Roof Top Tent Camping! Build Your Overland Truck Bed Rack System
Вставка
- Опубліковано 6 вер 2024
- Build your own truck bed rack to mount your roof top tent! I've seen these systems on many overlanding trucks and think they look awesome. This truck isn't really an overlander but it is great for towing my rock crawler to the trail for a little camping. With this rack I can mount a roof top tent and camp much more comfortably. With some creativity you can mount a roof top tent to ANY project! Enjoy the video folks! 👍
Buy this rooftop tent!
www.guanaequipm...
AMAZON ITEMS!!! www.amazon.com...
(Amazon Affiliate Links)
BARNES 4WD COUPON CODE: "dirtlifestyle" 10% off
NORTH RIDGE 4X4 CODE: "dirtlifestyle" up to 20% off www.northridge4x4.com
EMPIRE ABRASIVE CODE: "dirtlifestyle" 10% off lddy.no/qf79
YANKUM ROPES CODE: "dirtlifestyle" bit.ly/yankumDL
ONX MAPS: webmap.onxmaps...
MIDLAND RADIOS: bit.ly/2IjmlZD
STEP 22:
EVOLUTION POWER TOOLS CODE: "dirtlifestyle" store.evolutio...
JOOLCA HOT WATER HEATER: bit.ly/37qLgEp
Shirts & Hats on our website!!
www.thedirtlif...
Support us on Patreon!
/ dirtlifestyle
Follow me on social media!!
Instagram: / dirtlifestylenate
Facebook: / dirtlifestylenate
DISCLAIMER:
Due to factors out of the control of Dirt Lifestyle, we cannot guarantee against improper use or unauthorized modifications of this information. Dirt Lifestyle assumes no liability or responsibility for property damages or injury incurred as a result of any information contained in this video. Use this information at your own risk. Dirt Lifestyle recommends safe practices when working on vehicles and/or with tools seen in this video. Any injury, damage, or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or from the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not Dirt Lifestyle. Be safe!
This video and description contains affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links, I'll receive a small commission.
#overland #camping #welding
once again. 99 percent of the things i plan on doing, you have done and given me a base to go off of.. thanks brother
DreamAssassin26 when are you going to get started?
Great to see you Americans catching up to us Australians in camping with your Ute.
We have alot more SUVs (or even 4 door wranglers) in our overland community because 50-60% or more of our country is actually tightly wooded trails. Remember Nathan said this is his tow rig, check out his choice of 4x4 (2 door Wrangler) and his own actual "overland" rig is a Disco.
If you are wiring up lights you could wire up a 12 volt linear actuator for lifting the frame up. They have good load capacity now and it will just be an up and down switch. Just some food for thought instead of the shocks that we know always fail and your tailgate glass ends up in the middle of your back.
Look at Trailer lift gate assist... easy diy, garage door spring and some cable... you can find them all over for trailers used to haul ATVS and such...
That truck is the holy grail of 3rd gen shipping crates.
As long as you maintain and drive that cummins without beating on it, they will easily go a million miles before needing an overhaul. One of the most sought out truck setups for hotshot hauling. Now I'm waiting to see you drop a 4bt in the full size jeep you got. Lol
YES!! I have a 2000 tundra that i want to build into a overland/ expidition truck and this is exactly what i wanted to do. This is awesome
Nice! I hope it helps 👊
I like it..... but I think I would of put the roof top tent over the roof, and built a workshop in the back with some seating , a small work top with a vice and air compressor, some storage cupboards and somewhere to sit out of The Sun, rain, snow? 🤷🏻♂️ what I mean is that thing is MASSIVE Nat you got some good Real estate there 👍
It’s easy to grab the wires for the bed light from the a pillar for your under cage lights. Maybe not all of them but a subset so you can hit the unlock on keyless and get bed lights from it. Plus it stays on the battery saver for the tipm so you can put them on and they stay lit for 15 minutes or so and then go off (great for getting prepped for bed)
Also the trucks have a high mounted tail wire hidden in the loom back by the hitch for truck caps that bring the third brake light back to the back of the truck so you can put a third brake light on it if you want without having to fuss with tapping wires or having it blink. Love the truck and the tent rig. Like to see more of it 👍
You needed to put the hinges in the front in case of failure of the latch. That latch fails, tent catches air, flips up, destroys the rig.
