BEST & CHEAPEST 270 Awning on Amazon! + NEW Truck Camper Bed Rack System 2023

[@IDAHOverland]

To extract the tent with the tractor, put the forks above the tent, and run straps under the tent to the forks (like an engine hoist). Run the straps over the tent from the front pillar to the opposite rear pillar (making an X).

[@daviddenning4002]

Maybe try wrapping straps around the whole setup and picking it up from the top of the tent.

[@aaronhernandez9348]

This gotta be my favorite overlanding review. I love cinematic videos like a lot of channels with hella following. But nothing like a genuine review with no cuts. No b-roll. Just a one take review in real time. Great job man. Thanks for doing this extensive review.

[@KayakUSA1]

Appreciate that!

[@NavigatingwithNafe]

Nice setup TJ, got an easy & cheap idea how you can lift that up off the truck solo. Get yourself a 7' or 8' heavy duty pallet to run your forks through, as a matter of fact, your pretty crafty, build yourself one. THEN, you'll be able to lift that system off the truck. I've operated forklifts for many years & have had to utilize pallets for awkward & bulky items about the size of your system. Treated lumber would be your best bet, 4x4 structure with 1x6 slats, and measure it out to 4' wide allowing for room between the rail supports system.

[@liquidleblanc1920]

Just get 2 larger pieces of PVC pipe that fit over the forks as extensions to lift it off, not only will it extend your forks for your idea to work but the PVC will act as a protection Against scratching or scuffing your setup. I use the same method for lifting boats when working on them, Works like a charm.

[@KayakUSA1]

Great idea! Thanks bud!

[@ImrtaRamParihar]

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[@toddshook1765]

Thanks for showing the awning. People spend few thousand dollars on tents and awnings: you’ve got probably $2000 invested in your setup. For as much as going to use it worth it to me to not spend too much. I got the tent in my wishlist and now the awning. I try to be frugal.

[@t3angling575]

TJ, I may have to stop watching your channel. 🤣🤣 I cannot keep up with all the changes. I haven’t finished my trailer build yet, and here you are a camper shell build out, and now this!😂😂. Seriously though, what a great system. I have a camper shell on my truck, have had it on since 2011. I have taken it off several times, and it is heavy. The part I don’t like is the weather strip tape that has to be replaced each time I remove it. So, I just leave it. I can camp out of it, typically don’t as I bought the ARB 8x8x8 foot awning with deluxe room attachment, and mount it to the Yakima Roof Rack System. Got the quick disconnects for it so it is a breeze to take off and remount when needed. I use the awning and deluxe room for camping, use the campershell to keep gear stores and locked. The trailer build, all I am doing with that is adding uprights to each side, telescoping like you did, and hang the RoadShower XL, my kayak, and the ARB awning and room. So that way. I can park and camp off the trailer, and if I need to go get something, I do not have to pack up camp just go get ice and cold beer. Redundant be functional and I do not lose any capability of my truck. Love the setup. Awesome! Great video!

[@KayakUSA1]

Sound Awesome!! 🤙🏼

[@azxp]

Personally, I have a rtt trailer like your old set up and I love it. As far as your logic, I think this is the best setup for your situation. Easy set up and tear down is a plus and having all of that extra space for storage is a plus. I mean come on a 270 awning you couldn't ask for anything more. I think I would build something that is just taller than you the bed of your truck and unbolt the setup, then slide it onto the apperatice you built. That way you can do it solo. It would be heavy and you would probably have to go slow, but less worry about hitting your truck and you wouldn't have to rely on help, but it would take up some more space in your backyard. Looks great congrats. One last thing, the price was amazing for both peices. 2K for a roof top tent and a 270 is amazing.

[@brianlykins6663]

Nice looking set up. Come in from the back, throw a couple of 4x4's on forks,front and rear to pick up unit. Or longer forks, if forks long enough could get it from sides or back.

[@orchestratedpassage9468]

I've used rectangle steel tubing to extend my forks. Just slides on over the forks

[@jliv1895]

Just put a 2x6 across the end of your forks. It will distribute the force of the fork tips on the bottom of the tent and prevent damage

[@getoutsideandlive]

I think I would probably stick with the shell like you had set up previously, just remove the living quarters. It does seem like it would keep all your belongings secure and out of the weather and you could still haul larger taller items under the shell where that would not work on the Diamond Back. All of it looks good though. Love the tent and the awning!

