Roof top tent and stock racks?

[vegaskurt]

I pretty much already know the answer to this one but wanted to see what others might have to say. I am the new proud owner of a Autohome Maggiolina roof top tent. I am considering getting a Thule setup for my 97 4runner to mount it to but I've heard of people using the stock (rated 165lbs static) racks with no issues.

Just wondering if you guys recommend ditching the factory bars and going with a thule system.

 

[dmede808]

I don't think the problem is going to be weight, the Maggiolina only weighs 130 lbs. The real issue with factory racks is most are not wide enough to fully support the bottom of the tent. If you look at the set up instructions for the Maggiolina tents you'll see that they don't recommend using bars that don't come all the way to the edge of the tent base. The tent is strong, but the weight of people getting in and out over the outter lip with nothing to support it could start to crack the fiberglass.

BTW, you're going to love your new tent, congrats!

 

[vegaskurt]

Thanks for the info, what you said makes a lot of sense. Off to thule's site I go...