If you newly just got a hard-shell rooftop tent and are stuck trying to figure out what kind of roof rack can support your tent, you have come to the right place. Hard-shell rooftop tents are known for their weight, so it is only logical to get a support system that is strong enough to hold them in place.
Picking out a suitable roof rack could be problematic due to the vast number of styles, designs, and brands on the market. Cars come in different shapes and sizes, so the type of vehicle you have would determine the kind of roof rack that is suitable for you.
When looking for a suitable roof rack, you must be certain you’ve got the correct crossbars to bear the weight of your rooftop tent. You need to consider the amount of stress on the bars and vehicle.
Do not forget to consider the (static load) when campers are inside and when closed and speeding down the highway (dynamic load).
Do I Need a Platform Rack for My Roof Top Tent?
One of the most asked questions by people who have yet to use a rooftop tent is if an additional platform rack is required to set up a rooftop tent. You do not need to buy a large and expensive platform roof rack to install your tent.
Although slatted roof platforms can support extra gear such as fuel cans, asking boards, and many more, they’re not necessary for a rooftop tent. This is because the base of a rooftop tent is usually fitted with a strong aluminum frame or plywood.
The aluminum and plywood bases are sturdy enough to carry a mattress and several people easily. The aluminum base is strong enough to support itself and a couple of occupants without including support beneath it.
A strong crossbar is required to mount a rooftop tent safely to the vehicle’s top.
It may not be good to fit the rooftop tent alongside a handful of extra gear to the rack platform. You can invest in rooftop tent models designed to accommodate accessories.
How to Choose the Right Crossbars for a Roof-Top Tent
A sturdy crossbar is required to support the rooftop tent safely. Plus, If you intend to carry only a few extra gears, then all you need is a good pair of crossbars.
Occasionally, many people use the stock crossbar on their vehicle, which can sometimes be thin and arched. This is due to the aerodynamic design. As you can imagine, an arched surface (though relatively sturdy and certainly aerodynamic) is not a level mounting surface for a flat-bottomed rooftop tent.
Meaning most times, the stock options are only sometimes the best in supporting a rooftop tent.
Crossbars must be at least 30 inches (0.76 m) apart, longitudinally, to support a hard-shell rooftop tent.
Crossbars support the weight of all the gear and tent added to the roof and transfer the weight to the entire vehicle.
The stock crossbar that comes standard on our vehicle cannot support the weight of an adult male; they aren’t designed for load weights above 100 pounds (ca. 45 kg). They can only support light languages like-ski racks, bike racks, cargo boxes, and kayak racks.
The crossbars should be at least 30 inches (0.76 m) apart and have a weight rating equal to or greater than the weight of your tent.
Compatibility with Your Rooftop Tent Rig
Not every car roof rack or rail system is compatible with every vehicle. There could be incompatibilities based on size, weight, or attachment method. Any vehicle with a dynamic weight capacity of over 165 pounds (ca. 75 kg) can fit the necessary support that holds up a rooftop tent.
SUVs and trucks are commonly used to mount a rooftop tent due to their rugged design and large frame. It is important to know that a rooftop tent works better on vehicles with crossbars, side rails, gutters, tracks, and roofs with fixed points.
Although, factory-installed crossbars often won’t be able to handle the load. Getting a roof rack and crossbar that can support the weight of your tent with people inside is necessary.
When installing a rooftop tent, it is essential to check the manual of your tent and compare it with the compatibility of your vehicle.
No matter which brand of crossbars you go for, they must have a dynamic load rating of at least the weight of your Roof nest.
Conclusion
When choosing a roof rack for a hard-shell rooftop tent, it’s important to pay attention to the size and weight of your vehicle, as well as the weight of the tent. Opting for a quality roof rack with adjustable mounting will ensure that your hard-shell rooftop tent is securely mounted, allowing you to avoid damage and maximize your comfort while camping.
For all your roof rack needs, look no further than Rooftoptents.ca! With an extensive selection of racks, tents, and other camping accessories, we have everything you need to make your next outdoor adventure the best!