Look up Sachs stabilus lift supports, you can go by weight and length, and they also have thread ball hardware to mount anywhere, and essentially create a sprung door on anything
Out of all the trucks to complain about not having enough room to sleep in the cab, a MEGA CAB DODGE?
I mean, the seats dont quite fold down all the way. And sleeping sideways in the back seat isnt the best either.
Lol
Lol
Well... it’s just an excuse to build an epic feature on the back, with loads of functionality. Lol
Sleeping in the back of my Megacab is not great. The 8ft bed in back is much more comfortable.
beyond my scope because of money and or tools, but love that you teach people and encourage. THANKS MAN. have some small tools for metal / welder and built onto my ranger bumper and play with doing metal projects. people like you keep the dream and fabrication going.
Could use an air ram to pop the tent up. Means you'd a little compressor and tank but those could be a project/content in themselves.
Every video you do I pick up another tip or two for fabricating my off-road trailer, thanks for the great content!
Good! Thank you for watching 👍
The gas shocks that lift up a 97 to 99 Ford Expedition back patch would probably be plenty of strength to lift up that roof top tent. The back hatch on those Ford Expeditions are roughly 225 lb. The newer Expeditions have an aluminum lift up hatch so the gas props aren't rated to lift as much since the doors lighter but the 97 and 99 has a really heavy Steel lift back hatch
Just finished making mine from your design: 1/4" angle and 3x1.5x 1/8 wall rectangle for my Sierra. I have a huge RTT from 23zero and I am glad this rack is redundantly strong with no bolts that could loosen. Thank you so much for the guide.
any chance i can get a review from you, in regards to the tent from 23zero, I'm currently looking at one too.
I built a flip up bed rack about a month ago, it works great and it's awesome to be able to get the tent out of the way if you need to access stuff at the back of the bed. I have gas struts on mine, a pair of 200lbs struts did the trick for me.
That bead roll! Combined with the dimples looks tight! Nice job Nate 👌
Thanks! I love the look of this combo. More practice is needed but the possibilites just grew leaps and bounds!
Ridiculously smart hinge idea.
Thanks brother! I look forward to getting the rest of the parts to test it out 👍
I like your shovel boxes that’s what I’m gonna build for mine I think I’m gonna put a lid on it with the same design materials just so I can lock them up
That panel with the bead and dies. Looks amazing. Maybe you should add a linear motor to raise the rooftop tent to reach in the toolbox.
Thanks man 👍
Cool build, looks sweet! 1 benefit of me being so short (5' 6" ) the back seat of my dodge is perfect, less stuff to clean when i get home from camping
Damn this is timely. I'm about to start fabbing up a rack system for my M1102. Don't think an off-the-shelf systems are going to work for it.
Cool project!
@@DirtLifestyle Yeah it should be. Going to need to brush up on my aluminum welding skills tho. Been a while.
Maybe I've missed it in previous videos, but some time can you comment on why you'd use the chopsaw for cuts instead of the plasma cutter?
It's faster, cleaner and makes no smoke 👍
That bead roll you did looks great. I am glad you added it into the build, it makes it pop even more.
I am planning on making a rooftop tent rack that swings in a sinilarish manner. Except the tent stays level. I want to tuck it below the roof line but then swing it up to be able to pop the tent open. This is partly because I have a toolbar that I like the look of.
I came up with an excel sheet that lets you plug in parameters of mounting distance and force and spits out how much net torque you get from the shocks at any particular angle, telling you how hard you have to pull to lift the rack. I’d be happy to share it with you if you’d like
Hey James. I'm looking at doing something similar to what you describe on my truck. Have any pics or any other info you can share?
Freaking awesome. Us regular folks don't have your skills but we can watch and dream. Keep up the good work.
Thank you!
I have my RTT on my utility bed work truck. First time mounting it was side ways. Every time since then I have mounted so that tent opens over the tailgate. Makes for a great kitchen without having to use an actual table. Also gives you possibility of mounting an awning off the side without interfering with the tent. Also having a rtt with the covered entrance, I can climb down to a work/kitchen station without getting hammered by rain. As a bonus, when my annex room is set up, tailgate is conveniently inside. Rare but has happened in Southern California mountains!
