June 18, 2025 Dean Horton

How to Mount a Roof Tent on Your Vehicle

Roof tents have exploded in popularity across the UK — and for good reason. They’re quick to pitch, lift you off the cold ground, and turn your vehicle into a mobile basecamp.
But how exactly do you fit one to your car, van or SUV?

This guide walks you through how to safely mount a roof tent to your vehicle — from roof bar setup to weight checks and fitting tips.

🧰 What You’ll Need

To fit a roof tent, you’ll need:

✅ A set of roof bars (correctly rated and fitted)
✅ A roof tent with a universal mounting kit (most are included)
✅ Basic tools (spanner, socket wrench, etc.)
✅ A second person to help lift (most tents weigh 40–60kg)

👉 Browse Vehicle-Specific Roof Bar Kits
👉 View Roof Tents & Accessories

⚖️ Step 1: Check Your Roof Load Limit

Before anything else, check your vehicle's dynamic roof load rating — this is the max weight your roof can carry while driving. It must include:

Weight of the roof bars
Weight of the roof tent
Any additional gear stored on top

For most vehicles, the dynamic roof load is between 50–100kg.

🔗 Full details here: The Legal Load Limits for Roof Bars in the UK

🛠️ Step 2: Fit Your Roof Bars

Make sure your bars:

Are correctly spaced to match the tent’s mounting rails
Are rated to handle the tent weight
Are aluminium or heavy-duty steel (avoid budget plastic kits)

Need help choosing? Read:
🔗 How to Choose the Right Roof Bars for Your Vehicle

🛏️ Step 3: Lift & Mount the Tent

Most roof tents mount using brackets or U-bolts that slide under the roof bars.

Steps:

Lift the tent carefully onto the bars (two-person job)
Position it evenly — usually centred or slightly rear-biased
Use the included mounting brackets to secure it to the bars
Tighten all bolts evenly — don’t overtighten or overtension

Many tents use anti-slip rubber pads to protect the bar surface.

🔐 Step 4: Safety Check Before Driving

Before setting off:

Check all bolts and brackets are secure
Re-check after 20–30 miles of driving
Use locks or anti-theft mounts if included
Remove loose gear or ladders when driving

For long trips, consider a wind deflector or aerodynamic roof bar upgrade to reduce drag and noise.

🧠 Bonus Tip: What About Static Load?

Your roof’s static load (while parked) is much higher — often 200–300kg. So sleeping in your roof tent is safe, as long as you’re not overloaded while driving.