Can you put a roof top tent on a Prado 150?
Yes. A roof-top tent can be mounted on a Toyota Land Cruiser Prado 150 with the right roof rack system and proper attention to weight limits.
In practice, the Prado 150’s suitability for an RTT depends on your roof setup, the tent’s weight and footprint, and how you mount it. This article outlines what you need to know, how to choose a system, and best practices for safe, reliable installation.
Key considerations for fitting an RTT on a Prado 150
Before listing practical steps, here are the core considerations that determine whether an RTT will work on your Prado 150.
- Roof rack system compatibility — whether you have factory rails, raised rails, or a bare roof; assess crossbar spacing and mounting hardware compatibility with the RTT.
- Roof load rating — the Prado 150 has a maximum roof load (including rack) that varies by model and market; check your owner's manual and stay well within that limit when adding an RTT and crossbars.
- Tent weight and footprint — most RTTs add a substantial load (often 60–90 kg for the tent and frame, plus occupants); ensure the weight fits within the roof’s rated limit and that the footprint fits between or across your crossbars.
- Mounting hardware and installation method — choose hardware that suits your rails (clamps, tracks, or bolt-on bases) and follow the manufacturer’s installation guidelines to avoid pressure points or damage to the roof.
- Aerodynamics, height, and clearance — an RTT increases overall vehicle height and can affect clearance in garages, carports, and low tunnels; account for this in planning and driving routes.
- Weather sealing and protection — ensure the mounting system provides a watertight seal around any rails or mounting tracks and protect the roof from scratches or dings.
With careful planning, a Prado 150 can safely support an RTT and expand overland and camping capabilities for a wide range of trips.
Mounting options and setup tips
To get started, consider these mounting approaches and practical tips to maximize safety and usability of an RTT on the Prado 150.
- Choose a crossbar system rated for the tent’s weight — use factory or aftermarket crossbars that are compatible with your Prado’s rails and provide a stable, wide base for the RTT.
- Assess rail type and choose appropriate hardware — if you have fixed roof rails, you may need clamp-on or bolt-on mounting adapters; if you have raised rails with tracks, follow the RTT manufacturer’s track-based mounting instructions.
- Ensure even weight distribution — mount the tent centrally or as recommended by the RTT maker to avoid excessive stress on one side of the roof.
- Use a proper ladder and secure mounting accessories — many RTTs include ladders; ensure ladders and steps are securely fastened and easy to deploy without interfering with doors or windows.
- Protect the roof and hardware — add protective pads or gasket material where the mounting feet contact the roof to prevent scratches and paint wear.
- Plan for weatherproofing and maintenance — regularly inspect mounting hardware for tightness, check seals, and clean up any debris that could compromise waterproofing or rack integrity.
Following these guidelines helps ensure the RTT is secure, safe, and easy to use on the Prado 150 over long trips and remote travels.
Choosing a roof-top tent for the Prado 150: common options
Several RTT types and brands are popular among Prado 150 owners, offering a mix of hard-shell and soft-shell designs, different mounting systems, and varying weight and height profiles. When selecting, consider compatibility with your roof rack, ease of use, and local support or warranty considerations.
- Hard-shell RTTs (e.g., iKamper, Eezi-Awn, and similar brands) are typically more aerodynamic, quicker to deploy, and provide rigid protection for the mattress and occupants.
- Soft-shell RTTs (e.g., Tepui, James Baroud soft-shell lines) can be lighter or offer different price points, but may require more careful setup and weatherproofing considerations.
- Top priority is ensuring the RTT’s mounting system matches your Prado’s roof rails or crossbars and that the overall system stays within the roof’s load rating.
Always verify current product specifications, compatibility notes, and installation guides from the manufacturers, and consider consulting a professional installer if you’re unsure about mounting hardware or weight calculations.
Summary
For Prado 150 owners, mounting a roof-top tent is feasible with the right roof rack configuration, careful attention to the vehicle’s roof load limits, and proper installation of compatible mounting hardware. Plan for weight distribution, height clearance, and weather protection to ensure safe, durable use on overland trips. By selecting a tent and rack system that suits your model and local conditions, a Prado 150 can become a capable base for camping adventures.
Can I put a rooftop tent on a Prado?
Take your Toyota Prado 150 to the next level with this purpose-engineered low-profile rooftop tent mounting system. Designed for a seamless fit, it provides a strong, stable base for rooftop tents, storage pods, or adventure gear — all while maintaining your Prado's sleek profile.
What is the weight limit for the roof rack on a Toyota Land Cruiser?
The 'Scout' Toyota Landcruiser 300 Series roof rack is rated up to 150kg dynamic and 350kg static, with an off-road rating of 100kg minus the rack weight of 28kg.
What is the maximum roof load for a Prado 150?
Maximum permissible load is 100kg on 3 cross bars (include the weight of the roof racks, 7.5kg).
How do I know if my car can handle a roof top tent?
Dynamic Load Rating (While Driving)
This is the maximum weight your vehicle's roof can handle while in motion. It's the number that really matters when you're considering a rooftop tent. Most vehicles have a dynamic load rating between 50kg and 100kg.
