How To Install A Tepui Tent On A Roof Rack

How to install a Tepui rooftop tent • Overlanding Taco

How much time is required? 90 minutes What materials will be required? – A rooftop tent (Tepui Kukenam Sky 3) What tools will you need? – A socket wrench or a ratcheting wrench Rooftop tents have been more popular over the past few years. They enable people to camp off the beaten path in areas where it would otherwise be difficult to pitch a tent due to rocks or difficult terrain, they provide better warmth because they are elevated above the ground, they are safer because they are elevated above the ground if wild animals are present, and they do a variety of other things.

In this blog article, we’ll go over the steps to take from purchasing the tent to taking it on your first trip.

  1. The tent may be picked up at the store. We ordered the tent from REI and were able to pick it up the very next day after placing our order. Because of the presence of our SnugTop camper shell, our packaged tent fit perfectly into the back of our vehicle. Despite the fact that it would have fit without a camper shell, it may be necessary to make some adjustments if you have bed racks that sit low to the ground. The second alternative is to have it transported to your house and pay an additional $150-250 for the overweight shipping service
  2. Then unpack the tent yourself. We took careful to lay the cardboard box down so that the tent would have a nice place to rest on while we were putting it up. We didn’t want to harm any of the surfaces of the tent, so we removed the steps and hardware from the interior of the structure. In addition to the tent, all of the pieces you’ll need to erect the tent will be supplied in the tent with the tent itself. You’ll need to locate the tent’s door, unzip it, then raise the tent up so that you can get your arms within the tent to retrieve the items. The ladder is the most obvious thing to look for, but there’s also a tent cover and a box of hardware (mounting tracks, bolts, nuts, and washers) to keep an eye out for. Lay out the pieces and double-check that you have everything. The bed of the truck is an excellent spot to lay everything out after you’ve determined that you’ve gathered everything from inside the tent. This will allow you to compare what you have in front of you to the components list in the installation instructions. Because we had all of the necessary components, we were ready to travel. Determine which direction you want to position the tent. To begin, decide whether you want your tent to extend to the side of your car (perpendicular to the vehicle, either towards the driver or towards the passenger) or to the back of your vehicle (parallel with the vehicle extending over the tailgate). This is because we are also constructing sliding bed drawers that may interfere with the ladder, therefore we elected to open the tent towards the passenger side of the vehicle. If you select perpendicular, you will not be required to take any action. You must shorten the mounting tracks if you choose parallel installation
  3. Then you must install the mounting tracks. The tracks are pre-drilled into the bottom of the tent, which makes setup a breeze. You must first take the bolt and washer and locate the hole from the inside of the tent, then insert the nut into the groove of the track and align it with the hole, and lastly tighten the bolt to attach the track. You must repeat this process for each of the four holes. An example of one of the bolts inserted into the nut that is located in the channel of the mounting track is shown in the figure below. In the image, there are two more bolts with washers and accompanying nuts
  4. Tighten the mounting tracks down with the appropriate nuts. Tighten the bolts that hold the mounting tracks to the tent with your socket wrench until they are snug. This stage of the assembly is one of two that will keep your tent securely attached to your vehicle, so be sure nothing is loose during this process. Of course, you don’t want to overtighten
  5. Turn the tent on its side. As soon as the mounting tracks have been installed on the bottom of the tent, it will be necessary to turn the tent over so that the top of the tent can be seen. We’ll need this information for the following stages. Ladder brackets should be installed. This is a really straightforward procedure. In a manner similar to that described before, fasten the ladder brackets to the tent frame where pre-drilled holes have been made from the inside of the tent. Every now and again, we had to reorient ourselves to make sure we were putting items on the proper side so that they would be suitable for a tent with a passenger-side opening
  6. Secure the ladder
  7. And so on. Another straightforward step, however we ended up mounting it in the wrong direction (as seen in the image). It still works perfectly good, with the exception of the velcro straps being in the wrong position and making it difficult to secure or undo. We’ll re-mount it correctly as soon as possible, however we didn’t realize the problem until our first journey with it. The tent cover is secured with a zipper. The tent cover helps to keep the tent protected from the weather while you’re driving, and it also, I assume, adds an added degree of protection to ensure that the tent doesn’t pop open accidentally while driving. It can be frustrating to get a zipper to work properly, as it is with any zipper. The zipper, on the other hand, is a rather heavy quality zipper that goes on effortlessly
  8. Take a deep breath and prepare to be lifted! Having reached this phase, it is necessary to load the tent onto the truck. Although we use Yakima crossbars, these tents are compatible with a wide range of other rack systems as well. Before lifting the tent, you should make sure you understand which way it has to move in order for it to open in the proper direction. Once you’re in the proper position, bend your knees and tense your core before lifting! Because the tent weighs more than 120 pounds and must be lifted to a high altitude, this would be best accomplished by a group of four people, although it is certainly achievable by two. Set up your tent in a line with your rack and attach the brackets. Once the tent is mounted to the rack, it must be aligned so that when the mounting brackets are slid into the channel of the mounting tracks, they are on opposite sides of the cross bar and clear of the Yakima rack frame. Once the tent is mounted to the rack, it must be aligned so that it is clear of the Yakima rack frame. In all, you’ll need to move 8 brackets into the channel of the tracks
  9. This will take some time. Tent brackets should be secured to the rack. The brackets should now simply be put into the mounting tracks, with the bolts and nuts provided to secure them in place. There are a total of 8 bolts that need to be secured. You want to tighten the tent just enough so that it won’t move, but not so much that the metal bends and becomes brittle, which is what you want to avoid. To prevent the tent from slipping off the truck, I said in step 7 that there were two measures to be taken
  10. This is the second of those steps: pop open the tent. You’re not required to do this, but I don’t see how you could ignore the urge to indulge your curiosity! Celebrate by opening the tent and seeing what it looks like on the inside if you so desire. Phew! At this point, you’ve probably put in 1-2 hours, so take a deep breath and think about all of the adventures you’ll be able to go on in the future with your new rooftop tent.

