About Rooftop Tents
What are Rooftop Tents?
The name Rooftop Tent can be a little misleading. While Rooftop Tents (we’ll refer to them as RTT’s moving forward) can mount to your roof, they can also mount to a bed rack or bed bars. When it’s all said and done, the inside of an RTT is the same as a normal tent, but it also includes an added structural foundation (usually a base made of aluminum), as well as a built-in mattress. The base of the RTT rests on your bed rack, bed bars, or roof rack. Picture your normal tent that is gathering cobwebs in the basement, then add your next door neighbors kids erector set to the bottom, and you’ve got an RTT! So no Mom, you won’t fall through the bottom!
Why do you need an RTT?
Well if you’re into outdoor adventure, camping and/or overlanding, it’s a must. Why not spend the night tucked comfortably away in an insulated, waterproof system that only takes a few minutes to open or close? It’s a pure gold moment when your buddy watches you make camp in 14 seconds, while he’s pounding away on the stakes!
How they attach & more
We get a lot of questions about how a specific RTT will mount to BillieBars. We came out with form fitted HD Mounting Clamps, which utilize the existing hardware from the RTT of your choice (have a Yakima or Thule tent, see our dedicated RTT page), so you know your tent will be secure on your journey!
Feel free to reach out to us today at info@billiebars.com if you’re considering BillieBars as the mounting solution for your Roof Top Tent. We’d love to help you make sure you’re making the right decision!
Note mounting surface and base footprint
Most tent companies recommend mounting it on a front to back bar spacing of about 30 inches. The tent is recommended to be center and square on the crossbars.
How much do these RTT’s weigh?
They can range in 100 to 300 lbs depending on the size. You’ll want to take a look at the static and dynamic load ratings of anything you plan to mount your RTT to, and definitely consider who will be joining you in the RTT - Fido, you’re always welcome bud!
And the cost?
Are you using a tonneau cover? Is storing your belongings safely under the cover important to you? Bed racks usually aren’t compatible with tonneau covers. If this is deal breaker, you’ll definitely want to look at a bed bar system, that’s compatible with your cover.
