How to Mount a Free Standing Awning?
So, you’ve finally taken the plunge and got yourself a rooftop tent—awesome choice! Now it’s time to map out some epic camping trips in your new home on wheels. If you’re scratching your head about how to mount that tent, don’t sweat it—we’ve got you covered.In this "How-To" guide, we'll break down the two key weight capacities you need to consider for your vehicle and roof rack, explore three solid mounting options, and share some tried-and-true brand recommendations for cross bars and roof racks that fit a variety of popular vehicles.By the end of this article, you’ll be fully equipped and ready to hit the road, tackle overland adventures, and enjoy whatever the weekend has in store for you. Let’s get to it!
August 01, 20
How to Mount a Roof
Top Tent
A Step by step Guide
That was a lot of information to digest, but we’ve distilled it down to the key elements for selecting the right mounting solution for your rooftop tent and accessories.
Key Points to Remember:
The specific rooftop tent you choose, along with your vehicle type, will dictate the appropriate roof rack or crossbars.
Always verify both the dynamic and static weight capacities to ensure they can support your intended load. It’s advisable to consult the manufacturer for confirmation.
If you have further questions, don’t hesitate to reach out!
Our customer service team is available to assist you in determining which rooftop tent and accessories will best suit your needs. Please feel free to contact them with any inquiries.
Here’s a Recap:
For those looking to mount a rooftop tent, an awning, traction boards, a storage box, or any other gear on their vehicle’s roof, a dedicated roof rack is an essential investment. Once installed, this roof rack system will likely remain on your vehicle for the duration of ownership, making it a worthwhile expense in terms of both time and money. Having additional surface area for mounting gear not only enhances the vehicle's utility but also frees up interior space, contributing to a more comfortable and organized driving experience.
It’s important to note that we’ll focus on roof racks equipped with mounting rails or crossbars, rather than the basket-style racks commonly found as factory or dealership options. Basket-style roof racks are not compatible with rooftop tents.
Recommended brands for high-quality roof racks include Prinsu, Front Runner, Rhino Rack, and Gobi.
What Type of Roof Rack is Necessary for a Free Standing Awning?
Utilizing crossbars is often the most cost-effective and straightforward solution for mounting your rooftop tent. There are several types of crossbars, and their compatibility will depend on your specific vehicle.
Crossbars are advantageous because they are more universally compatible with various vehicle types; they don’t require a custom fit like most roof racks. However, if you anticipate carrying a substantial amount of gear alongside your tent, a dedicated roof rack might be a better option.
Crossbars are advantageous because they are more universally compatible with various vehicle types; they don’t require a custom fit like most roof racks. However, if you anticipate carrying a substantial amount of gear alongside your tent, a dedicated roof rack might be a better option.To ensure you choose the right crossbar system, it’s crucial to identify the type of rail setup on your vehicle. Consulting your dealer can provide clarity on this. Brands like Thule and Yakima offer vehicle fit tools where you can enter your vehicle information to receive tailored recommendations for crossbars that will work for you. Here’s a breakdown of common rail types:
Raised Side Rails:
These rails run parallel to your vehicle's doors, typically featuring a gap between the rail and the roof. Crossbars clamp securely onto these raised rails.
Flush Side Rails:
Flush-mounted to the roof with no gap, these rails run parallel to the doors. Crossbars will attach directly to these rails using vehicle-specific mounting feet.
Gutters:
A metal ridge along the roof’s edge helps direct water away from the windows. Specialized mounting feet attach to this ridge, providing a robust anchor point for crossbars.
Existing Factory Mounting Points:
Often covered by rubber or plastic caps, these four attachment points on the roof of your vehicle have threaded inserts for bolting crossbars directly.
Tracks:
Long metal channels or slots positioned above the doors, similar to side rails, allow for flexible crossbar placement.
Factory Roof Rails:
Some vehicles come equipped from the factory, or as a dealer option, with roof rails that include pre-mounted crossbars. However, be cautious—many factory crossbars may not meet the dynamic or static weight capacities required for a rooftop tent (more on weight capacity later).
Can You Install a free standing awning on Crossbars?
There are three go-to mounting options for your vehicle when it comes to rooftop tents. If you’re rolling with a car or SUV, you’ll want to focus on roof racks and cross bars. For those with a truck, you’ve got all three options: roof racks, cross bars, and bed racks. If you're just interested in bed racks for your truck, feel free to skip ahead to the last section.Let’s break it down: you’ll see cross bars mounted on a car and a Jeep, a roof rack on an SUV, and a cab-height bed rack for those longer rooftop tents on short beds, plus a low bed rack for compact tents on short bed trucks.
What's the difference between a roof rack and cross bars?
