How to Mount a Roof Top Tent on a Chevy Avalanche
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- Опубликовано: 11 окт 2020
- The most asked question I get concerning my Avalanche concerns the Roof Top Tent. More specifically, I get asked how I mounted it over the bed. The reason for this is due to the Avalanche having a bed that is unlike a normal truck bed. There are no places to mount an accessory rack, and the sail panels at the back of the cab make things a little complicated as well. But despite these things, GM can still be credited with creating an innovative bed design that has massive amounts of versatility, including the factory 3-piece tonneau cover.
The RTT featured is Smittybilt's Overlander. It is a comfortable 3-season RTT that you can get at a fraction of what some other RTT's cost. You can order one for yourself through www.4wp.com.
The rack system on the bed panels is Yakima's 48" round bars with the old style Q-towers and Q30 clips. Everything needed can be found at www.yakima.com.
I do state in the video that I purchased all Yakima products and the RTT from Facebook marketplace, which made my costs significantly less than buying the various products new.
WHERE TO BUY:
Yakima Q-Towers (need 4 total):
yakima.com/products/q-towers-...
Yakima Q-Clips (need 4 total):
www.amazon.com/Yakima-Q-30-Cl...
Yakima 48" Round Bars (need 2 total):
yakima.com/products/roundbar?...
Smittybilt Overlander Roof Top Tent:
www.4wheelparts.com/p/smittyb... 
Авто/Мото
![How to install a roof rack in a Chevy truck using nutserts [rivnuts]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/duIeTSozzN0/mqdefault.jpg)
My father had this truck and when he passed he gave it to me. This is the best truck ever made. Idc what anyone says. Also those side storage boxes have drain holes so you can use them as coolers 😎 I do it every summer.
I NEVER KNEW I COULD USE THEM AS COOLERS
Is it reliable
@@Anonymous-jj9yu yes. My 03 has had NO MAJOR REPAIRS. Still running great driving smooth. My wife uses it as a daily driver. That truck has driven to florida and back from CT multiple times.
@@Anonymous-jj9yu and if you know New England you know we get snow and vehicles rust. The little bit of rust aint doing jack to the Avy 💪🏻
@@prolly2stoned420 how many miles and what are common problems with them wanna get a 2010 one but it’s at 200+ miles but in really good condition all around but idk anything about them
I'm so glad I ran across this video! I bought everything you have for a total of about $830 and have it mounted on my 2010 Avalanche. I love it!
You got the crossbar ? Where did you get it ?
Where did you purchase it
How reliable is the avalanche
Thanks. I just bought an old Chevrolet Avalanche 2004. And I have a lot to do! Good luck with everything! Greetings from Russia!
Thank you my friend for this video , you deserve a Grammy
I wouldn't go that far. I still have a lot to learn for video recording and editing!
My dad gave me one when I started university. I ended up trading it for a gen 2, because I hated all the plastic on the original, like the Pontiac Aztecs better looking big brother lol. I seen the Black gen 2 Avalanche on Goldberg's Bullrun show and knew I needed that model lol. Avalanche is the only American vehicle my family ever bought, and I have nothing but great memories!
I have a 5th gen 4Runner TRD Off Road, and have ordered a Bronco Raptor, but I have decided i'm buying an Avalanche as a project vehicle, to see how much I can build it up for overlanding! A labor of love, because they are so nostalgic for me! Lol. I was car camping in one before the term "overlanding" existed lol. I started the trend😂
You did an excellent job on this video. Thank you very much.
appreciate it!
I finally got my tent. Sleeps 4. Smittybuilt gen 1 xl. Cost me 500. Yakima bars and q towers cost me 100.
Keys locks few bucks from Amazon. Again thank you for all your help
Excellent video, thank you! Observing the mounting of the tent on the round bars, I can't help but notice that it would be possible to mount the tent higher, using additional vertical supports, thus creating a space underneath it, making your Yakima system essentially a two-tiered construction that could be used to keep a kayak, for example, or for additional storage, protected from the elements by the tent above. Keep up the no-nonsense approach, and I'm looking forward to the tent camping video.
