Can you put a Roof Top Tent on 4 runner factory roof rack

[mechahayai]

James Baroud

Our JB Evasion does just fine with the awning on the passenger side as well. No real wind noise with the sunroof closed. No noticeable drop in MPG either. We have it mounted on Thule aero cross bars.

 

[therhythmic]

Correct answer: Yes the factory roof rack (minus crossbars) is more than strong enough to support a RTT full of people and gear. No flexing to be seen.



Using the factory rack, you can mount the RTT much lower in profile than any aftermarket rack or crossbar setup that I've seen. No need to spend an extra $1000 just to mount your RTT.

Did you mount using the factory crossbars or literally mount to the factory side rails?

I have a roofnest Condor and trying to figure if I need to buy ruggedized crossbars or if I can use the factory crossbars.

Thanks,

J

 

[RunnerAK]

Did you mount using the factory crossbars or literally mount to the factory side rails?

I have a roofnest Condor and trying to figure if I need to buy ruggedized crossbars or if I can use the factory crossbars.

Thanks,

J

The tent is mounted directly to the factory roof rails. The factory roof rails are quite sturdy, but the factory crossbars are not. The tent's mounting rails, which are designed to support the entire tent plus occupants, essentially become heavy duty crossbars

The mounting rails on my tent (CVT Mt. Shasta) can be installed front to back, which would require crossbars, or side to side, which allows for mounting directly to the factory roof rails like I did. I'm not sure if your tent's rails can be mounted side to side.

 

[Dorksrule7]

Did you mount using the factory crossbars or literally mount to the factory side rails?

I have a roofnest Condor and trying to figure if I need to buy ruggedized crossbars or if I can use the factory crossbars.

Thanks,

J

For your rooftop tent that sits right on the factory side rails, what did you use at the contact points, so the rooftop tent doesn’t scrap the side rails?

I have a Thule Tepui Kukenam that I purchased during the pandemic and finally looking to install my RTT to the 4Runner now that my kids are age ready for adventure. The two options for installation are installing it directly to the side rails or purchasing a pair of LFD Off-road cross bars that slide directly into my factory side rails.