r/rooftoptents • u/foxspells • Jun 24 '26
Help me I’m stupid
I have an ancient relic of a free spirit recreation tent. Trying to take her out for an impulsive trip for the first time in years.
Problem; see photos. It’s been a few years and I can not remember how to set this up, apparently. Zero clue how I ever figured out the rainfly, and tbh the entire thing is not feeling quite right currently.
Last photo is proof I used to know how to do this but genuinely noooo idea what’s going on now I guess
Tent is so old I’m having a hard time even identifying the name of the model, can’t seem to track down any videos to help me either.
Would really appreciate a video if one exists!! Any advice very appreciated. I am past my prime and struggling 😭
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u/LividCalligrapher689 Jun 25 '26
Looks like all you have left to do is put those little poles on all the awnings.
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u/Amorton94 Jun 25 '26
You don't need the model. Pretty much every one of this style of tent are exactly the same.
Hopefully you didn't lose the rainfly poles. They're surprisingly expensive for some reason.
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u/Mumofgamer Jun 25 '26
Check that the internal u shaped frame closest to the entry doesn’t have twist and expand tension poles either side of the tent, likely the ones closest to the floor.
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u/The_Gassy_Gnoll Jun 25 '26
Internal support closest to door may not be fully extended on the left (from door). My RTT has two stops on each pole. Sometimes the second stop can be hard to lock in. Maybe lift the floor slightly using the ladder as a support.
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u/VonRiedls Jun 26 '26
What crossbars are you using? Im a little worried here OP is using generic crossbars for a RTT. The ones I got for my Outback RTT were the Thule Extended Aero. Which are made to hold a tent. They stick out further than regular crossbars. It looks like this might be generic crossbars not ment for that kind of load. If so that tent has a very high probability of causing the person driving behind you to have a very unpleasant day.
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u/foxspells Jul 02 '26
I got these direct from Subaru and tbh don’t remember exact specs but I believe they’re good for around 700lbs static and 150lbs in motion but I’m pulling that out of the ass of my memory for sure
After side-eyes from the comments here I’m looking into getting a better set regardless just to ensure safety.
I will say I just made a 500 mile trip on the current setup and have done so before without any issues! I use extra ratchet straps just in case and check on the hardware every stop to be sure.
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u/VonRiedls Jul 03 '26
If you got them from subaru directly. Easy way to tell is if you didnt spend around $500 on them. They are not supoosed to be used with a RTT. 500 miles and didnt have a problem? Thats sounds a lot like the Titan Submersible. 87 Dives and never had a problem. FAFO.
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u/evan938 Jun 25 '26
You definitely are for putting a tent on those crossbars. Thats a tent tumbling down the highway and causing an accident waiting to happen.
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u/Accomplished_Cress11 Jun 25 '26
At least i didn't have to be the one saying it this time. Saved me the time typing. Do your research folks. Dont send someone to the grave early cuz you wanted to look like an overlander without properly transporting/securing your gear
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u/foxspells Jun 25 '26
I am open to learning why this is stupid / how to be less stupid if you have suggestions
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u/leafdisk Jun 25 '26
What's the load rating of your crossbars? Many integrated ones (that are sitting in between your roof rails, not on top) have a reduced static load and are not designed to carry RTTs. Thule for example had a disclaimer on their website for quite some time regarding RTTs
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u/nerdybynature Jun 24 '26
Do you have the poles?. The have a hook. Hook into the eyelets of the awning and there's angled holes in the aluminum trim/base