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Side Tent Side Tent...with Roof Racks

skeenut

skeenut

Novice
Went to do the inaugural side tent set up. Started to read the directions and got stuck on the instruction to remove the roof rack if one is installed. But I don't WANNA de-install the roof rack! So I tried to install it with the rack still in place. Not so good.
The solution may be to make physical alterations to the flap that sits on top of the TD so it can flow around the rack stanchions, stay flat on the roof and still provide a secure anchoring point for the strap. My wife's a good seamstress and we have an industrial sewing machine so it's possible if I can engineer it.
Has anyone else had this same desire to keep the rack in place while using the side tent and figured out a work around?
 
Jeff,
we have 2 side tents and a roof rack and I had a seamstress put large button holes in the place that the racks attach to the roof. our racks do have a quick disconnect at the roof line so it works for us. The rain fly does have to kind of lay on top of the racks tho.
Bruce
 
Hi Bruce,
Thanks for the quick reply!
Yes, that's what I'm thinking. Would love to see a picture of what you had done, and what it looks in place.
Jeff
 
Jeff,
I don't have any photos of our setup but we are going to be camping this weekend and I will get some photos for you. What type of racks do you have? we have Thule that I put on myself so it helps that they are quite easy to unhook and lift up so we can put the side tents in place.
Bruce
 
Jenn,
Thanks for the photos! This shows the setup when we had to remove the racks to set up the side tents. The racks are quick release but when you have a loaded roof box that has to be taken off first it can be quite a pain!
Another thing that is not shown is the strap I made that goes across the front to hold both side tents together.
Bruce
 
We use a Thule Tracker 2 set up which allows easy removal of the racks if needed but when the racks are loaded it is easier to just lift one strut up and slide the side tent flap under then reclip the rack in place with out removing the rack.
 
Hi Bruce,
We have the Campinn installed Yakima system. I believe they come off quite easily. I'll be using the racks in camp for various things though such as pod storage and as an attachment point for other tarps and canopies, so I'll be leaving them in place. I guess I could pop one off to position a button hole opening in place, then reattach.
I might try to come up a system to use the racks as roofline attachment point for the tent and eliminate the straps altogether.
Clearly still at the drawing board.
 
Jeff,
The drawing board is what I live for also. It keeps my mind working when I'm camping.
The idea of no straps has my attention so keep us informed on what you come up with.
I also put a third brake light on our 560 on top of the ac cover if you are interrested in that.
Bruce
 
Neat picture looks like the CI is ready for a exploration mission on Mars. Two side tent would be awesome.
MDP
Mike & Denita
 
That was the idea of the NASA on the front. A friend said it looked like something NASA would build so I took it one step further. LOL
 
Hi,

Are you all saying that if your tow vehicle as a roof rack, you can't use the side tent? We have factory racks that aren't removable and have ordered the side tent. I just need to understand this better. Thanks!

Diane
 
Umm, the roof rack gets in the way of installing two side tents, like Bruce has. For one you simply unsnap the roof rack on that side and slide the tent roof flap under it. With two side tents you would have to take the roof rack bars off.

Cary
 
We made a frame for the floor out of PVC as shown by Evan on this forum. It's really helps the side tent maintain its shape. Goes together and comes apart quickly for easy transport.
 
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