Does This Rooftop Tent Fit My Vehicle? | YakRacks Complete RTT Fitment Guide

When it comes to overlanding, nothing transforms your rig like a rooftop tent (RTT). But before you click Add to Cart, the most common (and most important) question our experts get asked is:

“Will this tent fit my vehicle?”

The good news? We're available 24/7 if you want to make sure. Even better news? Almost every vehicle can run a rooftop tent, but only if you know what to look for. Fitment isn’t just about slapping a tent on your roof; it’s about safety, compatibility, and making sure your setup lasts for years of adventures.

Here’s the complete YakRacks guide to rooftop tent fitment, built from real overlanding experience.

Step 1: Know Your Roof Type

Your roof style determines how and where you can mount your tent. Here’s a breakdown:

1. Bare Roof: Just sheet metal... no rails, no bars. This setup needs aftermarket crossbars or a clip-fit rack system designed to safely distribute weight.

2. Raised Side Rails: The most common on SUVs and crossovers. Rails run front to back with space underneath, allowing crossbars to clamp on easily.

3. Flush Side Rails: Rails sit tight against the roof with no gap. These require special clamps or adapters.

4. Factory Crossbars: Some rigs come with pre-installed bars. They work for lighter loads, but many aren’t strong enough for the dynamic load of a rooftop tent.

5. Fixed Mounting Points: Hidden threaded points under small covers on your roof. With the right crossbars, these can be one of the strongest RTT mounting options.

Rule of thumb: Your RTT doesn’t mount to the roof itself, it mounts to crossbars or a rack system. Your roof style just determines what crossbar options are available.

Step 2: Check Your Vehicle’s Load Ratings

This is where a lot of first-time buyers get tripped up. Every vehicle roof system has two important numbers:

• Dynamic Load Rating: The max weight your roof can handle while driving. This is critical because your RTT + crossbars + any gear all count against this number. Most vehicles fall between 100–220 lbs dynamic capacity.

• Static Load Rating: The max weight your roof can support when parked. This is the number that matters when you’re actually sleeping inside your tent. Static ratings are usually 3–4x higher than dynamic. A tent that weighs 150 lbs might safely hold 600+ lbs once you’re stopped.

 Example: If your vehicle’s dynamic load rating is 165 lbs and your tent weighs 140 lbs, you’re within spec — just remember to include the crossbar weight too.

Step 3: Crossbar Strength and Spacing

Even if your roof can handle it, your crossbars need to meet RTT requirements:

• Weight Rating: Look for crossbars rated for at least 165–200 lbs dynamic load.

• Spacing: Most rooftop tents require crossbars spaced 30–48 inches apart. Too close and the tent isn’t supported correctly; too far apart and the tent base can flex.

• Bar Style: Round, square, or aero bars all work as long as they’re rated strong enough. Yakima, Thule, Rhino-Rack, and factory heavy-duty options are solid choices.

Step 4: Vehicle-Specific Fitment Examples

Here’s how RTT fitment looks on some of the most common adventure rigs:

• Jeep Wrangler (Hard Top): Needs aftermarket gutter mounts or crossbars. Avoid flimsy factory options — RTTs need heavy-duty support.

• Toyota 4Runner: Works with strong factory rails + aftermarket crossbars. Raised side rails make installs straightforward.

• Subaru Outback/Forester: Factory crossbars usually won’t cut it. Upgrade to stronger Thule/Yakima bars that bolt to the raised or flush rails.

• Pickup Trucks (Tacoma, Gladiator, etc.): Often easier to mount RTTs to a bed rack system instead of the roof. This lowers center of gravity and frees up the cab roof for other gear.

Step 5: Double-Check the Tent Specs

Every RTT brand lists:

• Tent weight (usually 120–200 lbs for soft shells, 150–220+ lbs for hard shells).

• Mounting requirements (bar spacing, bar width, and bar type).

• Ladder clearance (important for SUVs and trucks with lift kits).

Always cross-reference these numbers with your vehicle manual + crossbar specs.

Closing Thoughts: Fitment First, Adventure Next

Buying the wrong RTT or skipping fitment checks can ruin your trip before it starts. But once you know your roof type, load ratings, and crossbar setup, you’ll be ready to mount your tent with confidence.

At YakRacks, every rooftop tent we offer is trail-tested, tribe-approved, and carefully matched with real-world fitment guidance. Whether you’re rolling in a Wrangler, 4Runner, or Outback, we’ve got you covered with expert advice and gear that’s built to carry the wild.

Ready to see which RTTs fit your rig? Explore our Rooftop Tent Collection and start your journey today!