To install a roof top tent, check your roof rack can carry it, lift the tent onto the cross bars with help, slide the mounting brackets into the bar slots and torque the bolts to the maker's spec. Then open and close the tent to test it, and check the bolts again after your first 50 to 100 km.
Here are the steps in order:
- Check your roof rack's dynamic and static load rating
- Gather tools: torque wrench, sockets, thread locker, spirit level
- Measure and mark bracket positions on your cross bars
- Lift the tent onto the rack with at least one other person
- Slide the mounting brackets into the T-slot and hand-tighten all bolts first
- Torque the bolts to the spec in your tent's manual
- Check the tent is level side to side and front to back
- Open and close the tent to test it before driving
- Re-check the bolts after your first 50 to 100 km
Done right, the job takes about an hour with two people and basic tools. Most problems come from skipping the load rating check, the bolt order, or the re-torque after the first drive.
What Is a Roof Top Tent and How Does the Mounting System Work?
A roof top tent is a tent and bed that sits on your vehicle's roof rack. It keeps you up off wet, rough ground. Most have a base frame, a sleeping platform with a mattress, and a canvas or hard shell.
The mount joins the tent's base frame to your rack's cross bars with brackets. Most tents use T-bolts, U-bolts or clamp brackets. T-bolts slide into the cross bar's T-slot channel and lock in with a nut. Clamp brackets grip around the bar instead.
Three things keep the mount safe: brackets that grip properly, bolts at the right torque, and a rack rated for the load. If any one of those is off, the tent can shift on the highway.
Does Your Vehicle's Roof Rack Actually Suit a Rooftop Tent?
Not every roof rack is built for a roof top tent, even if it looks strong. This is the step most beginners skip.
Check two numbers before you buy. The dynamic load rating is the most weight the rack can carry while you drive. The static rating is what it can hold when parked, with you asleep inside. The tent's weight must sit under the dynamic rating of both the rack and your vehicle's roof. Corrugated tracks add a lot of extra stress too. We explain the numbers in our guide to roof rack weight limits for roof top tents.
Check your tent's weight on its spec sheet too. Hardshells can be heavier than you expect: the Nomad 1.4M is 72 kg.
Factory roof rails and light cross bars often have low dynamic ratings. Check the number in your owner's manual and on the rack maker's spec sheet. Heavy-duty platform racks from brands like ARB, Rhino-Rack and Thule are made for loads like this, but the rating still changes from rack to rack and vehicle to vehicle. Not sure about yours? The RIGDUP fitting guide checks whether a tent suits your vehicle and rack.
What Tools and Gear Do You Need Before You Start?
Get your tools ready first, so you don't stop halfway. The torque wrench matters most. Without one, you're guessing how tight the bolts are.
| Tool | What it's for |
|---|---|
| Torque wrench (3/8″ drive) | Tightens mounting bolts to the maker's spec |
| Socket set (10mm to 19mm) | Undoes and tightens the mounting hardware |
| Thread locker (medium strength, like Loctite 243) | Stops bolts shaking loose on rough roads |
| Spirit level or phone level app | Checks the tent sits level after mounting |
| Step ladder | Gives you safe reach to rack height |
| Tape measure | Centres the tent on the cross bars |
| Masking tape or marker | Marks bracket spots before you lift the tent |
| Rubber mat or old towels | Protects the rack and paint during the lift |
Thread locker is easy to forget. Corrugations can slowly shake bolts loose without it. Use a medium strength (blue) one on each bolt before final tightening, unless your tent's manual says otherwise.
Can You Install a Roof Top Tent Solo or Do You Need a Mate?
Installing Solo
Lifting a tent onto a roof by yourself is risky, and most tents are too heavy to do it safely. If you must work alone, use a hoist or lifting frame so you guide the tent instead of lifting it.
Always close and latch the tent fully before any lift. An open or loose tent shifts its weight and is hard to control. Move slowly and never rush the alignment.
Installing With a Mate
Two people is the minimum for most tents. One person at each end keeps the base level and stops it twisting. A helper can also judge alignment, which is hard to do while you're holding the tent.
For a heavy hardshell like the 72 kg Nomad 1.4M, three or four people make the lift safer. Split the jobs before you start: some people lift and position, one person handles the brackets and bolts.
