ZUKIWORLD Online | Suzuki 4x4 Editorial and Forum
ZUKIWORLD Model Specific Suzuki Forum => Suzuki Grand Vitara, Vitara, Chevy Tracker (Gen. 2 Platform) 1999-2005 => Topic started by: toofaroffroad on June 07, 2009, 09:07:15 PM
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Hello, I recently purchased a rooftop tent for my 99 tracker. No, I did not spend $2500.00. I got an inside deal through a distributor in China. It was less then $500.00 shipped. I was panning on building a roof rack that would mount at 6 different spots along the side. A friend of mine thinks that my roof might cave in, or become dented to hell. Any thoughts on this? I do not have a tracker with the built in roof rails. There is nothing up there. My only only other idea is to build mounting bars that would attach to my frame somehow and run down the side of the truck. I'm fine with drilling mount holes into my roof, I'm just wondering if it's going to be strong enough.
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you should be fine to use the roof rails or remove them for a custom rack
(http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p213/fordy1zuk/IMGP1531.jpg)
(http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p213/fordy1zuk/IMGP1544.jpg)
(http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p213/fordy1zuk/IMGP1537.jpg)
I have made a rack so i can hold stuff on the roof infront of the tent and have it work as a wind break
(http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p213/fordy1zuk/Outdoor%20auto%20products/DSCF0534.jpg)
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I would be concerned about the strength of the roof also.
I have a 99GV, and at some point in it's life a previous owner obviously put something one the roof, as there are dents which are not really noticeable, but if you look for them you'll see them. The roof itself is not that strong, but it is apparently reinforced at the appropriate locations for the rails.
Suzuki says not to put stuff directly on the roof, the OEM roof rails and crossbars are rated at 45kg or roughly 100lb, I have no idea what your tent with you inside it will weigh, or what percentage of that weight will be on the roof, but I'm guessing it'll be over 50%.
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Thanks for that info guys. As I did state earlier, I DO NOT HAVE ROOF RAILS. there is nothing up there. I don't have mount points for rails or anything. It's the base model 99 tracker. no Roof rails. Maybe I should just stand up there with a friend and see what happens. the tent itself weighs 150 lbs.
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i say get some roof rails or make some steel ones and mount them to the roof.
as far as the rails go on a normal gv, thule or another brand i looked at to mount onthe rails had a limit of 100kg and dont forget that ratings for the roof are for sudden impact and not the actual weight they can hold. the tent in the pics above has been on the GV for 2 years now and is still going strong.
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Yeah I'm thinking if I have something with 6 mount points to distribute the weight it'll work. Thanks for the advice.
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i want one of these so bad! perfect for hunting! then just drape a camo tarp over the entire tent/vehicle... thats how i would do it atleast...hunting luxurious ha
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My rooftop tent finally came in. I'm still not sure how I'm going to mount it yet. the current rack can hold the tent but not two people as well.
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I've got a (maybe) silly question. Why even HAVE a roof top tent? It looks cumbersome, certainly difficult to get in and out of and very awkward in general appearance to me. Why not just use a conventional ground mount set-up?
PS, I'm not a camper. :-\ If I was, the conventional ground mounted tents that attach to the back of the GV's and allow access to the vehicle via the open rear door would make better sense to me. No?
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Got any pictures Max?
I believe the appeal of the rooftop tents is convenience and ease of set up and tear down - it takes perhaps five minutes to have one unfolded and ready for use, and maybe twice that to stow, and the tent, bedding & everything stays on the roof and out of the way.
I've also seen a design that adds "a second room" in the area under the unfolded tent.
Whilst I still have concerns about the strength of the roof - since I've first seen this concept I have learned that the factory roof loading limit is not just about load bearing capacity, it's also about the center of gravity and the stability of the vehicle whilst in motion - you may remember that a few decades back Suzuki had an undeserved bad reputation for the smaller 4WDs rolling over.
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I was thinking something like this:
http://cgi.ebay.com/Sportz-SUV-Tent-81000-NIB-Sleeps-Six_W0QQitemZ270442912803QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item3ef7a75c23&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14 (http://cgi.ebay.com/Sportz-SUV-Tent-81000-NIB-Sleeps-Six_W0QQitemZ270442912803QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item3ef7a75c23&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14)
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OK - that would take a little longer to set up and tear down - and it needs to be pegged to prevent the slightest wind from fetching it away - but - you can detach it from the vehicle and use the vehicle without stowing the tent, so each style has it's advantages & disadvantages.
One thing though - I can see this one working well with vehicles that have a lift up, "hatch" style tailgate - which the GV/Tracker doesn't - that vertical swinging door is going to create a problem.
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Here you go Max - the advantages of the roof top tent.
(http://compactcampingconcepts.com/tentunits.htm[/url)
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Where? ???
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I guess it has its perks. ::)
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To answer your question regarding roof top tents ..."BEARS"!!! That is the answer. "BOB CATS" is another good one, "wolves" also is a great answer. Apart from the safety of the roof top tent it also provides me with something that is ready to go in less then 60 seconds plus i don't have to unload all the crap out of the back of my truck.
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I think that BEARS n' maybe BOBS can climb ladders (or bound a hood and transit up at least). Not sure about WOLVES though. :(
So what's your point? :P
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My rooftop tent finally came in. I'm still not sure how I'm going to mount it yet. the current rack can hold the tent but not two people as well.
a little off topic... NICE bumper. Is it a custom piece or bought?
Thanks,
Eric