Anyone ever run something like this?
Posted by Warfarin-@reddit | overlanding | View on Reddit | 26 comments
Couldn’t find any prior art so I just YOLO’d.
Secured the FSR Nova to a Decked system with turnbuckles (M8 t-track to decked d-ring). Seems to function well but I won’t have a chance to get it out until later this summer.
(Why not just get a rack): It’s going to be a few years before I can use it more than the occasional PTO run or long weekend, and wanted something low-profile for the daily commute. Folds up to reveal just a couple inches over the bed rails (second pic).
dva_mechanics@reddit
Cool concept. Couple things worth knowing: Most M8 t-track hardware is rated 300-400 lb per point in direct pull, but shear loading drops that 40-50%. Turnbuckles are great for tensioning but they're single-axis. Any lateral movement loads threads in bending. The Decked d-rings are rated 1000 lb each, but the weak link is where t-track meets the tent's mounting rail. Dynamic multiplier can hit 2-3x on big bumps.
ADKTrader1976@reddit
Why get a pick up? Instead of wasting your money you could have just got a awning and a air matress. Spend the money on a cap and use a futon matress over a platfrom man. I don't understand why ppl waste money on these things.
Warfarin-@reddit (OP)
The tent weighs 130 lbs. I can get it in and out by myself without a hoist. I helped a buddy move a 4’x7’ bookshelf just the other night. The tent wasn’t in it. It still isn’t. Probably won’t be until I have a chance to get out again.
If I didn’t have a pickup, I’d be making bigger trade offs.
Maybe I don’t understand the question.
ADKTrader1976@reddit
It's not the weight. These things degrade in months. Never stay waterproof, and offers no protection. I fail to see to any pro's of these contraptions on the roof, non the less in the back of a pickup. Like I said. Futon mattress is all you need, if it rains put a tarp over the bed.
Warfarin-@reddit (OP)
So it's the tent you don't like, not where I'm thinking about putting it. Gotcha. Pickup utility preferences are peripheral.
All the best for you and your tarp.
Warfarin-@reddit (OP)
Another pic. More recent than the tent shot. After I got back from the shop.
Doable in a full size SUV I suppose, but I had a ‘96 Bronco before my first F150. I’m not going back. I like my bed.
Qwell41@reddit
Can you get into the drawers still with the tent open?
Warfarin-@reddit (OP)
They open, but they’re not very accessible. It would be better if I moved the tent up against the cab, but then I’d need to unload anything in the bed to unfold.
It’s not ideal. I plan to move to a rack or a shell, but trying to wait until after I retire. I’m solo, so I’ll just keep the things I need to get at when I’m stationary in the cab for now.
ttn333@reddit
Ive seen crossbars system on tbe bedrails. That might be a better mounting option allowing you a little more access to the drawer and still remain pretty low profile.
Warfarin-@reddit (OP)
A very low profile rack is ultimately where I’d like to be, when my commuting days are over.
Adorable_Swing_2150@reddit
Eh, I'd be a little less sold on it than the other replies. The low profile in the second pic is nice for a daily driver, but M8 turnbuckles into the Decked d-rings would make me nervous once you hit washboard for a few weekends. Cool idea, just feels more PTO run than rough-trail setup to me
Warfarin-@reddit (OP)
Won’t lie. That’s part of the reason I asked - see if anyone had already learned from my mistakes.
incubusvictim@reddit
I've got a similar set up, but mine is higher on bed rails because it is a little wider than the Ford Ranger bed width. Folded up it fits quite quite flush. Using mine for the first time next month or so, will post some picks from my adventure when back.
stomper1969@reddit
Like to see a pic of the rack system. I like that set up.
MercedesAutoX@reddit
Looks like it’s mounted in Decked drawers
Warfarin-@reddit (OP)
Correct. Just brackets on the tent base frame t-track, turnbuckled to the d-rings on the top of the Decked drawers.
It’s snug. I had to raise the tent slightly to make it work. (I just bolted the mounting brackets it came from to its mounting rails as risers).
swayzeexpress81@reddit
That fold into a tight little package! Do you have space in the drawers for camping gear?
Warfarin-@reddit (OP)
Yep. Mostly tools/recovery. Lesser used stuff. I’m solo, so I plan to set up the galley and what not in the back seat area.
iceyconditions@reddit
No, because I require the use of the bed
Warfarin-@reddit (OP)
Fair
vjrus999@reddit
Never. I'm amazed by your ingenuity. But I wonder, does water leak in when it's folded down and it rains?
smashnmashbruh@reddit
Tent the long way
Nightshade400@reddit
I have not because then my MTBs would require a rack of some sort. I do like the idea though.
stroke_my_hawk@reddit
This is one of he cooler setups I’ve ever seen. 10/10 OP
desertSkateRatt@reddit
That's... actually brilliant!
I have an FSR Evo2 which would be wayyyyy too big to fit in my bed ('06 tacoma) but that size truck and your tent this is a pretty cool system.
SignificantOption349@reddit
Looks pretty handy. Especially for quick trips I think it’s perfect