DIY Clamshell Roof Top Tent Walkaround (Low Profile / No Roof Rack Required) - Toyota 4Runner

► Buy me a coffee if I helped you with this video! www.buymeacoff...
► Support this channel by buying some 4Runner Merch! teespring.com/...
In this video, I show you my new low profile roof top tent that doubles as a roof rack. I go over the tent and talk about how you could perhaps build your own. Enjoy!
RipCord Build: • DIY Wedge Camper | Wal...
Headway Drive Build Playlist: • X-TRAIL T31/Planning a...
All Materials and Products can be found in this spreadsheet (Prices May Vary): docs.google.co...
► Buy me a coffee if I helped you with this video! www.buymeacoff...
► Support this channel by buying some 4Runner Merch! teespring.com/...
Disclaimer:
Due to factors beyond my control, I cannot guarantee against improper use or unauthorized modifications of this information. I assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. Use this information at your own risk. I recommend safe practices when working on vehicles and or with tools seen or implied in this video. Due to factors beyond my control, no information contained in this video shall create any expressed or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Any injury, damage, or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or from the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not me. Enjoy my videos.
As an Amazon Associate, I earn a small commission from qualifying purchases. This cost you nothing and helps support my channel! Thanks!

[@wanderlostNW]

this is amazing, great job! one question here, you mentioned the tent if 96" long, but your parts list showing 82" in length, could you please clarify? thanks man, this is impressive.

[@PhoRunner]

I must have goofed up the numbers lol. It’s 48”x84”. I think that the top panel got cut as it was 48x96 original size. Sorry! Lol

[@wanderlostNW]

@@PhoRunner very appreciated!

[@MiggyM3]

How much do you think the tent weighs? Thanks

[@patriotsleepercell4060]

Finally a roof top tent that is really low profile and close to the car roof.

[@AbrahamZsiros]

The canvas attachment is GENIUS!

[@chloesilva8794]

this is bonkers and I am amazed. Completely beyond my skill level and yet, I'm tempted....

[@PhoRunner]

It wasn’t too hard!! I might buy some more tent material to see if I can create another color with an easier to sew method

[@sharafooniful]

Thanks for sharing. Clearly explained because I watched the japanese gentleman project but because of the language barrier I did not understand what he was saying. Great job

[@Mortarman0341]

Honestly I usually hate clever corny play-on-words channel names, but this just hits different.

[@Sflhunter]

Absolute respect 🫡

[@PhoRunner]

Thx

[@AdrianRomero04]

This is freaking fire man!! Love it! Thank you for this video and build specs!

[@PhoRunner]

Thanks !!

[@doncorleon9]

That t31 guy is my hero

[@chadslagle9253]

This is so cool! I thought I was having an original idea lol but decided to search youtube to see if others were building there own RTT's and found your video....this will make it even easier. Wishing you all the luck on the channel and keep up the good work!

[@PhoRunner]

Thanks! Check my parts list and happy to hear others thoughts as well! Mines still very much work in progress

[@blairrad1785]

Thanks for the video. Love the fishing decal on the back window too.

[@PhoRunner]

Thanks!

[@ThomasJordan-ITW]

Great walkthrough my friend! I went down a rabbit hole of checking out RTT options for my 4Runner, and here I am! Much respect for going the DIY route - I'm considering the same, and this gave me a head start on some ideas. Many thanks and safe travels!

[@PhoRunner]

Cool! Glad I could help

[@ThomasJordan-ITW]

@@PhoRunner Much appreciated - you have an awesome channel. Keep up the great work 👍🏻

[@rjw6487]

Great, very helpful! Especially on how to seal the tent on the top and the bottom. Best from Germany 🙂

[@PhoRunner]

No problem. Greetings

[@carmodity]

Nice work, I like the low profile.

[@PhoRunner]

Same and I like the roof rack aspect too!

[@baavarhaha4902]

it's really good. 190/110/18 I intend to get it

[@vicoll135]

Great project

[@PhoRunner]

It wasn’t fun sewing haha

[@rev.philthyphil6839]

Bra for real! I needed this information. Looks sweet low profile.

[@PhoRunner]

Glad it was helpful!

[@maomaniarocks]

nice! im save this vid. im actually selling my rtt setup and put it towards a camping shell for my Taco.

[@PhoRunner]

Nice. A camper rtt is sweet for a tacoma

[@WeekendOverlanders]

Oh good job!!!

[@PhoRunner]

Thanks !!

[@jatorresrv]

AWESOME build. Thanks for sharing.

[@PhoRunner]

Np!!

[@jwhedge2019]

Outstanding!

[@PhoRunner]

Thanks bud

[@YoungKhalifa88]

Awesome job!

[@PhoRunner]

Thanks

[@marzandtheman2133]

What a fantastic video!! Thanks for all the info!

[@PhoRunner]

No problem!!! Glad you enjoyed it!

