Rooftop tents

Forgot to add that instead of the standard 2 racks, I intend to spread the load by putting 3 in. But need to check that navara doesnt have fixed points to attach the rack.

Warren,

I had the D20 Navara STR Dual Cab which I put a rhino rack system on. While not using the RTT on this model, I did have a basket/rack that exceeded those weight requirements at certain times (not constantly).

I had a tracking system mounted to the roof to accommodate the roof bars. There is supporting beams within the roof and the fitting people should know this. Having had an ARB RTT on the Patrol for three years, the crucial thing is ensuring that both the tent is secured to the bars, and the bars to the roof without allowing any chance of movement, no matter how slight.

If you are doing corrugated tracks, the third bar is a great idea as is keeping the allan key handy and checking each mount before the days travels. To assist with the tent, I did not use the mounting bars that came with it (2 x aluminium track bars), rather I mounted the tent directly to the bars with a strip of 7mm self adhesive neoprene tape (Clarke Rubber) stuck to the bars. I used a flat plate type washer of significant size inside the tent (flat so you couldn't feel it through the mattress). I used washers, spring washers and nylock nuts underneath.

I would say that the racks will have no problem catering to your needs providing there is no room for vibration. Any movement is soon exacerbated by constant corrugations. If they rivet the tracks to the roof (which they should), make sure you take a pop riveter and a selection of rivets with you just in case one breaks.

I'll try and load a photo but it's been a bit hit and miss at the moment. There are photos of the Navarra in my 2006 blogs and of the Canning stretch in July 06 in particular.

Image Could Not Be Found

Cheers Mick

thanks mick;wanted to have a look this week at rooftop tents and a thought that for safety i would need to do some extra work.being a builder i have been carrying materials on roof rack all my life just wanted someone else's input on what i was intending to do cheers warren

Hi i use 4 roof bars to spread the load, been using for years with Prado with overweight sometimes, see if gutters are attached solidly.
Cheers Mario.

Warren, I have a Patrol and the weight specs are higher but i didnt want to carry a 60kg roof rack around just to have a tent attached. i made my own roof bars, 5kgs each. Two roof bars to support the tent and a third to support the front of my awning and allow me to attach a wind deflector and my sand flag, (pic attached).
The bars are very low profile so when the tent comes off and the awning removed, the vehicle is only 70mm higher than standard with the bars still attached. The rooftop is about 43kg although the box said 60kg net, so the whole thing is fairly light, My concern was the corrugationswith a heavy load on top with a heavy load on top... Michael