Considering taking the plunge
Posted by creepyunclelou@reddit | overlanding | View on Reddit | 35 comments
I have a 2008 f350 superduty king ranch, crew cab/ 8 foot bed. I’ve considered getting into overlanding/ just building a fun camping rig for the racetrack as well. I know 8 foot bed stuff isn’t as common but I have found some. I know it’s not a hobby that I’ll have a ton of time for but I figure I can leave a hard shell RTT on year round as long as I vent it out. Hoping I can get some inspiration on this page. Also does anyone have experience with this Amazon bed rack? Last pic is of my truck
brett98xj@reddit
Check out these offerings. Very happy with my XBRS bars and experience
https://xtrusion-overland.com/
Dry-Advance3043@reddit
You know a lot of people say its a very expensive purchase, which it is, but from what I've seen they have pretty good second-hand value. A hardshell is an absolute weapon when it comes to quick camping as long as it's big enough to keep a mattress and your bedding in it. Dont do these cheap, flat Chinese things. Make sure it's a full size that you can make your bed in in the morning, lay your pillows in the center of the mattress and close your tent. Its a dream. Your bedding doesn't get wet, dusty or dirty and its a true 30 seconds up 30 seconds down.
Its a big investment but it will mount from car to car and even to a trailer if you need it to at a later stage. It will last decades if you look after it.
creepyunclelou@reddit (OP)
Thank you, that’s a great point of view
Anonymous_altoidz@reddit
I love my ikamper. 5 years and not one issue so far. Although I threw it on a small trailer built for a rtt because having it on my vehicle just became an hinderance when I needed to go into carwashes and such. Not to mention gas mileage gets impacted heavily along with wind noise when driving. I go camping about 6 times a year and it always comes in handy though cause it’s always raining and muddy here in the pnw except for the two months of summer we have 😂. Another negative is the ikamper isnt light, so i always have to ask a buddy or something to take it off or re-install it which becomes a task in itself. I would love to have a garage lift for my rtt but my garage clearance is too low unfortunately. There are many positives when it comes to rtt’s, but lots of negatives come along with it. Like everything else in the camping world. Just make sure to look at both sides before making a decision. Sheesh new ikampers are like $4-5k 😬
HtnSwtchesOnBtches@reddit
If you do go with a rack, make sure you find out what the dynamic weight load is. As I am searching, racks say they will hold 800lbs so you think you'll be good. But dynamic (when you are moving) is way lower.
creepyunclelou@reddit (OP)
Good advice. Honestly I’m at that point that I’ll probably fabricate my own, I have the know how and tools to do so the time is the hard part 😂
HtnSwtchesOnBtches@reddit
You would probably be happier building one for sure over what you get for the cost of most of the racks. Plus your height will be right where you want it.
BreakfastShart@reddit
Why get a RTT, instead of a pop-up camper like OVRLND?
creepyunclelou@reddit (OP)
My only concerns with that is if I need to remove it for doing truck things where am I going to store it. My garage isn’t an option as it’s full of cars and bikes, tools and my sons power wheels
BreakfastShart@reddit
You can still do a lot of truck things with the camper on.
I guess you'll have to decide if the handful of times you may need to carry something big or dirty are worth sacrificing all of your camping experiences.
creepyunclelou@reddit (OP)
Sweet thanks
BreakfastShart@reddit
This is mine, literally right now. 🤣
creepyunclelou@reddit (OP)
Haha nice, that’s what I worry about I built a custom bike carries in my bed
BreakfastShart@reddit
That's what the tray does in mine. 😎
creepyunclelou@reddit (OP)
I want a tray for mine. After hitting 40 years old climbing up into the bed hurts a little extra after taking a spill dirt jumping.
BreakfastShart@reddit
It's a dream. I'm nearing 40 also, so I get it. The tray is rad for sure. It holds two bikes, no problem, which is perfect since it's just me and my kid. I have to travel with my dropper down so it clears the entryway, but it hasn't been a problem yet. The front wheels come off to mount the bikes, but also lower the stack of the front end. They wouldn't fit with the wheel on at all...
