Before you buy, it pays to understand what makes one rack system better than another. Here’s what matters when you’re carrying a rooftop tent.

Load Ratings: Dynamic vs Static

First up: know your tent’s total weight. A Bushbuck rooftop tent can weigh as little as 50 kg, but our heavy-duty hardshell model comes in closer to 90 kg. Add bedding, the ladder, and a bit of gear and you’re easily over 100 kg.

• Dynamic load rating is the maximum safe weight while driving. For rooftop tents, you want at least 75 kg, but 100 kg or more is better.

• Static load rating is what the rack can handle when parked. Most decent racks manage 300–400 kg static, which is plenty for your tent and two people inside.

• Remember – your vehicle’s roof has its own limit. The rack can only carry what the roof structure can safely support.

• Heading off-road? Lower the dynamic load by 20–30 % to allow for extra shock and movement.

It's important to know that you should always revert to the dynamic load rating of your vehicle. If your roof racks have a 100 kg load rating, but your vehicle has an 80 kg load rating, then you should go for a roof tent that weighs less than 80 kg.

Also, you want to match your rack’s dynamic rating to your tent’s total loaded weight (tent, ladder, bedding, awnings, etc.).

Read more: Is Your Vehicle Roof Tent Ready? Load Ratings Explained

Bar Shape Matters

Crossbars come in a few shapes: square, aero, or flat deck. Sleek aero bars cut wind noise but can be trickier for mounting tents. Heavy-duty flat bars provide a broader, stronger base for your tent.

Look for:

• Wide, flat top surfaces for even load spread

• T-slots or accessory channels for add-ons

• Solid construction that won’t flex or twist

Avoid ultra-slim aero bars if your tent clamps need a wide, flat mounting surface.

Getting the Fit Right

No roof rack fits every vehicle. Your system depends on whether you’ve got gutter mounts, flush rails, fixed points, or a track system.

Key points:

• Aim for 80–100 cm of clear space between bars for stable tent placement.

• Check if your tent opens to the side or rear — that affects bar spacing and ladder position.

• Use stainless hardware, especially if you live near the coast.

• Keep your setup low-profile for easier ladder reach and less wind drag.

• The rack shouldn’t move when you shake it — if it does, something’s not right.

Built to Last

New Zealand’s salty air and rough roads destroy cheap racks fast. Go for anodised or powder-coated aluminium bars with stainless fittings. Steel racks rust unless you stay on top of maintenance.

Quality systems use 6000-series aluminium with reinforced ends. They won’t warp under load or crack at stress points. If your vehicle lives outside year-round, corrosion resistance isn’t optional.

Pro tip: Give your bolts and clamps a check every few trips — corrugations and gravel roads can shake things loose faster than you’d expect.

Not so Noisy

Nobody wants their rack whistling down the motorway at 100 km/h. Aerodynamic bars with rubber inserts or noise strips help keep things quiet. Make sure you’ve got clearance to reach bolts under your tent, and mounting points for awnings, lights, or recovery gear.

Are you still choosing your rooftop tent? Check out our complete buyer's guide here

Here are four solid options you’ll find across New Zealand and Australia that work well for rooftop tents.

Rhino-Rack Sportz Bar

Dynamic Load: 100 kg (per pair)

Rhino-Rack’s new Sportz Bar is designed for adventure vehicles and trades alike. It’s made from lightweight, powder-coated aluminium and compatible with Rhino-Rack’s Vortex leg systems. A built-in T-track channel makes mounting your rooftop tent or accessories simple and secure.

The 100 kg dynamic load rating covers most rooftop tents, and the streamlined design helps reduce drag and wind noise compared with chunkier heavy-duty bars. It’s a tidy, modern option if you want Rhino-Rack quality without the bulk of a full platform.

• Premium Rhino-Rack build quality

• T-track channels for easy tent and accessory mounting

• Aerodynamic, quieter than older HD systems

Prorack Heavy Duty Bars

Dynamic Load: 100 kg (per pair)

Prorack’s Heavy Duty Bars are a Kiwi classic. You’ll see them on tradies’ utes and weekend warriors’ 4x4s all over the country. They’re not as flashy as Thule or Rhino-Rack, but they’re reliable, simple to fit, and supported locally.

The 100 kg rating puts them right in the sweet spot for mid-weight tents. The slightly curved bar profile with rubber inlays helps reduce vibration and protect your gear.

• Tough, straightforward design

• Good local availability and support

• Built-in tie-down points

Thule WingBar Evo

Dynamic Load: 100 kg (per pair)

Thule’s WingBar Evo is the benchmark for sleek, quiet rack systems. The aerodynamic design cuts down wind noise and drag, making it perfect for road-trip rigs and SUVs.

The 100 kg load rating covers most rooftop tents, but the curved aero profile can make clamping tricky if your tent needs a flat edge. Ideal for smaller or medium tents and those who value a smooth, quiet ride.

• Excellent wind noise reduction

• Huge range of compatible accessories

• Premium build quality

Yakima TrimHD Bars

Dynamic Load: 100 kg (per pair)

Yakima’s TrimHD Bars strike a nice balance between strength and practicality. They’ve got a flat, heavy-duty design that provides a stable surface for your tent, while airflow diffusers and rubber load strips keep things quieter on the open road.

With a 100 kg dynamic rating, they’ll handle most rooftop tents, including Bushbuck’s hardshell models. Integrated T-slots make it easy to bolt on awnings, tie-downs, or extra gear.

• Flat bar design ideal for tent mounting

• Aerodynamic strips reduce wind noise

• Compatible with Yakima LockNLoad and StreamLine leg systems

• Simple accessory integration

Can I use factory roof racks for a rooftop tent?

It depends on the load rating. Factory racks on many SUVs are designed for bikes or kayaks, not the sustained weight of a rooftop tent. Check your rack’s dynamic rating — you need at least 75 kg, ideally 100 kg+.

How many roof bars do I need for a rooftop tent?

Most rooftop tents only need two crossbars, but if your vehicle and rack system allow, adding a third bar can improve load distribution and reduce flex. It’s especially helpful for heavier hardshell tents or long-base models.

How far apart should crossbars be for a rooftop tent?

Most rooftop tents need 66–100 cm between crossbars for proper support. Too narrow and the tent won’t sit stable; too wide and you risk flexing the base. Always check your tent manufacturer’s specifications.

Will a rooftop tent fit on my car?

Most vehicles can support a rooftop tent if they have roof rails or mounting points and sufficient roof load capacity. You’ll need a dynamic roof load of at least 75 kg. Some sedans or vehicles with glass roofs might not be suitable.

Do I need a roof rack platform or just crossbars?

Most rooftop tents mount directly to crossbars using supplied brackets. Platforms are optional — handy if you want extra gear storage or a flat base, but they add weight and cost.

What’s the difference between roof rails, roof racks, and crossbars?

• Roof rails run lengthwise along your roof and are usually factory fitted.

• Crossbars (or “roof racks”) attach across those rails or to fixed points.

• Platforms are larger, flat systems that bolt to crossbars or replace them. For rooftop tents, crossbars or platforms are what actually support the load.

Explore Bushbuck's Rooftop Tents