Simply said, that’s the whole story! As seen by the amount of tools required (a socket wrench) and the methods outlined above, it is not difficult, but it does take some time and strength to raise it. Please contact us if you have any queries! Disclosure: Overlanding Taco devotes countless hours of testing and writing to assisting you in planning your travels, locating equipment, and finding other things that will help you live a better outdoor life. We occasionally provide links to items on Amazon and other websites.

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Outdoorsman with a passion for gearheading. In addition to being born and raised in New York, I also spent my formative years in the suburbs of Baltimore, went back and forth between Philadelphia and Brooklyn, and eventually ended up in the San Francisco Bay Area. Walker, our Taco(ma), and I are looking forward to overlanding across the Americas!

How to Install a Roof Top Tent

Roof rack tents are typically compatible with the majority of original equipment manufacturer (OEM) car roof racks. Manufacturers claim, on the other hand, that an aftermarket rack is easier to put your tent to, is more durable, and provides you with extra attachment points for additional gear than a factory rack.

Know Your Roof Rack Weight Ratings

A Dynamic Weight Capacityrating should be specified by the roof top tent manufacturerTepui Tents, which indicates the maximum amount of weight that the roof rack can support when in motion (or while stationary). Based on the use, roof top tents can weigh anywhere from 100 pounds to 220 pounds. A static weight capacity, which is the weight of the tent plus its occupants, is also specified. Most roof rack tents have a weight capacity ranging from 400 to 600 pounds or more, depending on the size.

They will know what you need.

Standard Roof Rack Installation

Installation and setup of a Tepui Kukenam tent with Yakima roof racks are demonstrated in this video.

Heavy Duty Roof Rack Installation

Check out this fantastic video that depicts the installation of a high-end aftermarket basket-styleARB roof rack, which is the most durable version available for a car of this type:

Roof Top Tent Installation

I’m not going to go into detail on how to erect a roof top tent because there are numerous excellent videos available that do it for you. This is an excellent illustration of what is required in constructing a roof top tent:

Single Person Roof Rack Installation

When there are no other choices for more assistance, here is a fantastic how-to for constructing a roof rack tent by yourself (with caution!).

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We do not advocate utilizing clamp-style fitments or non-specific vehicle tracks for mounting rooftop tents to bars that employ permanent points, vehicle specific track, or gutter mount legs.

How heavy is a tepui tent?

Depending on the model, Thule Tepui rooftop tents may weigh between 100 and 220 pounds / 45 and 100 kg. The type of tent you choose will be determined by the amount of weight that your vehicle’s roof rack system can support. A larger dynamic weight capacity is provided by most aftermarket roof rack systems, such as Thule, than by the majority of stock roof racks.

What kind of roof rack do I need for a roof top tent?

To ensure that the rack or bars you purchase have a Dynamic Weight Capacity (DWC) that is at least as strong as the tent, check the manufacturer’s specifications. The majority of models weigh between 120 and 165 lbs, therefore you will need a rack that can support more than 165 pounds to be on the safe side.

What do I need to install a rooftop tent?

What is the best way to set up a roof top tent? Ladder. Tent with a cover. Ladder Brackets are a type of bracket that is used to support a ladder. Channel Slides with Bolts and Nuts are a popular choice. Plates de mounting en acier. Wrenches. Bolts with washers are used.

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How do you secure a roof top tent?

Not only is it feasible, but it is also strongly suggested, to secure your rooftop tent. The typical method of securing your rooftop tent is to use security nuts and bolts to hold it in place. In order to remove any bolts holding your rooftop tent to your car, you must need a special adapter or tool created specifically for this purpose.

Do you need a rack for a rooftop tent?

So, do you require a roof rack in order to use a roof top tent? Yes, in order to attach your roof top tent to your vehicle, you will need a roof rack. Aftermarket cross bars put on OEM roof rails are a simple solution, but a heavy-duty, permanently fitted custom rack is a more complicated solution.

Do you need crossbars for a roof rack?

