Upgrade Your 3rd Gen Toyota Tacoma for Landing and Camping with a Rooftop Tent - 5 RTTs to Consider in 2022
This week's topic: roof tents (RTT)
Hello people! Welcome back to another Taco Tuesday. If you missed last week's TT, we took a lookTop 5 Tacoma Land Mods. This week we're following up on this post and heading to the fences with one of the more expensive land accessories you can buy, the Roof Top Tent (RTT).
The Tacoma is a unique landing vehicle because it offers several sleeping configuration options. If you want to curl up, you can even sleep in the cabin of your Tacoma; just be prepared for minor back pain the next morning.
Where the Tacoma really shines in camping is the versatility of the bed. There are many different ways to sleep in your Tacoma bed, from a homemade sleeping platform and air mattress to crazyCamper configuration via GFC. That being said, there are fewer people using RTT on their RV Tacomas due to the cost and budget friendly options available.Check out our post comparing RTT and Earth Tent here.
Rooftop tents, however, provide plenty of space and comfort for socializing and a good night's sleep. It's basically like having a dedicated sleeping area instead of sharing limited cabin or bed space with all your gear. It's the last thing you want to be dealing with after you've had a few beers by the fire and are trying to get ready for bed in a sea of clutter.
Below are 5 different RTT options to consider if you want to upgrade your ground services. We have some users who really love their RTTs with iKamper, so if you follow them, you're in luck!
Enjoy guys!
5 Tacoma roof tents
Content
1. Fast fighter (@inny_pnwtaco) – iKamper
RTT details
- Model: iKamper Skycamp Mini 2.0
- Price: ~$3200
What do you like about the lineup?
The main advantage of iKamper Skycamp Mini is the simple installation and disassembly process. Coming from a soft top RTT, this hard shell iKamper was the difference between day and night, especially in cold weather.
The low profile is another big advantage of this hardshell. I will be upgrading my bed rack as the tent won't be as tall as my previous RTT, giving me more room in the bed for cargo.
My only complaint is the mattress. Since I sleep on my side, I will soon have to switch to a standard mattress as it is not the most comfortable.
2. Trent Frey (@modern.day.viking) – 4X4 Bulletproof armor
RTT details
- Model: Sky Ridge pike
- Price: ~1050 USD
What do you like about the lineup?
My favorite thing about this RTT is the number of windows and sunroof installed. There are five windows that can be opened during the driving rain. This allows for an incredible cross breeze.
The rain bar design is another one of my favorite things about this tent. It is designed with a transparent part so you can see the night sky even in the rain. You can keep the windows open even when it's raining!
3. Josh Albrecht (@dixietacoma) – iKamper
RTT details
- Model: Skycamp 1.0
- Price: ~$3700 (2.0 and 3.0 are currently available)
What do you like about the lineup?
I have been using the iKamper Skycamp for several years. It's been a great setup for my family and I've never had to change it. The current price of the Skycamp is around $3,699 and includes a king size bed, 1 minute setup and a hard cover.
My favorite thing about the iKamper is the 1 minute set up and easy tear down. I also love the hard shell that holds up to anything I throw at it (and let me tell you, it wasn't easy for me). Despite the sleek and slim design of the iKamper, I can still leave my bedding in the tent and fold it up. Its excellent durability, design and functionality made me happyiBitwyfor years!
4. Chris Johnson (@skuxx.taco) – CVT
RTT details
- Model: Mt.Shasta Hybrid
- Price: ~$2700
What do you like about the lineup?
I have a CVT Mt. Shasta Hybrid with extended flight and annex and paid $2700 at their grand opening in Las Vegas. They seem to be having stock issues as I don't see this model on their site at the moment.
Mt. The Shasta Hybrid is a cross between a soft tent and a hard tent. This tent offers a full size bed with standard soft shells and the ease of assembly and disassembly usually found only with hard shells. There are also no annoying zip covers, making it a great middle ground.
