A rooftop tent is an easy solution to camp anywhere with safety and comfort.
But not all cars and car racks allow you to do so.
Then what can you do?
What is the solution when you still want to enjoy camping on your rooftop?
Well, installing an additional crossbar is the only solution.
But not all crossbars are suitable for your car. You need to pick the best cross bars for roof top tent.
A good crossbar will help you install a rooftop tent smoothly with a higher loading capacity. You can enjoy cozy feelings and comfort with your family. It will also deliver you a great place to sleep and view outside.
My Top Picks
Top 7 Best Cross Bars for Rooftop Tent in 2022
The market is flooded with so many cross-bar options. Finding the best cross bars for rooftop tent will be difficult for sure. I have come up with these 7 crossbars for you to make your life easier.
1. CargoLoc 2-Piece 52″ Aluminum Roof Top Cross Bar Set
CargoLoc Aluminum Roof Top Cross Bar Set is one of the best crossbars for hard shell roof top tent. It comes with a rigid aluminum construction that reduces the weight yet provides superior durability and strength.
You will get up to 150 lbs loading capacity which is good enough for two people. And the best part is that you can use it for most vehicles with side rails.
It also features a clamping mechanism that helps the crossbars to stay firm to the side rails. You will have a locking mechanism for even more stability.
The 46” span between your side rails provides enough space for your rooftop tent. You will even get tie-down features to load more items in your racks.
Things I Like:
- Durable aluminum construction for added durability
- Suitable for a small 2-person family
- Clamping mechanism for more stability
- Locking mechanism for additional security
- Large space for maximum convenient
Things Can Be Improved:
- Low loading capacity.
2. StayThere Universal 54” Aero Aluminum Roof Rack Cross Bars
Large capacity with durability – these are the things you expect from the best roof rack for roof top tent. That is exactly what you will get from Universal Roof Rack Crossbar. It offers up to 49.5″ span space between side rails.
You will get a large space to install a rooftop tent and enjoy camping with your family. It can be adjusted as well according to your needs. Its higher weight capacity of 200 lbs will support your camping even better.
Despite the large capacity, it weighs only 8.25 pounds. But that does not mean it will not be durable. The aluminum construction is what makes it lightweight yet super durable.
Its rubberized anti-wind grip stops noise caused by wind. You can drive the car at a higher speed without experiencing any wind noise. The end plastic caps help you stay free from any accidental damages, unlike any traditional racks.
Installation and removal is a cup of tea that makes it even more user-friendly. You can single-handedly do it anytime.
The anti-theft locking system will protect your crossbars from others. You will also get 2 PCS Unique keys for added security.
Things I Like:
- Adjustable space makes it suitable for versatile operations
- Easy to install and remove
- Rubberized grip reduces noise
- Anti-theft mechanism ensures higher security
- Lightweight yet durable for added longevity
Things Can Be Improved:
- Not suitable for a large family.
3. Amazon 52 inches Basics Universal Cross Rail Roof Rack
Amazon Basics Universal Cross Rail Roof Rack is an excellent cross bar for any car or SUV to install a rooftop tent. It offers a 52-inch long universal space suitable for any car. You will get enough after installing the rooftop tent.
Installing becomes easier thanks to its user-friendly design with rubber-coated steel clamps. You will get a superior grip while handling the crossbars. It will also protect your car from getting damaged from the bar edges.
The rubber sealing reduces the noise caused by the wind while you drive your car fast. It gives you a piece of mind.
Heavy-duty aluminum construction reduces the overall weight of the crossbar to decrease pressure on the car. But it offers resistance to corrosion and up to 165-pound capacity. You can use it for up to 2 people and in all seasons.
Your bars may get stolen while you go outside from your car. This reduces the fun of camping. But this one comes with a built-in locking system that prevents any stealing and gives you peace of mind all the time.
Things I Like:
- Large and wide space for roof tent installation
- Rubber sealing for reduced noise during high-speed driving
- Easy to install with rubber-coated steel clamps
- Locking mechanism for thief protection
- Lightweight and robust construction for all-weather use
Things Can Be Improved:
- The instruction manual could be better.
4. DEE ZEE DZ4472JL Roof Rack
But what if you have a family of 3 people?
You will need something large with a higher loading capacity. In that case, DEE ZEE DZ4472JL Roof Rack can be a good option to pick. This 60″ rack offers large space for your entire family and offers up to 225lb dynamic and 600lb. parked mode capacity.
That means your family can smoothly camp in the car with the help of this crossbar. Made of lightweight aluminum – this crossbar offers maximum durability yet low weight. You can expect a longer lifespan from it due to its sturdy construction.
The protective black powder coat finish also makes it suitable for any conditions. You can use it for your rooftop tent in rainy, sunny, or cold conditions.
We often need to carry some essential accessories with us when camping. But due to insufficient space, we fail to take those accessories, and that makes our camping less fun. It comes with an integrated channel to carry more accessories with you.
Installing is a pain on the trip. But do not worry when you have this crossbar with you. You can smoothly install it into the existing drip rails without taking help from others.
Things I Like:
- Large space and higher loading capacity for up to 3 people
- Easy to install with existing drip rails
- Integrated channel to carry more accessories
- Durable yet lightweight construction for longevity
- Powder coating for all-season use
Things Can Be Improved:
- No rubber sealing for noise protection.
