Roof Rack Recommendation for Tracks on ARE Topper for 2012 Toyota Tacoma and Roof Top Tent

Updated 06/21/2023 | Published 06/20/2023

Question:

Hi, Im trying to find the right rack for my canopy to put a tent on top to go camping. The canopy used to have a rack in the past, and I read in one of the questions I could potentially buy something like the part # Y02-490B-NT. I need it to be around 500lbs on weight limit, and this one is 220lbs. I attached pictures of the top of the canopy, please let me know what you recommend with the best price, that I could still get this month to use on the weekend of the 4th. Thank you.

asked by: Gabriel

Expert Reply:

The Rhino-Rack Roof Rack for Factory Tracks # Y02-490B-NT is going to be your best bet for the tracks on the ARE topper for your 2012 Toyota Tacoma. The weight capacity is 220 lbs like you mentioned, but that's going to be the highest you'll see out of a roof rack, and your ARE topper likely doesn't even have that high of a capacity either. The only way for you to get to a 500 lb capacity is by going with a ladder rack and ditching the topper.

With all of that being said, I think the reason you're wanting to make sure it has a 500 lb weight capacity is due to the weight and weight capacity of your roof top tent. The good news is that in your roof top tent instructions it should list out what the weight rating is for a compatible roof rack system. Roof racks list a dynamic rating which is for when the vehicle is in motion. As long as the dynamic rating meets or exceeds what the roof top tent calls for then you'll be good to go with the static (or stationary) weight rating.

Be sure to compare the weight rating for the roof rack as well as your topper and note that you're limited by the lower rating of the two.

expert reply by: Jon G