Turned out pretty sweet. The bead rolling and dimples really gave it some flair and it has a really cool aircraft vibe. Can’t wait for the rest of the build.
Thank you!
I can't help but think this is a direct response to my asking about building a rack for my JL on your fb page... Many thanks either way Nate
Huh? I'm not sure I I understand. Are asking me to build a roof rack for a JL?
@@DirtLifestyle like a week or so back i had asked for input on building my own rack and you (basically) said to just send it and if i make mistakes, it's like tuition all must pay to develop our skills. Next videos i see are 'Let me help build your 4x4' and 'building a roof rack'. Can't wait for the next one!
Your videos are the benchmark for anyone making videos!
Thank you!
Nice work. I just started a similar build with 3/16 aluminum plate.
Great video Nate. The build looks awesome and yeah, you could make a dance floor on that rack!
Thank you!
Great video Nate, at first I was wondering why you wanted hinges at the back side, then realized the gang box issue.
I'm thankful I found your channel. You break everything down to get out and do it and provide tricks to make it easier. I suck at general fabricating but your channel gives me a new hope
Thank you for watching! In glad you found the channel as well!
Been thinking of doin something like this to my first gen Cummins 🤘🏻
How could someone dislike this video, I think this makes the best content , keep it up !
Love how you dream up the concept and then create your vision. Fascinating to watch.
I'm just here for the Dimple Dies lol... Great vid and info. Helps me think of ways, to think through the smaller projects I'm planning around the house.
Thank you!
*Love your creativity with this type of stuff, show me more.*
Thanks!
I own a 05 dodge dually. I have been thinking of building a rack system . Thanks for the ideas.
It's not a shock you want, it' a "gas strut". Great build!
Nice work! Inspiring me to do something similar on my 2006 Duramax
Thank you! Glad to hear it!
Newer subscriber here. I don't even own a truck, never been off-roading (greetings from New Jersey), or fabricated anything, but love your teaching and building style. It's obvious you're super experienced- most of the videos I've seen you're building as you go without detailed plans, and the results look great. Awesome videos- you deserve more subs, your content is great! Thanks man.
Thank you very much! I appreciate you taking the time to drop a positive comment! And I would recommend going offroad if you get a chance. It could change your life like it did mine 👍
If only my shop had that magical pile of steel stock on the floor that is there every episode.
Inspiration to get out and build
Nice work! I’m building a Jeep trailer right now. With a tent mount using 1x2 Rec tube 120 wall. Just put a 14 bolt axle on the trailer. 6” lift kit and 36s on a 77j10 box. Nice work on your rack! I like the angled look you have going on. Looks badass on the dodge!
You should have used heavy duty sliders to slide the tent frame back out of the way to access the toolbox.
Good
Curious as to why you hinged in the rear and not towards the cab? It seems like the hinge on the tool box and the most likely direction you'll enter the bed (from the tail gate) would make things easier if the latch were at the tail gate it would make things more accessible.
Use yellow light near cooking area so you don't attract bugs...
This giving me the idea to make a heavy duty ladder/kayak rack for my Silverado and to have the topper stay on the truck as well. I really enjoy watching all your videos as they push me to fabricate, thanks for the inspiration and great videos! Cheers 🍻
I was thinking while watching, this is a perfect time to combine a ladder rack for hauling steel or lumber with the tent rack. Kill 2 birds with one stone.
Excellent work my friend. I think you are pushing me to try bead rolling at some point! rock on
I see that you’re a Cummins fan! Love that! You should do a 4BT in the J-Truck
As if Nate couldn't get any cooler, he daily drives a 5.9 dually Dodge!
Excellent! DLS the best wheelin' show on the internet 👍
Fully deleted '08 6.7 3/4 ton CTD Auto 6 over here.
Sheez.... complaining about sleeping in Mega Cab😂
I thought sleeping in the cab of tow rig was normal...bwah
Lol 😂
Def. feeling inspired by this post...
Good! That's what I'm going for!
Was just talking to the brother yesterday about doing up a tub rack for my d22 with a few ideas of how to do it, this is perfect although I won't be needing the hinged section haha
Amazing video. Really like the bushes hinges.
And that is my dream truck 5.9 cummins dually 6 speed and the mega cab just adds to the awesomeness
Yeah I know this is an old post. But this video inspired me to build my own rails for my existing rack.
