How to carry a Rooftop Tent on 2020 Kia Sportage

Updated 12/23/2020 | Published 12/21/2020

Question:

I am interested in a roof rack system for my 2020 Kia Sportage. I am planning on mounting a roof nest tent on this rack mount and will require around 800 lbs worth of strength, what, if any, do you recommend?

asked by: Britt D

Expert Reply:

The Yakima Jetstream roof rack system is a great way to carry your Roofnest Tent on your 2020 Kia Sportage. It consists of Yakima JetStream Crossbars # Y00425, RidgeLine Towers for Yakima Crossbars # Y00145 and RidgeClip Fit Kit for Yakima RidgeLine Roof Rack Towers # Y06021. This is a custom fit roof rack for your Sportage.

It has a dynamic weight rating of 165 lbs. That is the weight capacity of the roof rack while the vehicle is moving. The largest Roofnest tent available is 160 lbs. When you are not moving that number increases. These bars have not been tested with your tent but they meet the expectations when using the Yakima Skyrise Tent which has a weight capacity of 600 lbs. There are no roof racks that have been officially approved to exceed 800 lbs.

Most rooftop tents have a higher capacity because the ladder acts as additional support when in use. With the ladder helping support some of the weight it reduces some of the stress on your vehicles roof and roof rack.

When it comes to roof top tents the weight capacity of the roof of your vehicle is usually the weakest point of the system.

expert reply by: Zach D