Crossbars and supports are the fundamental components of a rack system. Two crossbars to span the width of your car, as well as a means of securing those crossbars to your vehicle, are required. The elements that you will hear us discuss are as follows: Fit kits (or clips) – Foot pads and/or brackets that are particular to your vehicle that aid in the attachment of the foot pack to your vehicle.

Why are roof top tents so expensive?

The cost of rooftop tents is more when compared to a modest, off-brand ground tent, owing to the complexity of their construction, overall design, and additional accessories. Rooftop tents, on the other hand, are long-lasting, high-quality, and should last you for a long time.

What is the cheapest roof top tent?

8 of the most affordable roof top tents: Tepui Explorer Ayer 2 ($1,199.95), Tepui Explorer Ayer 3, Tepui Explorer Ayer 4, Tepui Explorer Ayer 5, Tepui Explorer Ayer 6, Tepui Explorer Ayer 7, Tepui Explorer Ayer 8, Tepui Explorer Ayer 9, Tepui Explorer Ayer 10, Tepui Explorer Ayer 11, Tepui Explorer Ayer 12, Tepui Explorer Ayer 13, Tepui Explorer Ayer 14, Tepui Explorer Ayer 15, (Photo courtesy of @moveswithmak) Mount Bachelor CVT ($1,375) Smittybilt Overlander ($931.49) is a pickup truck.

(Photo courtesy of @jg.hikes) Tuff Stuff Trailhead ($860.46 Sale Price) is located on the Tuff Stuff Trail.

Front Runner RTT ($1,099) is the most expensive of the three. Overland Vehicle Systems TMBK 3 ($849.99) Overland Vehicle Systems TMBK 3 ($849.99) RTTs were used on the 23Zero Weekender 56 ($1,099).

How far apart should crossbars be for roof top tent?

A minimum of 30 inches should separate the crossbars, and the crossbars should have a weight rating that is equivalent to or greater than the weight of the Roofnest.

What cars can take a rooftop tent?

When traveling with a rooftop tent, never use it with any vehicle that has a rooftop load restriction less than 165 pounds. Automobiles such as SUVs and trucks, in general, are suitable candidates for a rooftop tent, but automobiles such as sedans and hatchbacks are not. When it comes to some fixed point and elevated rail systems, rooftop tents are often considered suitable.

How easy is it to set up a roof top tent?

How quickly can you put together a roof top tent? A hard shell roof top tent may be opened in less than 60 seconds, depending on the model. Soft shell roof top tents, which take around minutes to put up, are a bit more time consuming.

How do you store a tepui tent?

I’m laying flat on the ground. You must store your rooftop tent in the same manner as you would if it were resting on top of your vehicle’s roof rack. Although it is not mandatory, it is recommended that you put the tent somewhat above the ground in order to minimize moisture damage. If at all possible, avoid storing anything on top of it as well as possible.

What is the point of a roof top tent?

Because you’re isolated from the ground while you’re in a rooftop tent, you may be less discriminating when looking for a spot with a great view. 5 Whether you’re traveling alone or with a friend, you’ll have more space than you would in a two-person tent.

How long does it take to set up a tepui tent?

Although the tent will take around 5 minutes to erect, adding the supplied annex to the mix will add an additional 2-3 minutes to your total setup time.

Are tepui tents waterproof?

Meanwhile, the majority of tents are made of lightweight, high-tech materials, but the Tepui has the advantage of knowing you won’t have to hoof it anywhere, so it uses hefty waterproof canvas that feels satisfyingly rough to the touch, evoking the feel of Army surplus Boy Scout tents. Because of its robustness, it seems completely at home in a truck bed.

Is a roof top tent worth it?

A rooftop tent may be either a marvelous convenience or a dreadful pain in the neck, depending on what you’re doing with it. If you’re not going to be driving much during your camping vacation, or if you’re going to be sleeping in a new location every night, a rooftop tent will be more handy than a standard tent in many situations.

How much weight can a roof top tent hold?

An average rooftop tent has a total weight capacity of 400 to 900 lbs, depending on the manufacturer.

Can you put a roof top tent on a Rhino Rack?

Most roof top tents are attached to the roof rack system using a U-Bolt or Universal Clamp to provide a secure connection. If the bolts or clamps that are given are too tiny, it is a simple operation to adjust them to the proper size. While the Rhino-Rack Heavy Duty crossbar measures 40mm in width, the Vortex bar measures 80mm in width, which is useful for testing the fit.

Do I Need a Roof Rack for a Roof Top Tent?

The popularity of roof top tents (RTTs) has skyrocketed in recent years, mostly because they allow you to camp anywhere your car can go while being warm and safe above the ground. But you can’t just buy an RTT and put it on the roof of your car and hope for the best – there are a number of factors to consider, including the sort of vehicle that is most suited for an RTT and the style of roof rack that will safely support your tent.

So, do you require a roof rack in order to use a roof top tent? Yes, in order to attach your roof top tent to your vehicle, you will need a roof rack. Aftermarket cross bars put on OEM roof rails are a simple solution, but a heavy-duty, permanently fitted custom rack is a more complicated solution.

