How to Mount a Tent with a 2017 Kia Sorento with a Bare Roof

Updated 05/17/2022 | Published 05/16/2022

Products Featured in This Question

Yakima CoreBar Crossbars - Steel - Black - 50" Long - Qty 2

(314)

$228.95

Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"

(344)

$219.74

Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector

(259)

$88.12

BaseClip Fit Kit for Yakima BaseLine Roof Rack Towers - Qty 2

(894)

$74.95

Yakima EasyRider Double Decker Trailer - 14-1/2' Long - 78" HD Crossbars - 500 lbs

(22)

$3098.95

BaseLine Towers for Yakima Crossbars - Naked Roofs - Qty 4

(89)

$274.95

Question:

Im looking to try and put a roof mount tent on my 2017 kia sorento would this kit be able to handle that load and if not is there a way to up the load capacity to a point that would ? Y00421,Y00146,Y06159

asked by: Donald G

Expert Reply:

Since the kit that involves parts # Y00421, # Y28TR, and # Y06159 in your question, I assume you have a 2017 Kia Sorento with a bare roof and no factory rails. If this is the case, while we do have a solution you can use, you unfortunately cannot mount a roof top tent to your roof. This is because all of the roof racks we carry use door jamb clamps to mount the crossbars to your vehicle. Manufacturers strongly advise against using roof racks that use this attachment style because the clips may collapse under the total weight of the tent and the added body weight.

The absolute safest route if you have a bare roof is to go with a trailer like the Yakima EasyRider # Y08129 or the EasyRider with the SkyRise HD Tent # Y08129-3727. Since the trailer is completely stable and doesn't require to be mounted to your roof, there is no worry about collapsing under the added weight. The EasyRider is perfect for a 2-inch receiver like the Draw-Tite # 75908.

You may need a rise/drop adapter to get the trailer level since the coupler height of the EasyRider is 16" tall. I went ahead and added a product listing that has rise/drop adapters with the required 2" hitch ball for the trailer. You also need a 4-way wiring harness # HM11143965 (for models with a tow package) or # C56256 if you don't have a plug installed already to activate the trailer's tail lights.