Posted 23 December 2024 by Vanultra
At Vanultra, we’re always striving to improve your outdoor experiences, and our newest product, the SUV low-profile rooftop tent mount, is the culmination of nearly a year of research and development. Designed to make rooftop tent installation and removal easier and more efficient, this mount is a game-changer for 4Runner, Bronco, and other SUV owners. No more removing crossbars or scraping knuckles—simply stand at your rear bumper and use the extended handle to open or close the RTT mount latches in seconds.
Refining Our Design: Lessons Learned
Our journey began with the original design, which connected to both the front and rear parts of a roof rack and used a long-threaded rod to pull the front and rear mounts together. This initial version, while effective, had its limitations. Users needed an electric drill to operate it, and we realized there was room for improvement. So, we went back to the drawing board with one goal in mind: to create a mount that simplifies installation on SUVs with Sherpa, Prinsu, or Uptop roof racks.
Collaborating with other companies and customers, we’ve developed a completely redesigned mount that we’re proud to unveil. This new system is not only faster but also more user-friendly and robust.
How the New Mount Works
The redesigned system features a smart combination of a male-female locking mechanism and innovative clamps. Here’s how it works:
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Front Mount: A male component attaches to the tent, while a female bracket is secured to the roof rack. Simply lower your tent onto the roof rack and slide it into position. The male-female mechanism ensures the tent is constrained from moving in any direction except toward the rear.
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Rear Mount: Equipped with toggle clamps and the same male-female mechanism as the front mounts, the rear brackets firmly lock the tent in place. The clamps can be operated by hand or with an extension tool, making it easier to secure the tent without crawling underneath it. This design allows for quick, secure attachment and removal—all without tools.
Low-Profile and Practical Design
Keeping your tent’s profile low is crucial for aerodynamics and aesthetics, helping to reduce wind resistance and improve fuel efficiency during travel. To achieve this, we mounted the brackets to the side of the T-track of the roof rack cross bar, adding only a quarter inch of height. This small addition minimizes vibration of other cross bars and ensures a snug fit without compromising your vehicle’s sleek appearance. Additionally, the sliding mechanism provides more room for error, making installation manageable even without a hoist.
For those using a hoist, this system makes lifting, aligning, and securing your tent a solo operation. The included handle also ensures you can secure the rear clamps without ever needing to reach under the tent.
Moving Forward
After installing the new mounts, we’re entering the testing phase. Our goal is to ensure the system meets our high standards of durability and convenience. In our next video, we’ll take the 4Runner out to put these mounts to the test on rugged terrain.
Stay tuned for updates by subscribing to our YouTube channel here, as we continue to refine and perfect this product. Your adventures deserve the best, and Vanultra is here to deliver.
Ready to enhance your rooftop tent setup? Explore the Vanultra SUV low-profile rooftop tent mount and experience innovation firsthand.
Watch the video here: