If you’re thinking about buying a roof top tent, one of the most important questions to answer is:
"How will you mount it to your vehicle?"
This guide explains what you need to know before making a purchase—including mounting options, weight limits, and compatible rack types.
Basic Requirements
To safely mount a roof top tent, your vehicle must have a rack system with:
Two load-bearing cross bars or a compatible flat roof rack
A dynamic weight capacity that meets or exceeds the weight of the tent (plus gear)
A static weight capacity high enough to support the tent, your gear, and anyone sleeping inside
Our roof top tents weigh between 125–165 lbs (57–75 kg). You’ll want your rack system to exceed that—especially if you’re adding accessories or going off-road.
Mounting Options by Vehicle Type
Vehicle | Mounting Options |
Car / SUV | Cross bars or full-length roof rack |
Truck | Cross bars, roof rack, or bed rack |
Understanding Weight Capacity
There are two types of weight capacity to check for your rack system:
Dynamic Capacity: Maximum weight while the vehicle is in motion. This is critical for safe driving and rack stability.
Static Capacity: Maximum weight when the vehicle is parked. This must include your tent, gear, and people sleeping inside.
You can usually find this info in your rack manufacturer’s documentation. Some off-road-rated racks may list different dynamic limits for on-road vs. off-road use.
Cross Bars: A Simple & Compatible Option
Cross bars are one of the most common—and cost-effective—mounting solutions.
Why Choose Cross Bars?
Easy to install
Compatible with most cars, SUVs, and trucks
Great for minimal setups (tent + maybe an awning)
Things to Keep in Mind:
Many factory cross bars are not rated to carry a roof top tent. Check specs carefully.
You’ll need to identify your roof rail type to choose the right cross bar kit.
Common Rail Types:
Raised Side Rails (gap between roof and rail)
Flush Side Rails (sit flush with roof)
Gutters (common on older vehicles)
Factory Mount Points (covered threaded inserts)
Tracks (channels mounted to the roof)
Tools like Yakima’s or Thule’s fit guides can help you choose the right cross bars based on your vehicle.
Roof Racks: Built for Bigger Setups
A roof rack is a more robust mounting platform, ideal for campers planning to carry:
An RTT plus accessories like awnings, fuel storage, or recovery gear
Heavy-duty or full-time overland setups
Pros:
Higher weight capacities
More surface area for gear mounting
Greater long-term durability
Compatible Brands We Often See:
Prinsu
Front Runner
Rhino Rack
Gobi
Note: Basket-style roof racks (often factory-installed) are not compatible with roof top tents.
Bed Racks: For Pickup Trucks
If you’re mounting an RTT over a truck bed, a bed rack might be your best option.
Two Common Setups:
Cab-Height Bed Racks: Required for 4-person tents like the Skycamp 3.0 or X-Cover 2.0. Extends over the cab to avoid overhang.
Low / Mid-Height Racks: Better for 2-person tents like the Skycamp Mini. Lower center of gravity and better aerodynamics.
Popular Brands:
Cab-height: Leitner Designs, upTop Overland, Prinsu, Yakima
Low/mid-height: C4 Fabrication, BillieBars, Front Runner, upTop Overland
Bed racks vary more by truck model. Fitment options can be limited depending on your truck’s year, cab type, and bed length.
Mounting Brackets
All iKamper RTTs ship with mounting brackets that are compatible with most setups. Here's an overview of the different mounting bracket types:
Mounting Brackets 3.0:: Updated version for current tent lineup (not backward compatible)
Mounting Brackets 2.0: Compatible with earlier tent models
Mounting Brackets 1.0: An option for more unique mounting options
Summary Checklist
Before purchasing an iKamper roof top tent, make sure you:
✅ Know your vehicle’s roof type and rack setup
✅ Understand dynamic and static weight limits
✅ Choose a mounting system that fits your tent and adventure style
✅ Reach out to our Customer Experience team if you’re unsure