After hours of research and finally deciding which company to trust for my rooftop tent, I realized I had completely forgotten about the installation. Would I need professional help? Would the manual actually guide me properly this time? Would this take up my entire afternoon? Is it the company’s responsibility to install it for me? And most importantly, how do I know if the tent is installed correctly? Stick around to find out.
Choosing the Right Bed Rack for Your Rooftop
Even though there are multiple rooftop tents out there—from hard shell to soft shell, and from two-person to family-size tents that can accommodate up to five people—every rooftop tent needs one thing before installing it: a bed rack. This could be crossbars or more high-end, durable bed racks for trucks. Every rooftop tent needs one of these to be installed securely.
If money is not a problem, our recommendation is to ask the company where you bought your rooftop tent to sell you a crossbar that fits your tent’s requirements. This option might cost a little more than buying from Amazon or eBay, but it ensures compatibility. Many times, crossbars from other sources may not have the capacity to support the weight of your rooftop tent or might be designed for other uses, like supporting canopies.
Additionally, buying both your rooftop tent and bed rack/crossbars from the same company can often get you a discount on bundle deals. When choosing a great crossbar or bed rack, look for the following:
- Dynamic Weight Capacity: Make sure it can support the weight of your tent and any additional gear.
- Distance Between Crossbars: Ensure it matches your tent’s mounting requirements.
- Material: Choose high-quality materials for durability, as you’ll be sleeping on it and need it to be reliable.
- Size: Bigger isn’t always better; ensure it fits your vehicle and tent specifications.
- Appearance: Since this will be on your vehicle for entire seasons, pick something you like the look of.
Do You Need Professional Assistance?
With the right bed rack in place, the next question is whether you should seek professional help. While rooftop tents are designed for straightforward installation by those familiar with the process, beginners may benefit from professional guidance to ensure everything is correctly set up. Consider choosing a company that offers hands-on assistance or provides free instructional videos. This can help you feel confident and ensure a smooth installation process, whether you opt to do it yourself or seek professional support.
Will the Manual Guide You Properly?
After securing the right bed rack, the next concern is whether the manual will provide sufficient guidance. While manuals can be helpful, they often lack clarity and can be confusing, leading to mistakes during installation. For a more informative and beginner-friendly approach, we recommend turning to YouTube tutorials. These videos typically offer clearer demonstrations and step-by-step instructions, making it easier to follow along and ensure a successful installation process.
How Do You Ensure It’s Done Correctly?
To ensure your rooftop tent is installed correctly, follow these steps:
Check the Manual/Watch Tutorials: Read the manual or watch a YouTube tutorial for clear instructions and visuals.
Gather Tools: Collect all necessary tools, such as wrenches and screwdrivers, in the correct sizes.
Ensure All Parts Are Included: Verify that all components, including bolts, nuts, ladders, brackets, tent cover, and support rails, are present.
Check Roof Racks and Install Rails: Confirm roof racks are installed properly and secure the mounting rails according to instructions.
Attach Ladder Brackets and Ladder: Secure the ladder brackets and attach the ladder as directed.
Secure Tent Cover and Mount Tent: Attach the tent cover and, with help, lift and secure the tent to the roof rack.
Following these steps will help ensure your rooftop tent is installed correctly, allowing you to enjoy your adventures with confidence.
