Can I Safely Use a RoofNest Condor RTT on a 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee with a Thule Roof Rack

Updated 05/02/2023 | Published 04/29/2023

Products Featured in This Question

Thule WingBar Evo Crossbars - Aluminum - Black - 53" Long - Qty 2

(1277)

$226.76

Thule One-Key System Lock Cylinders - Qty 4

(773)

$58.95

Evo Fixpoint Feet for Thule Evo Crossbars - Fixed Mounting Points and Tracks - Qty 4

(23)

$210.95

Fit Kit for Thule Evo Fixpoint and Edge Fixpoint Roof Rack Feet - 7003

(22)

$126.95

Question:

Im considering a RoofNest Condor Overland RTT for my 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland. Do you have any experience or thoughts on the Chief RTT rack/rail setup that would replace the stock rails? It seems to provide the best dynamic/static load ratings of any rail/crossbar system. I think just going with the stock rails and Thule crossbars would put me right at the max dynamic load rating of my roof @ 165 lbs... Any help/direction is GREATLY appreciated as this is an investment and I want to make sure I do it right... Thanks

asked by: Jay B

Expert Reply:

Great points to bring up, and it's always best to do a lot of research before investing in equipment!

According to my research the Chief roof products for your 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee use 6.14" wide "planks" (that's what they list them as), while the RoofNest Condor Overland RTT mounts to a roof rack using U-Shaped brackets. The brackets look to be designed for standard crossbar sizes so the only way to get it to fit around the Chief system is with the adapter kit from Chief, but I'm not sure the details of that mounting hardware so I recommend a standard roof rack - the Thule WingBar Evo setup:

- 53" WingBar Evo Crossbars # TH711420
- Evo Fixpoint Feet # TH49SC
- Fit Kit # TH53ZE
- Lock Core Kit # TH450400 (optional)

This roof rack has a 165 lb weight capacity and the RoofNest weighs in at 135 lbs. Since the 165 lbs is dynamic (or "moving") rating it will be able to handle the weight of the RoofNest and whoever will be in the tent without any issues. According to the RoofNest roof rack guidelines the roof rack system just needs to be able to handle the weight of the RoofNest itself for everything to be safe.

So while the Chief roof rack system does look to be more robust and heavy duty, the Thule WingBar system looks to be the better option for your camping setup.