How to Install a Rooftop Tent: A Step-By-Step Guide for Any Vehicle

Installing a rooftop tent is one of the easiest ways to upgrade your rooftop camping setup—whether you’re running a Jeep Wrangler roof top tent, a Toyota 4Runner rooftop tent, a Subaru Outback car tent, or a Tacoma with a rooftop tent. With the right prep and a few helping hands, mounting a vehicle top tent or car top tent can be done safely and efficiently.

This guide walks through the full installation process using best practices for roof rack tents, including Intrepid tents, hard shell RTTs, and compact rooftop tents.

What You’ll Need Before You Start

Before ordering or installing your roof top tent, there are a few critical compatibility checks to make sure your setup is safe and secure.

Confirm Roof Rack & Weight Ratings

Your vehicle must be equipped with a suitable roof rack or crossbars that meet both dynamic and static weight requirements:

• Minimum dynamic load: 200 lbs
• Minimum static load: 500 lbs

Always verify your vehicle manufacturer’s limits, especially for SUVs like the Subaru Crosstrek, Honda CRV, or Toyota Rav4.

Tools & Help Required

For an Intrepid roof top tent, the following are required (and included with the tent):

• Torx wrench
• 13mm socket or wrench
• Mounting hardware & ladder bracket components

Because most RTT tents weigh over 125 lbs, you’ll also need:

• 2–4 people or
• A pulley/garage hoist system

Step 1: Receiving Your Rooftop Tent

Your Intrepid Camp Gear rooftop tent arrives via LTL freight.

Before signing for delivery:

• Inspect the box for damage
• Inspect the tent exterior
• Note any issues before accepting shipment
• If there are any issues with the tent or box, immediately contact the manufacturer

Step 2: Inventory & Prep

Unbox your tent and confirm all components are present:

• Keys
• Tent cover
• Instruction manual
• Ladder brackets & carry handle
• Rooftop tent ladder
• Repair patch kit
• Diesel heater port (GEO Pro models only)

Having all parts accounted for avoids delays once the tent is on the vehicle.

Step 3: Lift & Position the Rooftop Tent

Carefully lift the roof tent onto your vehicle’s crossbars or roof rack.

Proper Tent Alignment

Once the tent is on the rack:

• Set minimum crossbar spread to 36”
• Ensure no more than 32” of overhang front or rear
• Center the tent side-to-side by measuring overhang evenly

Correct alignment prevents cantilever stress and improves on-road stability.

Step 4: Attach the Rooftop Tent Mounting Hardware

Slide the mounting bolts and brackets into the underside tracks of the tent.

• Ensure bolts sit straight in the channels
• Tighten evenly on both sides
• Brackets will naturally bend as they clamp—this is normal

Properly tightened brackets should sit at approximately a 5-degree bend, ensuring a secure connection to your roof rack.

Step 5: Install Accessories & Attachments

Finish the install by attaching:

Ladder Brackets

• Space ladder brackets to match ladder width
• Ensure ladder deploys smoothly and sits square

Handle

• Install on the designated mounting points for easier handling

Awning Receiver Blocks

• Mount at the rear base of the tent
• Allows the rear door to function as a small awning

Step 6: Final Test & Safety Check

Before heading out on any trip:

• Open and close the tent fully
• Confirm all hinges, ladder brackets, and latches operate smoothly
• Gently shake the tent—the vehicle should move with it
• Drive 10–20 miles and listen for noise or rattling

Post-Install Maintenance

• Re-check all hardware after the first drive
• Perform a full bolt check after 300 miles (480 km)

This applies to hard top tents, compact rooftop tents, and wedge-style rooftop tents alike.

Final Thoughts: Is Installing a Rooftop Tent Worth It?

Installing a rooftop tent is far more approachable than most people expect. Once you’ve done it once, mounting a car top tent, Jeep roof top tent, or truck rooftop tent becomes second nature.

Whether you’re setting up a solo roof-top tent, a GEO 2.5 RTT, or an Intrepid 3.0 RTT, following proper installation steps ensures years of safe, comfortable rooftop camping.

Always refer to your specific tent instruction manuals and vehicle specifications—and once installed, enjoy the freedom of camping wherever the road takes you.

Happy camping and safe travels 🏕️