Rooftop tents - Page 3 - YotaTech Forums
YotaTech Forums  

Go Back   YotaTech Forums > Toyota Forums Available > Trip Planning, Trail Reports-Photos, Land Usage-Responsibility, 4Wheeling 101, & Expedition Gear > Camping, Expedition, & Overlanding Gear

Notices

Welcome to Yotatech!
Welcome to Yotatech,

You are currently viewing our forum as a guest, which gives you limited access to view most discussions and access our other features. By joining our community, at no cost, you will have access to post topics, communicate privately with other members (PM), respond to polls, upload content and access many other special features. Registration is free, fast and simple, so please join our community today!


Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
Old 09-13-2008, 09:29 AM   #51 (permalink)
Co-Founder/Administrator
Staff
 
Corey's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2002
Location: Auburn, Washington
Posts: 26,071
Here are a few more Tacomas I found on the Internet.
If I had a Tacoma, this is the way I would do it.
CanBack topper with the tent on top.





Another one on a CanBack.



Scott Brady of Overland Journal on top of the bed.

This ad is not displayed to registered members.
Register your free account today and become a member on Yotatech!
Corey is offline  
Digg this Post!Add Post to del.icio.usBookmark Post in TechnoratiFurl this Post!
Reply With Quote
Old 09-13-2008, 09:54 AM   #52 (permalink)
Super Moderator
Staff
 
aviator's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: COTKU,Ontario,Canada
Posts: 7,469
Those look nice but I prefer the type with the 'glass roof, they strike me as a little more storm worthy. In the past every time I've tried to go camping the wx has been against me.
__________________
Silver 1994 Hilux Xtra cab 4x4 3.0
K&N cone filter, ported MAF, advanced timing, oversize exhaust, free flow cat, "rumble" muffler
custom covered SR5 seats, map lights, factory AC


tv4184 style black interior conversion started

mods to come... header,
custom centre console, stereo upgrade
tinted windows

Founding member 1972TLC fan club - Get well soon Mary

Toyota Hilux... Get in or Get out of the way.
aviator is offline  
Digg this Post!Add Post to del.icio.usBookmark Post in TechnoratiFurl this Post!
Reply With Quote
Old 09-13-2008, 10:13 AM   #53 (permalink)
Co-Founder/Administrator
Staff
 
Corey's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2002
Location: Auburn, Washington
Posts: 26,071
The CanBack toppers from what I have read are weather resistant.
Good article on one in the new 4WD Toyota Owner magazine.

CanBack is back, they disappeared for awhile.
Corey is offline  
Digg this Post!Add Post to del.icio.usBookmark Post in TechnoratiFurl this Post!
Reply With Quote
Old 09-14-2008, 06:25 AM   #54 (permalink)
Co-Founder/Administrator
Staff
 
Corey's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2002
Location: Auburn, Washington
Posts: 26,071
Arghhhh, I misread your post I think Paul.
You meant the tents with the glass roof, not a fiberglass canopy?

Anyways, found some more pics of a setup on a Tacoma with a regular style canopy.
http://expeditionportal.com/forum/sh...ad.php?t=18822

This thing is HUGE with the additional changing room.





Corey is offline  
Digg this Post!Add Post to del.icio.usBookmark Post in TechnoratiFurl this Post!
Reply With Quote
Old 09-14-2008, 08:41 AM   #55 (permalink)
Super Moderator
Staff
 
aviator's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: COTKU,Ontario,Canada
Posts: 7,469
Nah I meant the tent's with the 'fibreglass' roof like yours... those all canvas unfoldables like above look sort of flimsey... and of course if you touch it in a storm you get a leak... I know the canbacks are wx tight, they are made in Can. after all lol...
__________________
Silver 1994 Hilux Xtra cab 4x4 3.0
K&N cone filter, ported MAF, advanced timing, oversize exhaust, free flow cat, "rumble" muffler
custom covered SR5 seats, map lights, factory AC


tv4184 style black interior conversion started

mods to come... header,
custom centre console, stereo upgrade
tinted windows

Founding member 1972TLC fan club - Get well soon Mary

Toyota Hilux... Get in or Get out of the way.
aviator is offline  
Digg this Post!Add Post to del.icio.usBookmark Post in TechnoratiFurl this Post!
Reply With Quote
Old 09-14-2008, 08:55 AM   #56 (permalink)
Co-Founder/Administrator
Staff
 
Corey's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2002
Location: Auburn, Washington
Posts: 26,071
Actually the all canvas tents do very well in storms.
Overland Journal did an exhaustive test in an earlier issue on them.