During fully loaded week long trips, stuff kinda packs in around the bikes. On shorter trips, like bike park days, I can slide the bikes out without having to unload anything. The tray still has plenty of space for stuff like my tire pump.
Only issue is I have to put a little foam bumper on my top tube, as my kids brake lever sits super close. Luckily the velcro foam things that ship with bikes works perfectly.
creepyunclelou@reddit (OP)
Same here it’s just my kid and I riding. I finally recovered from a broken wrist and heel. Then my kid broke his wrist 😂.
Background-Depth3985@reddit
Honestly… unless you are going to use the RTT regularly, it and the rack are not worth the money. Just use a ground tent and maintain full use of your bed.
The whole appeal of a RTT is the speed and convenience if you’re going out almost every weekend. If you’re just going out a couple times a year, it will end up being a hindrance more than a convenience.
fattywomps@reddit
say it louder for the folks in the back
creepyunclelou@reddit (OP)
Thank you, yeah it’s expensive, I’ll definitely explore my options. I don’t mind setting up tents but it’s also the time it takes to do so. After a long day at the racetrack convince is kind of what I’m looking for. Sadly buying a small trailer and or small RV is not feasible right now as I don’t have anywhere to park them and the rental price for a rv and or trailer is ridiculous here. A 2 day rental for something clean/ well taken care of will cost more than the rtt and rack.
Background-Depth3985@reddit
I guess my point is that you are going to spend thousands of dollars, spend several hours (at least) installing the rack/RTT, and lose some functionality of your bed just to save 15 mins at the racetrack every once in a while. It doesn’t make sense.
Take a look at pop up camping tents or even inflatable tents. They will be just as convenient as a RTT with almost none of the downsides.
RTTs are not magic. Yes, they’re usually faster than a ground tent but they still take time to set up and you still need to dry them out at home if it rains on your trip.
creepyunclelou@reddit (OP)
Also good points. I appreciate all the input
PonyThug@reddit
A fiberglass topper is an option too. Mine works great with trips and construction
Next-Singer-2458@reddit
Overland ruff rax
creepyunclelou@reddit (OP)
Sweet I’ll take a look thank you
Unlikely_Alfalfa_416@reddit
I just bought the RCI one, looks super similar, and very happy w it.
creepyunclelou@reddit (OP)
Thank you.
Von_Satan@reddit
I love my Adarac truck bed rack. Check them out.
Cosbiie@reddit
Hat does a guy do when he need to move large stuff? Like a fridge?
creepyunclelou@reddit (OP)
I have access to a flatbed truck with a lift on it. So I couldn’t answer that question for you. But I’d assume you remove the center beams of the rack if possible
confusedseas@reddit
I’d be concerned about these things
You get what you pay for. This thing will be living on your truck, bouncing down the road, out in the weather 24/7 for the next few years
metalmechanic780@reddit
I've had a cheaper (not cheapest) Chinese rack on my Ranger full time for 2 years, 110 lb softshell RTT on it from spring to fall. South West BC climate so definitely wet and humid.
The powder coating isn't great, but it's still on there. It does get scratched by the assembly bolts. Minimal rust, easily dealt with.
Assembly instructions were on par for a Chinese product, but it's a rack and not hard to piece together. If it comes with cheap stainless hardware I recommend buying better hardware or at least using an anti seize product during assembly. Never had a bolt break during use, disassembly is another story.
It squeaks on fire roads and the like, but it's solid. I'm in a '11 Ranger, squeaks and rattles are just part of it for me.
Overall, for the price I've been happy. I did buy from a local guy with an actual storefront so I had someone to go to if it was total junk. This may not be an option for OP but I suggest they ask around before buying online.
creepyunclelou@reddit (OP)
Thank you, that’s good input. I live in California so humidity is really only a concern in the winter, even then some years we dont get a ton of rain
creepyunclelou@reddit (OP)
I appreciate the honesty
fallenredwoods@reddit
Looks like cheap Chinese junk