Fit guide
Will a roof tent fit my car?
Most fit problems come down to weight limits. Check these four things before you order. This is a guide, not engineering advice: always follow your vehicle handbook and your roof bar maker's instructions.
1. Dynamic load: what the roof carries while you drive
Every car has a maximum weight the roof may carry on the move. It is in the handbook or on the maker's website, and it varies a lot between models. The tent and the roof bars both count towards it. Our Mid weighs 50 kg and the Max 54 kg, so with bars you may need 60 kg or more of rating. Use the fit checker for the sum.
2. Static load: what it carries when you sleep
Parked, the roof also carries the people inside. The limit that applies is usually higher than the dynamic one, but not always stated, and some cars do not publish it. Ask the maker of your car or your roof bars if the handbook is silent.
3. The roof bars have their own limit
The lowest of the car's roof limit and the bars' rating sets your real limit. Check the bars are rated for the tent, are fitted to the car's mounting points, and have the right spacing for the tent's mounting rails. TODO give the tent's mounting-rail spacing once confirmed by the maker.
4. Height and handling
Closed, the tent adds about 13 cm to your height TODO confirm. Check car park barriers and your garage. A roof load raises the centre of gravity, so drive more gently in crosswinds and on corners.
Before you order, check
- Your car's dynamic roof load limit, from the handbook.
- The rating and weight of your roof bars.
- Tent weight plus bars is under the dynamic limit.
- Your height clearance at home and where you park.
Not sure? Send us your car and bars and we will tell you what we think before you pay anything.