OZ Tent RV-4 on Roof racks

[Wil2k]

Hi De Ho Campers!

Anyone got any thoughts about carrying an OZ-Tent RV-4 on roof racks?
It's just not going to fit in my Rhino Alloy tray. I could leave one end of it up on the edge of the tray, but thought it might be better to bump the tray sideways a bit and see if I can strap it on directly to the racks beside the tray.

I have 2 Rhino HD racks under the tray and was considering getting a 3rd if needed for supporting the oztent.

Would love to find some second hand racks.. the tent is gonna bankrupt me! ;)

There's 15% off RV accessories at Downunder Camping at the moment. Their tent prices are no different to normal though (they do RV-4 for $995).

Cheers

Wil

[stevo68]

You should have asked me ya goose :p. If I were you....I'd sell the tray you have and get one the same size as mine and one extra bar. You could strap it to the bars....but then you will never likely use the tray. Would probably need an extra cross bar....if you went the strap to bar option. Here's mine in the tray....plus you can fit heaps of other stuff.

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2011/01/297.jpg

I also have the front and side panels which are all in that pic plus the fly:

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2011/02/607.jpg

Regards

Stevo

[stevo68]

I could leave one end of it up on the edge of the tray, but thought it might be better to bump the tray sideways a bit and see if I can strap it on directly to the racks beside the tray. I'd say that would be a no go as well. Tray couldnt be supported properly and would hang a fair bit over the edge. I have the RV5....so RV4 would be similiar if not the same length and width wise.

Regards

Stevo

[stevo68]

One last thing ;)...check out their Jet tent......just new on the market...don't know what they are dollar wise......but it would most likely fit your current tray as they fold up shorter...ie not 2 metres like the oztent....same mob. maybe a cost comparo in relation to larger tray with oztent...v current tray and jet tent,

regards

Stevo

[Wil2k]

hehe.. yeah i know.. I got the WRONG rack!! dammit! It was all about the $$ at the time. Didn't accurately calculate how much crap we'd end up lugging with all 4 kids and 2 adults & 2 dogs on board.

Eventually I'll ditch this tray and maybe even the racks and go for something full length. Been looking at the Wind Cheetah racks. Think I'd like a Hannibal though ;-)

BUT.. for now.. I reckon I'll whip up something that'll sit atop the alloy tray to support the full length of the tent. I've carried a fiberglass canoe on top of the tray before with no dramas. so it can take SOME weight.

I'm thinking replacing the tray is my best bet as it is too small in other ways also. But meantime I'm gonna HAVE that tent!! :D

Cheers

Wil

[Fluids]

Stevo's on the right track. Get a bigger tray ...

Here's a pic' of our D2a, with 3x Rhino HD bars + the RV-5 attached ... bars are 820mm back to centre bar, and then 980mm to the front bar, so overall front to rear is 1.8m ... and the RV-5 (&4) are 2.0m packed. Only leaves me 100mm overhang each end ... I can't/dont want to close the bars up closer together as I have a Foxwing mountd on the other side (which is 2.5m long).

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2010/12/1679.jpg

By my money, 3x bars is far more secure and stable than 2x for carrying the RV this way. Now I'm looking for a flat tray/platform rack 2.0-2.2m long, and either roughly 1.2-1.4m wide, or 800-900mm wide (and still carry the RV on the racks, not on the tray/platform.

Stevo ... is your Rhino platform 2.0 or the 2.1m version ?

[stevo68]

Stevo's on the right track. Get a bigger tray ...

Here's a pic' of our D2a, with 3x Rhino HD bars + the RV-5 attached ... bars are 820mm back to centre bar, and then 980mm to the front bar, so overall front to rear is 1.8m ... and the RV-5 (&4) are 2.0m packed. Only leaves me 100mm overhang each end ... I can't/dont want to close the bars up closer together as I have a Foxwing mountd on the other side (which is 2.5m long).

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2010/12/1679.jpg

By my money, 3x bars is far more secure and stable than 2x for carrying the RV this way. Now I'm looking for a flat tray/platform rack 2.0-2.2m long, and either roughly 1.2-1.4m wide, or 800-900mm wide (and still carry the RV on the racks, not on the tray/platform.

