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Can I Put a Roof Top Tent on Malone AirFlow2 Roof Rack  

Updated 04/22/2026 | Published 04/15/2026

Question:

HI, I currently own the product below. Malone AirFlow2 Roof Rack - Aero Crossbars - Raised Side Rails - Aluminum - 50 Long - Black I notice it says 165lb load capacity. Is that Dynamic or static? In other words would i be able to put a roof top tent on them sleep with myself and my fiance in there with no weight capacity issue? Or is there another set of crossbars or something i would need to get instead? Thanks you!

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Expert Reply:

Hey Michael.

Great question, and you’re thinking about this the right way.

The 165 lb rating on the Malone AirFlow2 # MAL74AR is the dynamic weight rating (while you’re driving). The static rating isn’t officially listed, which usually means it’s going to be limited by your vehicle’s roof capacity rather than the bars themselves.

The good news is that, yes, you can use those crossbars for a rooftop tent. When you’re parked, the weight is distributed differently, so the system can support much more than the dynamic rating, as long as your vehicle’s roof is rated for it.

So as long as your Forester’s roof capacity is within range for you, your fiancée, the tent, and any gear you will have up there with you, you’ll be good to go.

Do you already have a tent picked out for it?

expert reply by:
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Gwendolyn Y
Chris profile picture

Chris

4/21/2026

Hi Michael I have not had a tent on my roof rack but I do have a roof top carrier I use to put our ski/snowboarding gear in and I had well over 300 pounds and no issues with the rack at all. I did check with my car specs to see exactly where to place the brackets to handle the most weight load. Hope this helps it definitely a great rack.

Gwendolyn Y. profile picture
Etrailer Expert

Gwendolyn Y.

4/22/2026

@Chris Thanks for sharing this information. I definitely think it's helpful even if it's a different set up than what Michael is looking for. What slopes do you frequent?

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