Limited tent styles are available for the Tacoma that do not exceed the length of the bed.
When I was shopping for the tent, I really didn't want anything sticking out over the cabin when it was set up. This tent checked all the boxes for me! Although it folds like a soft shell, it has an aluminum honeycomb floor that allows you to place things on top when it's folded. Alternatively, you can just put a camping chair in there and hang it on top of the truck.
The benefit of using mid-height bed rails is that the tent is flush with the top of my roof rack. I find it extremely convenient to bring home some 2×4 lumber and a mat that I could attach everything to evenly across the length of my truck.
The mattress pad has been improved in the Hybrid series and I find it quite comfortable. It has one of the thickest materials on the market currently used in RTT. I was able to camp well into late winter without losing too much heat, and it has withstood the rain many times without issue.
I learned a few things I could do without:
- Built-in LED lighting - too bright for me to ever want to use, stupid feature.
- Appendix - I have never had so many extra people with me that it was necessary. Even if I did, I'd rather pitch a tent on the ground. It's too bulky and that's why it's sitting in a box in the basement.
- Retractable Slat - In theory, it works great as a built-in awning that can cover the entrance in inclement weather. In practice, however, setting up and taking down is noticeably more tedious and blocks one of the two views from the tent. As for me, I'd rather not.
5. Kenny'ego Christensena (@viking.kopno) – iKamper
RTT details
- Model: Skycamp Mini 3.0
- Price: ~$3600
What do you like about the lineup?
I really like the updated design of this RTT. This iKamper RTT is roomy and looks nice on the bed of my truck. It's quick and easy to assemble, and iKamper even supplies extra poles to attach the window screen to on rainy days.
The interior is comfortable and has a quilted mattress and a lockable sunroof for added comfort. This RTT is extremely versatile and has many compatible accessories. From carpets to canopies and vestibules, there are tons of possible configurations to suit your adventure.
Final thoughts
What a great little compilation of kits featuring the popular RTT! We hope we've inspired you to buy one for your Tacoma. This list includes a few iKamper settings, but the whole point of these community articles is to see what you're running on your platforms and why. This greatly helps our readers who may be looking for specific products to better understand real world experiences!
If you want to be featured on Taco Tuesday, submit your versionTrailTacoma.com/Feature. Next week is Taco TuesdayOff-road tire optionsand ask owners what they like about their tires. We are looking for cool rides to feature! If that's you and you like your setup, please submit your details as we want to see them.
Thanks for reading guys. see you next week!
FAQs
Taco Tuesday: 5 Rooftop Tent Setups on the 3rd Gen Tacoma? ›
Yes! From 1st-3rd gen to long/short bed -- No matter which Tacoma model you have, All the above roof top tents can be mounted on it easily.
Can you put a roof top tent on the roof of a Tacoma? ›Yes! From 1st-3rd gen to long/short bed -- No matter which Tacoma model you have, All the above roof top tents can be mounted on it easily.
How do I know if my car can handle a roof top tent? ›- Never use a rooftop tent with any vehicle whose rooftop load limit is under 165 lbs. - As a general rule, SUV and trucks can be good candidates for a rooftop tent, while cars, sedans and hatchbacks are usually not. - Rooftop tents are usually acceptable for some fixed point and most raised rail systems.
How much extra fuel does a roof top tent use? ›Some studies have shown that a vehicle's fuel efficiency will drop by 17 percent when you install a rooftop tent. This is due to drag from the wind and added weight on the vehicle.
Can you put a rooftop tent on a leer? ›The LEER Roof Top tent will make your camping experience more comfortable and enjoyable. You will have a better view of everything around you with no worries about animals wandering in while you sleep.
How much can a Toyota Tacoma roof hold? ›Toyota Tacoma Roof Racks FAQ
The static weight capacity of these Tacoma roof racks is about 600-1000 pounds, and the dynamic weight capacity is around 300-500 pounds.
