Roof Top Tent

[MoJoBear]

Does anyone have a rooftop tent on their Xterra?

Do you use the stock roof rack?

Thanks

 

[DJQuin]

Overland / Destination Xterra has an Overland tent on their tour Xterra on the stock rack:



I plan on doing it.

 

[YouWatchHockey]

Overland / Destination Xterra has an Overland tent on their tour Xterra on the stock rack:



I plan on doing it.

I want one of those tents so bad.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I537 using Tapatalk

 

[MoJoBear]

Thanks for the information. I am seriously considering getting a new Xterra to replace my 2000 Jeep Cherokee and I already have an Autohome roof top tent. I have heard that the Xterra stock roof rack isn't rated for very much weight and I am a little concerned and really don't want to spent the additional money on an aftermarket rack.

As far as the tent goes, we really enjoy it. The Autohome that we have is very small and just large enough for the two of us. I recommend it with two thumbs up - the Autohome is very easy - crank up, crank down but I can understand wanting more room that one of the larger fold-out type of tents would give you.

I hope to hear from some others. I would like to know if there are any multipurpose clamps available that fit the diameter of the stock rack. I presently use simple U-bolts that attach to a Yakima tube-style rack.

Thanks and good luck --- MoJoBear

 

[drbandkgb]

They are rated at 125lbs... But I think thats per bar.. And I know a ton of people that run them up there with ZERO issues..

Yakima made some mounts for the center bars... You may check out www.xterraperformance.com They have a new b&m bar that would help distribute the weight for these..

 

[XTorrey]

This topic was covered pretty well over on Expedition Portal http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/119812-roof-top-tent-on-factory-xterra-rack

That said, I wouldn't do it with the factory crossbars, since they seem to be made out of a flimsy aluminum and plastic. I know CVT recommends Thule or Yakima bars and on the CVT group buy thread they recommended using 3 crossbars for even weight distribution. I have a Mt. Shasta on order to pick up at Gone, but I think I'm going to have someone fabricate supports locally.

 

[Jack Stilts]

This topic was covered pretty well over on Expedition Portal http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/119812-roof-top-tent-on-factory-xterra-rack

I was going to post that link; ya beat me to it!

 

[XTorrey]

That's what happens when you're at work all night finding ways to kill some time!

Sent from the wastelands of Tatooine

 

[Nd4SpdSe]

I have one, been almost as long as I've owned the truck, so I've had an RTT for over 5 years now, put a new cover on her last year. I've used it for my camping trips as well as with the annual Adventure Weekend Nissan club off-road weekend. The rack and the tent are solid. I had to get longer bolts because the ones included weren't long enough for the Xterra rack, but that's it, no extra mounts of straps. We've slept 2 in it, and sleeps very comfortable. One note from the comments I've read, my crossbars are not used at all to hold the tent. The tent's rails were set up width ward so the tent bolts down to the actual rack itself and not the crossbars, I wouldn't trust those at all. The crossbars don't support any of the weight of the tent at all.

 

[SKAVYNGR]

So much yellow!


-Jonny

 

[TN4x4Xterra]

I have one, been almost as long as I've owned the truck, so I've had an RTT for over 5 years now, put a new cover on her last year. I've used it for my camping trips as well as with the annual Adventure Weekend Nissan club off-road weekend. The rack and the tent are solid. I had to get longer bolts because the ones included weren't long enough for the Xterra rack, but that's it, no extra mounts of straps. We've slept 2 in it, and sleeps very comfortable. One note from the comments I've read, my crossbars are not used at all to hold the tent. The tent's rails were set up width ward so the tent bolts down to the actual rack itself and not the crossbars, I wouldn't trust those at all. The crossbars don't support any of the weight of the tent at all.

Dumb question but how do you open/close the tent on the roof to set up camp/tear down before departing site?

Like what steps?

Looking at the pics, I don't know how you could fold it down without being on the roof somehow?

 

[SpongeX]

I wouldn't trust my tent on the factory rack. Our wheeling would shake that rack to pieces if there was any weight up there. I have a Yakima load warrior that only sees a few bundles of firewood and its starting to shake its self to pieces. If you plan on wheeling with one up there you need a new rack.

Sent from my VS950 4G using Tapatalk

 

[Nd4SpdSe]

Dumb question but how do you open/close the tent on the roof to set up camp/tear down before departing site?

Like what steps?

Looking at the pics, I don't know how you could fold it down without being on the roof somehow?

It's hard to explain. I did a review for the cntc club when I first got it. Hopefully it clears that up for ya.

Tent setup is super easy. A basic setup takes about 5 minutes with the main door awning setup. Add another 5-10 minutes going around doing the others 3 sides. All it really takes is 1 person and one hand

1)Undo the velcro straps going over the cover
(sorry pic doesn't work)
It's the two black straps that go over the cover.

2)Unzip the cover and remove

3)Undo the side velcro straps

4)Grab the ladder, extend and pull.

5)From there it's a good idea to setup at least the main flap as an awning to make it easier to get in and out, and some cover from the elements. The other 3 are up to you.


I trust the factory rack. In all the years I've had it and wheeled with it, it hasn't budged...

 

[XTorrey]

If you aren't using any crossbars to help support the weight, then the weight when occupied is not being evenly distributed to minimize stress on the base of the RTT. While I understand that you've done it up to this point without incident, I'm inclined to mount the RTT to the manufacturers specifications in order to protect my investment.