Question: Do you drill seep holes in your steel tubing? I figure I should to allow condensation to air out?
Enjoy all of your videos!
Perfect timing...I was thinking of building one to replace my Fiber Glass cover. Excellent Design.
That dent in the tailgate looks suspiciously like the shape of a trailer hitch... got one just like it in my tailgate...
Yep! I had to do it twice to actually learn my lesson lol
I’ve got a half dozen, on behalf of anyone else that decides to unload my truck and trailer on a jobsite.
Your builds are always spot on for the average mechanic and builder. Much appreciated bro!
Thank you!
Your so busy! Appreciate your time making this video.🇺🇸
Really enjoy your work, and your ability to visualize what you want and then fabricate, awesome.
Thank you!
Looking good.
Great job Nate. Wish I was there helping I could have showed you some tricks on the bead roller.
us regular folks don't overthink projects,
This is baddass. Love that you fabricated your own stuff. Inspiring!
i am planing a to rebuild the sheep place in our farm with some of my my idea's..but gusse who inspire me..yeah the legend him self..nate 😁
Lol thank you! Legend is a strong word 😂
you quit being a union plumber to go full time on your UA-cam channel; are you sure you weren't a welder? Because I always see you doing some pretty outstanding fabrications from steel, and I sow you aluminum power steering reservoir and windshield wiper fluid reservoir, and all the welds I'm seeing are professional looking. I'm sure your plumbing work was just as good! Thanks for sharing this fabrication build; because I really have been wanting to get something for the back of my truck, but I think I can weld good enough to accommodate a rooftop tent. I doubt my welds look as good as yours, though, I went to school for it when I was 15 and have done a few things here and there, but I'm 56 now and bought a cheap Harborfreight Chicago Electric 125 plasma mig to mess around with, but now I'm thinking about getting something a little nicer, so I can mig with gas 75/25. I was leaning toward a Lincoln until I saw your Miller Mig, and actually, I think you said it was also capable of Tig for aluminum. Can you stick weld with it as well? great job. This is actually something I would try to tackle myself if I can find a place to buy the steel. If you don't mind me asking where you bought your Miller welder and what model it is? thanks for doing this video; now, if only I were a tent maker lol jk.
Have you tried aluminum placebo bushings for metal fab...i made some from years ago..love them. Tack and weld without melting the bushings.
I haven't. Sounds like a good idea 👍
Good work and practice makes perfect is how the saying goes. I like the fact you like to be different as I do to. In my job I haul metal everyday on a Flatbed for Nucor. Been planning on getting a sheet metal break and bead roller once I build a shop. Looking forward to your next video.
Thanks buddy! Good luck on the new shop. You wont regret having a place to play 🤘
You came up with a simple and effective design and executed it nicely.
Just wanted to pop in here real quick and say that this video inspired me to build my own bed rack system for my RTT and I even went with a similar (albeit simpler) design. Really appreciate your videos Nate!
You have a marvellous taste in vehicles. Keep up the good work! 😎👍
On another note! You should really make a subscriber showroom or something along those lines. It’d be absolutely mint to see the stuff people have made from watching your videos. 😁
Thank you! I will look into it!
Every time I see those dimple dyes I want to buy some
Do it! It is worth the investment!
Are you worried about welding next to your paint and the sparks ruining it?
Not on this truck. But definitely on something with nice paint
You're going to have to make the rest of the tow rig look as cool as this will.
Lol agreed
Yes thank you!
I’m a tree surgeon by trade and my work pickup is also my fun vehicle. I’ve wanted to build something like this but 2-3 times taller to hold woodchip and have the roof tent easy to take off. This has helped me plan so much, you are an utter god. 100% buying some merch soon! You ship to the UK don’t you?
Thank you! We do but you will need to email my wife to get a cost on shipping. She has all the infor on our website. I appreciate the support 👊
You are so spot on where I am at on thinking about setting up my Gladiator!! Literally I have been thinking EXACTLY like you! I work the oilfields in North Dakota but live in Kennewick WA it’s a 16 hr drive one way and sleeping in the back seat of the Gladiator is... not good rest! So I need a rooftop tent. Also I need water proof and theft proof because I park my Jeep and crawl in my Semi and it’s 4 or more weeks before I get back! I want to build the rack and then sheet the roof and sides with aluminum and the rack itself is aluminum because I want to keep the weight down but need it strong enough to support 4 ( we are adopting 2 kids) you just gave me a huge idea! I too want lights and we are right there with you on “ Tailgate “ cooking! I eagerly await your next video and hopefully you can maybe do one on how to weld aluminum?