Stevo ... is your Rhino platform 2.0 or the 2.1m version ? I got the 2.0 by 1.24. I was smart enough to buy the rack before the tent :p. And it lives there permanently. Also have the full sized Rhino Luggage bag as well which is great for non camping trips but when have all 7 seats full,

Regards

Stevo

[Fluids]

Thanks Stevo ... the RV-5 fits inside the 2.0m tray OK ?

... is 1.8m between front & back bars enough to get the tray attached to the racks without the ends of the tray not overhanging the bars far enough to allow the fittings to attach to the HD bars ?

[stevo68]

Thanks Stevo ... the RV-5 fits inside the 2.0m tray OK ?

... is 1.8m between front & back bars enough to get the tray attached to the racks without the ends of the tray not overhanging the bars far enough to allow the fittings to attach to the HD bars ? Hey Kev.......it fits..............snuggly. In regards to second question.....look at first pic I put up.......the front and rear bar would be around or less than 1.8metres ( considering tray is 2 metres). I had to move mine forward after a wee accident with a roof/ awning in a NP.....you can see it in the background of the first pic

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2010/12/1671.jpg

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2010/12/1672.jpg

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2010/12/1673.jpg

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2010/12/1674.jpg

I just replaced one of the bars....the rest was fine and lesson learnt....luckily happened on way out...not in,

Regards

Stevo

[DeanoH]

........................4 kids and 2 adults & 2 dogs on board.
But meantime I'm gonna HAVE that tent!! :D

Cheers

Wil

Thats mighty 'friendly' for a 2.4 metre square tent.

A mate of mine has two RV4's which he joins face to face with a special double sided zippered bit and has two end bits which make a continuous end wall in the middle if that makes any sense. Mum and dad in one end, kids in the other, table etc. in the middle. Expensive but practical.

One of the biggest drawbacks with the oz-tent is the packed length, a real PITA. Another problem I found is if you're 6' tall, like me, you keep brushing your head on the awning, it used to drive me mad. Another negative, for me was the tapered wedge shaped bit at the back, the bigger the tent the bigger the wedge. Sort of gave more flooor space but less useful space.
These reasons are why I bought a Black Wolf tent, a Turbo 240. Same floor size as the oz-tent, similiar quick erect aluminium frame and comes with a fly and a smaller awning than the oz tent. Another variation has a bigger fly/awning. Best of all its higher so I don't brush my head on the roof. Worth a look if you're in the market for a quality tent.
Don't get me wrong. Theres nothing wrong with an oz tent, great tent, I just reckon the Black Wolf is better.

Deano:)

[Ranga]

How interesting...

I recently bought a 2.4 Rhino Rack alloy tray that came with 4 racks. Unfortunately the legs suit a Patrol, so no good for a Discovery or Defender.

Now here's the kicker - I no longer need this rack, as I'm soon swapping the 110 for a 130 dual-cab.

So, if your at all interested, you can have the tray and 4 racks for what I paid - $950. Let me know if you're interested.

BTW, it also has 8 tie-down attachments (they look like eye-bolts).

[Fluids]

Hey Wil.

I got my Rhino racks thru Roof Rack City in Castle Hill (Sydney). They were "refurbished" (I gather they're doing lots of tradies type work and get plenty of second hand stock) ... mine looked like new. All new fasteners & fittings. Paid around 2/3rd new price (incl' extra spacers & longer bolts) ... delivered.

Is there a Roof Rack City (or similar) in Brissy ?

... and why the RV-4 ? The RV-5 is only $100 (or less) more and is a bit bigger ... we're 2 adults 1 kid + tiny dog and with a couple of generous air beds there's not much room left.

[Fluids]

Thats mighty 'friendly' for a 2.4 metre square tent.

A mate of mine has two RV4's which he joins face to face with a special double sided zippered bit and has two end bits which make a continuous end wall in the middle if that makes any sense. Mum and dad in one end, kids in the other, table etc. in the middle. Expensive but practical.


Deano:)


Have you seen the Tagalong tents ? They partner an RV tent to give 2x sleeping area's with a common centre,

Tagalong Tent RV-5 (http://au.oztent.com/products/viewProduct.asp?productid=348)

Not what I'd call cheap, but it's a good idea.