What Kind of Roof Rack Do You Need For a Roof Top Tent?

The most important criteria for a roof rack is that it has a Dynamic Weight Capacity (DWC) that is equal to or more than the weight of the tent. A vehicle’s DWC is a measure of how much weight the rack can physically hold while the vehicle is in motion without causing damage to either the rack or the roof of the vehicle in question. Consequently, it’s typically advisable to purchase your RTT first so that you know exactly how much it weighs, and then choose a roof rack that can support at least that weight plus the weight of anything more that you want to add to the tent before purchasing your roof rack (solar panels, storage boxes, etc.).

For the purpose of determining whether or not your roof rack is strong enough to support your tent, total the weight of the tent, your weight and the weight of anybody else who will be sleeping in the tent, as well as the weight of any stuff that you intend to have in or on the tent.

Aside from that, you have entire control over the elements and design of the rack.

Depending on your needs, there are racks that are readily detachable and do not require any drilling into your car, and racks that are intended to be more permanent and are more difficult and impractical to remove on a frequent basis.

5 Popular Roof Racks for Roof Top Tents

It is important to note that there are several variations in the types, sizes, and weights of RTTs (which typically range from 100 to 200 pounds), which means that not every roof rack will be suitable for your exact tent and car. Nonetheless, there are several rack kinds that are really popular, and we’ll discuss five of the most common possibilities in the section below.

1. Yakima SkyLine System

(Photo courtesy of yakima.com) Website:yakima.com Starting at $486, this product is a good value. Vehicle-specific landing pads and a range of cross bar choices are included with the Yakima SkyLine System, which is intended for cars with fixed points or tracks on their roofs, among other features. With the provided tool, this is one of the most straightforward roof rack systems to use and install. Due to its maximum load rating of 135 pounds, it is an excellent choice for those who have lesser RTTs.

Yakima also provides a locking system that can be purchased separately so that you may leave your rack on your car in any scenario with confidence.

It will be less secure, however, because it is a cross bar kit rather than a permanently fitted roof rack system, because of the nature of the product. For those who only use their RTT sometimes and do not wish to have a permanent rack installed on their car, this might be a fantastic solution.

2. Thule TracRac SR System

(Photo courtesy of thule.com) Website:thule.com Price ranges from $1,099.90 to $1,099.90. Many individuals prefer to put RTTs on a truck bed rack, which allows them to use the area below the vehicle to store other items. Thule’s TracRac SR System makes it possible for you to do just that. It has a rapid installation process that does not involve drilling into the vehicle, allowing the adjustable racks to be readily removed or modified to carry other items in addition to an RTT if needed, if desired.

Some RTTs are capable of supporting gear racks on top of them with large weight limitations (less when they are opened), but you will need to consider the overall weight of the tent plus the gear on top – unless you choose this rack with an absurd weight rating – when making your decision.

3. Front Runner Outfitters Slimline II Roof Rack

(Image courtesy of frontrunneroutfitters.com) Website:frontrunneroutfitters.com Price ranges from $1,465 to $2,465 There are several various models of Slimline II Roof Rack available for a variety of different cars, and it is one of the most popular permanently fitted roof racks on the market. Installing it on the Toyota 4Runner is simple, as it uses eight factory mounting points, however drilling is necessary to secure the foot rails in place. Front Runner Outfitters has set the SWC as 660 pounds, despite the fact that they do not supply a DWC, citing the fact that there are other elements at play, such as load location, road conditions, and so on.

This rack is equipped with a wind deflector to provide a peaceful ride, as well as a set of foot rails to make installation simple.

It does, however, give enough clearance to permit 4Runners with sunroofs, if necessary.

Lastly, all Front Runner racks come with an industry-leading lifetime guarantee, which gives you piece of mind while making such a significant purchase.

4. Gobi Stealth Rack

(Photo courtesy of gobiracks.com) Website:gobiracks.com Price ranges from $1,595 to $2,495 Another extremely popular alternative for transporting an RTT is the Stealth Rack from Gobi. Each piece is finished in a black powder coating with an anti-rust base layer. It has a DWC of 300 pounds and a SWC of 800 pounds, and it weighs a total of 300 pounds. A rear ladder is also included for convenient access, and neither the ladder nor the rack require drilling into your car. This rack is available in two configurations: with a sunroof (which has an open space so you can clearly see out) and without a skylight (which has a greater rack surface area).

They are totally welded together, and the only screws used are to attach the rack to the vehicle’s existing mounting points, which are concealed by the welded construction.

With its sturdy structure, you can walk on it without worrying about it bending, and the basket design makes it ideal for hauling both RTTs and other items. It also works with Yakima and Thule attachments, as well as Gobi’s own range of attachments, which is a helpful feature.

5. Rhino-Rack Pioneer SX Platform

(Photo courtesy of rhinorack.com) Website:rhinorack.com Starts at $1,147 (plus applicable taxes). This Rhino-Rack platform has a maximum weight restriction of 175 pounds, making it ideal for all but the heaviest of RTTs, according to the manufacturer. In addition, it is equipped with four highly sturdy slats that make it simple to secure gear or attach your RTT to it. The platform is constructed of lightweight reinforced nylon and aluminum that will not rust when exposed to the weather. Because of its flat form, you can simply slip your RTT onto it or place other equipment onto it.

