If you’re considering a roof top tent, one of the most important decisions you’ll make is how you plan to mount it to your vehicle.

This guide breaks down the most common mounting options, what they typically cost, how complex they are to install, and what ownership looks like long term. The goal is to help you understand the tradeoffs before you buy, so you end up with a setup that fits both your vehicle and how you actually camp.

Because every vehicle and rack system is different, this guide stays intentionally high-level. Your vehicle owner’s manual and your rack manufacturer should always be treated as the final authority on weight ratings and fitment.

At a minimum, a roof top tent needs two load-bearing support points, usually crossbars or a flat rack, that are securely mounted to the vehicle.

Just as important, the system must be rated to carry the tent’s weight while driving. Most hard-shell roof top tents weigh roughly 125–165 lbs (57–75 kg) before adding bedding or accessories. Your rack system should meet or exceed that weight, especially if you plan to travel on rough roads or add additional gear.

There are two weight ratings to understand before choosing any mounting option.

Dynamic weight capacity is the maximum weight your vehicle and rack are rated to carry while driving. This is the most critical number and the one that limits what you can safely mount.

Static weight capacity refers to what the system can support while parked, including the tent, your gear, and people sleeping inside. Static capacity is typically higher than dynamic capacity, but it still depends on proper installation and even load distribution.

Many rack manufacturers consider static capacity to be roughly two to three times the dynamic rating, but this varies by design and should always be confirmed.

Stock crossbars are the factory-installed bars found on many vehicles.

Cost & Installation

These are the least expensive option because they come with the vehicle. Installation effort is minimal, if any.

Pros

They’re convenient, require no additional purchases, and work well for light-duty cargo.

Cons

Most factory crossbars are not designed for roof top tent use. Dynamic weight ratings are often low, bar spacing may be fixed, and bar shapes can be incompatible with tent mounting hardware. Even when weight ratings seem close, there is often little margin for safety.

Ownership Reality

Stock crossbars are rarely a good long-term solution for a roof top tent. In most cases, they become the first thing customers need to upgrade.

Best For

Generally not recommended unless the vehicle manufacturer explicitly approves roof top tent use with the factory system.

Aftermarket crossbars use vehicle-specific mounting towers paired with stronger bars designed to carry heavier loads.

Cost & Installation

Costs are moderate, and installation is usually straightforward. Most systems can be installed at home with basic tools and removed when not in use.

Pros

Aftermarket crossbars often provide higher dynamic ratings than factory bars and allow adjustable positioning. This makes it easier to meet a tent’s required crossbar spacing. For many cars and SUVs, this is the simplest and most cost-effective roof top tent solution.

Cons

The vehicle’s roof rating still applies, even with stronger bars. Roof design and mounting points vary, which is why these systems rely on vehicle-specific fit kits. Some vehicles simply have low roof limits regardless of the bars used.

Ownership Reality

This is a flexible, practical setup that works well for many people, especially those running a tent seasonally rather than full time.

Best For

Cars and SUVs that support roof-mounted loads and owners looking for a relatively simple, removable setup.

Platform racks replace individual crossbars with a flat or slatted deck that spans more of the roof.

Cost & Installation

Platform racks are typically one of the more expensive roof-mounted options. Installation is more involved than crossbars and often requires more time, more hardware, and more careful alignment. Because the rack itself is large and heavy, removing it later is also less convenient.

Pros

One of the biggest advantages of a platform rack is low-profile mounting. The tent can often sit lower than it would on traditional crossbars, which helps reduce overall vehicle height, improve aerodynamics, and lower the center of gravity. Platform racks also provide flexibility in tent positioning and make it easier to add accessories alongside the tent.

Cons

That low-profile benefit comes with tradeoffs. Platform racks are heavier than crossbars, which reduces available roof load. They are also more complex to install and uninstall, making them less ideal for people who want a quick, seasonal setup. Even when the rack itself is rated for high loads, the vehicle’s roof structure remains the limiting factor.

Basket-style roof racks, including many factory-installed baskets, are generally not compatible with roof top tents.

Ownership Reality

Platform racks are excellent for more permanent builds where the tent stays on the vehicle for extended periods. They are less convenient for owners who want to frequently remove their rack or tent.

Best For

Owners looking for a clean, low-profile setup with room for accessories, and who are comfortable with a more involved installation process.

For trucks, bed racks are often the most versatile mounting option. They move the load off the cab and open up more tent possibilities, but they also introduce more variables.

Mid-height bed racks sit just above the bed rails and are often chosen to keep the tent lower and the truck more manageable for daily use.

Cost & Installation

Mid-height racks are typically moderately priced and install without major vehicle modification. Installation is generally straightforward, but alignment and torque still matter, especially when supporting a roof top tent.

Pros

The lower mounting height keeps the tent closer to the vehicle, which helps with aerodynamics and overall stability. One of the biggest benefits is ease of access—opening, closing, and climbing into the tent is noticeably easier compared to taller rack setups. This becomes especially important for frequent use or shorter users.

Cons

The tradeoff for the lower profile is reduced vertical space in the bed. Taller items, stacked storage bins, or drawer systems may not fit as easily, and accessory mounting options are more limited compared to full-height racks. There is also less room to mount larger accessories like awnings, fuel cans, or recovery gear.

Cab clearance remains an important constraint. Longer tents may extend forward and interfere with the cab, roofline, or antennas, particularly on short-bed trucks.

Ownership Reality

Mid-height racks are comfortable and easy to live with day to day, but they are less flexible for gear-heavy builds. Many owners find themselves needing to be more intentional about how they pack and what accessories they run.

Best For

Owners prioritizing easy tent access, lower overall height, and daily drivability over maximum cargo capacity or accessory mounting.

Full-height bed racks rise to the height of the cab or higher.

Cost & Installation

Typically more expensive than mid-height racks, with a slightly more involved install.

Pros

Cab clearance is no longer an issue, making it easier to run larger tents or wider platforms. Accessory mounting options expand significantly, and tent compatibility is broad.

Cons

The tent sits higher, increasing wind resistance and total vehicle height. Entry and exit require more climbing, which becomes noticeable with frequent setup and teardown.

Ownership Reality

Very flexible and capable, but less friendly for daily driving and low-clearance parking.

Best For

Larger tents, accessory-heavy builds, or trucks used primarily for travel rather than daily commuting.

All iKamper roof top tents ship with mounting hardware designed to work with most common rack systems. Older tent models may use different bracket styles than current-generation tents, which can matter for unique racks or used-gear setups.

If there’s any uncertainty, our support team can help confirm compatibility before you buy.

If you want the lowest cost and simplest entry point, aftermarket crossbars are often the best place to start, assuming your vehicle supports the required dynamic load.

If you want maximum flexibility on the roof and plan to carry additional gear, a platform rack may make sense, with added cost and complexity.

For trucks, mid-height bed racks strike the best balance for everyday use, while full-height racks offer the most freedom for larger tents and accessory-heavy setups.

If you’re unsure which mounting option is right for your vehicle, contact our support team and include a photo of your current rack or roof setup, along with your vehicle year, make, model, and the tent you’re considering.

We’re always happy to help you confirm a setup that fits safely and correctly.