[@on-site4094]

Great job 👏 enjoy

[@PhoRunner]

Thx

[@jvh22a]

That's awesome. Thanks for sharing

[@PhoRunner]

Thanksss

[@TheRPetterson]

Dude! Nice!!!

[@PhoRunner]

Thanks

[@ImperiumRacing]

This is so sick!

[@PhoRunner]

Thanks

[@robs_gear_outdoor_reviews]

Very nice work. Thumbs up 👍👍👍

[@PhoRunner]

Thanks

[@bc.epicadventures9567]

Damm bro you did an amazing job 👏.

[@PhoRunner]

Thanks

[@deluxe1030]

tons of great info!!!!

[@PhoRunner]

Thanks!!!

[@bringmeblueskies]

very nice

[@PhoRunner]

Thanks

[@mikevictor3698]

This is awesome looking . Great job

[@PhoRunner]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@Catboy-hr2qp]

Just an FYI avoid the gusseted tnutz corner brackets, dimensions are a tad off which caused the bolt heads to hit each other when putting them in on mine, not a big deal just annoying. Getting close to finishing my tent just gotta figure out the hard sides im doing and what im gonna do for floor and roof. I have a place to get acm panels from but its a 3hr drjve and 115 per and id need 4

[@alexlowry952]

This fantastic. Thanks for sharing

[@PhoRunner]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@wanderlostNW]

“Stealing pillows…” 😂😂

[@PhoRunner]

It happens haha

[@Catboy-hr2qp]

So glad I found your video man! Your design is nearly identical to the one I came up with, only difference was my base used 1x3/1030 extrusions, you even used the same fabric and keder cord I was looking at. I guess as they say great minds think alike. Your video answered alot of questions I had

[@PhoRunner]

Glad I could help. I would do a single sheet of canvas if you want to keep things simple and water tight

[@Catboy-hr2qp]

@PhoRunner one piece as in a trapezoid? Or 2 triangles and 1 rectangle sewn together? I was gonna keep it simple with only a door in the back and 3 mesh windows that have a cover to zip over them. Also any alternatives to the panels? I couldn't find much searching online for alumapanel, I was originally thinking some type of pvc or abs panel

[@PhoRunner]

I couldn’t find anything online that was reasonable

[@Catboy-hr2qp]

@PhoRunner yah shipping kills the cost on them 300-500 for it. I'll probably run plywood till I can get ahold of some type of better sheet for it. I'm rural so really isn't any stores that carry acm nearby

[@Catboy-hr2qp]

​@PhoRunner I'm curious have you used your tent in the rain or snow yet? Part of my reason for building one is to be able to camp in it during the winter with a diesel heater, but not too sure how waterproof the top will be with just that panel bolted to the extrusions I'm sure the sides and bottom will be just fine

[@oneguyonekit]

nice work. looks pro.

[@PhoRunner]

Thanks a lot!

[@TheAucbared]

My mom taught me how to make pho and sew 😂. That's the most Asian statement on here

[@PhoRunner]

Lol

[@jonathanvandyke6073]

What a cool project! So much better than my smittybuilt that feels like driving a sailboat down the road and takes 10 mins to set up on my own. May try to tackle the diy part. Where did you get the fabric from?

[@PhoRunner]

I have a full list of parts in a google sheet in my description. Personally, I think I’d get a ready built one but I do love the customizations I am having with it. The sewing could be better. Lol

[@jakeowens1770]

Love engineers

[@dilipthykkoottathil2506]

Thanks. Nice video

[@EpisodeZach]

Love it! Been pretty inspired by ripcords DIY rtt and seeing a successful diy on a 3rd gen gives me hope. Thanks for the great info! Side note: did you recently size up to 35’s? Those tires are looking beefy

[@PhoRunner]

Same 34s!

[@CamaronesFuegos]

This looks amazing, really great job on your build. I was thinking about making one thats integrated into the aluminum extrusions in my roof-rack (prinsu style) where the hinge is attached to the actual roof-rack (the floor would be the roof-rack), maybe this would allow it to be lighter if i need to remove it, and keep low profile. Sewing looks to be a pain tho, so I will have to think about it.

[@PhoRunner]

Thanks!!! The prinsu rack is a nice rack though and helps with aero dynamics

[@CamaronesFuegos]

@@PhoRunner Yeah I have the uptop bravo rack and figured it would be a good floor for an integrated rooftop tent since its already there. Plus it has a decent windscreen which I am hoping will keep drag down.

[@RedemptionReady]

If you add another clam on top but open the other way, big box tent.

[@PhoRunner]

Heavyyyy hahah

[@pewpew3780]

Great build. Very impressive. What can recommend for a easy off road trail aroud here in NorCal

[@PhoRunner]

I'm not from norcal but an easy trail in central cali is bald mountain or shuteye peak

[@keithbroughstudios]

how much does it weight?? great video!

[@evacanlifeeva499]

This is super cool. Do you know the weight of this tent?