[@brucem1553]

I'm building myself a camper shell build. With removable items so I can continue to use the bed of my truck. I love the awning but being on a budget, I'm going to do a DIY version similar. I thought about roof top tents but don't care much for them.. I did buy a truck bed tent and then was offered my truck shell at a good price so I've never use the truck bed tent though it does fit great and looks nice. I think the setup that's removable for me will be a better option.

[@trailhunterusa]

Great video. I love it when you said your were outside and we would probably here the dogs and chickens. I've got a rooster and chickens and it seems he doesn't chime in much until I go out and start filming something. LOL. I've been looking at these. Think I'm going to go with the tent and awning. Thanks for the video

[@RUSERIOUS76]

A winch system would be best. Loop around the extended section of the cross bars. Then you could put some c rails on dollies and move it around when it's not on the truck.

[@ShawnTylerF]

I use rigging straps looped under the rack and put the forklift forks through the loops above the tent when I take mine off.

[@harrypierce1298]

I wish they made a 180. My ARB tent opens over the tailgate of my pickup and old school grand wagoneer.

[@TheGKLM]

That set up is goals.

[@erichernandez3119]

Just awesome, congrats brother, just got a 2023 TRD and this is exactly what I going to get it set with 👏👏👏

[@Onebandit]

If you have a place to hook up some straps to lift rack up drive out from under it then you can move it to a place to store it straps will be able to not damage tent either

[@dustinm5667]

We have built fork extenders out of rectangular tubing before. Find some that will slide over your existing forks, even if it is thin-walled you can weld some plate steel on top to reinforce it. Since it is a fairly light load it won't take much to reinforce that tubing.

[@KayakUSA1]

Good idea ! Thanks

[@El_Tigre562]

This is more my style than the camper shell, to be able to remove it when you need to or not. The only thing I do different is instead of the DiamondBack, is a rolling tonneau, so you can still open it and access everything in the bed! As for solo removal, you could build something with 2x4's that you drive between, then slide poles or 2x4s under the tent, lift, and drive out.

[@MrTullomania]

I just returned from a three day campout in Monument Valley. It was windy day and night. Glad I was in a hard shell so I could get a full night's sleep. I worry that this set up wouldn't have allowed me to sleep soundly. How loud is it in 50 to 60 mph winds all night long? I figure the buffeting noise and the sail effect of the polyester fabric and the high profile would be a problem. It seems like an awesome set up for calm camping environments, but the desert? Curious if someone can speak to its effectiveness in sustained high winds

[@aaronwiles5213]

The Yakima Overhaul is awesome for adjustability. I use the Retrax cover with T-slot adjustment on my ‘21 Tundra

[@ridgewood2771]

Look good. Those welds on the uprights are spot on!

[@KayakUSA1]

I think so too!

[@Butermilkbisqit]

What a cool setup! This bed cover takes into account if you have ramboxes. Definitely something I am going to consider. Though, I think I’d have to go with a camper shell. I take my golden retriever with me and not sure about getting her in a RTT. Thinking a custom camper shell to allow me to use my rambox. Currently just camp in the back seat since Ram’s back folds down flat. Works well, not in a huge hurry to replace.

[@jasonsiler8300]

Man that set up is bad ass! I’ve been looking at Thule soft tops but now I’ll just order one of these for the same money. 😆

[@CROCKET44]

Just found your channel. I have the same truck and have been wanting to do a roof top. Appreciate you making these videos it has helped me to understand what options I have.

[@KayakUSA1]

Welcome aboard! I’ve got some really cool stuff coming for the Tacoma soon 🤙🏼 Thanks for the support!

[@taushaberry7812]

Love your Favorife fishing shirt !! Thank u for doing this ! I gv been researching this exact tent n awning system !! Now I know for sure !! I’m disabled w my arms n it’s to hard to set up my car tent ! This is life changing !!

[@andrewvaldez3408]

You can use some 4x4s as dunnage to pick this off the truck using the top bar from the Yakima rack

[@leroycrummett3306]

Building fork extensions out of 2x6 and 2x2 to encase the metal forks would be light enough to handle solo and strong enough to handle the load of the tent and awning.

