RTT Above a Truck Bed or Roof Rack: Which Setup Works Best?

When you’re thinking about overlanding or long road trips, roof top tents (RTTs) are a popular choice. They keep you off the ground, provide some level of comfort, and can be mounted either on your truck’s bed or roof racks. Now, the question is: which option works best?

RTT Above a Truck Bed: The Pros and Cons

One of the common setups you’ll see is mounting the RTT on a truck bed rack. Here’s why this might be the go-to for some people:

1. More accessible setup: You’ve got a lower mount, making it easier to open, close, and pack your tent. Especially helpful for people who don’t want to deal with ladders that are too tall.
2. Keeps your roof free: With the tent mounted on the bed, your roof stays open for carrying things like a kayak, bikes, or other gear. Some people like having that flexibility.
3. Less impact on gas mileage: Since the tent is mounted lower, it affects your vehicle’s aerodynamics less than a roof rack setup. Adding gear on the roof can reduce your gas mileage by up to 25%.
4. Better weight distribution: Mounting the RTT lower on the truck bed may provide better balance, especially if you’re hauling heavy loads. The center of gravity stays lower, which helps when you’re off-roading.

But there are downsides:

• Less bed space: Mounting the tent on the bed rack means you lose some of the usable space in the back of your truck. If you’re planning to carry extra gear or tools, this could be a limitation.
• Extra modification needed: Depending on your truck, you might need a special bed rack that’s rated for the weight of the tent and passengers. That can add cost and installation time.

RTT Above Roof Racks: Is It Worth It?

If you’ve got a solid pair of roof racks, putting the RTT up there is another option. Here’s what you get out of it:

1. Full use of the bed: With the tent out of the way, you’ve got the entire truck bed for gear, supplies, or anything else you’re hauling. This is important if you have a tonneau cover or need to secure items in the bed.
2. Higher vantage point: Some people prefer the higher view from the roof. You’re off the ground, and the height gives a better perspective when camping in more scenic areas.
3. Ease of setup for certain trucks: Trucks like the Toyota Tacoma or Ford F-150 often come with roof racks that are compatible with various RTT models, making installation straightforward. Just check the weight capacity, especially since a fully loaded tent can weigh 150-200 lbs.

Disadvantages:

• Gas mileage: Mounting your RTT on the roof can noticeably affect your fuel consumption. Like mentioned earlier, it can drop your gas mileage significantly due to increased wind resistance.
• Accessibility: If your truck is lifted, getting up to the roof to set up or break down your tent might be harder, especially in bad weather.

Is a Roof Mount Better for Trucks?

While mounting the RTT on a roof rack may offer some benefits, there are some considerations specific to trucks. First off, trucks tend to have larger beds, which makes mounting the tent there more practical for many people. Additionally, putting the tent on the roof might limit your ability to carry additional items up top, depending on your adventure needs.

For off-roaders, having the tent on the bed can also help with stability. Trucks with their RTT on the roof may feel top-heavy, especially when navigating tough terrain or inclines. Some owners have mentioned that with aggressive off-roading, the truck becomes less stable when the tent is on the roof. So if you’re planning more rugged adventures, the bed mount might provide a bit more balance and less sway.

Considerations for Both Setups

1. Vehicle type: Some vehicles, like midsize trucks, might benefit more from bed-mounted RTTs. Larger vehicles or SUVs may handle a roof-mounted tent better.
2. Weight limits: Make sure to check the weight rating for your truck’s bed rack or roof rack. Trucks like the Chevy Colorado or Nissan Frontier can carry heavier loads, but the racks have to be rated for it. This will prevent damage to your vehicle or accidents when driving.
3. Tonneau covers: If your truck has a tonneau cover, your choice might be limited. Certain covers aren’t compatible with bed-mounted racks, while others work fine.
4. Usage frequency: If you plan on keeping the tent mounted most of the time, think about how much you’ll use your truck for everyday things. A bed-mounted setup might be easier to deal with if you frequently load and unload the back.

Conclusion

When deciding whether to mount your RTT above the truck bed or roof racks, it really depends on how you use your truck. A bed-mounted RTT offers easier setup, better weight distribution, and doesn’t mess with your truck’s aerodynamics as much. On the flip side, a roof-mounted RTT frees up bed space for other gear and gives you that higher view when camping. Both setups have their pros and cons, so think about what works best for your adventures, gear load, and camping style.

Ultimately, if your truck is your go-to for both work and adventure, you may find the bed-mounted option more convenient for everyday use. But if you’re after maximum versatility, the roof might still win out.