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In order to reduce wind drag and noise when driving, the platform is equipped with bars that are included in the purchase price.

Q A With Roof Top Tent Owner Tiffany

During my conversation with Tiffany (@4xploration) regarding her roof rack configuration for her RTT, she shared the following information: For your RTT, what kind of rooftop storage do you have available? “I have Gobi’s Ranger rack on my back.” Apart from the standard rack, this is the only rack that I’ve ever had.” (Photo courtesy of @4xploration) What factors went into your decision? “We chose Gobi because we like the basket design over the flat slats, which we did not like. “We chose the Ranger over the Stealth since the basket is larger,” says the author.

  • We also purchased the larger basket since we remove our RTT when we get at our destination.
  • The only disadvantage is that it significantly enhances our public profile.
  • (Photo courtesy of @4xploration) A 2016 Toyota 4Runner with the CVTMt Shasta extended RTT is available for purchase.
  • Consider the maximum height of your car, both with and without the roof top tent, as well as if the tent will be left on the truck or will be taken off.
  • One thing to keep in mind is that racks have a rather significant wait time, with Gobi having the largest lead time because they are created to order.” (Featured image at the top of the post courtesy of @4xploration.) Roof Top Tents: What is the CHEAPEST HARD SHELL Roof Top Tent?

Next up in the Roof Top Tents series: (5 Budget-Friendly Picks) Roof Top Tents at the Lowest Prices? (8 Favorite Budget-Friendly Options) What is the largest roof top tent that has ever been built? Which are the best hard shell roof top tents? (10 People’s Favorite Songs)

Rooftop Tent Mounting Instructions – Roost Tents

Inches: 58 and 60 inches in length, respectively www.thule.com

Roost tents fit most Baja racks.Please contact Roostto confirm compatibility.

Www.bajarack.com

Minimum length: 58”

The shop will not function properly if cookies are deactivated on your computer or device. $1,169.00 (excluding of tax and shipping) Currently in stock When fully assembled, this roof top tent is 1.3 meters wide by 2.4 meters long. The super-low 330mm profile decreases wind resistance while driving and lowers the vehicle’s overall height by almost one meter. The Front Runner Roof Top Tent has the lowest profile of any roof top tent currently available on the market! In order to purchase Roof Top Tent by Front Runner, you must purchase it in multiples of 1.

  • Equipment and guidance that has been tested and proven You may put your faith in us. Money refund guarantee for 30 days Guarantee
  • Off-road construction was used. Tough
  • Easily attaches to the top of your Front Runner Roof Rack to provide quick, easy, and comfortable shelter wherever you go
  • Sleeps 2+ people in comfort
  • An immediate bedroom is created with a single seamless motion. Weighing only 43kg, it is far lighter than all other comparable roof top sleeping options now available on the market. The body of the tent is made of 260g poly-cotton ripstop fabric, which is water-resistant and durable. Full-coverage rainfly made of waterproof, UV-resistant 400d polyester oxford fabric for maximum protection. With the help of convenient side-release buckles, you may simply remove or install the item as needed. A solid, insulated foundation is provided by a durable base consisting of an aluminum frame, sheeting, and dense foam core. High-density foam mattress (6cm / 2.25″ thick) with a machine-washable, moisture- and mildew-resistant polyester oxford fabric cover for added comfort
  • It is possible to unzip skylight vent windows in the roof to allow for fresh air, sunshine, and starry views, or they can be sealed to trap heat and keep out the weather
  • The side window privacy panels zip up to close, allowing the size of the aperture to be modified according to privacy requirements or weather circumstances
  • The side window privacy panels zip up to close
  • A total of two hanging pockets give enough storage space for personal belongings (34cm by 22cm / 13.5″ by 8.5″)
  • The heavy-duty 650g nylon tent cover is made of durable PVC coating and will protect your tent when it is packed and in transportation. Tracks for mounting (included) can be installed either from the front to the back or from side to side, depending on your requirements. Included are universal mounting plates as well as all essential hardware. Upgrade to our Quick Release Tent Mount Kit for faster and simpler installation and disassembly. Incorporate a handy shelter below with ourRoof Top Tent Annex, which slides simply into the channel of the tent foundation
  • It comes with an integrated sliding aluminum ladder. The weight limit for the ladder is 180kg/400lbs.

It should be noted that if the tent installation height is greater than 2 meters, you will want a Tent Extension Ladder. NOTE: Front Runner Tent Mounts:Tent Mount Kit,Tent Mount Kit / TallorQuick Release Tent Mount,Tent Mount Kit/ TallorQuick Release Tent Mount The following are the recommended mounting techniques for this Tent. The set includes:1 x Tent 1 piece of flysheet 1 × Bed (mattress) 1 × Tent with a cover 1 x Sliding stairwell 1 × Rod & Reel Kit Mounting studs are included with this package.

