Correct answer: Yes the factory roof rack (minus crossbars) is more than strong enough to support a RTT full of people and gear. Where is the squeak coming from, at the point where Channel meets rack, you could try some heavy rubber between tent channel and roof rack. roof racks such as these mount onto existing factory mounting points or clip on to avoid any drilling or other vehicle alterations. Some Jeep Wrangler roof racks can even accomodate a roof top tent. Just make sure that your racks have a Dynamic Weight Capacity (DWC) of at least the weight of the tent. So here is the guide you need to setting your roof top tent up safely and securely. Now, I feel like I can safely put a roof rack … No flexing to be seen. Roof Top Tents can be installed on flat racks, cross bars or a canopy. Many of these racks can handle loads of 1000 pounds or more, and that’s more than enough for a roof top tent with even three people. Generally, rooftop tents can be fitted to bars that use fixed point, vehicle specific track, or gutter mount legs but we do NOT recommend using clamp-style fitments or non-specific vehicle tracks. Not all roof rack fitting types are suitable for fitting rooftop tents. A roof rack like this one by Front Runner Outfitters is the best choice if you plan to keep your tent up top for the majority of the time –– or forever. Has anyone put a roof top tent over the cab on a rack, not sure if you can put that much weight on the cab. So, you will need to check you roof rack’s dynamic weight capacity and ensure the top of your vehicle is rated for at least the weight of the tent while in motion. I opted to just leave the bars on the tent and take off as a unit. Using the factory rack, you can mount the RTT much lower in profile than any aftermarket rack or crossbar setup that I've seen. I have the Rhino Rack, but use the Pioneer Platform instead of bars. Dynamic Weight: This is the amount of weight your roof rack can carry while the vehicle is moving. Tents you can purchase commercially by roof top tent manufacturers will weigh in the 100 to 220 lbs range (depending on the size and build of the tent). For example, if the tent weighs 130 lbs, the racks MUST have at least that same DWC. I … If you can afford it get the front runner and the quick release clips, they are sweet. I have a topper on order and don't want a bed rack. They are able to handle a large DWC and offer the most support for enabling weight dispersal for SWC. However, it’s a bit of a pain if you want to take on and off frequently. In summary To be honest, there a lot of owners who mount the RTT’s on the most standard, common shells you can find on the market, and never get into any issues in regards to them breaking in one way or the other. I could not afford it so I went Prinsu style rack with RTT, works great looks great and was more economical. My Suzuki Jimny has a tiny 30kg maximum load rate for the roof. Let’s take a look at some of the options available that can accomodate a tent or your camping gear: Baja Jeep Wrangler Roof Rack. No need to spend an extra $1000 just to mount your RTT. If your car came with a roof rack factory installed you’re going to want to check the manual and verify what weight your rack is rated for. With a roof rack, you’re easily able to accommodate extra camping gear you need for your trip. Thank you so much for your article. 1. Jeep JK 4-Door Utility Flat Rack – Years 2007-2017 you get the feet setup it's a breeze to remove tent with load bars, 4 bolts. Rooftop tents typically weigh between 100-200lbs. You can simply call your manufacturer; look at the specs of your racks to know. I make and sell tent load bars that work with factory racks. Rhino-Rack are experts in vehicle roof systems and we, in case you didn’t know, make the world’s most useful roof racks. I want to put a small roof top tent up there. However, I have seen many people put 20kg+ roof racks, plus awning, plus roof top tent and wondered how they were able to do so. I am looking at the Front Runner Roof top tent that weights 93 pounds. Because the system uses an internal "backbone" for support, you can take your top off any time you like with no more effort than normal.