What is Weight Capacity for Thule Roof Rack Tent

Updated 08/30/2023 | Published 08/29/2023

Question:

I have a Subaru crosstrek and believe it has factory crossbars on the roof rack. I was looking at some lighter rooftop tents for occasional use. I was looking at a couple Thule models that weigh around 105lbs they say. I am right around 200lbs. I didnt see any specs for weight on them but also did not know if the tents were any different being the weight is spread out more. Any help or recommendations would be appreciated. Thanks

asked by: Mike M

Expert Reply:

The Thule roof tents like the Thule Tepui Explorer part # TH78XE require a set of aftermarket crossbars and cannot install on OEM bars like what you have on your Subaru Crosstrek.

The tent I mentioned has a 400 lb weight capacity and is designed for two people. Most roof racks have a dynamic weight capacity listed that is quite a bit less than that. Typically it's around 150 lbs or so but this is the weight capacity of the rack when on the road where bumps would exaggerate the weight on the bars. A static capacity is not normally listed but this is the capacity of the crossbars when the vehicle isn't moving and would be quite a bit higher.

To help you pick out a roof rack for your Crosstrek I would need to know the year of the vehicle.

expert reply by: Jameson C