Rainfly made of 400d polyester oxford that is waterproof and UV resistant.

Padding for Mattresses: 60mm ” (2.25″) thick polyurethane foam with a high density 650g heavy-duty PVC for the tent cover; aluminum sheeting and side rails with foam core for the tent base.

Dimensions of the tent: 1330mm when closed (including cover and ladder) ” (52.4″) Dimensions: 1245mm (49″) L x 330mm (13″) W (13″) Height with cover and ladder: 1295mm Height without cover and ladder: ” (51″) 1220mm L x 1220mm W ” (48″) 216mm W x 216mm H ” (8.5″) Dimensions of the HOpen: 3330mm for the exterior with a rainfly ” (131″) 1330mm (48″) L x 2290mm (90″) W x 1330mm (48″) (52.4″) Interior Dimensions: 2438mm ” (96″) 1295mm L x 1295mm W ” (51″) 1168mm W x 1168mm H ” (46″) L L L L L L L L L L L L L L L L L L L L L L L L L L L L L L L L L L L L L L L L L L L L L L L L L (A Peak) Dimensions of the mattress:1990mm ” (78.4″) 1210mm (47.2″) L x 1210mm (47.2″) W x 60mm (2.4″) HWeight:43 kilograms (93lbs) Load Capacity: 270kg (600lbs) In order to access the fitting instructions, you must have Adobe Acrobat Reader installed.

How to install a Roof Top Tent on a Truck Bed

Do you want to know how to put a roof top tent on a truck bed? Read on. We completed the task, and it was simple! We used to have a lot of fun camping on the roof of our Xterra in a Tepui Roof Top Tent when we were younger. When we upgraded to a larger trailer, it necessitated the purchase of a larger car, which meant trading in our beloved Nissan Xterra for a Ram 1500.

We were now confronted with a serious situation. Installing a roof top tent on a Ram 1500 pickup truck is simple. This is the account of our adventure as we learned how to install a roof top tent on a pickup truck’s roof.

Overland rooftop tent

Who doesn’t like the thought of putting up a quick and simple rooftop tent on the back of a truck? Everything is simple: you drive into the bush, choose the right site, pitch your tent, and presto! you are sleeping beneath the stars! It’s not necessary to drive pegs into the hard ground while you’re overlanding in a rooftop tent. There is no such thing as a perfectly flat spot. The fact that there are rocks or not is not even necessary to determine. All you have to do now is go to camp.

Tepui Tent Review

The Tepui Rooftop Tent was one of the greatest rooftop tents available on the market at the time we acquired it. We decided to go with the Baja Series. It’s a terrific roof top tent for the money. The quality of the craftsmanship on the tepui rooftop tent is exceptional, and we have had no problems with it despite years of frequent use. The cover of the Tepui Tent has been exposed to the scorching desert heat for two years without showing any signs of wear or tear. All of the zippers are in good working order.

This is the finest rooftop tent we’ve discovered for our Ram 1500, according to our research.

Ordering Our Tepui Roof Top Tent

We did have one issue with our Tepui Rooftop Tent, which we were unable to resolve. We weren’t even close to their place of employment. It increased the cost of transporting the tent. According to the Tepui Rooftop Tent website, the rooftop tents are compatible with any vehicle. That didn’t seem to be accurate to us. Initially, we purchased a Tepui Baja edition rooftop tent for four people. It was too little for our Xterra. The rooftop tent was far too huge to fit in the Xterra’s trunk. The dynamic load of the Xterra was exceeded by the four-person rooftop tent, which did not require any alterations to the factory-installed roof rack.

We had also emailed Tepui ahead of time, and they assured us that the rooftop tent would fit on an Xterra without modification.

They were not interested in assisting, and I appreciate that the pricing was prohibitively expensive, but Tepui stated that the 4 person tent would fit on an Xterra.

We are delighted with our Tepui Tent.

How to Install a Rooftop Tent on a Truck Bed

The rack seen below was utilized to place a rooftop tent on the back of our truck, which is a Ram 1500 pickup. It’s robust, and it can store the tent as well as other goods you might need, such as a jerry can. It will need to be treated in order to prevent rusting, and you will want to do it as soon as possible. I go through in depth in the video precisely what you need to do to ensure that your rooftop tent rack on the bed of your truck will withstand the test of time. Please let me know if you have any questions regarding the tent or the rack in the comments section below.

This is a set-up that we truly like. The ability to travel in a rooftop tent on the back of our vehicle is a huge benefit. That is exactly how to set up a roof top tent in the bed of a pickup truck.

Jeep JK Teraflex Roof Rack & Tepui Tent Installation

Chris and Garrett from GRJ Offroad are shown in this video installing the Teraflex NEBO Roof Rack as well as the Tepui Kukenam Ruggedized SKY Tent on the GRJ Hypercon Jeep JK Rubicon in this video. The TeraFlex JK Nebo Roof Rack System was designed specifically for Jeep JKs and integrates OEM looks and style with durable performance to boost load carrying capability for off-road excursions. The factory finished appearance makes it seem as at home in the city as it does off-road in a fully-loaded Rubicon pickup truck.

