How to Choose Your Overland Roof Rack System for RoofTop Tents

You've just discovered you need an Offroad Roof Rack

“Let’s put a tent on our car”. Simple as that… right? That’s what most aspiring overlanders think when they spot a beautiful rooftop tent. A simple idea, but there are two more important things to consider: roof rack and weight capacity. Buying a rooftop tent without a proper overland roof rack system is putting the cart before the horse. By the end of this blog you will be an expert on putting on a horsecart rooftop tent on your car.

Roof Top Tent Rack - Where To Begin?

1. 1. Determine your vehicle's roof capacity
   2. Install an appropriate overland roof rack system

It’s exciting to compare the many varieties of rooftop tents. Eyes light up with endless opportunities of size, style, and accessories. After hours of researching our Rooftop TentGuide, you decide – “I’m going to have this awesome RTT for years. Let’s do it big with the Tuff Stuff Alpine SixtyOne Aluminum Shell Rooftop Tent!”.

You can already picture yourself, your partner, and your dog safely perched on top of your 2007 suburban overlooking a picturesque view. You make the call, but before you place your order customer service asks about your vehicles “Dynamic Load Capacity”. Was that even English? I just want to put a tent on my roof… Time to learn about the hurdle MOST new customers face:

How to Find Your Vehicle's Roof Load Capacity?

Your roof load capacity is the maximum weight your vehicle's roof can hold with or without a rack.

 To find your roof capacities use the following resources:

• • Your vehicle's owner manual
•  
  • Car.Info  has a comprehensive database with database of almost every car spec for every vehicle.
•  
  • If you would like us to find the roof load limit for your car, contact our product specialists.

Dynamic vs Static Weight Roof Rack Explained

During research on your vehicle it is common will find a load rating of 100-200lbs. Typically this vague load rating you find is the roof's dynamic load. Upon further research will find two terms: dynamic load capacity and static load capacity.

Dynamic Load Capacity is the weight supported while Driving

Dynamic load capacity is the key term of the two. This is because

• • Dynamic Load will always be less than Static Load Capacity by 3-5x.
    
  • Your roof’s dynamic load capacity is the amount of weight your roof can support while driving.

An overloaded roof on a rapidly moving vehicle can compromise the structure or cause a flip. Especially during sudden stops.  Some vehicles simply cannot support a large rooftop tent. For example a Toyota Camry’s roof does not have the capabilities of a 4runner. That said, the TentBox Go (a smaller tent) would work just fine. Bulky and heavy items need to have their weight dispersed over a large surface area on a vehicle’s roof. 

Static Load is the weight supported while Parked

Your vehicle supports much more weight while parked. Dynamic weight capacity will always be lower than static weight capacity. For that reason static load capacity is less likely to be an issue because dynamic weight will always be less.

• • Static load capacity is the weight your vehicle’s roof will support while parked.
  • 3-5x more capacity than dynamic load.

It is important to still be aware not to overload your vehicle while parked. If your static load is 600LBS make sure to account for the rooftop tent and rack's weight when loading sleepy campers into the rooftop tent. 

Should I Replace My Current Roof Rack

OEM System for a RTT?

Don’t rely on a OEM Roof Rack System for your Rooftop Tent! Roof Rack OEM aka "Original Equipment Manufacturer"

• • Includes all standard, stock, pre-installed, rack systems on a factory vehicle
  • Factory rails and crossbars are made of flimsy plastic
    • Not built to support 150+LBS.
  • Examples Pictured below

Types of Roof Rack OEM Systems (Factory installed)

How to Choose a Roof Top Tent Rack?

 There are four different overland roof rack systems that we’d consider as a roof top tent rack. 

Listed below are the four types in order of least load capacity to most load capacity: 

*note: factory rail, track, and crossbars should be replaced with aftermarket alternatives to support a 120LBS+ Roof top tent.

1.  Gutter Mounted Crossbars(least load capacity)

A simple and cost effective, albeit less secure offroad rack option. Gutter Mounted Crossbars can support lightweight rooftop tents. For heavier tents consider a more robust offroad rack system. 

• • Price Range: $400-$1,200
    • Simplest and most cost-effective roof storage option.
•  
  • Consist of
    
    • Crossbars spanning the roof width
    • attach by door closing on the crossbar's clamp base
•  
  • PROs:
    • Cost Effective
    • Easily Removable
    • Lightweight
  • CONs:
    • Weight limited 
    • Not ideal for heavy storage
    • Not ideal for small storage items (coolers, totes, gas canisters, etc.).
•  
  • Best for Transporting:
    • Bulky, lightweight, items

2. Rail Mounted and Track Mounted Crossbars

Great for part-time overlanders. Mount large, heavier, items. With the option to remove cross-bars when needed.

• • Price Range: $400-$1,200
    
•  
  • Consist of
    • Rails or Tracks running length of the roof (drilled into vehicle frame)
    • Crossbars spanning the width, attaching to each rail/track.
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  • PROs:
    • Inexpensive
    • Removable crossbars
    • Easy to install
  • CONs:
    • Elevates storage, increasing drag and reducing fuel efficiency.
    • Not ideal for small storage items (coolers, totes, gas canisters, etc.).
•  
  • Best for Transporting:
    • Large items spanning the roof (kayaks, canoes, ladders, rooftop tents, etc.).

3. Platform Racks - 

The classic offroad roof rack setup. You will often see platform racks on dedicated the rigs of dedicated outdoorsmen or tradesmen.

• • Price Range: $400-$3,500+
    
•  
  • Consist of
    • Square of 4 rails and many smaller crossbars.
    • Many attachment points to vehicle's frame.
•  
  • PROs:
    • Easily to mount any size item
    • Extremely strong with many fixed points drilled into frame
    • Ability to add accessories such as light bars
  • CONs:
    • Price
    • Drilling Required
•  
  • Best for Transporting:
    • Large items spanning the roof: kayaks, canoes, ladders, rooftop tents, etc.
    • Small Items, Storage Boxes, and Miscellaneous Gear

4. Bed Racks (most load capacity)  

If you have a truck you’re in luck! The simplest roof top tent rack. Pick your favorite truck bed overland rack and install. The only variable you will come across is low-profile vs high-profile. 

• • Price Range: $1000-$3,500+
    
•  
  • High Profile vs. Low Profile Options
    • High Profile - A rooftop tent's base will be equal to your cab’s ceiling.
      
    • Low Profile - A rooftop tent's will be hidden behind the cab.
•  
  • PROs:
    • Weight capacity is not a factor - truck beds are built for heavy loads
    • Simply choose your favorite style without worry
    • Ability to add accessories such as molle panels
  • CONs:
    • Price
•  
  • Best for Transporting:
    • Large items spanning the roof: kayaks, canoes, ladders, rooftop tents, etc.
    • Small Items, Storage Boxes, and Miscellaneous Gear

What Roof Rack Fits My Car?

In cases of unique vehicles or uncertainty it is better to err on the side of caution. Speak to an expert (469-809-1663 or sales@royalrooftoptent.com). Purchase a strong aftermarket rack system. Install it properly. Lastly, drive carefully and be aware of the weight on your roof. If you follow these guidelines there is a Rooftop Tent solution for any vehicle.

What RoofTop Tent Should I get?

At RoyalRoofTopTent we have seen it all. If you are still uncertain, use our RoofTop Tent Analzyer Tool. It will ask you questions and compare over 30 popular roof top tents to find your perfect match. There is a solution for virtually every vehicle. The TentBox Go for example weighs only 73lbs.Outside of smart cars, virtually any vehicle can support this with the right rack system.