Sent from the wastelands of Tatooine

 

[TN4x4Xterra]

Thanks for the write up. That helps.

And I'm assuming the teardown is similar in reverse order? As you push the ladder upwards and it'll just fold flat like that?

 

[Nd4SpdSe]

I got my RTT by Titan Winches. It mounts using all the supplied hardware, except longer bolts.. There's the crossbars that's part of the tent that needs to be installed. Because I mounted mine on the short side, they needed to be cut a bit.

Like in the video here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VefB1colzks

With the years, I'd hasn't budged or flexed. I've even had sex in it; it's solid.

 

[Nd4SpdSe]

Thanks for the write up. That helps.

And I'm assuming the teardown is similar in reverse order? As you push the ladder upwards and it'll just fold flat like that?

Yep, you got it, just when it's folded, you gotta climb up to pull on the pins to let the ladder slide back in half.

In the process, I will climb on the sliders and rear bumper, but that's it.

 

[Nd4SpdSe]

 

[XTorrey]

I don't think that even rigorous sex compares to the stresses of highway travel or trails that involve numerous off camber situations that continually shift the weight of the vehicle and it's overhead contents, BUT that's not my point. The rack itself is flimsy, not just the cross members.

Moral of the story: mount your RTT at your own risk.

Sent from the wastelands of Tatooine

 

[Nd4SpdSe]

It all depends. The roof rack is rated at it's 120/125lbs or what not, I would say that a 90-ish pound secured tent while the truck being jostled around is less stress than the tent + 400lbs in adults on the rack. You need some good forces to have the weight of the tent on the rack increase 5x. With a good sized 33" tire on the roof with a Sportsrack is getting close in weight on the oem rack.

 

[SpongeX]

Our RTT is 125lbs. And you're only talking downward force. Sideloads are a totally different animal.

Sent from my VS950 4G using Tapatalk

 

[MoJoBear]

I think some clamps (three pair) along with some square tubes to actually set the tent on might be a good solution. The clamps are from a Garvin Adventure Rack.

 

[metzican]

I honestly look at RTT's thinking I should get one. Then I keep thinking I don't want one always on my vehicle. Then I'm like they are so easy to setup. But I can't put anything else on my roof. I keep going back to I could build a tear drop camper for 2-3 times the cost of a RTT. I don't know what I want.

 

[XTorrey]

I honestly look at RTT's thinking I should get one. Then I keep thinking I don't want one always on my vehicle. Then I'm like they are so easy to setup. But I can't put anything else on my roof. I keep going back to I could build a tear drop camper for 2-3 times the cost of a RTT. I don't know what I want.

Ours is going on top of my X until we can finish the small trailer we bought to tow along (this year's big winter project). Paid $300 for the trailer after eyeballing the teardrop campers, because I wanted the capability of taking it backcountry but I wasn't willing to pay the hefty price for the teardrop. Going to get a rack built for the trailer and then the RTT will be transferred over, and there will still be plenty of room for extra fuel, water, and essentials. Maybe that option would work for you?

 

[SpongeX]

I think some clamps (three pair) along with some square tubes to actually set the tent on might be a good solution. The clamps are from a Garvin Adventure Rack.

You're still relying on the plastic supports which is the problem I have. They aren't very sturdy.

Sent from my VS950 4G using Tapatalk

 

[GPD605X]

I'm curious... What's the difference between roof racks that open to the side vs ones that open towards the hood? Are there any beneficial differences or is it just preference?
Something like this:

 

[SpongeX]

The picture you linked isn't a roof top tent. Its called the jk habitat and functions similar to the AT flippac. But generally you can mount your tent in any direction you choose. With the Xterra having it fold over one side or the other makes more sense because off the back you'd have the hatch to deal with and over the hood and you'd have to climb onto the hood to get in.

Sent from my VS950 4G using Tapatalk

 

[MoJoBear]

I'm curious... What's the difference between roof racks that open to the side vs ones that open towards the hood? Are there any beneficial differences or is it just preference?
Something like this:

[/QUOTE

Our Autohome is the model shown here. Much smaller than the canvas fold over type of RTT but very simple to crank up and crank down.
It is great when I go solo but when I (235 lbs) am with my wife (110 lbs) it fills up fast. Several of the Autohomes come in three widths - ours is the narrowest.

My ultimate goal is to get an off road trailer and move the rack to the trailer but it is nice to be able to have it on the roof for quick 1, 2, or 3 day outings.

Thanks for all the tips and discussion.

 

[XTorrey]

With the flip pack (like the one shown on the Jeep) the part attached to the vehicle is open, so on the Jeep you can just climb in through the back seat and the portion over the hood is a loft style bed. The same goes for the flip packs on a truck bed. The fixed portion is accessed from the tailgate and is open-air inside with a loft bed, and usually has an option to hang a hammock below.

Sent from the wastelands of Tatooine

 

[GPD605X]

Oh ok, I got ya. I was just wondering. I would love to get one someday but that's years from now. I've just seen a few with them fold over the hood and was curious as to the benefits from it. Thanks!

 

[Ddog346]

Overland / Destination Xterra has an Overland tent on their tour Xterra on the stock rack:




I plan on doing it.

Do these guys have a website or something? If so can somebody post the link?

 

[granitex]

DX has been long gone for years now, anything that you find on them will be very old and archived.