Hey everyone, I’m finally getting to enjoy my ‘21 D90 and could use some of your collective wisdom.

I’m in the market for a rooftop tent—currently considering the Mars Aeroblade or BA Tents—but I’m open to recommendations if there’s something else worth looking at.

I’m also debating whether to stick with the crossbars or upgrade to the OEM roof rack. Most of my trips will be solo—week-long excursions to the Sierras for backpacking, runs through Death Valley, and coastal adventures. I’m not sure I’d want to keep the tent mounted all the time, so flexibility is a factor.

If you have experience with these setups, I’d really appreciate your insights. Thanks in advance!

 

If you haven't checked out Roofnest, then I would take a look. I've got the Roofnest Condor Overland 2 XL (the name is terrible) and really enjoy it. I've got it mounted on top of my trailer and if I were to put this on a vehicle I'd get the non-Overland version that is more aerodynamic. Also the XL is probably too big for a 90's roof. But the clamshell RTT is the form factor to have IMO. It gives you the biggest footprint and a place to ride out the rain storm if you don't also have an awning. Plus you can get the annex which will give you a little big of privacy to change - although setting it up is a real pain in the rear end.

 

You're right to look for a low profile version, I had a fold up yakima that howled something fierce on my 110 with the expedition rack.

I've replaced it with a Roofnest Falcon Pro which is the classic clamshell with an extended overhang which makes it much roomier. Plus the new ones come in 2 sizes with a massive annex available. The clamshells are less roomy overall, but so quick to put up and take down. I call it my beach cabana in the sky that I can take anywhere.

As for the bars, they are probably best for the RTT, easier to mount and the tent takes up the the entire expedition rack. They do make single person tents that are half sized if you're interested in that.

As far as taking an RTT on and off of your vehicle, I bought a pulley system that Thule makes for roof boxes, kayaks, etc. It works fine, but my garage door is too low so I built a structure to mount it to just outside my garage which is less than perfect. YouTube has a bunch of guys with various solutions, mixed results. It really depends on your house and/or where you plan to store it. OR call 4 buddies, bribe them with beer and hope nothing gets scratched or dropped in the process.

Good luck, have fun.

 

I've got a D90 also and purchased a Thule RTT. Put it on and it was so loud on the interstate that I sold it without using. We were going to be miserable going anywhere at speed. This was with the expedition rack.

Relating to removal. I purchased a Vevor 880lbs electric hoist from Amazon. Mounted it to the ceiling of the garage and was really amazed at how well it works - being such a cheap product. I kept that just in case I ever need anything heavy lifted. Or I could easily take it off and use as a mobile winch around the house for landscaping projects.