If you’re new to roof-top tents or new to iKamper, things can look a little confusing at first. This guide walks you through how our three generations compare, what changed over the years, and what that means for your setup.
Whether you’ve got a classic Skycamp 1.0 or the newest 3.0, this is everything you need to know before installing or swapping parts.
The Big Picture (What All Brackets Have in Common)
Before diving into the differences, here’s what every generation was designed to do:
Safely secure your tent to crossbars
Keep installation as tool-friendly and straightforward as possible
Fit most common aftermarket crossbars
Stay solid on everything from daily driving to long-haul off-road trips
From here, each generation has just gotten stronger, simpler, and more user-friendly.
Used on: Skycamp 1.0 and early first-generation models. Compatible with all models.
These guys are the original system that helped put iKamper on the map. It’s sturdy, reliable, and very “classic overlanding”. Because it’s so straightforward, it works with almost any rack system, and every iKamper tent is compatible with the 1.0 system.
That means if your Skycamp DLX Mini ends up on a rack that doesn’t play nicely with the newer 3.0 brackets, you can simply swap to the 1.0 hardware and keep adventuring without skipping a beat.
A multi-piece steel clamp system
Requires wrench tightening from underneath the crossbar
Solid performance, but slower install time
Tip: The 1.0 brackets are not compatible with 2.0 or 3.0 brackets locks without swapping the entire bracket system.
Used on: Skycamp 2.0 series.
The 2.0 generation was a huge improvement. It made life easier for installers, dealers, and first-time owners. iKamper Mounting Brackets 2.0 are available for purchase as replacements for damaged or lost brackets, or for specific rack and crossbar configurations requiring an upgrade. These brackets are ideal for older iKamper tents or specialized setups.
What changed:
Faster installation
Fewer parts
Easier access to tighten, loosen or adjust mounting hardware
Why people love it: It’s simply less fiddly than 1.0. Most customers can get their tent installed in a fraction of the time and with fewer tools.
Important:
Bracket 2.0 still uses our separate lock housings — the same style that slides onto the bracket and allows you to use the iKamper Keys.
Used on: Skycamp 3.0 series and X-Cover series.
Bracket 3.0 is our most user-friendly system yet. Everything about it is designed to be cleaner, stronger, and more secure. Designed for flat roof racks and low-profile setups, they provide a secure and streamlined fit. Each set includes four brackets and a T-Handle Allen Wrench, which can be purchased separately, HERE
What’s new:
A streamlined clamp design
Better crossbar compatibility (larger bar shapes, varying widths, etc.)
Faster install and removal
Stronger clamping force while using fewer components
Why it’s the favorite:
It’s simple, rugged, and very easy to use — especially for people who frequently remove the tent seasonally.
Bracket Lock Differences 2.0 vs 3.0
This is when our dedicated iKamper lock housings started becoming “standard.”
Slide-on lock housings designed to fit Bracket 2.0
Uses your iKamper Key
Simple, reliable, and effective
These locks will not fit Bracket 1.0 or 3.0.
Redesigned to match the 3.0 bracket shape
Stronger engagement
Updated mechanism for smoother use
Still keyed to your Adventure Ready key system, so you keep everything on one key
Note: Bracket 3.0 locks are not cross-compatible with 2.0. They look similar, but the fitment is different.
Which Bracket System Should You Choose?
Stick with the bracket system that matches their tent generation.
If they want easier installation and newer features, upgrading from 1.0 → 2.0 or 3.0 is often worth it, but requires swapping the whole bracket kit.
Locks must always match the bracket generation.