[Fluids]

Hey Kev.......it fits..............snuggly. In regards to second question.....look at first pic I put up.......the front and rear bar would be around or less than 1.8metres ( considering tray is 2 metres). I had to move mine forward after a wee accident with a roof/ awning in a NP.....you can see it in the background of the first pic

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2010/12/1671.jpg

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2010/12/1672.jpg

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2010/12/1673.jpg

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2010/12/1674.jpg

I just replaced one of the bars....the rest was fine and lesson learnt....luckily happened on way out...not in,

Regards

Stevo


Thanks. Snug is long enough !

Your bars look pretty close to where mine are ... maybe a tad closer so I'd need the 2 or 2.1 ... strongly considering a flat mesh platform as an alternative.

That was lucky with the rack. Could have been worse damage. I'm just under 2m using the shorter legs so Mrs can play shopping centre carparking wars :eek:

:p

[Wil2k]

Thats mighty 'friendly' for a 2.4 metre square tent.

Lol.. no no! Only 2 of us in the tent. Hence the RV-4. The others are just in the D2 when we go bush, they all have their own tents (inc dogs)! That's TOO 'friendly' for a 2.4m2 tent hehe.

:D

[DeanoH]

Thats mighty 'friendly' for a 2.4 metre square tent.

A mate of mine has two RV4's which he joins face to face with a special double sided zippered bit and has two end bits which make a continuous end wall in the middle if that makes any sense. Mum and dad in one end, kids in the other, table etc. in the middle. Expensive but practical.

One of the biggest drawbacks with the oz-tent is the packed length, a real PITA. Another problem I found is if you're 6' tall, like me, you keep brushing your head on the awning, it used to drive me mad. Another negative, for me was the tapered wedge shaped bit at the back, the bigger the tent the bigger the wedge. Sort of gave more flooor space but less useful space.
These reasons are why I bought a Black Wolf tent, a Turbo 240. Same floor size as the oz-tent, similiar quick erect aluminium frame and comes with a fly and a smaller awning than the oz tent. Another variation has a bigger fly/awning. Best of all its higher so I don't brush my head on the roof. Worth a look if you're in the market for a quality tent.
Don't get me wrong. Theres nothing wrong with an oz tent, great tent, I just reckon the Black Wolf is better.

Deano:)


Forgot to add, packed size 1200mm long. Easily fits across the floor in the back of the D2

Deano:)

[Wil2k]

Just picked up my RV-5 (yes.. I upped the size.. may as well for the price / size difference).

Let me just say this.. I'm freakin STOKED! It's brilliant.

I checked out the Jet Tent and the Black-Wolf Turbo tents as well. But I love the RV-5. There's something that really works for me about the wedge shaped design! Espcially with the nice panorama window at the back! :D

I got it home atop the rhino tray with out any hassles. But for any amount of rough road work I wouldn't be happy without some extra support in the middle. I've got a plan though, will post a pic once I get around to it.

Thanks for everyone's input!

[stevo68]

Top stuff......I'm now considering the tag along tent for my RV5, now that jackjack is ready for camping and it would be very snuggly with me and the 4 in the tent itself. I had a peek at the jet tent as well the other day and still prefer the oztent. You can't set it up the same with the front and side panels which basically add's another room.....enjoy,

Regards

Stevo

[Fluids]

Congrats Wil ! For the few extra $$$ the RV-5 is a better choice.

You'll get plenty of years of service out of it .... and everytime you put it up in a campground folks are gonna be coming over and asking about it when they see how little time it takes to put up ! :)

Like steve says, add the peaked side panels + front wall, and it's another 2.6 x 2m room!

Have fun with it!

[Fluids]

Top stuff......I'm now considering the tag along tent for my RV5, now that jackjack is ready for camping and it would be very snuggly with me and the 4 in the tent itself.

Stevo

Make sure you give us an appraisal if/when you get one. Very interested in how long it takes to "add on".

[Ranga]

Someone once suggested to me if you don't have enough racks for the Oztent, place it on top of a ladder on the racks. I think somewhere in the instructions it mentions having enough support when transporting. You can imagine how much a bent frame would cause the Ozten problems...

[crispy]

I have an Oz tent RV 4. Went through the same problem and wanted a secure place for the tent if the vehicle is left unattended.Went on their web site and bought the fiberglass pod. It will bolt to any roof rack and the tent is locked inside. Also enough room for my kayak paddles in there. Not cheap at just under $500.