What does a roof top tent sit on?
Roof top tents have become increasingly popular among outdoor enthusiasts and adventurers due to their convenience and ability to provide a comfortable sleeping space off the ground. However, one of the most common questions people ask is: what does a roof top tent sit on? In this article, we’ll explore the essential components that support a roof top tent and ensure its safe and secure installation.
The Role of Roof Racks
The primary structure that a roof top tent sits on is a roof rack. Roof racks are mounted onto the roof of your vehicle and serve as the foundation for the tent. Not all roof racks are created equal, so it’s important to choose one that is compatible with your vehicle and strong enough to support the weight of the tent and its occupants.
- Crossbars: Most roof racks consist of crossbars that run horizontally across the roof of your vehicle. These bars provide the main support for the tent.
- Weight Capacity: Always check the dynamic (while driving) and static (when stationary) weight capacities of your roof rack to ensure it can handle the combined weight of the tent and its users.
- Material: Roof racks are typically made of aluminum or steel. Aluminum is lightweight and resistant to rust, while steel offers greater strength but may be heavier.
Factory vs. Aftermarket Roof Racks
Many vehicles come with factory-installed roof racks, but these may not always be suitable for roof top tents. Aftermarket roof racks are often a better choice because they are designed with higher weight capacities and greater versatility.
- Factory Roof Racks: These are pre-installed by the vehicle manufacturer and may have limited weight capacities. Always verify their specifications before mounting a roof top tent.
- Aftermarket Roof Racks: These are custom-designed for specific vehicles and offer a wider range of options, including higher weight limits and compatibility with various tent models.
Mounting Hardware
Roof top tents come with specialized mounting hardware that secures the tent to the roof rack. This hardware typically includes brackets, bolts, and clamps that are designed to fit most standard roof racks. Proper installation is crucial to ensure the tent remains stable during travel and use.
Vehicle Considerations
In addition to the roof rack, the vehicle itself plays a role in supporting the roof top tent. Here are some factors to consider:
- Roof Type: Vehicles with flat or slightly curved roofs are ideal for roof top tents. Avoid installing a tent on vehicles with soft or unsupported roofs.
- Weight Distribution: Ensure the weight of the tent is evenly distributed across the roof rack to prevent damage to the vehicle or instability.
- Suspension: The added weight of a roof top tent may affect your vehicle’s suspension, especially when fully loaded. Consider upgrading your suspension if necessary.
Conclusion
A roof top tent sits on a sturdy roof rack that is securely mounted to your vehicle. Choosing the right roof rack, ensuring proper installation, and considering your vehicle’s specifications are all critical steps to safely enjoy the benefits of a roof top tent. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or an extended road trip, investing in the right setup will ensure a comfortable and hassle-free adventure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you need a flat rack for a rooftop tent?
All a RTT tent requires to mount safely to a vehicle is a pair of crossbars. That said, if you do want to mount a roof top tent and a handful of extra gear to your roof, a platform rack might be a good option.
How much weight can my car roof handle?
Most vehicles have a dynamic roof capacity of 165 Ibs. Static weight capacity is how much your vehicle can support when not in motion. A general guideline is that static weight capacity is roughly 8 to 10 times greater than the dynamic weight capacity.
How do I know if my car can handle a roof top tent?
That step is to check the vehicle owner's manual and verify that the roof tracks and cross bars are actually rated to support the weight of the tent, along with any campers in it. If the total weight exceeds the safe weight rating for your vehicle, you can simply stop right there.
Can you put a roof top tent on a hard lid?
Roof top tent set-ups are fast becoming a popular option for Ute owning Kiwi Campers. Having a roof top tent mounted on your hard lid means you have more space left under the lid for all the other necessary items you need to pack for your adventure, and you are ready to go at a moment's notice!
What do you put a roof top tent on?
1. Place the tent on the roof rack of your car, slide it into place. 2. Secure the tent by bolting down the provided mounting hardware.
What are the disadvantages of a roof top tent?
Cons of a Roof-Top Tent (yes, there are a few)
- Cost: Significantly pricier than a camping tent (cheaper than an RV, though)
- Aerodynamic drag: The faster you drive, the greater the drag (and the impact on your gas mileage or battery usage).
How are roof tents supported?
Roof bars. All you will need to mount our roof tents onto your vehicle are two cross bars that have a minimum load rating of 50KG. We offer two types of cross bars that will work for every vehicle: Black square steel cross bars with a load rating of 75KG- £110.
Can you put a roof top tent on normal roof racks?
Not all roof rack fitting types are suitable for fitting rooftop tents. Generally, rooftop tents can be fitted to bars that use fixed point, vehicle specific track, or gutter mount legs but we do NOT recommend using clamp-style fitments or non-specific vehicle tracks.
How are rooftop tents attached?
How does the roof tent attach? All roof tents come with stainless steel fixings to attach to your roof bars or rack. Nuts, bolts, brackets, and even tools with detailed instructions are included. All the supplied fixings are made from premium stainless steel 304-grade metal.
Do you need a platform for a rooftop tent?
Simply put, you don't need a platform rack for your rooftop tent. Some folks, specifically overlanders, outfit their vehicles with platform racks to which they mount a rooftop tent. As Roofnest founder Tim Nickles has put it, “That's mounting a platform to a platform.” Essentially, it's overkill.
