rooftop tent - any issues

[ginga]

Hi all
I think the WH has a roof load limit of ~69kg & was wondering if anyone had knowledge of roof top tents being fitted & any resulting problems.
Obviously the combined weight of the racks + tent + 2 people would exceed that limit by a BIG margin.
So, would you fit & use a roof top tent given the large disparity in weight 'permitted' & what such a combo must weigh?
Opinions appreciated.

[Clarky]

The 69kg limit is for the factory rails & is the dynamic (on the move) load. Can not find a confirmed factory static load.

Gobi quote their rack for the WH as 300lbs (136kg) driving load and an 800lbs (362kg) static load for roof top tents and occupants. This rack does have its own mounting system that requires the removal of the factory rails.

If it wasn't for the freight cost I would already have one. Hopefully Uneek will come up with one soon, their WK2 one is 125kg dynamic and 250kg static.

http://www.gobiracks.com/racks.cfm?ID=9
http://www.gobiracks.com/pdf/Gobi%20...20install2.pdf

[JamesLaugesen]

I'm sure a static load of 300 or even 400kg would be fine, assuming you're not jumping around up there. US crush standards have been pretty good since ~2000, the roof would support the weight of the vehicle (gently haha.).

I considered a RTT a couple of years ago, but wasn't happy with the amount of flex at the rail mounts, and concerned about eventual fatigue... probably a bit OCD, but it was enough to push me towards a good ground tent and better storage in the boot instead've RTT.

I recon a heavy duty rack needs rails supported the full length, rather than only at each end. From memory I think that's how the Uneek WK rack is mounted.
The Gobi racks look damn nice, amazing how much better they look following the curve of the roof.

If you're only gunna put the tent up there, I'd just mount it directly to the rails with some DIY brackets, probably save ~20-30kgs. The Rocky Road rails would help because they're flat. The OEM rails have a slight curve and would be a pain to spread the weight of the tent without deforming the base.

[layback40]

Best do your homework on the short comings of RTT. I did before deciding not to get one.
|The need to pack it up before you can use the car is a pain & so not suited for base camping & day trips.
They make the car top heavy & so more prone to roll, not as bad as a hilux though!
Being up high, it is more in the elements ~ wind etc, this can be an issue especially in the high country, its much more pleasant in a tent under bushy trees.
1 fall down the ladder & you have a disaster.

[ginga]

Thanks guys
As usual, replies were very informative.
I've had tents in the past & will now re-evaluate.
Thanks again