[@charlesvalkyrie4096]

Another channel uses a 270plus wall system for it it seemed to work really well for him. Thank you for the review. Oh and it does not have a floor just yet but the wall system has velcro at the bottom so it seems like they are planning on making a floor for it

[@theadventuresofcheese]

Good looking setup but I'm 100% in the topper/bed system setup.

[@brianhoyt2469]

Maybe a pallet slipped over the forks cut down to fit in between the vertical supports but long enough to pass through to the other side? The wood would be soft enough to keep from scratching any finish up and be more forgiving than metal forks hitting things especially the truck. Also maybe a lumber or PVC vertical guide along side the bed as a visual guide to know when you’re at your minimum distance before hitting the truck. Love the new setup TJ and everything looks super clean, I’m really OCD with caring for my things and planning so I appreciate the thought and execution you put into your projects/videos. 😎👍🏻

[@KayakUSA1]

Thanks Brian! I appreciate the support man!

[@ExploreLandandSea]

I would like to see a review on the wall kit for the awning. "Plus Room"

[@jeremiahalmos2643]

Its pretty dam close! I love diamond backs. The tent and awning are really nice. Pluse you said you never used the shell camping anyway. You have a camper to dont you? Almost pulled the trigger diamond but Went ARE. I have kids and dogs. Montana weather i need the hard back cover and warmth. But Tennessee this is all you need and will be great for you and your wife.

[@cardsfanbj]

The awning is an interesting idea, but I don't like the thought of having to pack it up every time I want to leave my campsite. The trip I'm planning is to Custer State Parke, SD, and part of the plan is driving around to their wildlife loop, Badlands NP, Deadwood, and a bunch of other places and it seems like too much of a hassle to go through every time I come back to camp for the night, undo and setup the awning, and pack it away in the morning before taking off. I like the rooftop tent, it's easy enough to pack everything flat or take out your sleeping bag and pillow before closing up the clamshell, and you leave the bed free for packing things away, and I've already got something similar to the tonneau cover (Pace Edwards Jackrabbit retractable tonneau with their explorer rails, same T-slot system for mounting the Yakima rack)

[@whatwasthat3269]

I ordered this awning cause of your review. What an awesome awning. I got the wall kit also.

[@64dejones]

Love the Diamondback-RTT-Awning setup! I used an engine hoist w/arm extension to lift my RTT to the top of my Bronco.

[@leocaballero6984]

I have one just like it. My favorite feature are the led lights!

[@Two_Buck]

Great setup.

[@jeffreyrussell1374]

Thats awsome man!!!!!

[@mmntramonti]

Great video! I love this setup.

[@KayakUSA1]

Thanks!

[@chrisdobbelaere70]

Great set up. I’m about to install my Naturnest tent on my 4Runner / Prinsu. I have an arb awning mounted to the Prinsu. I would like to raise it up and mount to the tent to make room for Prinsu grab handles and BD rock lights. I’m wondering if there is a bracket that can be used to mount to the tent and clear the struts for the awning? It looks like your set up is attached to your rack vs the tent?

[@williammcconnell5290]

I'd love to see the actual mounting of the awning to the crossbar.

[@kevsgonefishing]

1800-CASCADE, they can direct you to a fork dealer. You can go 11\2 times the length of your forks with slide on extensions

[@CatchingWithDylin]

Hey man thank you for all your tips! I have personally found you as one of the most informative channels on KZbin! The way you put so much detail into showing everything is just beyond helpful!!!! I do have a kayak question that I hope you can answer, I have a 52 inch shaft motor guide xi3 and I want to put it on my kayak! Is that too long of a shaft or is the no such thing

[@KayakUSA1]

I appreciate that bud, as long as you don’t mind the motor sticking up a little high above the kayak you’ll be good 👍🏼

[@keithhughes2936]

Strap a couple 2x6's to your forks to reach across.

[@shawnholton8996]

That's what I was going to suggest but you beat me to it.

[@davesantimaw5413]

I remember your unboxing the RTT a few months ago. Since that time, how satisfied are you with it now?