Essentially, most every set of factory crossbars can handle a 175-pound roof top tent at freeway speeds without issue.
How much weight can my car roof take? ›How Much Weight Can A Car Roof Support? If you don't have a roof rack, your car will generally be able to hold roughly 70-165 lbs of weight.
Do you need crossbars for a rooftop tent? ›Do you need a roof rack for a roof top tent? Yes! Rooftop tents are installed on the rack system of your vehicle, truck, SUV or van.
Do roof top tents need special roof racks? ›You will want to buy an aftermarket roof rack since they have a higher weight capacity than most factory installed racks that come with your car. Roof top tents fit on most Thule roof racks.
What is the max speed with a roof top tent? ›
A. The maximum speed you should drive your car with a roof tent attached is 120KPH or 75MPH. Any faster than this and your roof tent can become unstable or risk detaching because of the high level of wind resistance at these speeds. Aerodynamics can also be adversely affected.
How fast can you drive with roof tent? ›There's no harm in trying to maintain your top speed. However, it is best to maintain a speed not over 65 mph for safety purposes.
What is the lifespan of a roof top tent? ›Depending on the brand, the conditions you use it in, maintenance, and softshell vs. hardshell, tents will last longer or shorter durations. Most hardshell rooftop tents last on average between 10 to 15 years. In contrast, most softshell rooftop tents last 5 to 10 years.
Can you sleep in a roof top tent in winter? ›The roof top tents keep you off the ground, meaning you won't be sleeping on ice, snow, or a frozen surface! The mattresses in the tents add another insulating layer for warmth and comfort. Our favourite feature, it's attached to your car, truck or SUV so your roof top tent can go as far as your vehicle can.
Can you use a rooftop tent at Walmart? ›A roof top tent affords you a handy place to catch a few z's without having to spend the money on a hotel. Stores like Walmart allow travelers to camp out in roof top tents in their parking lots, and many cities' local laws allow this, too.
Are rooftop tents noisy? ›Rooftop tents are surprisingly loud
Wind buffeting, especially in high-wind areas, can cause that fabric and rainfly to flap violently to the point of being downright deafening.
The load for normal shingled or wooden roofs follows the same code. With that in mind, the code typically starts out at 20 pounds per square foot. Residential roofs can hold a minimum of around 20 pounds per square foot then top out at 100 pounds per square foot.
Will 33s fit on a stock Tacoma? ›Can you fit 33″ Tires on a Tacoma without a lift and no mods? No, you can't fit 33s on a Tacoma without doing any modifications; trimming the fenders & fender well plastics and wheel spacers. The only way to fit 33s without a lift is to spend some time clearing space for that size tire.
Will 32 tires fit on stock Tacoma? ›If you are running stock suspension and don't want to cut your truck up, realistically the answer is 32″. My stock Tacoma had a 30.6×10.4″ tire (265/70R16). Going to a slightly larger tire size (265/75/16 – 31.6×10.4) is the ideal route if you don't want to make any modifications to your truck whatsoever.
What is the advantage of a roof top tent? ›Also, rooftop tents keep you safe from animals, track less dirt in, and allow you to enjoy the enhanced view that camping above-ground gives you. Quick and easy setup: With a rooftop tent, setting up camp is as easy as finding an epic location, putting it in park, and deploying your tent.
Are roof top tents too heavy? ›
From the perspective of most automotive manufacturers, roof top tents are not too heavy – they are “within tolerance limits”, meaning they are light enough to respect many vehicles' maximum roof top load, but heavy enough to be a sturdy, safe and durable overland sleeping system.
Are roof top tents warm? ›The short answer is that yes, roof top tents are warm. At the very least, they tend to be warmer than traditional tents. The long answer is a bit more complicated. Roof top tents have several aspects that improve their warmth, but you'll still need additional protection if you plan on camping in colder months or areas!
