Roof Top Tent RTT Setup -- Thule Approach + Retrax XR + Yakima

JonS · May 6, 2023

Figured I’d post my setup. I’m still testing the efficiency impact but it only seems to kick in around the 110-120kph mark right now.

I went with the Yakima Outpost HD mid height for bed usability and rear visibility. Overall I’m happy with the choice.

Retrax XR
Yakima Overhaul HD
Yakima HD Large Bars
Thule Approach

Ford F-150 Lightning Roof Top Tent RTT Setup -- Thule Approach + Retrax XR + Yakima IMG_6521

Ford F-150 Lightning Roof Top Tent RTT Setup -- Thule Approach + Retrax XR + Yakima IMG_6524

RickLightning · May 6, 2023

I assume you mean Retrax XR?

JonS · May 6, 2023

RickLightning said:
I assume you mean Retrax XR?

Yup, dealer got it wrong on the invoice. I’ll update the post.

stickyfingers · May 8, 2023

Sweet OP - real nice. I just got a Thule Kukenam 3 RTT (looks like yours). Right now, I put it on my trailer with a Northern Ridge Rack but I will be transitioning that to the truck as I just received my Elevate Pro Rack to go along with the Bakflp MX4 tonneau. Will post pictures as well.

I also picked up a Northern Ridge Kitchen that'll go well with the truck and the camping experience.

meow · May 8, 2023

How's the Outpost HD in terms of visibility and BLIS/BlueCruise? I have the Overhaul HD in a cart and am holding my finger on the trigger for the inevitable May 20% off but am torn on Outpost -v- Overhaul partly on whether it'll affect BlueCruise.

That tent looks pretty great!

JonS · May 9, 2023

meow said:
How's the Outpost HD in terms of visibility and BLIS/BlueCruise? I have the Overhaul HD in a cart and am holding my finger on the trigger for the inevitable May 20% off but am torn on Outpost -v- Overhaul partly on whether it'll affect BlueCruise.

That tent looks pretty great!

I specifically rolled the dice on efficiency over usability. The way I drive the truck a few efficiency points lost potentially over daily usability were worth it to me.

I’ll take a photo later out of the back window but with the mid rise bars there’s almost no interference with the rear visibility. The tent only pops up above the cab slightly as well.

BlueCruise works perfectly.

JonS · May 10, 2023

JonS said:
I specifically rolled the dice on efficiency over usability. The way I drive the truck a few efficiency points lost potentially over daily usability were worth it to me.

I’ll take a photo later out of the back window but with the mid rise bars there’s almost no interference with the rear visibility. The tent only pops up above the cab slightly as well.

BlueCruise works perfectly.

Here’s a picture to show rear visibility.

Ford F-150 Lightning Roof Top Tent RTT Setup -- Thule Approach + Retrax XR + Yakima IMG_6539

PungoteagueDave · May 10, 2023

Nice. I have the full height Overhead HD due to having kayaks that extend over the cab. I also have the same extendable ladder, must say it's pretty heavy, but a great piece of engineering.

SeanOC · Sep 20, 2023

Nice OP! I’m looking at the same tent for my Lightning, I also have the retrax xr bed cover but I have low crossbars. Do you need tall crossbars for the tent to function properly (ie ladder to extend) or solely for rear visibility?

JonS · Sep 20, 2023

SeanOC said:
Nice OP! I’m looking at the same tent for my Lightning, I also have the retrax xr bed cover but I have low crossbars. Do you need tall crossbars for the tent to function properly (ie ladder to extend) or solely for rear visibility?

I had some issues with the mid height crossbars and the awning supports against the back of the truck.

These things:

Ford F-150 Lightning Roof Top Tent RTT Setup -- Thule Approach + Retrax XR + Yakima THULE 901010 Roof Top Tent Approach Instructions

You may be able to set the tent further back or as per the manual turn it around which would mean this wouldn’t be an issue.

https://manuals.plus/thule/901010-roof-top-tent-approach-manual?expand_article=1

Roof Top Tent RTT Setup -- Thule Approach + Retrax XR + Yakima

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