Help with diy RTT

[TSAdventurez]

Hope this is the right place for this please move if not in the right spot thnx


Just wanted to post up a few pics from my last trip out testing the go pro, and new awning and RTT.(will post those later )

new awning and RTT build wanted to test these out before my trip this weekend. any sugestions on how to attach a ladder or other way of easily getting into the tent. I really like the ladders on the rear of Nissan xterras. Any ideas about where to get one for the trailblazer? possible one on the side.

[Gordinho80]

Rear ladder "FOR" the TB is going to be damn near impossible to find.

Modifying an existing ladder might be a good option. If the cargo door/window lines are similar to any other vehicle with ladders, you could start with one of those from a junk yard. The Xterras are kind of flat in the back, I think... so they might not line up nicely with the TB.

Seems the aftermarket ladders are just tube/pipe welded with some angle or flat stock in some places. A local fab guy could work with you. I think biggest issue would be tying into the door at the top.

Pics of the GOBI ladder installed on an Xterra
http://xterrafirma.com/forums/viewtopic ... 2&start=15

[Trail X]

Is that a cot tent?

I had considered a hard mounted ladder at one point. My solution was going to be to get a ladder made for the rear side of the truck.

[navigator]

hi Jamie, I think of RTT's having 3 main advantages.
1. faster setup than many normal tents.
2. you don't have to find a large flat/smooth surface to set up the tent.
3. some safety factor with regards to dangerous critters.
4. space savings of not having to put a tent in the cargo area.

Your tent looks like one of those double cot things, it looks like a great idea but I'm wondering if you are gaining much by mounting it on the roof?
The cot tent will set up faster than other tents.
Since it is relatively small you don't need a large flat/smooth area to set it up.
Do you really have to worry about critters where you are going?
If you put it in a roof rack you solve your cargo space issue.

I'm just wondering out loud what you are really gaining by mounting it to the roof other than maybe it is really cool.

[TSAdventurez]

hi Jamie, I think of RTT's having 3 main advantages.
1. faster setup than many normal tents.
2. you don't have to find a large flat/smooth surface to set up the tent.
3. some safety factor with regards to dangerous critters.
4. space savings of not having to put a tent in the cargo area.

Your tent looks like one of those double cot things, it looks like a great idea but I'm wondering if you are gaining much by mounting it on the roof?
The cot tent will set up faster than other tents.
Since it is relatively small you don't need a large flat/smooth area to set it up.
Do you really have to worry about critters where you are going?
If you put it in a roof rack you solve your cargo space issue.

I'm just wondering out loud what you are really gaining by mounting it to the roof other than maybe it is really cool.

The tent cot is very comfortable and like you said quick set up, small when set up, and gets you off the ground. For my uses currently that is enough. the main issue i have is the space the tent takes up when folded up, it is heavy and takes up a whole lot more room than a typical tent. my soulution to this originaly was to carry it on the roof, but still use it on the ground. but that soon turned into using it on the roof . it was the best soulution for me beacause i didnt have space for a basket or rack up there with out taking off my lights kayak mounts and hilift mount, and it fit in the unused space. the way i mounted it to the rack i can use it either on the roof or the ground, its just a matter of mounting to the rack or the legs for ground use.
I have also always loved the idea of a RTT but couldnt justify paying 800 to 1000 dollars for a tent
I am currently an assistant scout master at a fairly large boy scout troop, so sometimes space in a camp site is valuable. I take up alot of room in a camp site when fully set up awning, hamack, tent(s). As for the critters i havnt had a problem so far but i am planning longer trips further away from home and it might be a possiblity

as far as a ladder goes im thinking of a side mount ladder or one that attaches to the tent cot its self.

[Gordinho80]

Depending on how often it is used... you could go with a rope ladder.

Side mounting the ladder works too. You can use the Xterra ladder and bolt it to the roof rail and then the bottom under the fender. Make sure you have room to clear the tire when compressed, though.

[TSAdventurez]

Idk about a rope ladder, seems more trouble than its worth. Can you buy rtt ladders or something that would work to put on the tent or up to the rack after its set up?

[TSAdventurez]

Btw how would a rope ladder work? I have one in the work shop i built, and could try.

[Trail X]

Idk about a rope ladder, seems more trouble than its worth. Can you buy rtt ladders or something that would work to put on the tent or up to the rack after its set up?

If I recall, I sourced my ladder from Toyota of Dallas.

[Regulator1175]

What about just using something like this:

http://www.google.com/products/catalog? ... JYBEPMCMAA

[TSAdventurez]

I saw those awhile back but they are outa my price range for theladder. For now I'm just making it work without a ladder.

[Trail X]

Go here:
http://trdparts4u.com/Scripts/prodList.asp

Search for:
RTT7004

$67.00