Can a roof hold 300 pounds? ›At minimum, any roof which may be used by maintenance workers must hold 300 pounds concentrated. Concentrated means that this weight can be held by any one spot on the roof.
How will a heavy roof rack affect your car? ›Driving with a heavy load on your roof rack reduces your vehicle's stability. It shifts your vehicle's centre of gravity away from where the manufacturer designed it to be, so keep this in mind when driving around bends and changing speed.
Do you need a fairing with a roof rack? ›Fairings are recommended to be added to any Thule or Yakima rack when any or all accessories are attached to the bars with the exception of cargo boxes. Fairings also help the car keep that sporty look when using your roof rack.
What's the difference between roof rack and roof bars? ›Roof bars or crossbars are a set of usually two bars that run across the top of the car. A roof rack, by comparison, will feature more than two crossbars and is often modular in design. Sometimes the racks see a fixed format with a set number of crossbars.
Why is a rooftop tent better than a ground tent? ›Durability. Generally speaking, a rooftop tent is going to be more durable than a ground tent. This is largely down to the quality of the fabric used. The fabric in most rooftop tents is around 600 denier, with the best rooftop tents using even thicker fabric.
How can I make my roof top tent more comfortable? ›Another option is to replace the mattress that came with your rooftop tent with a high-quality 4X4 sleeping mat. These mats are often made up of a high-density foam layer, a PVC layer and a layer of air (when inflated). These layers will help to keep you insulated and will up the comfort levels significantly.
Which side do you mount a roof top tent? ›A sideways install allows you access to your vehicle from the annex. If you're setting up an annex, under your tent and would still like to maintain easy – covered – access to your vehicle via a door or window, then a tent open to the side is best.
How far apart should roof racks be for roof top tent? ›Crossbars must be at least 30 inches apart, longitudinally, to support a hard shell roof top tent. The final nail in the stock-crossbar-coffin is weight capacity. Many stock crossbars aren't designed for load weights above 100 pounds — which is far from what a roof top tent and a pair of adults weigh.
Can a tent withstand 30 mph winds? ›
Most tents are designed to withstand a certain amount of wind, however speeds over 30 mph can cause damage.
Can two people sleep in a roof top tent? ›Between 2 and 6 people can sleep in a rooftop tent depending on the size of the tent you buy.
Is there a 4 person roof top tent? ›The Canyon Off-Road Roof Top Tent is quick and easy to set up - it can be ready for use in under three minutes, and can be packed away just as quickly. SPECS: Comfortably sleeps 4 adults. Absolute convenience – sets up in under three minutes!
Can you open roof while driving? ›Don't adjust the roof while driving
Some new convertible models will let you lower or raise the roof when the car is in motion. Avoid doing this. Wait until you can safely pull over to adjust the roof, instead of taking your hands off the wheel and eyes of the road to do so during the drive.
You are sleeping off of the ground, away from insects, critters, and nosy camp neighbors and closer to the stars. You are on a perfectly flat surface every time you set up camp. No need to move rocks or avoid roots & ruts. Rooftop tents are fast and easy to set up and break down, only about 5 minutes!
What roof lasts 100 years? ›Concrete, clay, and slate tiles have an average lifespan of 100 or more years. They are without a doubt the materials that last the longest but are also, bar none, some of the most expensive. Slate roofs are often called the “forever roof” because they can last seemingly forever.
How do you store a roof top tent in the winter? ›Putting your rooftop tent inside a mattress bag before storage provides an extra layer of protection against moisture and bugs. It also keeps it dust free, so you don't have to clean it come next season.
Can a 30 year roof last longer? ›The truth is, a 30-year shingle will not really last 30 years. The expected service life of a 30-year product, if properly cared for, is approximately 25 years. If it's not cared for properly, that 30 year shingle will only last 12 to 15 years. That's one of the big misconceptions in the roofing marketplace.