The Tepui Kukenam SKY Roof Top Tent

This roof top tent is equipped with fast release clips on the rain cover as well as two functional SKY panels in the roof for illumination. All of the panels are constructed of 260g ventilated coated canvas, and they are equipped with no-see-um mosquito netting as well as water resistant YKK zippers in case you need to seal the hatch in the event of an unexpected downpour. It is not necessary to acquire extensions for large or raised cars because this roof top tent comes with an 8ft-6in telescoping ladder that is already installed.

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Thank you for taking the time to watch!

Will My Car Work For A Roof Top Tent

This is an excellent and very relevant question. We want you to understand that roof top tents can and will function on any vehicle; however, this does not imply that your vehicle is suitable for one. There are some amusing anecdotes, for example, Evan, the creator of Tepui Tent, can tell you about how he observed a group of cars with RTTs on top of them while on a vacation to Venezuela (Read HERE for an interview with Tepui), and not all of them were 4x4s or even SUVs. However, if you drive a sedan or a vehicle that is really tiny, such as a hatchback, bear in mind that these tents will have a different influence on your car.

For the simple reason that roof top tents have a significant additional weight on top of your roof, and they are not particularly aerodynamic.

If your car is smaller and has less power, the extra weight will be felt more, resulting in a significant decrease in power, speed, and acceleration.

If you don’t care about any of the other characteristics and simply want a comfortable place to sleep at night while driving cross-country in your Corolla, you may go ahead and get a sleeper car.

Will My Racks Work With The Roof Top Tents?

They will, without a doubt. Roof racks are available from a variety of manufacturers, including Yakima, Thule, and Rhino Rack, but any of them will do the job. Roof Top Tents can be mounted on flat racks, crossbars, or a canopy, among other things. Simply ensure that your racks have a Dynamic Weight Capacity (DWC) that is at least equal to the weight of the tent before proceeding. In other words, if the tent weighs 130 lbs, the racks must have a DWC of at least that same amount. You may easily find out by contacting your manufacturer or by looking at the specifications of your racks.

  • The weight of the tent and its passengers is efficiently disseminated across the whole structure of the vehicle when the tent is in use.
  • This is referred to as the Static Weight Capacity in some circles (SWC).
  • However, even with all of this in mind, you do not want to just place your RTT on the top of any rack.
  • Therefore, when purchasing an RTT, be certain that your rack system is capable of accommodating them before making the purchase.
  • Because it is one of the safest and most durable rack systems available, the Rhino-Rack Backbone system is one of our top recommendations.

Another thing to keep in mind is that standard mounting hardware will often accommodate rack bars with a cross-section of 3.25″ width x 2″ height on average. Don’t forget to space your racks 32-48 inches apart on your car!

How About The Weight Capacity Of The Tents?

The majority of the tents that we sell here at Off Road Tents have a weight that ranges between 100 lbs and 220 lbs, thus the type of tent you choose will be determined by how much weight your roof rack is capable of supporting. The good news is that, because we have tents from a variety of different brands and types, your rack will most likely be able to accommodate at least one of the models in our collection. Systems from Yakima and Thule are designed particularly for most vehicle makes and models, and their Dynamic Weight Capacity is typically more than that of most factory racks.

The overall weight capacity for a two-person vehicle would be 400 lbs.

The fact that the ladders have an average weight capability of 320 lbs is also noteworthy.

*** For the final note, if you would want to share any information, images, or anything else relating to roof top tents or overlanding, please do so by joining our Facebook group HERE.

How to Install a Roof Top Tent

“Home is where the car is parked.” This statement appears to be a suitable way to express modern-day overlanding in its entirety. Every adventurer can undoubtedly make any site their home if they have the proper equipment and tools, as well as the bare essentials. And, as technology advances and new items enter the market, every experience becomes better: more convenient, more comfortable, and more pleasurable. A good example of this is a roof top tent. Among regular campers, roof top tents (also known as vehicle top tents) are a popular must-have item to have on hand.

  • Not to mention the fact that they are quite simple to install and keep up to date.
  • Most roof top tents are also equipped with luxurious beds that can accommodate up to 5 people, making camping a comfortable and peaceful experience for everyone.
  • As we progress through this post, we’ll cover more advantages of utilizing a roof top tent, as well as things you should know about it and how to properly construct it.
  • Tents on the Ground While many people like to camp in roof top tents, there are still a large number of overlanders who prefer to utilize the more typical ground tents while they are out camping.

Consequently, you can wonder, “which is preferable: roof top tents or ground tents?” Let’s take a look at the advantages and disadvantages of utilizing a roof top tent vs a ground tent. Pros:

  • Increased durability
  • Quicker and easier to assemble a better perspective
  • A cleaner environment with fewer pests or insects
  • It is less difficult to locate a camping location. Enhanced protection against possible predators or wild animals More comfortable in general, with improved ventilation
  • It appears to be colder
  • Sleeping in a more comfy bed
  • Expensive
  • Large, thick, and heavy
  • Large, big, and heavy It’s not possible to utilize your car while the camp is put up
  • Installation necessitates the use of a rack or crossbars. The car will experience increased aerodynamic drag, which will result in decreased fuel economy. a reduction in available living space
  • To go into the tent, you’ll need to climb a ladder. When your vehicle need a car wash, it is a hassle to remove. Cleaning is more difficult.

