If you’re new to iKamper—or upgrading or replacing mounting hardware—our bracket system can seem confusing at first. This guide explains how the three generations of iKamper mounting brackets differ, what changed over time, and how to choose the correct setup for your tent and rack.

Whether you’re running a classic Skycamp 1.0 or the latest Skycamp 3.0 or X-Cover 3.0, this article covers everything you need to know before installing or swapping brackets.

Every generation of iKamper mounting brackets is designed to do the same core job:

As the tents and rack designs have evolved, each bracket generation has become stronger, simpler, and easier to use.

Made For: Skycamp 1.0, X-Cover 1.0

Compatibility: Works with all iKamper tents (except BDV)

Mounting Brackets 1.0 are the original iKamper bracket system. They use a multi-piece steel clamp design that’s extremely versatile and works with nearly any rack or crossbar profile.

Because of their simple geometry, 1.0 brackets remain a useful solution when newer bracket systems don’t fit a specific rack. For example, if a newer Skycamp is mounted to a rack that doesn’t work well with 3.0 brackets, switching to 1.0 hardware can often solve the issue.

Key characteristics:

Important: Mounting Brackets 1.0 are not compatible with 2.0 or 3.0 bracket locks. Locks must match the bracket generation. Unfortunately there are no bracket locks compatible with the Mounting Brackets 1.0.

Made For: Skycamp 2.0 series

Compatibility: Only Skycamp 2.0 series tents

Mounting Brackets 2.0 introduced major usability improvements. The design reduced part count, improved load distribution, and made installation significantly faster and easier—especially for first-time owners and dealers.

These brackets are also commonly used when adapting older tents to newer roof racks or when replacing worn or damaged hardware.

Key characteristics:

Crossbar compatibility:

Mounting Brackets 2.0 are compatible with crossbars up to 1.2 inches in height. Always confirm your bar’s height and profile before installation.

Used on: Skycamp 3.0 series and X-Cover 2.0/3.0 series

Compatibility: Only Skycamp 3.0 series and X-Cover 2.0/3.0 series

Mounting Brackets 3.0 are our most advanced and user-friendly bracket system. They’re optimized for modern rack designs, especially low-profile crossbars and flat platform racks, and are ideal for customers who remove their tent seasonally.

Each set includes four brackets (one per mounting point). A T-Handle Allen Wrench is included with your tent, but sold separately if you need a replacement.

Key characteristics:

Crossbar compatibility:

Mounting Brackets 3.0 support crossbars up to 2 inches in height, depending on the bar’s shape and profile. Refer to the compatibility diagram for acceptable and unacceptable crossbar examples.

Crossbars shown above: 1) Compatible 1.5” square/rectangular bar 2) Compatible 1.8” bar 3) Not compatible – exceeds max height 4) Compatible rounded bar up to 2”.

Used on: BDV Series

Compatibility: Only BDV Series

BDV mounting hardware is a dedicated system designed specifically for the BDV platform. Unlike Skycamp and X-Cover tents, the BDV mounts using a simple, sandwich-style setup that interfaces directly with the tent’s integrated T-track channels.

The system consists of bolts, nuts, and a proprietary iKamper washer that seats securely on the underside of the BDV. This design distributes load evenly while keeping installation straightforward and tool-friendly.

Key characteristics:

Because of its simplicity, BDV mounting hardware makes it easy to fine-tune fitment without specialized brackets, providing a secure and stable connection across many vehicle and rack configurations.

If you need replacement brackets or parts please reach out to [email protected]

Our mounting bracket locks are generation-specific and must always match the version of mounting brackets being used. Locks are not interchangeable between bracket generations.

Mounting Bracket Locks 2.0 are designed specifically for use with Mounting Brackets 2.0. These locks secure the bracket hardware after installation and are keyed to the iKamper Adventure Ready key system.

If you’re running a Skycamp 2.0 or using 2.0 brackets on a compatible tent, this is the correct lock option.

Mounting Bracket Locks 3.0 are designed specifically for Mounting Brackets 3.0 and match the updated bracket shape and clamping mechanism.

Although Mounting Bracket Locks 2.0 and 3.0 may look similar, they are not cross-compatible. Always confirm that your lock version matches your bracket version.