RTT or interior bed platform?

WOW! Read through the entire thread, lotsa good info in there. I plan on using a few of the mods/hacks that ACE guy put up.

As for the issues a couple people were having, seems to be the older tents with different material than mine. I will keep an eye on it, though I'm not too worried.

 

I went with the RTT route mainly because I can't haul my 4 dogs and bags on trips with a platform.

 

What is your recommended way to mount it up? I just traded in my Tacoma for a 4Runner and am still trying to figure out how I’m gonna put it up top.

 

My buddy owns a shop so we just put it on there. If you're doing it by yourself, you can use some 2×4s to build a ramp up to the rack though the best way is to find some buddies and have them help you lift it up. My bajarack was pretty easy to get the brackets on but I've heard with the gobi it's a pain in the ass

 

I guess I’ll need to invest in a roof rack or some load cross bars?

 

I'd say in the long run, you'll want to get a rack. I've found is super convenient on trips and once I finish my overland trailer build, I'll be able to store all my recovery gear on top that are right now sitting in the garage

 

Yeah I need to find an easy way to load the tent up and take off, it won’t fit in my garage with it on. So it’ll just be loading up when we are going on a trip. Will be much more of a chore than the taco bedrack. Looking at victory 4x4 and prinsu.

 

Victory and prinsu are both very good. It's too much of a pain to take off and put on so for the time being I'm parking outside. The house next house we move too will have a bigger garage though by then I should have the trailer built.

 

That’s what I was doing with the truck. Figure that’s also a high possibility with the 4R. It’s just too new to want to leave it outside right now haha

 

Hahaha I feel yea. I just got her in September and with the beating she gets on the trails, no reason to be too upset keeping her outside (though she gets hand washed multiple times a month)

 

Depending on the type of tent you buy you will either need load bars or a complete rack. LFD Offroad makes some nice load bars for the stock rack if you go with a fold out type tent like a Tepui.

 

I have a CVT MT Shasta

 

These cross bars would work great with your tent. Either aluminum or steel. Other companies make them also. This would save some money vs buying a whole new rack. However with a full rack you would be able to store things on the rack in front of your tent if you needed to do that.

http://www.lfdoffroad.com/catalog/toyota/5th-gen/crossbars-5th

 

Oh yeah that is awesome! I was considering going with https://www.victory4x4.com/product/V4RRK-CS.html

But that may be even better.

 

I honestly can't wrap my brain around why these cost $3500. That seems crazy to me for a tent. Even the budget Smittybilt RTT seems a bit steep to me at only $780+. Of course different people have different needs, wants, and preferences... but yikes $3500 for a tent is raises some eybrows.

 

Understandable. Different strokes for different folks, it's what makes the world go round, plus I'm rich as fuck!

 

Good point!

I'm thinking about building a platform. I'm curious to see what others have done.

I need it to be removable. I'm also trying to figure out the best options for storage.

 

https://youtu.be/987X_xT5snQ
Not sure on size yet.
Want a 3/4 rack but being 6'4 I may need a bigger area.
This is a good compromise for me.
Especially since we have to drive hours to get somewhere even close to fun...

I know a few people here who have these. They seem to like. Plus, they don't break the bank & can be removed easier.
My $0.02

 

Seems like a lot of work for a small tent.

If you're going to sleep on the ground, you can get a bigger tent for less money that would be easier to set up.

Just my opinion..

 

Please understand that is comes as a simple shade awning.
Then if you want or need a room; you simply add that feature.
$250 for an awning is cheap.
Even if you buy a bigger tent for sleeping...
You are still way below $2,500.
I am 6'4 225# I need a cot or air bed. No ground sleeping for me!

 

Our main reason is our GSD.
If we find a tent that is cheaper and fits with his divider. I am open to options.
He will not sleep outside the tent (not in our room thought).

 

I understand. What I'm saying is that you can use the awning as an awning, and buy a separate tent that's bigger for cheaper.

I would only consider a RTT or sleeping platform for convenience or easy set up. The awning room addition looks like a project to set up.

 

I am serious when I ask.
Where & what brand of tent can I get that is bigger & less than $300?
This is our first build... all help is appreciated.

 

I'm just referring to a regular tent. Not a truck tent. Sorry if I was misleading.

I have a Coleman instant tent. It was about $150, and is huge for 2 people and 2 dogs.

I figured if you'd be on the ground (well, air mattress on the ground) in the awning room, it wouldn't be any different to just use a regular tent.

I understand wanting it to be a part of the truck, though. These things tend to become an obsession.

Here's a picture of the tent I was talking about.

 

Yeah, it's total overkill for most uses. But, it's nice to be able to stand up and get dressed, etc.

I also have a "2 person" tent that I bought for a backpack set up. If 2 people were ever in there, they better be dating!

EDIT: your picture actually looks similar to my Kelty.

 

My size, wife & dog dictate what we can use.
Add to that a dog divider & we need the roof for storage.
When you put in a metal dog divider. You are severely limited on storage.
We are only 4 months into ownership. Need to plan before spending. We work hard for our money.
I appreciate all help & info on setups.
While I have the space for a RTT we just can't justify the cost for an initial trial.
A small awning that can unpack into a room; may be the option.
How insulated is your Coleman?
We had a 2 person we borrowed & it sucked. I slept sideways!

 

The Coleman is not really insulated, but I have a warm sleeping bag for cold nights. We've camped in sub-freezing weather. Not ideal, but it worked.

Agreed a 2 person would definitely not work. I am 5'-7" and feel cramped in my 2 person Kelty by myself! Being 6'-4", you would have to sleep with your legs bent, which would suck.

Aside from the cost, the RTT option would take away your roof storage, which you probably don't want.

The awning/tent might be a good option, but still more expensive than a stand alone tent.

A stand alone tent has drawbacks as well. It works well for me, in most situations. But, I'm here talking about sleeping platforms, etc, so I guess there's something left to be desired. Or, I'm just looking for more creative ways to spend money on my 4runner

 

I'd say depends on your height. Ive been attempting to sleep in mine and its just not comfortable. I'm 6ft, alone its ok cuz I can sleep diagonal. But with someone else i cram my feet into the corner or they stay up on the folded rear seat. When I had a big blowup truck bed mattress in there it was more comfortable, but i hate blow up mattresses.

 

Can anyone recommend a good material to build a platform with? I'm looking for the best combination of strength and light weight.

At this point, I'm thinking birch plywood. I'm going to try to get away with the thinnest possible without having it flex or cave in. I'll be the weirdo at Menards trying to bend all of the plywood.

Has anyone here used a different material with any success?