Tents with a hard shell versus tents with a soft shell After learning about the advantages and drawbacks of utilizing a roof top tent as opposed to a ground tent, you may have already made the decision to acquire the former over the latter. Consequently, your next inquiry is, “What sort of tent should I buy?” Roof top tents may be divided into two types: hard shell and soft shell. Hard shell roof top tents are more durable than soft shell roof top tents. Hard shell tents (also known as hard-top tents) are distinguished by the presence of two stiff outer shells that serve as both the ceiling and the foundation of the structure.

With a few simple latch releases and the use of automated or gas-strut systems, most hard shell tents can be quickly and readily opened.

They are also composed of water-resistant textiles like as canvas, nylon, or polyester for their body and walls.

Hard shell roof top tents are more sturdy and long-lasting, but soft shell roof top tents are lighter and less expensive to purchase and maintain.

Hard Shell Soft Shell
Faster and easier to set up Cheaper
More durable and long-lasting Lighter weight
Warmer and more weatherproof Accessible for stargazing
Can serve as a cargo box for extra storage Pack down smaller
More comfortable Larger space or sleeping area
More aerodynamic; better gas mileage More customizable
You can leave your bedding set-up More accessories available
Quieter (since it’s not easily blown out by the wind)
Higher headroom
Better looks

Things to Keep in Mind When Purchasing a Rooftop Tent Aside from the obvious considerations of capacity, comfort, and appearance, there are a number of other variables to consider when purchasing a roof top tent. Consider some of these helpful suggestions when you’re ready to make a purchase to ensure that you’re receiving the best value possible on your roof top tent. First and foremost, consider durability. When you go camping, look at the material, construction, and other specifications to determine if it can survive any weather conditions.

Second, don’t be fooled by soaring delivery rates while placing an online item.

As a result, you will be charged additional shipping fees.

In addition to the previous two considerations, it is critical to ensure that your roof top tent is compatible with your car.

Installing a Roof Top Tent on Your CarThe compatibility of your car with a roof top tent accounts for half of the decision-making process when choosing a roof top tent.

In order to be certain that your tent will fit in your car, follow these steps: Capacity for Bearing Loads If your vehicle is equipped with a set of crossbars, one of the first and most straightforward things you should consider is the weight capability of the crossbars.

Because you know this very fundamental data, you may make an educated guess about the size and weight of the roof top tent you’re considering purchasing.

In addition to the people and their gears, other structures (such as roof racks) should be taken into consideration when calculating the vehicle’s load capacity.

This is due to the fact that you must take into account two different types of weight loading capabilities for a vehicle: dynamic and static.

A common difference between the two is that the latter can generally carry three times as much as the former.

As soon as you’ve calculated how much weight your vehicle is capable of supporting, you’ll need to put together everything you’ll need to set up the roof top tent.

Even if a set of crossbars can do the task, roof racks or truckbed racks are still the most reliable solutions due to their heavy-duty construction.

Then your answer is an unequivocal YES!

You will also need to consult the owner’s handbook to see how much weight your roof rack or crossbars are capable of supporting.

Adaptability of the installation Roof top tents are already widely available on the market, and a large number of universal or one-size-fits-all roof racks are available.

Nonetheless, when it comes to customized and branded racks, it’s advisable to always review their instructions to ensure that it will work with your roof top tent before purchasing it.

Now that you understand the fundamentals of roof top tents, including how they operate, what to look for, what they require, and so on, you are ready to put it all together.

A step-by-step guide on erecting your roof top tent is provided below to aid you in your endeavor.

Next, remove the tent’s latches and completely empty it of all of the supplies and tools that came with it.

You’ll need these items when you’re ready to set up and use the tent, so put them away for the time being while you inspect the tent for any damage or holes.

Installing As soon as you have determined that the roof top tent is in good shape and that all of the necessary components have been obtained, you can begin the installation process.

The general installation procedures, on the other hand, are essentially the same.

Once again, it is critical that you ensure that your supporting platform is capable of bearing the weight of your roof top tent (static and dynamic).

Bolts, screws, and plates were installed in accordance with the manual’s directions.

Bolt it down with the mounting hardware that comes with it.

When you’re comfortable with the location of your tent, you can secure it by tightening the bolts and latching the latches on the doors and windows.

Testing The final step in effectively installing a roof top tent to your car is to test it to ensure that it functions properly.

This will also provide you with an excellent chance to become acquainted with and completely check the entire tent, including its hardware materials and mechanics.

Check out ourroof top tentandroof racksections if you’re looking for overlanding supplies and camping equipment.

Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions at (252) 680-3070 (Call or Text) or [email protected] (email). We are here to assist you!

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