While you’re correct that I can add vertical supports, the fewer mounting points I have in the system, the better. Each is a potential fail point and the more that are there, the more strain is put on the entire system while moving, especially over rough terrain.
I do plan to build a bed rack that gets the tent higher and that allows it to be mounted to open over the side. Hopefully that will be happening this Fall.
Thank you so much for your detailed video. It describes and educates on why you mounted it the way you did and how your method works in a way that is easy to digest. I also learned a lot about this truck in the process. It reminds me of a Subaru Baja but larger. I was planning on buying one but now I like the Avalanche more.
It is similar to the Baja in some ways, but also vastly different. While the Baja is truly just an Outback with the rear roof cut off and chassis reinforcement, the Avalanche is a bit more than just a chopped Suburban. The combination of the midgate, the side boxes, and the weather proof bed panels truly make it a one-of-a-kind vehicle.
This video was genius and a game changer. Ur a G bro litterly designed ur own system true G-nius
Glad I found your channel because I have a 2003 Chevy Avalanche & wanted to get a rooftop tent. Thank you :-) DO you have videos of the full setup with the tent?
I'm planning to do s full review on Smittybilt's Overlander RTT later this month actually. When I do that one, I'll also be doing a video for how I organize everything for when I set up at a site.
Impressive!! Well done.
Thanks! I'l probably end up doing a custom made rack that ties into the c-pillar so I can get the tent just a couple inches higher, and to allow it to open off the side, but for now, this is a great budget-minded set up.
Just thought I should let everone know some things about this idea. My job as the Warranty Specialist for Yakima compels me to share that the Q tower system is held on with tension. Putting a tent on this system can compromise that tension and cause the entire system to pop off, potentially while driving, which would be a disaster.
It is important that everyone knows that doing this voids any Yakima warranty, whether something goes wrong or not.
Hey buddy!!! Thanks for posting this!! Works like a charm!!!
eventually I'll probably do a custom rack that allows me to open it off the side, but for a budget focused build, this works incredibly well.
Holy crap. So simple. Thanks.
sometimes it's the easiest and simplest solutions that work incredibly well.
That looks awesome. I have a 2010 LTZ with a 6" Lift. I'm going a different route with mine. I'm going to fabricate a bed rack for my Avy. The build is going to be interesting.
Yeah, I ended up making a bed rack too after this. And now I’m making another after learning a few things from the first that I want to tweak and have it function better.
Nice work around 🍻
Thanks! Eventually I want to do a custom rack that will put the tent a little higher and allow me to remove the bed cover panels while the tent is still mounted. Right now I have to completely remove the tent if I want to take the panels out. That's really the only downside to this set up.
@@takeroadslesstraveled6505 i plan on doing this www.cargoglide.com/ www.etrailer.com/Accessories-and-Parts/CargoGlide/CG-AVAL.html
Genius idea for what you have
Simply Brilliant!!
It's a pretty simple idea really.
@@takeroadslesstraveled6505 now that I've seen it, yea it is! The way you put it together is brilliant!!
Imma try this with my 07
I tell ppl that it’s not a truck an they look at me crazy lol you just schooled most ppl that own one of these 👍. I looooove my 07 ltz
I did a bunch of research before deciding on getting my 06. The biggest factor for me was avoiding the AFM that’s on the 07-13’s. But I do think the 2nd gens have a cleaner look to them overall.
Hey, how does the tensioning system work for the Q clips? Currently building a setup for a RTT and my biggest concern is securing it down to the bed. Thanks for your help!
Are those bed walls strong enough to run E-track/L-trac/etc for more cargo securement locations?
Great video, and great idea for the rooftop tent location.! Question: I am going to do something similar, and need to know which "style" you used. You say in the video that you used the Q30 clips, but the link you provided only lists Q3, Q31, etc - does not list a Q30 option? Could you please clarify? Thanks!
Only thing I can say is that maybe the link changed for them. A quick call/email to Yakima or an eBay search should get you the Q30 clips you need.
