Roof Top Tent Hack Supplies
1.5 inch Memory Foam Topper: amzn.to/2XUKTzN [paid link]
Fixe Stainless Steel Bolt Hanger: amzn.to/3lQgKK9 [paid link]
1/4" x 50' Bungee Shock Cord: amzn.to/39ykNF2 [paid link]
2" Black Metal Footman Loop: amzn.to/3o9W4PM [paid link]
1" x 3' Tie Down Straps: amzn.to/2XRDBNe [paid link]
I may have been a RTT skeptic for a number of years in the past, but at this point I'm fully on board. We usually have one on our trailer, which is a lot more convenient than having one on your truck. But the 4Runner isn't a daily driver.
While there are a lot of reasons to like a Roof Top Tent, there are a few things that suck.
Hack #1: The Mattress
First, and easiest to fix is the mattress. I have this Smittybilt Overlander Gen 2 and another one from Tepui and they both have a hard, uncomfortable foam mattress. I bought a thin memory foam topper from Target. It's the thinnest memory foam I could find and it makes the mattress comfortable enough to get a good night's sleep. Cover it with a sheet and you're all set.
Hack #2: Stuffing
This style RTT that folds up is always a pain to get all the fabric sucked in. so you can close it. To solve this problem get a couple rock climbing bolt hangers. You'll need get the 1/2 hangers to fit the bolt.
Then just remove the main pivot bolt nut where the tent hinges and install a bolt hanger on each side.
Then use some 1/4" bungee shock cord and tie one end to the bolt hanger and one end to an accessory carabiner. Make it tight enough to pull in the sides of the tent. Clip it to the other bolt hanger and before you fold up the tent, slip it up and tuck in any pieces of loose fabric. The carabiner lets you unclip one side which you'll need to do to install any of the room options if you have one of those.
Hack #3: Compression
The last hack is to fix the problem of these janky velcro closures. If you leave bedding in the tent, it can be hard to get it compressed enough to close properly. Especially if you have the memory foam topper too.
To solve this, replace the factory closures with a footman loop and a cam strap. You'll need to drill holes and screw the loops in with sheet metal screws. You can use the d-rings at the top here, but if you put too much tension on them they'll rip out. If that happens you can add another footman loop there.
BONUS ROOF TOP TENT HACK
Some tents come with a shoe bag that straps to the edge of the RTT and is accessible from the top of the ladder. You also have the spring rods that hold open the rain fly awnings. I also like to have a door mat at the bottom of the ladder. These things can all be stored on top of the folded tent and below the cover. Once the cover is zipped into place, they have nowhere to go. Just don't let them fall on your head when you open it up!
That's it! Happy Camping!
-M