Best Roof Racks And Crossbars For Your Roof Top Tent

When setting up a rooftop tent, one of the most important considerations is selecting the right roof rack or crossbars. These components are crucial for supporting the weight of the tent and ensuring a stable and secure setup. Here’s everything you need to know about choosing the best roof racks and crossbars for your rooftop tent.

What You Need to Know About Roof Racks and Crossbars

The first step in choosing the correct roof rack or crossbars is understanding the Dynamic Weight Capacity (DWC). This is the amount of weight the rack can safely support while the vehicle is in motion. Most rooftop tents weigh between 120 to 165 pounds (54 to 75 kg), so it’s essential that the rack you select has a DWC that exceeds this weight.

When the vehicle is moving, the rack must bear the full weight of the tent and any additional gear you may carry. This is why you should always select a roof rack with a higher weight capacity than the total weight of your tent. A good rule of thumb is to choose a rack that can hold at least 165 pounds to ensure your rooftop tent remains stable during travel.

What is Dynamic Weight Capacity (DWC)?

The Dynamic Weight Capacity (DWC) refers to the weight the roof rack can carry while the vehicle is in motion. This weight includes the tent and any other items you might store on the roof. It's crucial to select a roof rack that can comfortably handle the dynamic load during your drive, as this will affect vehicle handling, safety, and overall driving stability.

Once the vehicle is parked, the tent’s weight distribution changes. The load is now evenly spread across the frame of the vehicle, and the roof rack is subjected to what’s called Static Weight Capacity (SWC). The SWC refers to the weight that can rest on the roof rack when the vehicle is stationary.

Why Static Weight Capacity (SWC) Matters

Even though the roof rack may need to support a significant weight while driving, the good news is that once the vehicle is parked, the load is distributed evenly over the vehicle’s frame. The SWC ensures that your rack can handle the combined weight of the tent and occupants without risk of damage. So, whether you have just one person or multiple people on top of the roof rack, the weight will be evenly distributed and will not cause structural damage to the rack as long as the vehicle is stationary.

Mounting Your Roof Rack

It’s also important to ensure that your racks are mounted securely to your vehicle. The mounting system should be able to support the weight of the rooftop tent. Stock-mounting hardware usually fits crossbars with a standard 3.25-inch diameter x 2-inch height. This size is common in many vehicles, so it’s important to verify the dimensions before purchasing a rack.

Make sure to mount your roof rack crossbars 32 to 48 inches apart on your vehicle. This distance provides enough stability for the outdoor rooftop tent and ensures proper weight distribution. The wider the spacing, the more stability your rooftop tent will have, reducing the risk of the tent shifting during travel.

Choosing the Right Roof Rack

When selecting a roof rack for your rooftop tent, several options are available. Popular brands offer various models with different weight capacities, materials, and features to suit different vehicle types. Consider these key factors when choosing the best rack for your rooftop tent:

1. Weight Capacity: Ensure the rack can handle the weight of the tent plus any extra gear.

2. Durability: Look for racks made from durable materials like aluminum or steel for long-lasting performance.

3. Compatibility: Ensure the rack is compatible with your vehicle’s make and model.

4. Ease of Installation: Choose a system that is easy to mount and dismount, particularly if you plan to take the tent off when not in use.

Conclusion

Choosing the right roof rack and crossbars for your rooftop tent is essential for ensuring a safe, stable, and enjoyable camping experience. Be sure to select a roof rack with the appropriate Dynamic Weight Capacity to support the tent while driving and the Static Weight Capacity to handle the weight when the vehicle is parked. Proper installation and mounting, along with choosing the right size and material, will ensure your rooftop tent stays securely attached and ready for your next adventure.