How Do You Install a Roof Top Tent Step by Step?
Here's the whole job at a glance, with rough times for two people.
| Step | Action | Estimated Time |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Measure and mark bracket positions | 10-15 mins |
| 2 | Lift the tent onto the rack | 5-10 mins |
| 3 | Slide and align mounting brackets | 10-15 mins |
| 4 | Hand-tighten all bolts evenly | 5 mins |
| 5 | Torque to spec and level check | 10-15 mins |
| 6 | Test open and close before driving | 10 mins |
| Total | 50-70 mins |
Step 1: Position and Measure the Mounting Brackets on the Rack
This step saves you from shuffling a heavy tent around on the roof later.
Place the mounting brackets on the cross bars without the tent. Check your tent's manual for the cross bar spread it needs, and set your bars to suit.
Find the centre of the cross bars and mark it with masking tape. Then measure equal distances out from that mark for each bracket. This keeps the tent centred over the roof, which keeps handling steady at highway speed.
Check these before you lift anything:
- Cross bar spread matches the tent maker's requirement
- Bracket positions are equal distance from the roof centre
- No brackets sit over a T-slot join or weak point
- Tape marks are clear and easy to see from above
A centred tent also spreads weight evenly over both cross bars. An off-centre tent loads one bar more than the other, which stresses the rack feet over time.
Step 2: Lift the Tent onto the Roof Rack Safely
This is the step that causes the most injuries and paint damage. Don't rush it.
Have at least one person at each end. Lift both ends together and keep the base frame level. A twisted lift binds the brackets and makes alignment harder.
Before lifting, wrap the cross bars with rubber mats or old towels. This protects the bars and your roof from scratches while you shuffle the tent into place.
Follow this lift order:
- Everyone grips the tent base frame, not the canvas or shell
- Lift together on a three count, keeping the base level
- Rest the near edge on the first cross bar
- Pivot the far end up and onto the second cross bar
- Slide the tent roughly into position before letting go
For a heavy hardshell, put a sturdy step ladder on each side. It cuts the lift height and saves your back.
Step 3: Slide and Align the Mounting Brackets
Once the tent is resting on the rack, alignment is your only job. Don't put bolts in until you're happy with the position.
Slide each mounting bracket into the T-slot channel on the cross bar. The bracket nut drops into the channel and sits flush when it's seated properly.
Check these alignment points before you touch a bolt:
- Tent base sits flat across both cross bars with no rocking
- All brackets are fully seated in the T-slot channel
- Tent position matches your tape marks from Step 1
- Equal overhang on each side of the vehicle
- Ladder side faces the way your tent's manual says
Which way should the tent face? Follow the manual. Where you can, put the ladder at the rear or on the left (kerb) side, so you're not climbing down next to passing traffic.
Once it looks right, push down on each corner of the tent base. If a corner lifts off the cross bar, move the brackets before you go any further.
Step 4: Insert and Hand-Tighten All Bolts First
A common mistake is fully tightening one bolt, then the next. That can bend the base frame and pull the mount out of line.
Hand-tighten every bolt first, before you use any tool. This lets the base frame settle evenly across the cross bars.
Put thread locker on each bolt as it goes in. A medium strength (blue) thread locker like Loctite 243 holds against vibration but still comes undone with normal tools. Don't use red (high strength). It's very hard to undo.
Hand-tighten in this order:
- Front-left bracket bolt
- Rear-right bracket bolt (diagonal from front-left)
- Front-right bracket bolt
- Rear-left bracket bolt (diagonal from front-right)
This diagonal order is the same idea as doing up wheel nuts. It pulls the base down evenly from all four corners.
Once all bolts are hand-tight, check the alignment one last time.
Step 5: Torque Bolts to Spec and Do a Level Check
This step decides how safe your tent is on the road. Loose bolts won't hold at highway speed. Over-tight bolts strip threads and crack brackets.
Use the torque setting in your tent's manual, and check your rack's manual for any limit on its T-slots. If neither says, ask the tent maker. Don't guess.
Set your torque wrench and do each bolt in the same diagonal order as Step 4.
Then put a spirit level across the tent base, side to side first, then front to back. A level tent sleeps better and puts even load on both cross bars.