Most of the name brands out there do very well.
However I am partial to the brand I have, as I like the fiberglass top and shell.
This allows my style to have insulation in the roof, a 12v light, and ease of setup.

And my style does extremely good in storms of all types.
They stay water tight and warm.
Corey is offline  
Digg this Post!Add Post to del.icio.usBookmark Post in TechnoratiFurl this Post!
Reply With Quote
Old 09-14-2008, 07:15 PM   #57 (permalink)
Registered User
 
RobD's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Calgary, AB
Posts: 1,726
This might be kind of a dumb question, but why isn't anyone fabbing a fold out deck, like the ones that underpin those canvas ones, and mounting a regular dome tent on it? Yes, I know that getting the poles in would be fairly tricky, but I was wondering if anyone has tried it?
__________________
1991 4Runner, 3.4 5VZFE swap, OME shocks/springs, 33" BFG All Terrain T/A KOs, Pioneer head unit, Infinity speakers, XM Satellite radio
RobD is offline  
Digg this Post!Add Post to del.icio.usBookmark Post in TechnoratiFurl this Post!
Reply With Quote
Old 09-14-2008, 07:40 PM   #58 (permalink)
Co-Founder/Administrator
Staff
 
Corey's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2002
Location: Auburn, Washington
Posts: 26,071
A guy is doing that with a trailer.
http://forum.ih8mud.com/3551924-post136.html



Just a regular tent on top of a deck on his trailer.

I have seen another one from a few days ago, but I can not find the URL right now.

Some are even using a tent cot and mounting it to the rack also.
http://expeditionportal.com/forum/sh...ad.php?t=18550

Corey is offline  
Digg this Post!Add Post to del.icio.usBookmark Post in TechnoratiFurl this Post!
Reply With Quote
Old 09-14-2008, 08:48 PM   #59 (permalink)
Super Moderator
Staff
 
aviator's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: COTKU,Ontario,Canada
Posts: 7,469
Quote:
Originally Posted by Corey View Post
However I am partial to the brand I have, as I like the fiberglass top and shell.
This allows my style to have insulation in the roof, a 12v light, and ease of setup.

And my style does extremely good in storms of all types.
They stay water tight and warm.
Exactly my point. 'glass roof gives you a place to mount the solar panel(s), can be easily insulated and could be used in winter as well. And if needed could be cranked up in two shakes on the side of the road (or at the make out spot) if needed...
__________________
Silver 1994 Hilux Xtra cab 4x4 3.0
K&N cone filter, ported MAF, advanced timing, oversize exhaust, free flow cat, "rumble" muffler
custom covered SR5 seats, map lights, factory AC


tv4184 style black interior conversion started

mods to come... header,
custom centre console, stereo upgrade
tinted windows

Founding member 1972TLC fan club - Get well soon Mary

Toyota Hilux... Get in or Get out of the way.
aviator is offline  
Digg this Post!Add Post to del.icio.usBookmark Post in TechnoratiFurl this Post!
Reply With Quote
Old 09-14-2008, 09:56 PM   #60 (permalink)
Registered User
 
RobD's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Calgary, AB
Posts: 1,726
My hat's off to you, Corey, for finding that. Thanks.

Another question: how do you manage to not overload your factory rack with that tent and with people sleeping inside it? Isn't the factory rating 150 lbs or so? Just curious, because a buddy of mine has an FJ and I'm trying to convince him to get a rooftop tent and come camping.
__________________
1991 4Runner, 3.4 5VZFE swap, OME shocks/springs, 33" BFG All Terrain T/A KOs, Pioneer head unit, Infinity speakers, XM Satellite radio
RobD is offline  
Digg this Post!Add Post to del.icio.usBookmark Post in TechnoratiFurl this Post!
Reply With Quote
Old 09-14-2008, 10:25 PM   #61 (permalink)
Co-Founder/Administrator
Staff
 
Corey's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2002
Location: Auburn, Washington
Posts: 26,071
Quote:
Originally Posted by aviator View Post
Exactly my point. 'glass roof gives you a place to mount the solar panel(s), can be easily insulated and could be used in winter as well. And if needed could be cranked up in two shakes on the side of the road (or at the make out spot) if needed...
Make out spot, I like that

Quote:
Originally Posted by RobD View Post
My hat's off to you, Corey, for finding that. Thanks.