I found some on Facebook - thanks
And just those who are avalanche fans might know but you can add utility bar holders. You have to spend $1000 for the topper for the avalanche first and it basically converts it into a SUV then
And also the roof racks are already installed into your topper when you buy the Chevy avalanche topper
Still waiting on that suspension video cheers 😁
Yeah, I know. Just trying to figure out when to do it and also how I want to present it.
Don't over think it have fun🍻
@@Wardrumsnetwork I'm actually gonna wait to do this until spring. I need to get new tires after this winter and plan to go up a size. once I have those on there, I'll be sure to post a video on the full set up.
Well, I'm pulling the trigger and on my way to do this. Got parts ordered! Quick question though....which q tower pads do you use/recommend? Thanks in advance.
They’re the regular pads that come with the q-towers. Nothing fancy.
No fishtailing either but I haven't "really" tried lol
Does it only work with Q30 clips? I can not find them anywhere Ebay Amazon or Yakima
just got a couple round bars and 4 q towers. im wondering if the q32 clips would fit. is there enough adjustment in the q tower to make it work?
I don't know the differences between the Q30 and Q32 clips, so best I can say is try it and see.
Do happen to know the distance between the q towers on your 48’’ bar? My towers keep sliding on the bed panels.
Thanks for the help!
Inside edge of the q-towers are 2.5” from the edge of the bed cover and have a space of 45” between them (inside tower edge to inside tower edge)
I want those rack, I too have a Avalanche, where can I get’um?
Cool truck but that's a bad bad horrible idea to mount a roof top tent on a Q Tower or any tower system that relies on clips and pressure / tension to keep it on a roof or hard tonneau cover. The simple reason is that the weight of the tent flexes the clips and towers outward while the tower system relies on inward pressure to stay on there. If the towers were hard fixed to the cover via bolts you might be in a better position but as it sits here its radically unsafe.
Could you possibly please add Luke for the rack system yakamok I can find the right ones or at least I don’t think I can.
Done. Check the updated video description for links for the needed Yakima parts, as well as the RTT itself.
@@takeroadslesstraveled6505 what model q clips are they? Are they Q3’s?
I do have on question for you! Its obvious visibility is affected. Can you see anything whatsoever from your rear view mirror?
Unfortunately the rear view mirror is pretty much useless with the RTT in place. However, a set of tow mirrors do wonders for rear visibility. Be looking for a video on swapping current model tow mirrors onto a 2002-2006 Avalanche.
I'm a new Avalanche owner/fan dreaming about overlanding. I invite you to join the Avalanche overlanding group on Facebook. I've just subscribed to your channel and look forward to following your uploads. This video was awesome! Thanks man 👍
Do you happen to have a link for the group?
facebook.com/groups/573159276371564/?ref=share
Are you sure 48 inch works on the bed covers? 58 seems like it would work better
58 is too wide and keeps the saddlebag lids from being able to open. 48” bar is perfect.
I mean.... my question isn't really how you did it, but why? I camp in mine all the time by folding the back seats down. The height of the bed makes an air mattress fit with room to spare and the rear bed covers make it water proof.
This seems like an over complicated solution to an easy problem. Sorta on the level of putting a rooftop tent on an RV or camper trailer.
Bottom line, people have different methods of camping.
But if you really want my reasons, I use the truck bed for gear storage (fridge/cooler; kitchen setup; extra gear for the campsite; spare parts and fluids) when traveling and my personal stuff in the back seat.
Having the RTT means I don’t have to unload all the stuff in the bed every time I want to sleep. It also makes things much easier when I have my family with me. My wife and kids can all be in the RTT and I string up a hammock at the ladder so anything that wants to get to them has to get through me first.
I’ve slept with an air mattress in the bed and the seats down, in the RTT, in a hammock, a ground tent, across the back seat, in the front with the seat reclined, and on the ground with just a wool blanket beneath me. For me, I prefer the RTT or the hammock.
@@takeroadslesstraveled6505 that makes more sense. Works perfect for me or my gf, but would be weird with kids.