If the tent isn't level, loosen the two bolts on the low side and fit a thin rubber shim under the bracket. Then torque and check again.
Step 6: Test Opening the Tent Before You Drive Anywhere
Test everything in your driveway. You don't want to find a problem 400 km from home.
Undo all cover latches or zips. Open the tent fully and extend the ladder to the ground. Check the ladder feet sit flat and steady. A ladder that rocks is a safety risk.
Work through this checklist before driving:
- Tent opens fully and stays open by itself
- Ladder is steady and all hinge locks are on
- Sleeping platform is flat with no twist
- All cover latches close and lock cleanly
- No creaking from the base frame or brackets
- Tent cover is tight with no loose material flapping
Creaking when you push down on a base corner usually means a bracket isn't fully seated in the T-slot. Stop, check each bracket, and torque again.
Close the tent and push down firmly on the cover. It should feel solid with no movement. If it shifts at all, check the brackets and bolt torque before you head out.
Which Roof Top Tent Mounting Brackets Do You Need?
Use the brackets that came with your tent. They're made to fit its base frame. Then check they suit your cross bars: T-slot bars take T-bolts, while round or oval bars may need clamp brackets or adapters.
If the brackets don't suit your bars, ask the tent maker before you buy anything else. Don't drill the base frame or make your own brackets.
As an example, the Nomad 1.4M comes with cross bars, latches and mounting brackets in the box. Its aluminium honeycomb base has double T slots for mounting.
How Do You Know If Your Roof Top Tent Is Mounted Safely?
Run this check before you load your gear. It takes five minutes.
- Push down firmly on each corner of the tent base. Any movement means a bracket isn't fully seated.
- Grab the tent from each side and try to rock it. It should move with the vehicle, not on the rack.
- Check every bolt had thread locker. Dry threads mean it was missed.
- Check all brackets sit fully inside the T-slot channel with no gap underneath.
- Put a spirit level across the base. Fix any tilt before driving.
- Open the tent fully and check the ladder hinge locks click in firmly.
- Look over the base frame corners for cracks, mainly around the bracket holes.
- Close the tent and press down on the cover. No flex means the mount is solid.
- Check all cover latches click and hold with no loose play.
- Plan a re-torque check after the first 50 to 100 km.
How Do You Open and Close a Roof Top Tent Properly at the Campsite?
Doing it in the right order protects the tent and makes setup fast.
Opening the Tent:
- Park on the flattest ground you can find. A sloped spot makes closing harder later.
- Undo every cover latch before you open. Missing one can tear the cover seal.
- For a clamshell hardshell, undo the latches and lift the lid at the handle. The gas struts do most of the work.
- Make sure the lid or frame is fully open and steady before you climb in.
- Extend the ladder until both feet sit evenly on the ground.
- Lock all ladder hinges before you put weight on it.
Closing the Tent:
- Fold the bedding flat inside the sleeping platform.
- Retract the ladder and fold it flush against the base frame.
- For a soft shell or fold-out, tuck the canvas in evenly so it doesn't get caught.
- Lower a hardshell lid slowly and press each corner until the latches engage.
- Lock every latch one by one. A missed latch on the highway can damage the cover.
How Do You Remove a Roof Top Tent When You Don't Need It?
Taking it off the right way protects the brackets and makes the next install quicker.
- Open the tent and take out the mattress, bedding and any stored gear.
- Photograph your bracket positions so you don't have to measure again.
- Put masking tape marks beside each bracket on the cross bar.
- Loosen all bolts in a diagonal order, starting from opposite corners.
- Take the bolts out and put them straight into a small zip lock bag.
- Slide each bracket out of the T-slot without forcing it.
- Get your helpers in place at each end before anyone lifts.
- Lift the tent off the rack, keeping the base frame level.
- Rest it base down on a flat, padded surface. Never rest it on the canvas.
- Fit end caps over the T-slot channels to keep dirt and water out.
Doing it alone? See our guide on how to remove a roof top tent by yourself.
Does a Rooftop Tent Affect Fuel Economy and Handling?
Yes. A roof top tent adds weight and drag, so you'll use more fuel, mostly at highway speed. How much depends on the tent's shape, your vehicle and how fast you drive. A low, smooth hardshell usually adds less drag than a bulky soft cover.