Another question: how do you manage to not overload your factory rack with that tent and with people sleeping inside it? Isn't the factory rating 150 lbs or so? Just curious, because a buddy of mine has an FJ and I'm trying to convince him to get a rooftop tent and come camping.
You are welcome Rob.

There is a misconception about the factory rack, and I have answered it on this forum and a few others.

Most factory racks including the FJ Cruiser are rated for 150 lb, but while moving.

Sitting still is a different matter.
The FJs rack will support I would say over 500 lb.
My tent weighs:
128 lb
220 lb Me
010 lb sheets, down comforter
015 lb duffel bag full of clothes
025 lb Camping Labs awning
-------
398 lb total give or take

I have four Yakima cross bars spreading the load over the rack so it is not concentrated in one spot.

There are many FJ Cruisers with the factory rack with the AutoHome tents like I have, and also the all canvas ones too.
Have not heard of any horror stories of any racks braking.

The only complaint I have is the tent is up a little high which makes for fun driving in the wind on the freeway.
Here is the solution.



Storm makes an adapter that goes in the racks holes to hold a cross bar.
Some do the crossbar on all three holes per side, but this guy did just the front.

He then did the FJ "half rack" mod which someone on IH8MUD came up with.
You take apart the rack, and just use the lower rear portion, and it puts the rack down much lower, at least 4" or so if you look at the stock rack and compare the difference between the upper portion and the lower portion.

This is my goal for 2009 to do this mod.
Corey is offline  
Digg this Post!Add Post to del.icio.usBookmark Post in TechnoratiFurl this Post!
Reply With Quote
Old 09-14-2008, 10:27 PM   #62 (permalink)
Registered User
 
RobD's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Calgary, AB
Posts: 1,726
Very cool. I shall let him know. Thanks again.
__________________
1991 4Runner, 3.4 5VZFE swap, OME shocks/springs, 33" BFG All Terrain T/A KOs, Pioneer head unit, Infinity speakers, XM Satellite radio
RobD is offline  
Digg this Post!Add Post to del.icio.usBookmark Post in TechnoratiFurl this Post!
Reply With Quote
Old 09-15-2008, 10:10 AM   #63 (permalink)
Co-Founder/Administrator
Staff
 
Corey's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2002
Location: Auburn, Washington
Posts: 26,071
Welcome Rob.

In my search of other products out there, I just ran across this posted over on IH8MUD.
The poster had his doubts it would hold up in a windstorm, and I have to agree with him.

This unit runs on 12v.

ERROR: If you can see this, then YouTube is down or you don't have Flash installed.


Under the related videos on the above site is a time lapsed setup, pretty cool.
My roof top tent vid in my sig is also listed on the related links at the first video above.

ERROR: If you can see this, then YouTube is down or you don't have Flash installed.


ERROR: If you can see this, then YouTube is down or you don't have Flash installed.


ERROR: If you can see this, then YouTube is down or you don't have Flash installed.


ERROR: If you can see this, then YouTube is down or you don't have Flash installed.


ERROR: If you can see this, then YouTube is down or you don't have Flash installed.


There are tons way more of videos on YouTube about roof top tents.

PS, found two more of one model I have not seen before.

ERROR: If you can see this, then YouTube is down or you don't have Flash installed.


In the second video, he has his Love Shack setup
Look at the bedding and pillows.

ERROR: If you can see this, then YouTube is down or you don't have Flash installed.
Corey is offline  
Digg this Post!Add Post to del.icio.usBookmark Post in TechnoratiFurl this Post!
Reply With Quote
Old 09-16-2008, 08:40 AM   #64 (permalink)
Co-Founder/Administrator
Staff
 
Corey's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2002
Location: Auburn, Washington
Posts: 26,071
This is just to sweet.
Was surfin' the Portal just now, and ran across viatierra's buildup thread on his '07 Tacoma.