5. YAKIMA Overhaul HD Adjustable-Height Heavy Duty Truck Bed Rack
But you know, sometimes the family or friends are higher in number. You need something extra-large to enjoy roof top tent camping for your entire large family.
YAKIMA Adjustable-Height Heavy Duty Truck Bed Rack comes to solve the problem. You can enjoy camping in your car with up to 500 lbs on-road and 300lbs off-road loading capacity.
The aluminum construction makes it durable yet lightweight. You will also get a powder-coated finish that prevents rust and corrosion and makes it suitable for all seasons.
Installing and taking off are simple for its QuickChange rack attachment. You will also have tie-down points for secure loading. Some T-slot attachments are also there to mount and take more accessories in your camping. A bottle opener is there to take your camping to the next level.
You can also consider this the best roof top tent rack for its rated SKS. It is impossible to enjoy camping or outdoor activities when you are tense about losing your racks, right? This rack eradicates the tension with its locking mechanism.
Things I Like:
- Adjustable height for maximum convenient
- Higher loading capacity for your family
- Easy to install and take off
- Lightweight to carry
- Tie-down points secure loading
Things Can Be Improved:
- Need to buy bed track kit one accessory for Toyota and Nissan models.
6. Otherya Aero Aluminum Universal 54” Roof Rack Cross Bars
Otherya Aero 54” Roof Rack Cross Bar is one of the best truck racks for roof top tent with its versatility and compatibility. It is 54 inches long from end to end. That means it will be perfectly compatible with most of the cars, vehicles, and SUVs with existing side rails.
It is also possible to adjust the length at your convenience. The sleek, aerodynamic design features rubber to eliminate wind noise and vibration while driving at a higher speed. You stay silent which enhances the fun of driving.
Its aero aluminum construction is different from any traditional aluminum material. This crossbar is lighter, more durable, and higher in loading capacity. You can get up to 198lbs. loading capacity from this bar.
The rack feet feature a locking mechanism that becomes secure after locking. You can stay tension-free about loosening your racks in the camping.
Installation becomes easier thanks to its rubber-coated steel clamps. You can do it yourself without damaging your car.
We often worry about paint damage when installing racks or crossbars in the car. But this rack bar comes with a rubber pad on the bottom that prevents any kind of damage to the car paint. Your car will stay as shiny as it was.
Things I Like:
- Adjustable length makes it suitable for any cars
- Easy to install and remove
- No paint damage while installing
- Stay noise and vibration-free while driving at a higher speed
- The locking mechanism ensures peace of mind in camping
Things Can Be Improved:
- No height adjustment is possible.
7. Snailfly Upgraded Roof Rack Cross Bar Fit
Up next is the Snailfly Upgraded Roof Rack Cross Bar that comes to an end to your search for the best roof rack for roof top tent.
It is made of durable and quality aluminum alloy that delivers up to 165 lbs loading capacity. The balanced design distributes weight evenly to ensure perfect stability. You can enjoy a smooth camping experience in the roof tent with the help of this balanced cross bar.
Its aerodynamics design also reduces the noise while driving at a higher speed. You stay silent, which enhances the fun of your trip.
Assembling and disassembling is not that tough, thanks to its instruction manual. It gets easier since you do not need any drilling or cutting when installing the rack.
Lockable clamps are also there to provide added security. You do not have to worry about stealing due to these clamps. Keys come with the clamps for peace of mind so you can fully focus on the camping.
Things I Like:
- Suitable for a wide range of accessories
- A balance in height for maximum stability
- Locking mechanism for added security
- Easy to install with user-friendly manual and design
- Aerodynamic design for reduces noise while fast driving
Things Can Be Improved:
- No tie-down points for carrying additional accessories in camping.
Are Roof Rack Cross Bars Necessary?
Well, it depends on your car racks. Many cars come with built-in cross bars where you can easily install roof top tents. But many cars do not come with that facility at the same time. You need to install cross bars in that case.
You will get the benefits, including
- Higher loading capacity compared to your built-in rack or cross bar system.
- No damage to your car regarding the racks.
- Easy facility to mount roof top tent.
- More space to carry more things.
- Get enough room to enjoy camping.
That means yes, cross bars are necessary for your car if you want to get something extra from it.
FAQs about Cross Bars for Rooftop Tent
Still got some questions in mind? Let’s check out some of the FAQs below.
Yes, you can mount roof top tent on your cross bars as long as they support the tent. If not, you need to install additional cross bars in your car to mount roof top tent.
If the built-in racks of your car do not support roof top tents, you need special racks for those tents. Otherwise, the built-in racks or cross bars will be enough to mount a roof top tent.
Yes, your car can support a roof top tent. But make sure the load capacity is above 165lbs. Less than that will be a significant barrier to support a roof top tent.
Conclusion
Roof top tents are a great companion for adventurous people. It lets them camp anywhere they want with full safety and comfort. The problem arises with the built-in racks and crossbars. That is because not all built-in car racks or cross bars are suitable for roof top tents.
You need to mount additional cross bars for your cars. But finding the best cross bars for a roof top tent is not everyone’s cup of tea. You need previous experience and to consider some factors before getting the right one. Only then can you enjoy the benefits of a roof top tent. Your next trip will be on another level when you have a rooftop tent installed in your car.
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