Awning recommendations when your RTT is below the cab?
Posted by justteh@reddit | overlanding | View on Reddit | 20 comments
Hello all.
I'm in the market for some kind of cover when using my RTT. To keep things sleek, I have a short rack that's only a handful of inches above the top of my bed leaving the RTT even with the top of the cab. The gas mileage has been great like this! But there's one obvious issue I've run into. This places any mounted awnings like the 270s you see regularly these days at about neck height on me. That obviously isn't great.
So my thought is essentially 2 ideas. 1: Get a traditional freestanding awning like many people have when car camping, or 2: get some kind of extension to push the awning up above my head.
I'm not really a huge fan of the classic freestanding awnings in general, but maybe there are some good recommendations? Also, given the fact that I'm 6'2" and the goal is to have things not in places to make a bunch of wind resistance, the second option seems counter productive, too, but maybe there's a good implementation?
In any case, I'm hoping some of you have some ideas or thoughts. I'd like to keep my RTT at the height it is now, but maybe that's the 3rd option ... bring everything higher and over the cab (but I don't really want to)
Clarence_Moose@reddit
I have a low setup with an OVS roll out model that comes straight out, and can angle upward. Uses two supports with guy lines. I honestly haven't used it at all, so I can't tell you how effective it is (my guess is not very), but it's something. I originally bought it for my dog to have shade, but that dumbass would just lay in the sun anyway. I think a tarp would be more effective.
justteh@reddit (OP)
Not a bad option. My one concern is about pitching all the water back to the bed, which in general is probably fine with my tonneau, but it's a thought. Could also just call it "seating only" height and not worry about standing under it. Feels less "wasteful" with just a 90 degree instead of a 270 at neck height.
Clarence_Moose@reddit
Yeah, not ideal for rain for sure. I'm out in the desert, so it'd be more of a sun shade for me.
Pixiekixx@reddit
Buddy with a Gladiator has a pop up Kuma shelter. It's pretty slick, easy up with one person, bug screens, the wind blocking sides just roll up and down. Here are a couple photos for scale/ size idea. His RTT mount is all below the cab as well.
Pixiekixx@reddit
From the inside
justteh@reddit (OP)
This was a thought, too. I actually have a gazelle with a that similar mechanism. These are pretty bulky but definitely a great setup.
Pixiekixx@reddit
Ya, his folds down a bit smaller than my 10x10 heavy pop up, much lighter. Definitely still takes up some space, fits under his tent platform though. I liked how easily it went up with just one person. He had it up before I'd finished levelling and pulling out supper!
DepartmentNatural@reddit
What exactly do you want?
justteh@reddit (OP)
Something to block the rain or sun when I don't want to just sit in my tent all day.
DepartmentNatural@reddit
So buy a 270 or a 10'x10' pop up
FrostyPause3610@reddit
You can do a 90° awning, 23Zero had one.
justteh@reddit (OP)
I was looking into these, and there's still the height issue. I could pitch it up so at least some of it is standing height, but then it would push the water to the bed instead of away.
FrostyPause3610@reddit
When I had mine I had it attached to a Prinsu roof rack as my RTT was attached to crossbars in the bed of the truck.
justteh@reddit (OP)
I hadn't really considered attaching one to a roof rack. Inherantly adds a ltitle height.
Qwell41@reddit
Billie bars makes an awning riser kit. It’s expensive but prolly exactly what you’re looking for.
Shmokesshweed@reddit
Get a tarp.
justteh@reddit (OP)
This is an option, yes.
MercedesAutoX@reddit
270* awnings require STURDY mounting. I think your options here are going to be a freestanding awning or raising your RTT/rack up for clearance. Anything that raises and lowers to allow for both would need to be prohibitively robust.
Drummer123456789@reddit
The awning mounts for rhino racks have riser built into them. It's not as daunting of a task as it sounds
MercedesAutoX@reddit
You have a link?