He started out with a CAD design for a rack to hold his Maggiolina tent like I have.



Here is the end result.











If for some reason I had to start over again in the future and I went with a Tacoma, I would have to decide on whether to use a Canback topper and mount the roof top tent to it, or go with a custom rack like this guy did.

Both ways are nice, but the Canback or other shell gives you the added security of keeping thieves from your gear.
Corey is offline  
Digg this Post!Add Post to del.icio.usBookmark Post in TechnoratiFurl this Post!
Reply With Quote
Old 09-16-2008, 10:55 AM   #65 (permalink)
Super Moderator
Staff
 
aviator's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: COTKU,Ontario,Canada
Posts: 7,469
I like that Tacoma set up, very nice and solid looking... I would have mounted the CB antenna to the rack though myself, I'm not a big fan of those magnet base ones they can abrade the finish...
__________________
Silver 1994 Hilux Xtra cab 4x4 3.0
K&N cone filter, ported MAF, advanced timing, oversize exhaust, free flow cat, "rumble" muffler
custom covered SR5 seats, map lights, factory AC


tv4184 style black interior conversion started

mods to come... header,
custom centre console, stereo upgrade
tinted windows

Founding member 1972TLC fan club - Get well soon Mary

Toyota Hilux... Get in or Get out of the way.
aviator is offline  
Digg this Post!Add Post to del.icio.usBookmark Post in TechnoratiFurl this Post!
Reply With Quote
Old 09-16-2008, 11:20 AM   #66 (permalink)
Co-Founder/Administrator
Staff
 
Corey's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2002
Location: Auburn, Washington
Posts: 26,071
Did you see some of the other trick stuff he did in his thread?
He has LED lights mounted to the inside of the racks tubing to give light for when it is dark.

I still think I would go with a topper though.
I would like to see a tent like mine mounted to a Canback.



PS, here is one earlier I posted with a tent like mine mounted to a shell.
Both ways are nice.

Corey is offline  
Digg this Post!Add Post to del.icio.usBookmark Post in TechnoratiFurl this Post!
Reply With Quote
Old 09-18-2008, 02:42 PM   #67 (permalink)
Co-Founder/Administrator
Staff
 
Corey's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2002
Location: Auburn, Washington
Posts: 26,071
Cool Flash video from Autohome's site.
Lots of rigs in it that we do not have here stateside.
The vid plays smaller on their site, so here is the raw URL for the bigger vid.
http://autohomeus.com/video/video2.swf
Corey is offline  
Digg this Post!Add Post to del.icio.usBookmark Post in TechnoratiFurl this Post!
Reply With Quote
Old 09-18-2008, 08:10 PM   #68 (permalink)
Super Moderator
Staff
 
aviator's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: COTKU,Ontario,Canada
Posts: 7,469
Very cool video Corey...
I must remember to send them an email I want to know just what music they used I love that "world music" stuff...
__________________
Silver 1994 Hilux Xtra cab 4x4 3.0
K&N cone filter, ported MAF, advanced timing, oversize exhaust, free flow cat, "rumble" muffler
custom covered SR5 seats, map lights, factory AC


tv4184 style black interior conversion started

mods to come... header,
custom centre console, stereo upgrade
tinted windows

Founding member 1972TLC fan club - Get well soon Mary

Toyota Hilux... Get in or Get out of the way.
aviator is offline  
Digg this Post!Add Post to del.icio.usBookmark Post in TechnoratiFurl this Post!
Reply With Quote
Old 09-21-2008, 08:26 AM   #69 (permalink)
Co-Founder/Administrator
Staff
 
Corey's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2002
Location: Auburn, Washington
Posts: 26,071
Yeah, I have watched the video several times, I like it.
Corey is offline  
Digg this Post!Add Post to del.icio.usBookmark Post in TechnoratiFurl this Post!
Reply With Quote
Old 09-22-2008, 11:28 AM   #70 (permalink)
Co-Founder/Administrator
Staff
 
Corey's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2002
Location: Auburn, Washington
Posts: 26,071
Yeah, I know, it is not a roof top tent per say, but I have seen these before.
Saw it linked in a sig file over at Expo.

