Hello! New Trialmaster owner in NH and looking for rooftop tent/rack reviews.

[BrandonADV]

Yes. I spread the load with three bars, so none of the bars gets a full load. The tent sits on all three, but is bolted to 2, so only when we are in it Is it really loaded. Only one bar gets 1/2 awning (35lbs) and 1/3 tent (71) full time, which is a fraction of its rating. It’s been Moab grade solid- Hells-Wipe out-Porcupine-etc.View attachment 7915007
View attachment 7915009


I now have a 4th bar, on the rain guttersView attachment 7915010, but it is just drive lights.

Thanks! After doing some research, I'm thinking about mimicking your setup. I'm between this and the Alucab ecosystem and raising the 3r with spacers to be able to open the Safari windows. I think the side open tent would fit better though.

 

[Barrett1]

I love my Leitner 3/4 rack. Virtually no noise at 80 plus miles per hour. Very slim and low but strong. Easy install. I like that it doesn't clamp to the gutters. If you are doing a rtt, dont make the mistake of doing a roof rack under it. That is a waste of money, weight, and height/wind drag. Do load bars. Love my alucab I have on my 80 series landcruiser. Extremely well build. Probably at the cost of some weight penalty compared to others. I mounted on 3 load bars.

 

[Brandtnm]

One question, if you have a moment- the X3 are out of stock. The AX3 won’t ship until mid June. I found a 23zero A3. These do not have the Xhinge frame (not sure the benefit of that, maybe easier set up,an extra little window, and space) and they are left side (driver for us) opening only. Would you see any reason why it would be worth waiting for the AX3? Would it really matter if I didn’t know the difference- thanks!

Sorry for the late response, been gone. The x thing is great. In the summer the ability to get any breeze regardless, of where your campsite is oriented is a godsend. There are other with x frames and Id look at the too. The A frames come to a point at the hinge and you lose 6-12” of use up there. We can be feet up, or hanging out, at any end and it’s sooo roomy. Again, in the summer, not having to touch your partner and get sweaty(er) as you move around (after consensual touching) and have a breeze to keep you cool is great. Yeah - ours is 30lbs heavier than some A Frames and double the mini carbon wonders, but we’d buy it again.

 

[Brandtnm]

What bar do you have for the rain gutters?

Depending on the pic it was an old gutter mount from Yakima w/ round bar on 4” Yakima extensions, hence the need for bracing the big alloy Hellas. Now it’s a Leitner. Bernard finally has the front 3/4 rack mounts and bar for sale separately at Leitner. If you like the safari view like me you can put it behind the windows, test first before locking it down, it’s tight clearance to keep the windows opening freely . All the way to the front is nice, but I find it dark inside and the bar/wind block, lights, etc blocks my up Mountain View driving.