Rooftop tent guidelines

Will a Thule rooftop tent be compatible with my vehicle?

Unfortunately, not every vehicle will be suitable for mounting a rooftop tent because it is determined by the type of roof fixtures and the roof's weight carrying capabilities. For example, a vehicle roof without designated fixed points or a pair of flush or raised roof rails is unlikely to be strong enough to support the combined weight of the tent and its occupants. Another factor to consider is the vehicle manufacturer's stated roof carrying capacity limits, which should always be greater than the weight of the rooftop tent. This is usually not an issue, but it is best to confirm before purchasing and installing a rooftop tent.  

Please view our roof bar guide to help determine your vehicle's roof type and use the information below to see if your vehicle is suitable. If in any doubt to the suitability of your vehicle please contact our customer helpline on 01732 884408 or email [email protected]

Please check your vehicle has one of the following compatible roof types for a Thule rooftop tent - please note vehicles with a normal roof or panoramic roof, please check with your vehicle manufacturer to determine if your vehicle is suitable for supporting the extra weight of the tent and its occupants.

fixpoints	flush roof rails	raised roof rails with structural support	t-tracks	normal roof	panoramic roof

Important - Vehicles with raised roof rails ideally should have at least three rail supports, as shown below - vehicles without the additional rail support, please check with your vehicle manufacturer to determine if your vehicle is suitable for supporting the extra weight of the tent and its occupants.

Manufacturers' installed raised roof rails with additional mid rail support		raised roof rails without additional rail supports

Does my vehicle have a sufficient roof load carrying capacity?

Your vehicle and roof rack must have a minimum dynamic (driving) weight carrying capacity of 75 kg's. It is important that the vehicle's weight carrying capacity is greater than the weight of the tent. Recommended roof rack weight capacities can be found by selecting your vehicle on our roof bar guide.  Also, check your vehicle instruction booklet for information on recommended roof load.

  download the Thule Rooftop Tent Guidelines

What are the best Thule roof bars to use with a rooftop tent?
We recommend to use either Thule Evo WingBars or Thule Evo ProBars as these provide the tent with the strongest supporting platform.

Evo WingBars	Evo ProBars	Evo SquareBars

Which Thule roof bars can not be used to carry a Thule roof tent?
Unfortunately, Thule WingBar Edge systems and Thule SlideBars are not compatible with the use of Thule rooftop tents.

WingBar "Edge" models	Evo SlideBars

Now all that's left to do is choose your ideal Thule rooftop tent and begin your next adventure!  

Thule Approach >                                 Thule Foothill >                            Thule Tepui Ayer >                             Thule Tepui Kukenam >                 Thule Tepui Autana >

Above shows the Thule Foothill that folds compactly preserving valuable space to carry your bike, kayak or other cargo alongside for your adventure.