How cold is too cold to sleep in a tent? ›30 to 40 degrees Fahrenheit (-1 to -4 degrees Celsius) is generally considered too cold for camping in a tent, especially for those less experienced or not equipped with the right gear.
How do you keep warm while sleeping in a tent? ›- Choose the Right Tent.
- Pick a Good Campsite.
- Fight Condensation.
- Bring a Warm Sleeping Bag.
- Add Layers to Your Sleeping Bag.
- Use an Insulated Sleeping Pad.
- Dress in Warm Layers of Clothing.
- Make Sure You're Warm Before You Go to Bed.
Is 60 degrees too cold to sleep in tent? ›
60-degrees is broadly considered to be perfect camping conditions. It's cool enough that you can get comfortable, but not so cold that you can't enjoy an evening around a campfire without being layered up.
Do I need a tarp under my tent? ›Whatever option you choose, always use a ground cover under your tent. This will help keep moisture from seeping through your tent, getting your gear wet, and will protect the life of your tent. Abrasive ground will wear out the floor of any tent no matter how durable it is, so ground cover or tarp protects the tent.
Do tarps go under tents? ›Placing a tarp under your tent extends the lifetime of your tent by protecting it from wear and tear caused by rugged terrain. Sharp rocks, sticks, or tree roots can tear or puncture the bottom of your tent. A tarp also insulates your tent, minimizes moisture, and makes it easier to clean your tent.
Do roof top tents affect gas mileage? ›Some studies have shown that a vehicle's fuel efficiency will drop by 17 percent when you install a rooftop tent. This is due to drag from the wind and added weight on the vehicle.
Can you use a rooftop tent in the rain? ›The majority of roof top tents are waterproof, as the fabric is made of an impregnated poly-cotton material. In addition, roof top tents also come with a thick waterproof polyester rainfly.
Can you put a tent on roof bars? ›This product has been designed by us especially the roof rails, but can be also used on short roof racks as shown below. It is important that your Oztent sits on a flat surface. If it sits on an uneven surface it can damage the light aluminium frame and also rub through the canvas.
Why would anyone put a roof top tent on a van? ›More Sleeping Space
Roof tents usually have higher roofs than pop top roof sleeping spaces, so you can sit up, get up and move around in general much easier in them. They are also often larger in both width and length, giving you extra space to sleep and chill out during your travels!
Overloading a roof rack can cause serious problems. For this reason, the universal cap for a roof rack is roughly 165 pounds.
Is it OK to leave roof bars on? ›It's okay to leave them on sometimes
If your roof racks are not due a clean, everything is in good working order, and you're not going through a car wash then there is no real harm in keeping on your roof racks.
The roof rack bars must have a minimum of 26″ between the towers (M1 & M3). If not, there must be at least 3.75″ of crossbar extending outside the tower (see Figure 3), and do not position mounting hardware more than 1″ away from the outside of the tower.
What are the benefits of tent on top of truck? ›
Frees up storage space in vehicle – having the tent on the roof means you have more space in your vehicle for other gear. Security – up off the ground makes things less accessible to animals and people. Cheaper than RV – enjoy some of the comforts and mobility of an RV on a budget.
How long do roof top tents last? ›Depending on the brand, the conditions you use it in, maintenance, and softshell vs. hardshell, tents will last longer or shorter durations. Most hardshell rooftop tents last on average between 10 to 15 years. In contrast, most softshell rooftop tents last 5 to 10 years.
What is the most stable tent shape? ›Geodesic or Semi-Geodesic Tents
The overlapping tent construction creates a very stable structure. They are almost always freestanding. Geodesic tents are also usually a round shape as this allows rain, wind, and snow to go over the tent.
So what is the most efficient shape for a tent? It's a dome tent because a floorless dome is just half of a sphere. A dome has half the volume of a sphere and also half the surface area (if we are not including the base since the floor could occupy any portion of that dome).