Handling changes too. Weight up high raises your centre of gravity, so the vehicle leans more in corners and feels heavier to steer. Driving a little slower cuts both the extra fuel and the sway.
What Are the Most Common Rooftop Tent Installation Mistakes to Avoid?
Know these before you start.
- Skipping the load rating check. The tent's weight must sit under the dynamic rating of both the rack and the roof.
- Lifting a heavy tent alone. Back injuries from solo lifts are easy to avoid.
- Fully tightening one bolt before the others are hand-tight. This can bend the base frame and pull the mount out of line.
- Forgetting thread locker on the mounting bolts. Corrugations can shake bolts loose.
- Mounting the tent off-centre on the cross bars. One bar ends up carrying more of the load.
- Guessing the torque. Too loose and too tight both cause problems on rough roads.
- Skipping the re-torque after the first 50 to 100 km. Bolts can settle and loosen early on.
- Putting the ladder side next to traffic when another way is possible.
- Using red thread locker instead of blue. Red is very hard to undo without heat.
Can You Install a Rooftop Tent on a Ute Tray, Canopy, or Soft-Top?
Your vehicle decides your mounting options. Not every surface can take a roof top tent safely.
On a ute tray, mount the tent on a tray rack or frame built for the load, not straight onto the tray floor. Check the frame's load rating and how it bolts to the tray.
A hard canopy is a common mount on Australian utes. Check the canopy's roof load rating before you fit a tent. Ratings vary a lot between brands and models, and not every canopy is built for a tent.
A soft-top 4WD isn't a safe mount. There's no rigid roof to take the load.
Driving a Hilux? See our guide to fitting a roof top tent on a Toyota Hilux.
Does Installing a Roof Top Tent Void Your Vehicle Warranty?
In general, fitting an accessory doesn't cancel your whole new car warranty. But the maker can refuse a claim for damage the rack or tent caused, such as a roof damaged by too much weight.
Use a rack rated for your vehicle, keep your receipts and spec sheets, and read your warranty booklet. For your consumer rights, see the ACCC. This isn't legal advice.
What Should You Check Before You Drive Off?
Check your rack's load rating before anything else. Measure and mark the bracket spots before you lift. Hand-tighten all bolts in a diagonal order before you torque them. Use thread locker on every bolt. Torque to the maker's spec and check the tent is level. Then check the bolts again after your first 50 to 100 km.
Want a tent that comes with cross bars and mounting brackets in the box? See the Nomad 1.4M hardshell roof top tent.
FAQs
Can I fit a rooftop tent to a vehicle without a roof rack?
No. You need a roof rack or cross bars rated for the load. The tent brackets need a solid bar to clamp onto. A bare roof can't safely hold a roof top tent while you drive.
What is the minimum crossbar spread needed for a rooftop tent?
It depends on the tent. Check your tent's manual for the spread it needs. Bars set too close together let the base flex on rough roads.
How much weight can a standard roof rack hold for a rooftop tent?
It depends on the rack and the vehicle. Check the dynamic rating of both and go by the lower one. Your tent, plus any gear packed inside it, must sit under that limit.
Do rooftop tents fit all types of roof rack crossbars?
No. Most tents use T-bolt or clamp brackets that suit square and T-slot cross bars. Round bars may need adapter clamps. Check your bars suit the tent before you buy any extra mounting hardware.
How do I stop my rooftop tent rattling on the highway?
Rattling usually means loose bolts or no thread locker. Torque all mounting bolts to the maker's spec and use thread locker on each one. Also check every lid latch is fully closed before you drive.
Is a rooftop tent suitable for Australian outback corrugated roads?
Yes, if the mount is done properly. Torque the bolts, use thread locker, and check the bolts after every long rough section.
Can kids sleep in a rooftop tent safely?
Yes, if the tent is mounted properly and kids stay away from the ladder edge. Check how many people the tent sleeps. The Nomad 1.4M sleeps 2 adults, so it's the wrong pick for a family of four. You'd need a bigger tent, or a ground tent for the kids.
How often should I service my rooftop tent mounting hardware?
Check the bolt torque every few months of regular use. Check the brackets and thread locker before every long trip. Put fresh thread locker on any time you take the tent off and refit it.
