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Vehicle Compatibility Guide: Chevy Colorado

Updated over 2 weeks ago

This guide helps you determine which racks and iKamper rooftop tents are compatible with your Chevrolet Colorado. The Colorado is a capable midsize truck that supports a wide range of rack styles and rooftop tent configurations when set up correctly.

Compatibility depends on rack type, rack height, bed length, and load ratings. This guide explains the common rack options for the Colorado, the benefits of each, and which iKamper tents are compatible so customers can confidently build a safe and functional setup.

This guide assumes a Chevrolet Colorado with an open bed and factory cab.

Mounting Options

The Colorado supports cab-mounted, bed-mounted, and canopy-based rack systems. Bed length and rack height determine which tent sizes are compatible and how overhang is managed.

Mid-Height Bed Racks

Mid-height bed racks sit between the bed rails and cab height. They offer a balance between accessibility and compatibility but typically do not allow the tent to extend forward over the cab.

Mid-height racks pair perfectly with our compact tent lineup:

We don’t endorse a specific rack brand here, but here are a few common brands we see used. As always, confirm the rack’s dynamic load rating meets or exceeds the tent’s specifications.

  • RCI

  • CBI

  • Cali Raised

  • Yakima (OutPost HD)

Full-Height / Cab-Height Bed Racks

Full-height bed racks align with or exceed cab height and allow the tent to extend forward over the cab. This configuration provides the greatest flexibility and is required for most longer tents.

Compatible iKamper tents with full-height bed racks:

  • Skycamp Mini

  • Skycamp DLX Mini

  • Skycamp

  • Skycamp DLX

  • X-Cover Mini

  • X-Cover

  • BDV Duo

  • BDV Solo

BDV Duo and BDV Solo are compatible when paired with a full-height bed rack that provides adequate forward over-cab support and meets rack load ratings.

Key considerations:

  • Garage clearance: The added height can limit parking options.

  • Aerodynamics: Higher mounting height increases wind resistance and may reduce fuel efficiency.

We don’t endorse a specific rack brand here, but here are a few common brands we see used. As always, confirm the rack’s dynamic load rating meets or exceeds the tent’s specifications:

  • Yakima (OverHaul HD)

  • Leitner

  • Alu-Cab

  • Front Runner

Low-Height Bed Racks / Bed Bars

Low-height bed racks mount just above the bed rails and keep the tent close to the vehicle. These setups prioritize a low center of gravity but limit available mounting length.

Compatible iKamper tents with low-height bed racks:

  • Skycamp Mini

  • Skycamp DLX Mini

  • X-Cover Mini

Incompatible due to length and clearance:

  • Skycamp

  • Skycamp DLX

  • X-Cover

  • BDV Duo

  • BDV Solo

Low-height bed rack brands commonly used:

  • Billie Bars

  • Yakima (BedRock HD)

Canopy / Camper Shell Options

Canopies mount over the bed and often include integrated or add-on crossbars. They provide weather protection while maintaining usable rack height and load capacity.

Compatible iKamper tents with canopy setups:

  • Skycamp Mini

  • Skycamp DLX Mini

  • Skycamp

  • Skycamp DLX

  • X-Cover Mini

  • X-Cover

BDV Duo and BDV Solo may be compatible only if the canopy system provides full-length support comparable to a full-height bed rack or allows the tent to sit fully within the bed length.

Canopy and canopy-rack brands commonly used:

  • Smartcap

  • ARE

  • Leer

  • Alu-Cab

Cab-Mounted Rack Options

Cab-mounted racks sit directly on the Colorado’s cab roof. Because all weight is carried by the cab, roof load ratings and cab length must be respected. Cab-mounted racks are best suited for setups where the tent fits fully within the cab footprint without excessive front or rear overhang.

Crew Cab vs Extended Cab Consideration
Crew Cab models offer more front-to-back cab length than Extended Cab models. This affects whether Standard tents can fit safely on cab-mounted racks. Cab-mounted setups should always be evaluated using the actual cab roof measurement.

Compatible iKamper tents with cab-mounted racks:

Cab-mounted rack brands commonly used:

  • Yakima

  • Kuat

  • Front Runner

Weight Capacity Considerations

Before installing a rooftop tent, always verify the dynamic load ratings of your vehicle, rack system, and mounting hardware. Static load ratings when parked are often significantly higher, but only dynamic ratings apply while driving.

Always defer to the lowest-rated component in your setup.

Accessory Notes

Annex compatibility depends on the total height of the vehicle and rack setup. Measure from the ground to the base of the tent before planning to use an annex.

The standard iKamper ladder measures 90.5 inches (230 cm) and is suitable for setups up to 83 inches (211 cm). Taller bed rack or canopy setups may require the HC Ladder Extension, which adds an additional 12 inches (30 cm).

Awning compatibility depends on rack style, mounting hardware, and tailgate clearance.

Still Have Questions?

If you’re unsure which rack style is right for your Chevrolet Colorado or want help confirming compatibility based on your cab type, bed length, or rack height, our support team is happy to help.


Please reach out to us at [email protected] and include photos of your rack or bed setup so we can quickly confirm safe options for your vehicle.

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