Roof Top Tent Capacity For 2007 GMC Yukon

Published 02/01/2020

Question:

I’m looking at buying some racks for my 2007 Yukon XL Denali. My concern is the weight rating on them. 165 pounds doesn’t seem like much weight. Once you get the tent on there and then put two adults in there it could weight 300+ Is that a per bar weight by any chance?

asked by: Mike R

Helpful Expert Reply:

Per the 2007 GMC Yukon XL owners manual "Loading cargo on the luggage carrier that weighs more than 200 lbs (91 kg) or hangs over the rear or sides of the vehicle may damage your vehicle" so that provides a ballpark roof weight limit. Yes the Malone AirFlow2 Roof Rack # MPG216 rack system has a weight limit of 165lbs.

That said, there are two types of weight loading capacities for roof racks. These are the Static Weight Loading Capacity and Dynamic Weight Loading Capacity. Static is parked and dynamic is in motion. To be able to use tents like the SkyRise # Y07437 for example, both your roof and your aftermarket roof rack must have a minimum load capacity of 165 lbs. This dynamic weight capacity, is the maximum weight your roof and roof rack can safely support while the vehicle is in motion.

If your setup meets these requirements, then you should be able to safely hold the tent and occupants when your vehicle is stationary. The stationary capacity, or static weight capacity, won't be listed in your vehicle's manual or your roof rack's installation instructions. Instead, it is determined by the 165 lbs minimum load carrying capacity explained above.

Included are video resources regarding both solutions.

expert reply by: Patrick R