Can a Subaru Forester hold a roof-top tent?
A Subaru Forester can carry a roof-top tent, but you must respect the roof’s weight limits, choose a lightweight tent, and install it with properly rated gear. This article breaks down the limits, selection tips, and best practices to help you decide if RTT camping is right for your Forester.
Understanding the roof weight limits
Key constraints come from the vehicle’s published roof capacity, how much weight the rack and tent add, and how the load behaves while driving. The following points summarize what to check before mounting a roof-top tent on a Forester.
- Static roof load limit: Most Forester models allow up to about 150 pounds (68 kilograms) on the roof when using properly installed rails and crossbars. Always confirm the exact figure in your owner’s manual for your model year and roof rack.
- Dynamic load considerations: The rating you see is often a static specification; during driving, vibrations, wind, and road conditions affect the effective load. Treat the capacity as a ceiling and aim for a comfortable margin below it.
- Rack and crossbar weight: The rails or crossbars themselves add weight to the roof. Depending on the system, this can be several pounds per bar, plus mounting hardware. Factor this into the total ceiling.
- Roof-top tent weight range: RTTs vary widely. A lightweight, compact two-person tent often weighs around 70–120 pounds (32–54 kg). Heavier models can exceed 130 pounds (59 kg).
- Weight distribution: Place the tent so the load is centered and balanced across the roof to minimize handling changes and wind loading. Avoid concentrating weight toward the front or rear edges of the roof.
Bottom line: for many Forester configurations, a lighter RTT that keeps the total roof weight under the static 150-pound limit is feasible, provided you use a compatible rack and install it correctly. Heavier tents or extra roof gear can push you past the safe limit and affect handling.
Choosing the right RTT for a Forester
Selecting a roof-top tent that fits your Forester’s capabilities is essential. Consider how the tent will be used, how much it weighs, and how it mounts to your rack.
- Target weight: Aim for a tent in the under-120-pound range to maintain a comfortable margin under the 150-pound roof limit when paired with rack hardware.
- Rack compatibility: Verify that your Forester’s rails and crossbars are rated for the combined weight and that the mounting hardware matches your rack design (clamps, tracks, or bolt-on systems).
- Footprint and fit: Check the tent’s footprint length and width to ensure it sits well on your roof without overhang that could contact doors, spoiler, or sunroof. Consider clearance with any roof accessories.
- Ladder design and access: Lightweight ladders and compact entry systems simplify access and reduce overall weight.
- Lift and clearance: Some RTTs sit higher than others; taller tents can impact aerodynamics and roof clearance when entering garages or drive-throughs.
- Durability and wind performance: Look for rugged materials and secure ladder mounting, since higher crosswinds at speed can stress the roof rack and tent.
With careful selection, a Forester can comfortably accommodate a compact RTT, but the safest approach is to choose the lightest option that meets your camping needs and to verify the rack’s load rating.
Installation tips and safety
Once you’ve chosen an RTT, follow best-practice installation steps to maximize safety and performance on the road and at the campsite.
- Use properly rated crossbars: Ensure the rack system is rated for the total weight and is installed per the manufacturer’s torque specs.
- Center the load: Position the tent so weight is balanced along the roof’s centerline to minimize wind lift and handling changes.
- Check door and sunroof clearance: Confirm that the tent’s height and ladder do not interfere with door openings or any roof features.
- Tighten and re-check: After the first long drive, recheck all fasteners, ladder mounts, and anchor points to account for settling and vibration.
- Practice safe loading: Use proper steps and assistance when placing the tent onto the roof to avoid injuries or impacting the roof rails.
Proper installation and routine checks are essential to keep the roof-top tent secure and the Forester handling predictable on the road.
Model-year variations and alternatives
Forester generations differ in roof rail design and mounting options, but the core roof-load principle remains: stay within the rated payload. If your model lacks a robust roof, or if you plan extended trips with heavy gear, you may consider alternatives such as hitch-mounted tents, ground tents, or a roof-mounted platform with lighter accessories. Always verify the exact roof rating for your year, and consult the rack manufacturer’s compatibility guide.
In practice, many Forester owners successfully run lightweight roof-top tents by selecting a compact model, using a properly rated rack, and staying well under the roof’s weight limit.
Summary
Yes—the Subaru Forester can hold a roof-top tent, provided the combined roof load stays within the vehicle’s rating, you choose a lighter RTT, and you install it on a properly rated rack with correct mounting hardware. For heavier setups or longer trips with more gear, consider lighter tents, alternative camping arrangements, or a different vehicle. Always consult your owner’s manual and the rack/tent manufacturers to confirm exact limits and installation guidelines.
