Custom roof rack and RTT help

[Flyingfischer5]

Hey guys,

When I first stumbled upon Trailvoy back in 07 when I got my Trailblazer I got the mod bug and took off my factory roof rack. Throughout the years they ended up getting tossed. I am building a roof rack/platform and am trying to find the weight capacity of the actual roof and not the factory roof rack.

Through work I have purchased Rhino-Rack tracks, feet and their Pioneer rack.

What I truely am after is will the roof hold the rack(60lbs), awning(45lbs), RTT(135lbs), and myself(235ish lbs +/- a second person in rare occasions)

Thanks for the help

[TBYODA]

A few of the guys that have RTT have replaced the stock rack with Superstrut which easily found at your local hardware store. Check out the following builds.
viewtopic.php?f=78&t=78
viewtopic.php?f=78&t=202

[Trail X]

The roof can hold that, but it largely depends on how its mounted. The edges are much stronger than the center.

I didn't use superstrut though, I used the stock roof rack, which is adequate for me. For my front rack, I did however drill two holes in the roof for rivetnuts since the roof rack doesn't stretch that far forward.

[Flyingfischer5]

Cool I just wanted to make sure it could hold the weight. I'll be taking my headliner down and bolting it through the roof. I got 70" tracks so it will practically run the length of roof. Also went with the 49"x76" platform. Hopefully putting in the order for the tent later this month.

[ETB1]

I used the stock rack and made aluminum cross bars with 3/8 grade 8 bolts/washers to hole them on. It still right in the stock track. My rtt is 49x76 and works good on it, no issues almost a full year running it on top

[djthumper]

Dang Craig! Are you feeling OK? Or did the off road bug really hit you now?

[Flyingfischer5]

Dang Craig! Are you feeling OK? Or did the off road bug really hit you now?

Haha, I wouldn't quite say the off roading bug but more along the line of the outdoor bug. I'm still rocking my 20" SS wheels but on 285/55/20s. The reason for the rack and RTT is because we can't tandom trailer here in Washington and I just bought a jetski. So it was either hauling my tent trailor or get a RTT and be able to haul my jetski and still be able to camp in style and look badass at the same time.

[djthumper]

Dang Craig! Are you feeling OK? Or did the off road bug really hit you now?

Haha, I wouldn't quite say the off roading bug but more along the line of the outdoor bug. I'm still rocking my 20" SS wheels but on 285/55/20s. The reason for the rack and RTT is because we can't tandom trailer here in Washington and I just bought a jetski. So it was either hauling my tent trailor or get a RTT and be able to haul my jetski and still be able to camp in style and look badass at the same time.

Now this is making more sense. This is definitely a good way to get around the problem.

[Flyingfischer5]

Not sure how much research and/or experience you guys have with RTT but I am trying to decide which to go with. It's between the Smittybuilt 2783($900) vs the Tepui Kukenum 3($1400). The Smitty is about the cheapest you can go when it comes to RTT and it seems like the Tepui has really great customer service and not really much negative between the two.

Do you all think the extra $500 is worth it? Any help and experience with either would be great.

[Trail X]

I think dirtybacon has been using the smittybuilt one for a while. They look like carbon copies of each other from afar. Is camping labs still in business?

[Flyingfischer5]

Camping Labs doesn't look like they are in business any more. Oh and also are any of you rocking an awning too? I can get Rhino Rack through work and have been looking at their new Batwing 270 degree awning to go with my RTT.

[ETB1]

I run a smittybuilt overlander xl 2883. I paid 925 for it. Been running it on stock rails with aluminum crossbars i made. Fastened down by 5/16 bolts and washers that fit in the track. I have been running this setup since beginning of june 2017 no issues. It never gets taken off neither.

[DirtyBacon04]

I've been using the Smittybilt for a few years. The tent has been great. The only thing I would want it doesn't have is the option of a changing room on the ground.
When my cover tore and allowed water in during Irma, causing mold in the mattress, I e-mailed Smittybilt asking to purchase another cover and mattress (and included my personal review of the tent) they sent me a new cover and mattress at no cost.
I can't say anything negative about my tent or their customer service. It has been fantastic. Spent up to 10 days in the tent, setting it up and taking it down every day. only about 5 minutes to set up and 5 minutes to tear down.
The tent also comes with a white LED strip light inside the tent and an extension cord for a 12v outlet allowing phone charging in the tent.

[ETB1]

They do offer an option now

[DirtyBacon04]

Well pour syrup on my back and call me icky sticky bacon. I'll be damned.
I'll have to look into that.

[ETB1]

I have been for a bit just need funds

[ETB1]

http://www.smittybiltdepot.com//Smittyb ... gKzGfD_BwE

Dirtybacon here you go

[DirtyBacon04]

ah, thanks. I didn't know smitty started selling a 2nd style of tent. When I bought mine, the overlander didn't exist.
that annex is only for the overlander tent.

[ETB1]

The xl or the regular. Mine is an xl. They offer one for just the overlander not the xl version as well its 2788 i believe.

[ETB1]

https://www.amazon.com/Smittybilt-2788- ... B00S9G7LS6

How about this one dirtybacon