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

[JonS]

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

 

[RickLightning]

I assume you mean Retrax XR?

 

[JonS]

I assume you mean Retrax XR?

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

 

[stickyfingers]

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]

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]

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]

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.

 

[PungoteagueDave]

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]

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]

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:

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

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