[@leocaballero6984]

You can put a 4x4 (wood) at the end of the forks and lift it off

[@richardmaxey713]

Just use a couple C-Clamps and two ten foot 4x4 's on the top of your forks to make the reach for the whole thing..:)

[@travislubbeck316]

I do like the camper shell, but not to sleep in, just for better storage. For the time being I just use storage totes. No bed cover or anything

[@scottw6928]

Being the forks do not lift straight up and down but in an arcing motion I would think you risk wrecking the mounting threaded studs? I use a small hoist system for my iKamper/Voodoo mount setup.

[@ColoradoMikeC]

great video. I've got the same tent. curious if you can mount the awning to the channels on the side of the tent itself rather than the cross bars on your rack with their mounting plate?

[@wc6110]

The PVC Idea would work perfect, you could also use the same theory and build it out of wood and with the use of hinges you could make a stand once it is off the truck.

[@MooreAdventures.]

Get some square tubing that’ll fit over the forks and cut them to the length you need

[@mervinemanuel1668]

Hi there, I would suggest to use fork extenders or 4 inch tubes (PVC or metal pipe) that extend past the length of the RTT to be able lift off the rack... PVC could be used since you are not moving it over long distances. Great look for your RIG...

[@KayakUSA1]

Great suggestion! Thanks

[@gelhorner6556]

Okay this is sick...💥

[@brando7745]

Mount some aluminum c channel across to the mounting rails, that you already have. That way you can just grab tractor and go, not have to grab additional thing to add to the forks. Paint it black as well

[@KayakUSA1]

Very good idea and I think it would be safer this way too

[@a6intrudr]

A much better set up than the camper top. What is the height of the tent when it is completely closed?

[@KayakUSA1]

Thanks , the tent closed is about 7” tall

[@bradsexton7295]

I like them both. The bed cap would be more practical for me because I am almost 55 so climbing a ladder into a tent would not be a good idea for me.

[@tylerglidden2922]

Strap 2x6s to your forks to extend your reach. It's not that heavy

[@Natschke_Family_Adventures]

Pipe over the forks. Drill some holes to hold it in place with straps.

[@michael_mc_gowan]

Nice, but I like the topper setup. I feel more protected in mine, at least, but I have a topper ez-lift system. Plan to build a rack system to lower the topper onto when I need the full use of the bed. I am definitely getting that awning though.

[@d.r.becknerfishing2674]

PVC pipe for extension and should not scratch it. Just a thought

[@GNCLOVER]

Hey Bud. Great video. I have the same setup on my Tacoma. Question, did you mount both mounts to the rear top rack or one in front roof rack and one in back?

[@russellstill2208]

Just put a 2x4 across the end of the forks and spread the load out on the bottom of the tent.

[@oneplus2ins]

Can you use the awning without having to deploy the front section over the doors and if yes, is it out of the way? I figure I don't need the whole setup for solo trips.

[@Adventurexoutdoors]

How long is this tent, trying to figure out my bed rack height i want to run.

[@dannysharpe9966]

Curious how it will fare in the rain, like leaks.

[@lizgraves1077]

Get some big PVC pipes, put over the forks and extend the length.

[@RKempke]

Just put a 4x4 across your forks that spans far enough left and right to reach the tent mounting tracks so your forks don't dig into the bottom of the tent.

[@DeepBlueandBeyond]

Setup looks great but with this setup you cannot open the diamond back system which makes it difficult to use the entire bed, or access something towards the front of the bed... I currently have the BakFlip MX4 Tonneau Cover, trying to figure out a way to keep that as is but add a bed rack system for a Naturenest and awning but still have full access. The bed rack systems I've seen so far won't work with a 2019 6' bed.

[@KayakUSA1]

Stay tuned… Tonight’s video you’ll see how I can run my tent and still open my Diamondback with no problem… 😉

[@mikefahey7450]

How do I find a previous video of yours. You went back to visit a guy that bought a old kayak/trailer. It was a red kayak and the guy had this huge 12in display finder on the yak?

[@KayakUSA1]

My channel 🤙🏼

[@randallthompson-v2j]

Does the Nature nest hard case roof tent have to extend forward over the cab? I'd like to be able to back it in out of my garage with the tent on the rack so I'd like to keep it behind the cab but I've only got a 5 foot bed on the Colorado.

