Recommended Roof Rack To Mount Roof Top Tent To 2018 Ford Explorer

Updated 08/23/2021 | Published 08/22/2021

Products Featured in This Question

Inno Aero Crossbars - Aluminum - Black - 54" Long - Qty 2

(332)

$269.98

Custom Fit Kit for Inno XS300, XS350, XS400, XS450, INTR, and INXR Roof Rack Feet

(1)

$125.99

Inno Through Feet for Aero Crossbars - Fixed Mounting Points - Qty 4

(211)

$220.05

RCH Legs for Rhino-Rack Crossbars and Pioneer Platforms - Fixed Mounting Points - Qty 4

(131)

$214.23

Custom RCP Fit Kit for 4 Rhino-Rack RC and RV Series Roof Rack Legs - Fixed Mounting Points

(299)

$139.99

Rhino-Rack Vortex Aero Crossbars - Aluminum - Black - 54" Long - Qty 2

(2754)

$239.98

Question:

Hello! I have a 2018 Explorer no moonroof and need a rack/base for my Rough Country Roof Top Tent. Will Rhino-Rack Pioneer Platform Rack - Fixed Mounting Points - 60inch Long x 54inch Wide - Item # JA9775 fit my Explorer? I need something that is as durable as this and not interested in roof rack cross bars. Dont want to lose the tent on the first trip. : Any help is greatly appreciated.

asked by: Melissa R

Expert Reply:

I have a solution for you, however, there are not any platform racks that attach to the roof of your 2018 Ford Explorer so you will want to go with a standard crossbar setup. I have not seen any negative feedback from attaching a rooftop tent to crossbars, so rest assured that the tent will not fall off if properly installed.

If your Explorer has raised roof rails then you can go with Inno Aero Crossbars Black - 54" # INXB138-2 along with the necessary Feet # INXS350 and Fit Kit # IN28FR. The weight capacity is 140lbs. If your Explorer has flush roof rails then I would go with Rhino-Rack Vortex Aero Crossbars Black - 54" # RRVA137B-2 along with the necessary Legs # RRRCH4 and Fit Kit # RRRCP45-BK. The weight capacity is 165lbs.

My research tells me that your roof has a weight capacity of 100lbs, but you will want to check your owner's manual to verify. The weight capacity of the roof and roof rack refers to when the vehicle is moving, so make sure your tent does not exceed this weight limit when the vehicle is in motion. Your tent also might have minimum weight rating for a roof rack so you will want to check that as well. I attached demonstration videos for you.