Roof Top Tent (RTT) Suggestions

[kt1003]

Looking for some suggestions to begin overlanding/camping with my 4Runner. This led me to the idea of getting a RTT. I was wondering what other people are using/any info on how to find a good one that fits? I currently have the Toyota ARB 3/4 rack( https://autoparts.toyota.com/products/product/roof-rack-pt98989251) and want one that is able to go on this while not blocking the moonroof if possible. Does anyone have tents that work or know what sizes to look for? I’m pretty open to any possibilities as long as they’d fit 2 people. Came across a few on FB that seem promising but don’t want to pull triggers before knowing what sizes could work. Any info on this topic would be great as I know nothing. Thanks for the help

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[Koby]

subscribed.

interested in hearing about everyones experiences as well. installed a prinsu pro and am toying with the idea of a RTT as well....

 

[Roach011]

1 - I am an RTT fan boy but its important to start out by saying, spending money on an RTT to "start overlanding and camping" is NOT necessary. Get a ground tent and cot so you can decide if this is something you even want to do. RTT are expensive no matter how you slice it.

2 - What is your budget?

3 - hardshell tents are superior in every way to soft shell tents

4 - a side open clamshell tent similar to the FSR kali or Ikamper mini would be the best choice almost certainly. Those "should" leave the moonroof clear

5- check the dynamic load rating and static load rating of that OEM rack. IT must be able to support he weight of the tent and people sleeping in the tent.

6 - be cautious with tent resellers (people who buy a generic tent from a Chinese manufacturer and just rebrand it). Look for people who actually design their tents and control the manufacturing of their tents.

Feel free to DM me and I'll help sift through the options. I just did this for my own purchase earlier this year. I've got a pretty good pulse on the market right now.

My setup for reference.

 

[K2mia]

Looking for some suggestions to begin overlanding/camping with my 4Runner. This led me to the idea of getting a RTT. I was wondering what other people are using/any info on how to find a good one that fits? I currently have the Toyota ARB 3/4 rack( https://autoparts.toyota.com/products/product/roof-rack-pt98989251) and want one that is able to go on this while not blocking the moonroof if possible. Does anyone have tents that work or know what sizes to look for? I’m pretty open to any possibilities as long as they’d fit 2 people. Came across a few on FB that seem promising but don’t want to pull triggers before knowing what sizes could work. Any info on this topic would be great as I know nothing. Thanks for the help

I swapped out the ARB rack for a standard Prinsu rack and installed an iKamper skycamp 3 on it. The ARB was very limited with the dynamic weight it could handle so rather than take any chances or go with a very lightweight wedge I had to part with it. For the price of the TH it should come with a better rack...

The skycamp can very comfortably fit 2 large adults with most of their gear, its very spacious...

 

[spyder40]

I went the RTT route with a Smittybuilt on a Sherpa rack. Tent is great/easy to mount but a PITA to get up on top with a lifted rig (I'm only 5'6") so I don't use it much. Also constraints on muti day camp since the rig is tied to the spot with the tent in use. Easier to string a camping hammock or pitch a tent.

 

[bakutheleo]

This seems like a reasonably appropriate place for this question...why would you (anyone) ue a RTT? It seems to me like a standalone (ground) tent is generally better and far less expensive. No issues with load (good point on that), no ladder needed, no weight on top of the vehicle making it (slightly) less stable, and as @Roach011 points out you can move your vehicle with the tent set up. I am not being critical in any way, just trying to understand why!

 

[spyder40]

My RTT is very comfortable and roomy to sleep in. View is nice from above. Also seems cooler from breeze and maybe less ground heat. If I just had an easier way to get it up there I'd use it more. But it's hard to beat sleeping in a hammock which is uber easy and always dry

 

[K2mia]

My RTT is very comfortable and roomy to sleep in. View is nice from above. Also seems cooler from breeze and maybe less ground heat. If I just had an easier way to get it up there I'd use it more. But it's hard to beat sleeping in a hammock which is uber easy and always dry

No plans to remove the RTT, it'll stay on year round so I can throw some things in the car and go. It takes less than 5 mins to setup, if I want to skip all of the windows I can have it up and ready to sleep in about 2 min. Closing it up about 5mins, so the fast and easy setup and takedown is a benefit. People that accompany me generally feel safer being up off the ground. One downside for sure is middle of the night bathroom break.

 

[Roach011]

This seems like a reasonably appropriate place for this question...why would you (anyone) ue a RTT? It seems to me like a standalone (ground) tent is generally better and far less expensive. No issues with load (good point on that), no ladder needed, no weight on top of the vehicle making it (slightly) less stable, and as @Roach011 points out you can move your vehicle with the tent set up. I am not being critical in any way, just trying to understand why!

fine question:
For me - it’s a super quick and easy setup that also carries an extra layer of fun and cool factor. It sleeps my wife, 2 kiddos and me very comfortably. The family enjoys camping much more with the RTT. Sleeping on top of the runner is cool!

It also gets us off the ground so we don’t have to worry about ground conditions like water(rain).

 

[K2mia]

It also gets us off the ground so we don’t have to worry about ground conditions like water(rain).

Forgot to mention but this above!

 

[bakutheleo]

Thanks for the replies! Makes sense. The comment about cooler is likely accurate--not so good though if it is cold out! I do get the elevation being a great place to be...I like sitting up high too. But if I am my tent I am not likely doing that. Now sitting on a chair on the roof with a canopy for the sun I can imagine!

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