Rooftop Tents: Crossbars vs. Full Roof Racks — Which Setup Do You Need?

If you are gearing up for your next overland or off-road adventure, a rooftop tent (RTT) is one of the most transformative upgrades you can make. It gets you off the ground, speeds up camp setup, and adds a level of comfort that ground tents simply cannot match. However, how you mount that tent matters just as much as the tent itself.

Getting your setup right does more than just protect your expensive gear. It keeps your vehicle safe, ensures predictable handling on trails and roads, and prevents catastrophic failures when you are miles from civilization.

The debate often comes down to two primary options: the streamlined simplicity of crossbars or the rugged utility of a full roof rack. Both have their place in the overlanding world, but they serve different purposes. Here is how to determine which foundation is right for your rig.

Understanding Weight Ratings: The First Step

Before you purchase any mounting system, you must understand two critical terms: dynamic weight capacity and static weight capacity.

Dynamic Weight Capacity refers to the weight your vehicle’s roof can safely carry while the vehicle is in motion. This includes the forces applied when you hit a pothole, take a sharp corner, or bounce down a washboard road.

Static Weight Capacity refers to the weight the roof can support when the vehicle is parked. This number is significantly higher because the frame isn't being subjected to the G-forces of driving.

When choosing between crossbars and a full rack, the dynamic rating is your ceiling. You need a system that can handle the weight of your tent while you are driving 70 mph down the highway or crawling over rocks.

Tent Choice

The next step is your tent choice, which will affect the direction you can go with your roof rack setup. There are two main types of Roof Top Tents - softshell and hardshell. Soft shells are the original style roof top tents, made of a folding frame and canvas, and look a lot like ground tents, just on your roof. Hardshell tents are often “wedge” shaped, looking like a big metal rectangle when folded but a wedge when open. Each style has advantages and disadvantages. 

Softshell Roof Top Tents

Softshell tents can be smaller and lighter, and typically take up less footprint on a roof rack. They do take some effort to set up each day, but usually have a lot of room when they're fully opened. 

Hardshell Roof Top Tents

Hardshell tents are usually very easy to set up and take down, but they also have a very large footprint on the roof, and are typically heavier than softshell tents. You can also expect to pay more for a hardshell than for a softshell tent.

Installation Considerations

Deciding which tent style you prefer is going to dictate the roof rack style needed to support the tent.

Softshell tents that are under the vehicle’s factory side rail weight rating can typically be installed on crossbars that are mounted to the factory side rails without issues.

Hardshell tents on the other hand are likely to exceed the weight rating of the factory side rails right off the bat. Their large size also means that they require more support farther forward than factory side rails can provide. Some large hardshell tents will even bounce at highway speed if the front of the tent isn’t supported. A hardshell is going to do best installed on a full length roof rack, providing support along the entire tent with the increased carrying capacity.

Crossbars: The Agile, Streamlined Approach

Crossbars are the most common entry point for carrying roof cargo. These typically consist of bars that run perpendicular to the vehicle, attaching either to existing factory side rails, aftermarket side rails, or in some cases directly to the roofline.

For many weekend adventurers and casual campers, a high-quality set of crossbars is all that is required. They offer a clean look and a lower profile, which can help maintain fuel economy and minimize wind noise compared to bulkier systems. And if you’re going for a softshell roof top tent, then in most cases crossbars will be a viable option.

The Advantages of Crossbars

1. Quick, Beginner-Friendly Installation
Most aftermarket crossbar systems are designed for easy installation. They often clamp onto raised side rails or bolt into fixed points with minimal tools required. If you use your vehicle as a daily driver and only want the rack on for weekend trips, crossbars are generally easier to remove and store.

2. Cost-Effective
If you are working within a strict budget, crossbars are the clear winner. They provide the necessary utility to mount a tent without the higher material and engineering costs associated with full platform racks.

3. Minimal Footprint
Because they consist of only two bars, they create less wind drag and noise. This smaller footprint means less disruption to your vehicle's aerodynamics and handling.

The Limitations of Crossbars

The biggest limitation of crossbars is that many factory side rails have low load ratings. Even if you buy heavy-duty aftermarket crossbars, you are limited by the strength of the rails they attach to. Additionally, crossbars offer less surface area.

This means the weight and footprint of a rooftop tent is concentrated on fewer specific points of contact. For lighter softshell tents, this is rarely an issue. However, for heavy hardshell tents or massive family-sized annexes, you will likely exceed load ratings or at best push the limits of stability.

Full Roof Racks: The Expedition Standard

When you see a fully built overland rig prepared for a trans-continental journey, you will almost always see a full roof rack system. These are engineered platforms that cover the majority of the vehicle's roof, mounting securely to factory points to maximize strength.

Full roof racks are designed for serious adventure. They are built to handle heavy cargo, including fuel packs, recovery boards, tools, and awnings. They are also the best choice for hardshell roof top tents.

The Advantages of Full Roof Racks

1. Superior Dynamic Load Capacity
Full racks are engineered to distribute weight evenly across the entire roof structure rather than concentrating it on two bars. Plus, most vehicles have a higher load rating on roof mounting points so you won’t be limited by factory side rail limits. This structural integrity allows for a higher dynamic load capacity, making them the safest choice for heavy hardshell tents.

2. Unmatched Modularity
A full platform rack is essentially a blank canvas. With T-slots and modular slats, you can mount your tent exactly where you want it to balance the vehicle's center of gravity. Furthermore, you retain the ability to mount accessories around the tent. You can mount lights on the front, a shovel on the side, and fuel cans on the remaining rack space.

3. Trail Stability
Off-road driving subjects your vehicle to intense vibration and torsion. Full rack systems are typically constructed from high-strength steel or aluminum and are bolted down with more points of contact than crossbars. This rigidity ensures that your load stays put, even when the trail gets technical.

The Drawbacks of Full Roof Racks

These systems are an investment. They cost more than crossbars and generally take more time to install. Because they add more material to the roof, they also add more weight to the vehicle before you even load your gear. However, for those prioritizing durability and capability, this is a necessary trade-off.

Making the Right Choice for Your Adventure

Deciding between crossbars and a full rack – and between a softshell and hardshell roof top tent – comes down to your specific goals and budget.

Choose Crossbars If:

• You carry light loads: You have a lightweight soft-shell tent (under 120 lbs) or primarily carry kayaks, bikes, or a cargo box.

• You prioritize economy: You want a system that is affordable and has a minimal impact on gas mileage.

• You are a weekend explorer: Your off-roading is mild (fire roads and established campsites), and you don't need to carry recovery gear or extra fuel on the roof.

Choose a Full Roof Rack If:

• You have a heavy tent: You plan to mount a hardshell tent or even a heavier softshell tent.

• You need modular storage: You need space for an awning, recovery gear, RotopaX, and scene lighting alongside your tent.

• You tackle technical terrain: You plan on rock crawling or long-distance washboard driving where structural integrity is paramount.

• You want a "Buy Once, Cry Once" solution: You are building a rig for the long haul and want a foundation that will adapt to your changing needs over the years.

Adventure Smart

If you are just dipping your toes into overlanding, ruggedized crossbars are a fantastic entry point that will get you out into the wild. But if your goal is a durable, expedition-ready setup capable of handling whatever the trail throws at you, a full roof rack gives you the strength and flexibility you need to adventure with confidence.

Assess your load, check your vehicle’s dynamic weight rating, and choose the foundation that supports your journey.