Cab Roof Tent (Prinsu Rack) released for Maverick

[tom_tucker]

I have what is probably a stupid question. Is there a reason for having a tent on the roof of a truck or car?
I guess I am old school, but why not just put the tent on the ground like we always did?
Although I did have a Honda Element with the tent on the back hatch and could put a full size air mattress in the back.
The roof thing still just seems strange to me!

I'm pretty sure rooftop is a Cali thing and makes a lot of sense there. Scorpions, rattlesnakes, rocky ungraded ground, etc. Staking a ground tent on rock 'aint gonna work. The Sonoran and Mojave deserts are quite large. Pretty sure you can drive all day and you're not going to be camping in established campgrounds. None of this applies to the Eastern US, IMO.

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[Maverickman74]

The Prinsu rack is all aluminum - the sides are laser cut and the crossbars are 10 series 80/20 style aluminum extrusions. I had my Subaru rack through three PA winters with road salt/brine and it was still corrosion free. Can definitely vouch for the quality, but yeah 900 bones is nothing to sneeze at.

I've seen some of your install threads - I'm sure with a stack of 80/20 sections you could come up with a sweet DIY rack!

Yep the rack and basket is the easy part, a 100% never gonna leak install is the only hard part. As is we have carried about 100lbs of lumber on the topper so far. If we start needing more than that I might have to come up with something.

 

[SLH13]

I'm pretty sure rooftop is a Cali thing and makes a lot of sense there. Scorpions, rattlesnakes, rocky ungraded ground, etc. Staking a ground tent on rock 'aint gonna work. The Sonoran and Mojave deserts are quite large. Pretty sure you can drive all day and you're not going to be camping in established campgrounds. None of this applies to the Eastern US, IMO.

Now that makes a lot more sense. I don't worry about rattlesnakes and the like up in New Hampshire! There is also a lot more softish ground. However I always did manage to make my bed ontop of the one rock within 100 feet!

 

[Maverickman74]

Now that makes a lot more sense. I don't worry about rattlesnakes and the like up in New Hampshire! There is also a lot more softish ground. However I always did manage to make my bed ontop of the one rock within 100 feet!

Yep RTTs have a nice solid floor. Easier to make comfortable. Pain to get in and out of though, thats why Im bringing mine down on to a hitch rack platform so my wife can just sit down on it. Still high and dry, but more around bench level. So its also a chair!

 

[SLJ]

There is a 99.92% reduction of invasive rattlesnakes with a roof rack tent.

There is a 100% reduction of invasive rattlesnakes when you zip the tent door shut.

 

[Montana]

Because I have a leveling kit so any weight in the bed throws off the distribution. I am installing Air bladders in the rear struts to adjust for hauling weight.

But I'm not towing a trailer so it's not really that necessary. Just an easy, cheap fix.

While I'm not debating the security of a roof top tent like some in this thread (I think it was a great choice and I also applaud your choice of bikes), I think the priority should have been the correct suspension mods before putting that much weight in the vehicle. Have you ever taken it to a weigh station once it's fully loaded? I'll bet you are right on that limit.

Plus even though it's a lower vehicle, now your headlights are shining upwards.

 

[TedTX]

Got any pics of it Closed over the truck bed? Like the price, hate a tall climb on roof. Airflow also seems better across the bed.
Oh, that's just the rack tent not included, never mind.

 

[WeBasic]

While I'm not debating the security of a roof top tent like some in this thread (I think it was a great choice and I also applaud your choice of bikes), I think the priority should have been the correct suspension mods before putting that much weight in the vehicle. Have you ever taken it to a weigh station once it's fully loaded? I'll bet you are right on that limit.

Plus even though it's a lower vehicle, now your headlights are shining upwards.

Just for fun, guess what everything I added weighs and subtract it from what the load rating is for the bed. Even though the tent isn't in the bed, let's do worst case scenario. Then I'll tell you how close you got.

Hint, it's not anywhere close to the limit

 

[WeBasic]

Why? You can get much better quality and roomier for on the ground at much less cost and be able to set up in any spot. You're able to use the truck without breaking camp and not loose gas mileage because of the added wind resistance... and you don't have to climb a ladder (BTW bears and snakes can climb). To each his own but I think most buy them because they saw them on an ad and think they look cool.

I posted to let people know there is an option for high dynamic load roof racks on these trucks now.

Not to convince you of how to camp. Do what makes you happy

Personally I like the convince and I ride motorcycles which takes up the space you would put your tent.

 

[WeBasic]

Yep the rack and basket is the easy part, a 100% never gonna leak install is the only hard part. As is we have carried about 100lbs of lumber on the topper so far. If we start needing more than that I might have to come up with something.

While I understand people being afraid to drill holes in the roof. If you need to add carrying capacity to the roof, this is the best way *in my opinion.

If sealing with silicone is scarry. Definitely don't buy a boat or an RV. It will give you nightmares.

 

[RichardCranium]

Why? You can get much better quality and roomier for on the ground at much less cost and be able to set up in any spot. You're able to use the truck without breaking camp and not loose gas mileage because of the added wind resistance... and you don't have to climb a ladder (BTW bears and snakes can climb). To each his own but I think most buy them because they saw them on an ad and think they look cool.

For me, it is the ability to break down camp fast. Those roof tents pretty much just fold in half and you are done (or so I thought) I have done a few trips where we never stay at the same place more than one night, so it would be nice to have a fast break down.

 

[RichardCranium]

While I understand people being afraid to drill holes in the roof. If you need to add carrying capacity to the roof, this is the best way *in my opinion.

If sealing with silicone is scarry. Definitely don't buy a boat or an RV. It will give you nightmares.

I think it is a great build! Thank you for sharing!

 

[Johnny maverick]

Now that makes a lot more sense. I don't worry about rattlesnakes and the like up in New Hampshire! There is also a lot more softish ground. However I always did manage to make my bed ontop of the one rock within 100 feet!

How long have you lived in New Hampshire? It's called the granite state for a reason and we have timber rattlers. Lol. But I agree a tent on a truck is just a bear piñata. That's why I built this.

 

[Maverickman74]

While I understand people being afraid to drill holes in the roof. If you need to add carrying capacity to the roof, this is the best way *in my opinion.

If sealing with silicone is scarry. Definitely don't buy a boat or an RV. It will give you nightmares.

It's not that it's scary is that I owe more on the truck than any amount I have owed before and it has a warranty. And no way in hell would I ever buy a new RV or boat. I'm only just above the poverty line lol. Unless there is a warrantied installation, I'm not drilling holes in the roof for another 2 years and 4 months.

 

[WeBasic]

It's not that it's scary is that I owe more on the truck than any amount I have owed before and it has a warranty. And no way in hell would I ever buy a new RV or boat. I'm only just above the poverty line lol. Unless there is a warrantied installation, I'm not drilling holes in the roof for another 2 years and 4 months.

Nothing wrong with fear. It's not a bad word lol. A survival mechanism to keep yourself out of trouble. Which is exactly what you're describing . Totally understand!

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