http://www.bajataco.com/vikingvince/...pPac/index.htm





Corey is offline  
Digg this Post!Add Post to del.icio.usBookmark Post in TechnoratiFurl this Post!
Reply With Quote
Old 10-02-2008, 04:30 AM   #71 (permalink)
Registered User
 
annoyingrob's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Calgary, AB
Posts: 649
Great, now I want one of those AirLands on the bed of my truck........
annoyingrob is offline  
Digg this Post!Add Post to del.icio.usBookmark Post in TechnoratiFurl this Post!
Reply With Quote
Old 10-02-2008, 04:50 AM   #72 (permalink)
Co-Founder/Administrator
Staff
 
Corey's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2002
Location: Auburn, Washington
Posts: 26,071
Rob, which way would you mount it?
Like this guy did?
Corey is offline  
Digg this Post!Add Post to del.icio.usBookmark Post in TechnoratiFurl this Post!
Reply With Quote
Old 10-02-2008, 07:30 AM   #73 (permalink)
Super Moderator
Staff
 
aviator's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: COTKU,Ontario,Canada
Posts: 7,469
I do like that flip-pac camper but the flip-pac company website needs work.
__________________
Silver 1994 Hilux Xtra cab 4x4 3.0
K&N cone filter, ported MAF, advanced timing, oversize exhaust, free flow cat, "rumble" muffler
custom covered SR5 seats, map lights, factory AC


tv4184 style black interior conversion started

mods to come... header,
custom centre console, stereo upgrade
tinted windows

Founding member 1972TLC fan club - Get well soon Mary

Toyota Hilux... Get in or Get out of the way.
aviator is offline  
Digg this Post!Add Post to del.icio.usBookmark Post in TechnoratiFurl this Post!
Reply With Quote
Old 10-02-2008, 07:38 AM   #74 (permalink)
Registered User
 
annoyingrob's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Calgary, AB
Posts: 649
Quote:
Originally Posted by Corey View Post
Rob, which way would you mount it?
Like this guy did?
Undecided. I'm thinking of just mounting it flat on-top of the bed, and let it hang over the back 11". I don't really like the idea of raising the center of gravity too much. I could still have usable storage underneath, and it would function as a cover for the bed, while not being too high up.
annoyingrob is offline  
Digg this Post!Add Post to del.icio.usBookmark Post in TechnoratiFurl this Post!
Reply With Quote
Old 10-02-2008, 07:51 AM   #75 (permalink)
Co-Founder/Administrator
Staff
 
Corey's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2002
Location: Auburn, Washington
Posts: 26,071
Yes, I am working on getting my tent lower too.
It works great on my factory rack, but it sits up a little higher than I like.
I can get buffeted around some in a wind on the freeway.

Many have done the FJ half rack mod where you take the factory rack and take it apart, and just use the lower section.
Then up front another company makes an adapter for Yakima feet to go in and you mount a crossbar and tower.

I am picking up a factory rack this week for $100 that an FJ owner took off to install a Gobi one on his rig.
I will probably then sell my factory rack as a whole unit since I will have the new one modded into the half rack.

Here is an example

Corey is offline  
Digg this Post!Add Post to del.icio.usBookmark Post in TechnoratiFurl this Post!
Reply With Quote
Reply

Tags
arb, cruiser, cruisers, fj, ii, magnolia, oasis, oasisii, oregon, roof, rooftop, tent, tents, top, trd

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Roof top tents Corey Camping, Expedition, & Overlanding Gear 20 03-14-2009 04:34 PM
Rooftop tent rental. Net4N6 Camping, Expedition, & Overlanding Gear 1 03-09-2008 06:56 AM
SUV Tents wormhole Off Topic Talk 7 11-25-2007 11:46 PM
SUV Tents...? turboale Offroad Tech 8 07-06-2006 08:34 PM
TIP: rooftop wires, thule feet, factory rails jacksonpt 95.5-2004 Tacomas & 96-2002 4Runners 0 11-01-2005 12:07 PM


All times are GMT -8. The time now is 07:07 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.7.4
Copyright ©2000 - 2009, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.
Search Engine Optimization by vBSEO 3.1.0
Powered by vbWiki Pro . Copyright ©2006, NuHit, LLC
2009 InternetBrands, Inc.