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Hi - has anyone got any advice re setting up a hammock using the roof racks of two 4x4s as anchors points? I'm living in KSA and planning some camping in the desert - really want to be in a hammock. So if anyone has any advice or experiences they can share that would be great. Thanks in advance.
Just make sure you anchor off the wheel opposite of the side you want to hang. The roof racks of most vehicles are not designed to take the shear force that the hammock causes. I have done it successfully this way many times.
+1 on the Hammy advice. I've never done it, but I can't imagine that a roof rack would hold up on it's own. Thinking about some pics I recently saw, where someone had anchored thier hammock off of some door hinges in a hotel, I wonder if you couldn't do the same with vehicle doors?
Make sure to take the keys out of the vehicles!:eek:
One nice thing is, you can drive the 4X4s to adjust tension
Dear All,
Many thanks for the responses, the video is a good idea I'll be trying out - removes the risk of someone jumping into the other vehicle and driving off ;-)
Thanks
Si
I have recently suspended my hammock from the roof rack on my Subaru Outback no problem (I slept with the car keys in my pocket!).
Hi,
Thanks for the reply - could you describe how you rigged up the hammock on the roof rack, or do a sketch if you have the time please? I'm getting a new car soon - Tahoe 4x4.
Many thanks
Si
Hi,
Just wanted to say thanks again and give an update. I went on a trip into the desert yesterday and whilst the family glamped I managed to setup the hammock between two 4x4s. Cargo straps looped thru the rear alloy wheel and passed over roof,(thanks Hammy:thumbup1:) to connet via ratchet (all rated to 1500lbs) to hammock lines. Worked really well, although you need to set the hammock a little higher than normal to take account of action of vehicle suspension when load applied.
I jerry-rigged up an old sleeping bag as an under quilt as the temps have started to drop here. There was a cold breeze coming off the escarpment, but my DIY effort worked really well - nice and warm all night, with the bonus of having a grandstand view of the sunrise from the comfort and warmth of my hammock.
My friend was v impressed and is talking about getting a hammock as well.
Next step - I want to work on improving the DIY under quilt before the next trip.
Whoooohooo buddy!!
Will add a couple of photos ASAP.
All the best
Si
I will have to remember using straps an my vehicle looped over the top and tied to the opposite side wheel as a second connecting point. I have a place where there are several single trees to tie to but nothing close enough for my hammock. Next time I'm staying exactly where I want to. Thanks.
I hung from my Xterra Roof Rack, no problem.. Just make sure the Straps go to both sides of the Rack. Helps to spread the Shear load. Used it few times, With a Tri-pod set up. No tree's required..
I've seen some pics where people anchored between the roll bars of jeep wranglers. I want to try that sometime myself (or maybe one jeep and a tree). I do worry about someone going for a joy ride...that would be a rude awakening.