Bud I live on the Oregon coast, we should talk about setting our gladiators up for a northwest package. I have a few ideas I'd like to bounce off you.
Sounds like a fun project! I'm no expert at aluminum welding. After more time honing my skills I'll definitely make a video 👍
Tony Montgomery I am very interested in doing this! Thanks
Dirt Lifestyle I was thinking of cutting and bolting it because I can’t weld it either? :( I am open to any light weight but strong ideas you got
Looks like a fun project. I have been wondering if I should make a roof rack for the top of my 2000 crew cab for when I am hauling a goose neck.
Plus I just like the look
Some day I aspire to fab things like this. Keep up the good work my guy
You can do it!
"Beading machine basics" posted by 'Ron Covell' is an excellent vid... he makes a bomber seat!
I've seen it! That guy is a savage!
Hey Quick question for you I don’t want to be one of those jerks that rips apart your work I really respect that you’re trying hard to make great videos and honestly there’s some of the best on UA-cam good job , My question is though being kind of OCD why didn’t you make a jig on your set up table and then notch the tubing and bend it I would think that that would be a lot easier and less welding
Not to mention that it would be perfectly straight , consistent and flat
Your videos make me wanna get in the garage more and more love it keep it up
Thank you!
Awesome video. I am looking to build my own roof rack also soon to work with a RTT but I have to work around my tool box as well because I don’t want get rid of it and I really like that hinge idea.
Thanks!
Well now that dent in the tailgate is really going to stick out rack is looking really good man👍👍
Nice! I don't remember if you placed a crossbeam above/near your rigid storage box to better support the weight of your tent ... hope it doesn't interfere with being able to get into it. I initially thought that it might be a good idea to put a single sheet of metal with holes in it on top for the tent to rest on, then I remembered how cold it is and how impossible it is to get any warmth when you are sitting/laying on anything metal ... you'll never get warm! I think perhaps long pieces of wood from front to back will make for a more tolerable surface to exist on in the tent. One idea I thought about that could be interesting is having the tent area sunken in/down. In this case if you wanted to carry extra material and/or long items you could still cover the top surface and have an alternate place for the tent to sit. I think not having the tilting top extend fully over (and to the sides) of your rigid box could have been another good option ... I'm thinking if a structure over it was necessary it would be nice to have it swing open the other way, toward the cab (but be sure to put stops in to keep it from bashing/denting the cab top!) ... I think you're going to have issues accessing your rigid tool box.
Looks awesome Nate!!! That bead rolling is all a feel thing (I guess). Brennan Metcalf is really skilled at stuff like that....he has always been one to help out when he can. Shoot him a message I’m sure he will help
Almost 100k keep up the good work really enjoying your fabrication stuff.
Thank you!
This was freaking awesome!!!!! It’s got my mind rolling right now. Thank you for all the great work. Super awesome!
Thank you!
Use a 12v Actuator to lift it
I really enjoy the videos, gives me the confidence to jump into fab projects. I have a 2005 4runner that I want to build for some mild off roading. Currently doing a lot of learning and getting everything squared away on maintenance, but then I want to get into making some stuff. Looking to upgrade suspension and tires, fab some sliders/steps, and build a bumper. Thanks for the awesome videos!
Knocked it out of the park once again. Well done man looking forward to the next video.
Please dont stop making videos!!!
Thank you!
Idk how you don’t have 10 million subs
Lol I'm doing my best!
Dude, I just found your channel (thanks to my dad) and I’m stoked you did a video like this! I’m building up an 86 D-150 (In process of converting to 4wd... I couldn’t find a W-150) that I plan on making into an Overlanding Build. I want to do something similar to this, I was thinking more about having a canvas bed cover with a steel rack built around it to provide storage. I love your direction, and I’ll definitely end up using this video as some influence to that build.
Thank you! I'm glad you found the channel 👍
Nate, have you heard of field craft mobility? Former SF guys who are into over landing... would like to see a collaboration with them.
I haven't, but I will look them up 👍