SUV tent... who has one... Opinions

[Tozan]

Here is a 4 person RTT form Overland vehicle systems.

Only $1499 I have there 270 awning and it is very good quality and their prices are very hard to beat...

 

[JFreeze]

Hoping to accessorize my 2021 Tahoe Z71 with a roof top tent as well. Problem is that I don't like the OEM roof rack cross bars (too high) and I can't find a single after market company that makes lower profile roof rack cleats to attach to the Tahoe's new style of flush roof rails. Considered the Rhino Rack Vortex SX (only have a max load of 150lbs) and the Rhino Rack CBX Heavy Duty (not sure they will work with Tahoe's flush rail...but look like they might). Has anyone added a roof rack or roof top tent to their 2021 Tahoe?

 

[Tozan]

I built my own cross bars for mine. I used wing shaped cromoly steel tubing for light weight and strength.


They are mounted directly to the side rails for a very low profile. Photo below: the top black cross member is stock.

I added a third rail to make mine more rigid with my 270 degree awning. If you are mounting a third rail you will discover the center will not be the same height as the front and rear ones.




If I was going to do this again I would consider using T-slot material and T nuts and mounting it in the side rails.

 

[Sparksalot]

I built my own cross bars for mine. I used wing shaped cromoly steel tubing for light weight and strength.
View attachment 349678

They are mounted directly to the side rails for a very low profile. Photo below: the top black cross member is stock.
View attachment 349679
I added a third rail to make mine more rigid with my 270 degree awning. If you are mounting a third rail you will discover the center will not be the same height as the front and rear ones.

View attachment 349680


If I was going to do this again I would consider using T-slot material and T nuts and mounting it in the side rails.

Great pics. I was about to ask how you mounted the awning.

 

[mrpeterclark]

baselineoverland.com offers one now

 

[Sparksalot]

baselineoverland.com offers one now View attachment 387295

What is the difference between the full height and lightbar height racks? Do you have an image?

 

[mrpeterclark]

What is the difference between the full height and lightbar height racks? Do you have an image?

the fairing is lower down to allow for a slim light bar to sit behind the fairing. Similar to this.

 

[B-train]

I'm currently looking for a rooftop tent for my Yukon.
The Tepui style fold out tents are like huge bricks on top and kill gas mileage.
That got me looking into pop up style fiberglass or aluminum tents with lower and more aerodynamic features.
I've got it narrowed down to these two here:
#1 Mass produced Chinese one that goes by a few different names. Looks like most of them put their name on it and add about another $1500. This is the cheapest one I've found, ships direct from manufacturer:
https://doublesteps.com/product/trustmade-hard-shell-rooftop-tent/

#2 I like this one a lot. The main thing is its only 7" tall when closed, and also mounts to the rails on the roof not the crossbars. This keeps it a few inches lower.
https://roofnest.com/product/falcon-xl/

I have a 2008 denali I turned into my amateur overland truck. I traded the stock roof rack for a 2005 z-71 tahoe rack. It is a little taller, but much studier and allows hands underneath for mounting. I had to use 2x4 turned flat as an increase so I could mount it. I fought a FREE SPIRIT RECREATION tent. It was $1300. The first trip we did I could feel the wind resistance and it brought down the mpg a little bit.....but I also put on AT4 wheels and tires, so that contributed to some I'm sure. Overall though, not drastic.

Fast forward to 2022: Ditched the AT4 wheels and tires and bought 18 inch GM accessory wheels and mounted OE tire size. I then bought a cheap snowboard and made a mount to the tent frame. Some head scratching ensued, but it was fun. I ended up with a perfect $65 air deflector that allows me to travel 85 mph without any issues. Cuts through wind much better.

I like the RTT because it cuts down on dew issues and if you ARE overlanding, it keeps critters farther away. Not as useful if you want to camp at the same site for days and do day trips......lots of up/down. I'd say get a RTT for you and the wife, let the kiddos sleep inside the truck or in a small pop up tent (depending on location). Mine is only a 2 person, but there are options for more if needed, but I'd only do that with little kids, not older or teen, the need their space.

We also bought the instant up tent and screen room from Costco and they work super well and are of good quality.

Happy trails!