Is that a factory roof rack? I've been looking into roof racks for my 04 and having a hard time deciding which route to go. I want a sturdy rack that covers the majority of the roof but somewhat wary of the problems that could arise from drilling
It is not the factory roof rack. My Avalanche didn't come with a roof rack, so I got one from a Tahoe and cut it down to the length I wanted. Measured 3 times and marked where all the holes would need to be drilled. Then I used nutserts in the holes I drilled with a coating of RTV to seal them to prevent any leaks. To attach the rack, I used stainless hardware with neoprene washers between the nutserts and rack bottom and then again under the bolt heads to further prevent any possible leaks.
@@takeroadslesstraveled6505 thanks for the reply! I thought it looked like a gm roof rack, did you find yours at a junkyard? If so how much was it?
@@bradleymenezes6196 yeah, pulled from a local yard. It was around $25, then another $10 or so in new hardware for it. I already had the nutserts and RTV, but if you needed those too, I would say you're probably looking at around $60 total for everything (nutserts, nutsert tool, stainless hardware, JY roof rack, neoprene washers, RTV).
@@takeroadslesstraveled6505 gotcha. That's a damn good price for getting a rack up there. The way I've been looking at it though, if I'm already going to be drilling into the roof, I may as well build a more sturdy rack. My plan is to have a small storage compartment and a kayak up on there, and want to make sure it is strong enough to handle that
Does it matter what pads you use for the towers? Google tells me it depends on the car
The clips are all that really matter. The pads just help protect the bed covers from the towers digging in. If you don’t have the tower pads, a piece of silicone or rubber under each will do the trick.
@@takeroadslesstraveled6505 awesome, thanks man!
Bought an 05 a few weeks ago and keep telling people it’s basically a Burban or Tahoe.
A Suburban with the back chopped off. The Tahoe has a shorter wheelbase.
How big is your tent? I got my bars in place looking for a tent now
58” x 49” when closed up.
@@takeroadslesstraveled6505 I take it that only sleeps 2?
I know this is an older video but aren’t those panels only rated for like 200lbs?
Yes, but 200lbs each, so with the weight distributed it’s been fine.
What roof racks are you using
the base rack I pulled from a junkyard Tahoe and cut the length down to fit the Avalanche. The basket is from ROLA, model 59504
Did your covers leak?
Thankfully no. A thin RTV bead on the edges of the rack base plates (something I thought of after making the video) kept any leaks from happening.
Can the bed hold up the weight?
It sure can. Each panel can support 250lbs, so spreading the tent across two of them means 500lbs of support. Been almost a year with this set up and I’ve had zero issues.
@@takeroadslesstraveled6505 how did you like the avalanche 4x4 capability when overlanding and how difficult is the trail? Im still debating if i want to get my brother’s truck knowing its a full size truck and kinda heavy
@@Jblaze878 it holds its own. I came from the Jeep world (had a built 99 XJ and a built 00 TJ), and everything in the state of VA was easy, so it’s been a big adjustment with the long wheelbase and low clearance. But it’s handled everything and everywhere I’ve gone so far. There’s one trail here in VA I won’t take her on, just cuz I know the clearance isn’t there. It’s forced me to be more careful with my line choices and to use a spotter, but I think it’s making me a smarter driver off-road as well.
Any Q30 equivalent clips? 30s are hard to find. I found 2. Just need 2 more
Update. Q51 and equivalent to q30. Just cut off nodule.
Man that is cool. FYI, its not a suburban, its a Tahoe.
Sorry man, but you’re wrong. It is not built off the Tahoe. It is most certainly built off the longer wheelbase chassis of the Suburban.
@@takeroadslesstraveled6505; I stand corrected, Suburban and Avalanche 130" wheelbase
Quick question.....does the base of the q tower swivel to mate up with the flat surface....most of the pics I've seen of the q towers appear to show the base at an angle (due to the fact that most cars have a curved roll at the edges of the roof)....hope that makes since, lol. Love this idea, just wanna make sure I get the right parts.
It does have a little play in it so that it will sit flush with the mounting surface
You said it holds 250 pounds. But most people camp with their significant others and together is most likely over 250 pounds.
Each panel holds 200 lbs, so camping with your significant other will be fine. I spent a weekend with my dad and we used the roof top tent and had zero issues.
Best trucks. Chevy_avalanches