[@patrickstallings9613]

👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@PhoRunner]

Thanks

[@rborges111]

Great job Where did you buy the aluminium corners to fix the outside structured

[@PhoRunner]

Check out my links in the build excel doc

[@JonasAndersson-w3f]

GREAT job! Do you have no issues with rain coming in on the outside of the tent when it is downfolded/you are driving?

[@jmoonies_racing2642]

Can I get that ladder in black?

[@PhoRunner]

I’m not too sure

[@onlinerizq5563]

cool, can you tell the weight of the camp!!

[@PhoRunner]

I’m not sure but 150lb maybe

[@daviddru942]

You kinda glossed over it, but what is the hardware used and how is it used to mount the T-Slot Extrusion bars to the Original rack channel? Am I missing something obvious? Thanks!

[@PhoRunner]

Check my parts list! It’s all organized and mentions the bolt used and length :).

[@savageota3043]

Hey bro what type of steps bars do you buy?

[@PhoRunner]

4xinnovation rock sliders

[@savageota3043]

Thanks bro 🙏

[@chasing_bends]

Wait a minute how is the wedge a perfect rectangle?

[@PhoRunner]

When the shocks are too strong, it won’t sit perfect and will be slightly off when closed

[@chasing_bends]

@@PhoRunner oh i see!

[@baashie]

@@PhoRunner triangle 🔺️ lol

[@RaspyBootLegger]

Hi, I was wondering how you chose to attach the tent walls to the aluminum?

[@PhoRunner]

I bought some keddar rope and used that inside the 8020 channels. Holds good. I show it in my video somewhere.

[@Mike-rk2tj]

So it doesn’t look water or dust proof or did I miss a detail ? Notice any dust inside yet?

[@PhoRunner]

The canvas is waterproof and there’s a weather strip between the clamshells. I haven’t noticed anything inside yet. I could / should probably caulk the top piece to the frame but I haven’t tried it in rain yet. I’ll probably do a water test some day ha

[@alvinmartinez2077]

💎💎💎

[@Joelwilly57]

For the aluminum extrusion what series did you use ( 10 or 15 series ) ?

[@PhoRunner]

10 but i suggest 15 of you want more roof inside the shell! Or thicker 10 series :)

[@Joelwilly57]

@@PhoRunner thank you Sir ..

[@PhoRunner]

The only reason I didn’t go 3” extrusion is the nicer corner pieces aren’t available

[@ericrodriguezpintle7302]

"No wife yelling at you... hopefully" 😆 How much weight does it add to your 4runner?

[@PhoRunner]

Probably 200 max. 150 maybe

[@ericrodriguezpintle7302]

@@PhoRunner I'll consider getting one then, seems bearable. Thanks again!

[@minutemenapparel]

How's your tent been holding up?

[@aiden7west]

so you didnt sell the 4runner?

[@PhoRunner]

It was an April fools joke video

[@3rdgenbestgen21]

Hey bro quick question unrelated to your youtube title lol. I also have a manual hub conversion and basically want same type of tires you have, did you need anything to fit those? I plan to run 285/75/16. I have 2.5” OME lift.

[@PhoRunner]

You might be fine with that size on km3 (runs small) but you’ll want to adjust the caster if you can. Mine are also 285/75/17 so it’s an inch bigger than what you’re planning on running

[@3rdgenbestgen21]

@@PhoRunner My bad i don’t know where my brain went when i ask that question earlier. I meant to ask for your rims, those Trd Rims LOL, did you need spacers? are those 106 mil?

[@PhoRunner]

No spacers at all on there :). +4mm offset

[@HarietSims]

How are tou supporting the weight on the roof

[@PhoRunner]

It sits on the factory rail(not cross bars)

[@HarietSims]

@@PhoRunner I know but those have a weight limit usually less than your weight and tent weight....

[@PhoRunner]

Only the crossbars are rated. The side rails aren’t rated at all. Only Toyota will know but me and my 2 little boys sleep in it and haven’t noticed any issues.

[@PhoRunner]

I might add that the Sherpa rack and many other racks mount to the same location. It’s a structural part of the vehicle.

[@PhoRunner]

@@HarietSims let me know when you find out what it is

[@chopperpl]

Nice job, but I guess you don't drive when it rains. With no seals your mattress would be soaked in water.

[@PhoRunner]

I do drive around in the rain and it’s not soaked. It has seals on the closing part. Just not the bottom

[@seadsejfovic9127]

how does this do in the rain? it doesnt seem like there is much consideration for gutters and waterflow, at the corners specifically

[@joehenley2755]

Hmm?..I own a 3rd gen and I own a sign shop..lol

[@PhoRunner]

Lol nice

[@ryantherk]

Wait he built it at the same price you can buy them

[@PhoRunner]

Yup. It is not cost effective. Prices are coming down on them so buying may be best if they can actually ship it to you

[@daviddru942]

Nicely done!

[@PhoRunner]

Thanks