ARB awning and room installed on JLUR - Better than a RTT?

[JeepinJason33]

Sold my M416 RTT expedition trailer because I was not using it enough for it to warrant a space in the garage. We have a full size camper that we tow behind my SRT for longer trips, but wanted something for quick weekend getaways. We had two ARB awnings on the RTT, one with the older version of the add a room that the kids slept in. Figured I would give that a shot on the JLUR...

Fairly easy set up, found some Thule Aero cross bars on craigslist and bought the lock set for them off of Amazon. While on Amazon I found some bolts with square heads that slide into the top channel of the cross bars. Had a couple of the old thick ARB angle mounts laying around that I spray painted black. They attached perfectly to the cross bars. Snugged them up tight to the body of the Jeep and threw on our cargo box on top. Still plenty of room for a couple of bikes or kayaks.

This is a cheap alternative to a RTT. I have had both, the only advantage to the RTT was the view and you were off the ground. This is bigger, sets up quicker (than most RTT's), 1/3 the price, allows me to use the roof for the cargo box or storage, does not effect the ride/top heavy, and I don't have to climb a ladder to get in. Plus I can take the entire thing off the Jeep by myself in minutes for storage. Although it is nice having it on there for using the shade on day trips. Just my opinion after owning both.

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[OMTBiker]

Looks great, how much does the awning weigh?

 

[four low]

Great idea, it could also freestand if you wanted to use the Jeep too. Does it have a ridge pole so no ponding in heavy rain ?

 

[thejljourney]

It’s great till it rains... I tried the deluxe room as a tent before going for the ikamper. It worked well in dry weather but the zips allow a lot of water in.

 

[Levin_tom]

Sold my M416 RTT expedition trailer because I was not using it enough for it to warrant a space in the garage. We have a full size camper that we tow behind my SRT for longer trips, but wanted something for quick weekend getaways. We had two ARB awnings on the RTT, one with the older version of the add a room that the kids slept in. Figured I would give that a shot on the JLUR...

Fairly easy set up, found some Thule Aero cross bars on craigslist and bought the lock set for them off of Amazon. While on Amazon I found some bolts with square heads that slide into the top channel of the cross bars. Had a couple of the old thick ARB angle mounts laying around that I spray painted black. They attached perfectly to the cross bars. Snugged them up tight to the body of the Jeep and threw on our cargo box on top. Still plenty of room for a couple of bikes or kayaks.

This is a cheap alternative to a RTT. I have had both, the only advantage to the RTT was the view and you were off the ground. This is bigger, sets up quicker (than most RTT's), 1/3 the price, allows me to use the roof for the cargo box or storage, does not effect the ride/top heavy, and I don't have to climb a ladder to get in. Plus I can take the entire thing off the Jeep by myself in minutes for storage. Although it is nice having it on there for using the shade on day trips. Just my opinion after owning both.

Is that the 6 or 8 feet awning?

 

[JeepinJason33]

It’s great till it rains... I tried the deluxe room as a tent before going for the ikamper. It worked well in dry weather but the zips allow a lot of water in.

We don't get a ton of rain here in Colorado. Most of our trips lately have been to Moab, Rubicon Trail, AZ and other fairly dry areas. The few times we had rain with my old setup, I just lowered one end of the pole and let the rain run off. I can imagine with a downpour and side wind that the room could get wet through the zippers. The newer model we have seems to have done a better job with that. I will put out an update if we ever get caught in the rain! Most of the time we plan our weekend trips on short notice and around the weather. If it is really going to be bad, I drive the GC with our trailer and my wife follows with the Jeep.

 

[JeepinJason33]

Is that the 6 or 8 feet awning?

6'6" The 8' one needs three attachment points and was a bit longer than the Jeep. You would have to have one attachment point across the freedom panels to make it work and I wanted to be able to still take them off.

 

[JeepinJason33]

Looks great, how much does the awning weigh?

30-35 pounds

 

[JeepinJason33]

Great idea, it could also freestand if you wanted to use the Jeep too. Does it have a ridge pole so no ponding in heavy rain ?

It would be difficult to freestand. I am guessing you could do it somehow with a few extra poles. The Jeep is the anchor point to keep it from swaying. It does not have a center ridge pole. The few times I have had it in the rain, I just lower one end and the water will follow gravity to that corner.

 

[four low]

I figured 2 more vertical poles, and tent pegs/ line. Quick Disconnects on the ends of the roof racks. Thanks for sharing this, it's a great option

 

[JeepinJason33]

I figured 2 more vertical poles, and tent pegs/ line. Quick Disconnects on the ends of the roof racks. Thanks for sharing this, it's a great option

Yes, if you were in a place that you could stake it out it could work freestanding with additional poles. Would also work under one of those quick pop up shade things. ARB makes quick disconnects for the awning.

 

[Levin_tom]

I have a new never used ARB 8ftx8ft aluminum encased awning for sale. Box is still closed.
PM if interested.

 

[MILT]

I’ve wondered if you could add a stove jack to the awning and use a small wood stove inside

 

[redsyphon]

I did this same thing a while back and love it. The only time it's been a pain is when I can't find a big enough space to set up while off grid. Pretty rare, but smaller sites sometimes make deployment of the room a chore.

 

[Rogueman_1]

Two completely different things IMO. Cool awning but a RTT serves a completely different purpose with different pros... and perhaps cons

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