[@patrickbrennan2346]

skid/pallet or pvc pipe over forks

[@kennethshelly8457]

Heavy pvc pipe wrapped with carpet slide the pipe over the forks the carpet protects the tent

[@KayakUSA1]

Very good idea 👍🏼

[@StephenSMITH-b2k]

I have a question. With this set up. What are your plans for transporting your kayaks? I love the set up and am thinking of doing the same. Just not sure about how to transport two kayaks at the same time.

[@KayakUSA1]

Check out my channel 😉

[@thernningmn7031]

Please stop doing reviews!!! I am going to need a 2nd job. LOL!!! Already bought the tent based on your review and now just ordered this bad boy!! Honestly, thanks for reviewing these items the way you do.

[@KayakUSA1]

😂 Glad I could help! Lol

[@Champagneslifestyle]

@@KayakUSA1I’m looking to do a camper top tent setup to my truck. What roof top tent would you recommend after all the units you have used.

[@everybodystaycalm5090]

How do you access the bed when the tent is up? It looks like a lot of waisted space underneath the rack. I have been going back and forward on different setups for my truck and can't decide

[@adamgroth1980]

Like others have said…. A winch system in the garage would be your best bet. Easier to do by yourself and less chance of running into your truck if you plan to do it often. Those harbor freight electric winches would make this a piece of cake.

[@KayakUSA1]

I actually have one in my shop that I made a video on last year. The problem is the height. My tent is already so tall that the wench can’t pickup but so far.

[@adamgroth1980]

@@KayakUSA1 8’ ceiling? Lucky for me my garage is 9’

[@RawgerNorth]

How did you mount the awning

[@KayakUSA1]

with the provided mount brackets

[@RawgerNorth]

@@KayakUSA1 ok. So it’s not mounted to the tents t-channel…..or is it

[@KayakUSA1]

It’s mounted to the racks using the hardware that it came with that’s designed to mount to racks.

[@codyward265]

Garage mounted system; folks use it to remove hard shells on jeeps

[@Oldrush]

I’d put some 2x4’s perpendicular to the forks with some carpet on them and bungee corded to the forks to lift it out. I just am wondering how much all that setup weighs? If you look in your drivers door you will find your payload rating. The TRD off road is in the area of 990 lbs I believe. That’s where mines at. That rating is for passengers and cargo. You add up all the weight you have bolted to your truck above what came from factory, including the added weight of those tires and the lift kit plus on top of that your center of gravity is probably in a dangerous place. Upgrading the suspension to hold the extra weight doesn’t change the trucks designed capacity. Structural integrity will suffer and could be revealed at a less than ideal time. Looks cool but get a bigger truck.

[@bdonnell1]

I went to the bamacar Amazon store and saw they have the same NatureNest tent listed about 5 times each was a different price. Do you have any idea the reason for the different pricing? I couldn’t find anything different about each listing.

[@crazychick3n590]

Did you see the new yak attack mighty mounts

[@robcopenhaver2800]

I like this setup better TJ.

[@dab0yhdizzle]

Hi quick question did u attach awninf 270 on rooftent? Or its separate brackets?

[@KayakUSA1]

Separate bracket 👍🏼

[@myfalconry76]

Seems more shaky than my OVS 270, there’s a couple thinks about the OVS I’m not fond of. Shopping for a new one. But I’m not to sure about this one.

[@arkansaspuresorghummolasse2632]

PVC Pipe for your folks, will extend the folks and not damage as bad 😉

[@bentleydonovan4608]

How will you get in tent with awning out

[@bentleydonovan4608]

I see you can use either side

[@lizgraves1077]

I want to see the Ebike review

[@solarlight2988]

How do you get inside the tent without getting wet when its raining?

[@whatwasthat3269]

Through the door.

[@eduardochollett7276]

You can use it withoit the legs? Free standing ?

[@KayakUSA1]

Yep 👍🏼

[@charlesvalkyrie4096]

I get 10mpg stop whining LOL :P

[@javiersosa628]

What size bed do you have?

[@KayakUSA1]

short

[@javiersosa628]

Copy thank you

[@ethanjames8614]

are you sponsored by nature nest?

[@juanrestrepophotography3378]

you can simply use a pallet and that's it

[@joelbarroso3226]

I use straps and winch it from my tree.

[@jariusbrown385]

Sold it for me