Rooftop tent question (newbie) | OVERLAND BOUND COMMUNITY

Rooftop tents typically have their own aluminum crossbars that mount to the strong outer rails that run the length of the roof.

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They do not mount to the relatively flimsy OEM cross bars. Because the rails are flush to the roof on your vehicle, you are going to need a different roof rack to safely carry a rooftop tent.

Agreed 100%. I read the OPs question a couple of days ago and wasn’t able to articulate why not. Get a proper roof rack and be safe. Think of it this way, if ( a big if ) one is involved in an accident, that rtt needs to stay put. You wouldn’t want those flimsy load bars ripping free and having that tent flying through the air, causing even more damage & bodily harm.

Agreed 100%. I read the OPs question a couple of days ago and wasn’t able to articulate why not. Get a proper roof rack and be safe. Think of it this way, if ( a big if ) one is involved in an accident, that rtt needs to stay put. You wouldn’t want those flimsy load bars ripping free and having that tent flying through the air, causing even more damage & bodily harm.

Thanks for that perspective (I am in PA too)...but check this out...what if you want to rotate the tent so it opens to a different side of the vehicle? In other words, the tent itself comes with those bars that are attached to it that then connect to the car's roof rack...if you turn the tent so it opens, say, to the side and not the rear, how would you do that if you don't attach to the cross bars? We had a similar factory rack set up on our Grand Cherokee, the bars were designed for best airflow and sound levels more than they were for weight, the posted limit was 150 pounds, most likely based on highway use. even with a 60 pound thule rocket box to carry my Gazelle tent mounted to one side of the rack it flexed like crazy when off road. We did some research and found some optional factory bars that were rated for 150 pounds each that fit in the stock tracks. now we have carried our 120 lb 23 zero tent over all kinds of terrain with no issues. Another thing to look at is how well is the roof rack track attached to the roof itself, a lot of vehicles just have rivnuts or similar thru the sheet metal and when carrying lots of weight off road the flex can crack the metal and cause the fasteners to pull through. Many aftermarket racks avoid mention of dynamic vs static loading of their racks, and if the off road rating is different or not. usually in the case of the platform racks you need to remove the actual weight of the rack from the total capacity. As others have mentioned, last thing you want to see is your roof top tent going a different direction than your rig.

Wow, I had not idea. Thanks. I see people mounting them on the cross bars on YouTube all the time. Thanks for the heads-up.

I'm sure people do. And some may get away with it. I can't speak with certainty on the durability of every OEM crossbar. And I'm not against putting a tent on your crossbars to see what they feel like. There is value in satisfying your curiosity. On the other hand, Yakima and Thule are both roof rack vendors that got into the tent game. You may find something you like between one of them.

Another reason I'm a proponent of securely mounting a tent: back in , a young driver ran a stop sign and intersected the front of my FJ on the passenger side, spinning me around at 35 mph and causing the vehicles to come into contact at least twice. Nothing on the roof rack came off. This is the same tent and awning I'm still using.

what if you want to rotate the tent so it opens to a different side of the vehicle? In other words, the tent itself comes with those bars that are attached to it that then connect to the car's roof rack...if you turn the tent so it opens, say, to the side and not the rear, how would you do that if you don't attach to the cross bars?

The tent floor has 4 holes in the bottom where it bolts to its own aluminum crossbars. You can install them length-wise or width-wise on the tent floor to orient the opening of the tent to suit you. Every option has pros and cons. I've had mine oriented both ways. Opening to the back was easier to setup, but you had to deal with the ladder getting in the way. Opening to the side is harder to setup, but gives you some good shelter off the side of the vehicle.

I'm sure people do. And some may get away with it. I can't speak with certainty on the durability of every OEM crossbar. And I'm not against putting a tent on your crossbars to see what they feel like. There is value in satisfying your curiosity. On the other hand, Yakima and Thule are both roof rack vendors that got into the tent game. You may find something you like between one of them.

Another reason I'm a proponent of securely mounting a tent: back in , a young driver ran a stop sign and intersected the front of my FJ on the passenger side, spinning me around at 35 mph and causing the vehicles to come into contact at least twice. Nothing on the roof rack came off. This is the same tent and awning I'm still using.

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The tent floor has 4 holes in the bottom where it bolts to its own aluminum crossbars. You can install them length-wise or width-wise on the tent floor to orient the opening of the tent to suit you. Every option has pros and cons. I've had mine oriented both ways. Opening to the back was easier to setup, but you had to deal with the ladder getting in the way. Opening to the side is harder to setup, but gives you some good shelter off the side of the vehicle.

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Great info! Thanks for that; and grateful you survived that crash; scary stuff.

3. Tent Weight

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   The weight of the tent is crucial, especially if you have a smaller car. For larger trucks and SUVs, weight may be less of an issue. Remember, you’ll need to lift the tent onto your vehicle at some point. If you plan to do this often, even an extra 20 or 30 pounds can make a big difference.

4. Seasonal Suitability

   Consider the type of weather you’ll be camping in. If you’re heading to a hot location like Moab in July, you won’t need the same type of tent as someone camping in cooler, wetter climates like the Cascades in April. Breathability is essential in high temperatures, so a thick canopy might not be ideal for hot days. For versatile use in various weather conditions, a 4-season model is recommended.

5. Installation Process

If you want to learn more, please visit our website Car Top Tent Manufacturers.

   Installing a roof top tent can be more challenging than expected. Depending on the height of your vehicle and the weight of the tent, you may need help. Fortunately, many manufacturers provide detailed installation instructions. Make sure you’re prepared for the task, especially if your vehicle is tall or your tent is heavy.

6. Off-Season Storage

   If your tent isn’t a permanent fixture on your vehicle, you’ll need a plan for storage during the off-season or between trips. Some hoist systems can store your tent suspended in a garage or storage facility. Ensure your hoist is designed for the tent’s weight, especially for long-term storage. If storing it on the floor, take precautions to protect it from damage.

7. Available Accessories

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