HD bars set. The HD bar load limit is 500lbs.