How to Install a Roof Top Tent: Step-by-Step Guide

Installing a roof top tent is a task many DIY enthusiasts can accomplish in their driveway with basic tools and a helper. However, it's not something to rush. A poorly installed tent isn't just inconvenient—it's genuinely dangerous. This guide walks you through the complete installation process, from verifying your vehicle's capability to torquing the final bolt.

Take your time, follow the steps carefully, and you'll be rewarded with a secure setup that will serve you well for years of adventures.

Before You Begin: Pre-Installation Checks

Before you touch any tools, verify that your vehicle and roof rack system can safely support a roof top tent. This is non-negotiable.

Check Your Vehicle's Roof Load Rating

Every vehicle has a maximum roof load capacity specified by the manufacturer. This information can be found in:

• Your vehicle's owner manual
• A placard on the door jamb
• The manufacturer's website or dealer

Most passenger vehicles have a dynamic roof load rating of 75-100kg, while larger 4WDs might support 100-150kg. Remember, this is the limit while driving—static capacity when parked is typically much higher.

Verify Your Roof Rack Capacity

Your roof bars or rack platform also has a weight limit, which may be lower than your vehicle's roof capacity. Check the documentation that came with your roof rack system. Common ratings include:

• Standard roof bars: 50-75kg per pair
• Heavy-duty roof bars: 75-100kg per pair
• Roof rack platforms: 75-300kg depending on design

Required Tools and Equipment

Gather these items before starting the installation:

• Socket set and/or spanners (sizes depend on your tent's mounting hardware)
• Torque wrench (essential for proper bolt tightening)
• Drill and drill bits (if mounting rails need to be drilled)
• Thread-locking compound (medium strength, like Loctite Blue)
• Tape measure
• Marker or pencil
• Spirit level
• Step ladder or sturdy platform
• At least one helper (essential for lifting the tent safely)

Step-by-Step Installation Process

Step 1: Unpack and Inspect

Remove the tent from its packaging and lay out all components. Verify you have:

• The tent unit itself
• Mounting rails or brackets
• All required bolts, washers, and nuts
• The ladder
• Any included accessories

Inspect the mounting rails and tent base for any shipping damage. Check that all bolt holes align correctly.

Step 2: Position the Mounting Rails

If your tent uses mounting rails (most do), these need to be attached to the tent base first:

1. Place the rails on the tent base, aligning with pre-drilled holes
2. Insert bolts through the tent base into the rails
3. Hand-tighten only at this stage—you may need to adjust positioning

Step 3: Measure and Mark Roof Bar Position

Before lifting the tent, determine where it will sit on your roof:

1. Measure your tent's mounting rail spacing
2. Position your roof bars to match this spacing (if adjustable)
3. Ensure bars are positioned to distribute weight evenly over the vehicle's roof
4. The tent should be centered side-to-side and positioned so the ladder falls in a practical location

Step 4: Lift and Position the Tent

This is where you absolutely need help. Roof top tents typically weigh 45-80kg—attempting to lift one solo risks injury and damage.

1. With your helper(s), lift the tent onto the vehicle roof
2. Slide it into position, aligning the mounting rails with the roof bars
3. Take your time—scratching your vehicle or dropping the tent isn't worth rushing

Step 5: Secure to Roof Bars

The mounting method depends on your tent and rack system, but most use one of these approaches:

U-Bolt Mounting

U-bolts wrap around the roof bar and bolt through the mounting rail:

1. Position U-bolt over the roof bar
2. Pass the legs through the mounting rail slots
3. Add washers and nuts, hand-tighten initially

Channel Mount

For racks with T-slot channels:

1. Slide channel nuts into the rack's T-slots
2. Position mounting bolts through the tent rail
3. Thread into channel nuts, hand-tighten initially

Step 6: Level and Align

Before final tightening:

1. Use a spirit level to check the tent is level side-to-side
2. Verify it's centered on the vehicle
3. Ensure the ladder position is practical
4. Check that the tent opens toward the side you want (consider prevailing winds at your usual campsites)

Step 7: Final Tightening

Now secure everything properly:

1. Apply thread-locking compound to all bolts
2. Using a torque wrench, tighten bolts to the manufacturer's specification (typically 15-25 Nm, but check your manual)
3. Work in a cross pattern to ensure even pressure
4. Double-check that all bolts are secure

Step 8: Attach the Ladder

Most ladders hook onto brackets integrated into the tent frame or mounting rail:

1. Identify the ladder mounting points
2. Hook or bolt the ladder into position
3. Ensure any locking mechanisms engage correctly
4. Test that the ladder deploys and retracts smoothly

Post-Installation Checks

Before your first camping trip, perform these essential checks:

• Open and close test: Deploy the tent fully, then pack it away. Repeat several times.
• Shake test: Grab the tent and attempt to move it. There should be no play or movement on the bars.
• Ladder test: Climb up and down to verify stability
• Drive test: Take a short drive on various road surfaces, then re-check all bolts
• Clearance check: Verify you can still access your garage and any regular parking spots

Ongoing Maintenance

Installation isn't a one-time task. To maintain safe operation:

• Check mounting bolts before every trip
• Re-torque bolts after the first 500km and then every few months
• Inspect mounting rails for cracks or wear
• Check roof bar condition and mounting points

A properly installed roof top tent should feel rock-solid. If you ever notice movement, unusual sounds while driving, or any looseness, stop and investigate immediately. Your safety—and that of others on the road—depends on a secure installation.