Low Roof Load Buyer Guide

Choosing the Right Rooftop Tent for Dual Cabs & Light-Duty Roofs

If you drive a dual cab ute, tub-rack setup, or any vehicle with a low roof load rating, choosing the wrong rooftop tent can cause handling issues, damage your roof, or void warranties.

This guide will help you choose the right rooftop tent for your vehicle — without confusion or guesswork.

What Is a Roof Load Rating (And Why It Matters)?

Your vehicle has two roof load limits:

Static Load (When Parked)

This is how much weight your roof can support when stationary — usually much higher.

Dynamic Load (While Driving)

This is the critical number.
It includes:
• Rooftop tent
• Roof racks or tub racks
• Accessories mounted on the tent

⚠️ Most dual cab utes have dynamic roof load limits between 70–100kg.

Exceeding this can:
• Affect vehicle handling
• Increase rollover risk
• Damage racks or mounting points
• Void insurance or warranties

Why Dual Cabs Are Different

Dual cab utes often have:
• Shorter roof areas
• Lighter factory mounting points
• Canopies or tub racks with lower limits

That means lighter rooftop tents aren’t optional — they’re essential.

What to Look for in a Low Roof Load Rooftop Tent

✅ Lightweight Tent Construction

A tent under 60–65kg is ideal for low-load vehicles.

✅ Compact Closed Height

Lower profile = better handling and less wind drag.

✅ Even Weight Distribution

Wider mounting base reduces stress on racks.

✅ Built-In Comfort (So You Don’t Add Weight Later)

Power, lighting, storage, and annex included saves adding accessories later.

What to Avoid

🚫 Heavy hard-shell tents
🚫 Overbuilt touring tents meant for wagons
🚫 Excessive roof-mounted accessories
🚫 Ignoring rack and canopy ratings

Who Should Choose a Low Roof Load Tent?

Low roof load tents are ideal for:

• Dual cab 4x4s
• Utes with tub racks or canopies
• Weekend campers and short-trip travellers
• Vehicles towing caravans or toy haulers
• Motorbike trailer setups
• Beach and bush campers wanting simplicity

Our Recommendation: Weekend Warrior V2

The Weekend Warrior V2 Tub Tent was specifically designed for vehicles with low roof load ratings.

Why It Works:

• Tent weight: 59kg
• Compact closed size
• Fast setup for short trips
• Large sleeping area for couples or solo travellers
• Full blackout canvas, PU5000mm, UV50+
• Built-in power, lighting, storage & annex

It gives you comfort without compromising safety.

Common Roof Load Questions (Answered)

Can I sleep in a rooftop tent if my roof rating is only 75kg?
Yes. Static load ratings are much higher. Always follow manufacturer guidelines and use quality racks.

Can I add recovery gear to the tent rails?
Yes — but you must factor accessory weight into your dynamic load calculation.

Is lighter always better?
For dual cabs and tub setups — absolutely.

Roof Load Calculator – How to Check If a Rooftop Tent Is Right for Your Vehicle

Before fitting a rooftop tent, it’s essential to understand your roof load rating and how to calculate it correctly.

This guide breaks it down simply — no jargon, no guesswork.

Step 1: Know Your Vehicle’s Roof Load Rating

Every vehicle has a maximum dynamic roof load rating set by the manufacturer.

This rating can be found:
• In your owner’s manual
• On the manufacturer’s website
• By contacting your dealer

⚠️ This is the maximum weight allowed while driving, not while parked.

Typical roof load ratings:
• Dual cab utes: 65 –100kg
• Wagons & tourers: 70 –150kg

Step 2: Understand Dynamic vs Static Load

Dynamic Load (While Driving)

This includes everything mounted on the roof while moving:
• Rooftop tent
• Roof racks / tub racks / crossbars
• Mounting hardware
• Accessories (solar panels, recovery boards, cargo rails, etc.)

This is the number you must stay under.

Static Load (When Parked)

This is the load your roof can handle when stationary, such as:
• People sleeping in the tent
• Bedding and personal gear

Static load limits are much higher than dynamic limits, which is why rooftop tents are safe to sleep in.

Step 3: Add Up Your Roof Load (The Simple Way)

Use this basic calculation:

Rooftop Tent Weight

• Roof Rack or Tub Rack Weight

• Accessories Mounted to Tent or Racks
  = Total Dynamic Roof Load

Example Calculation (Dual Cab Ute)

Vehicle dynamic roof limit: 85kg

• Weekend Warrior V2 tent: 59kg
• Tub rack system: 18kg
• Cargo rails & accessories: 5kg

Total roof load: 82kg ✅
(Safely within limits)

Example (What NOT to Do)

Vehicle dynamic roof limit: 75kg

• Hard shell RTT: 78kg
• Roof racks: 20kg

Total roof load: 98kg ❌
(Exceeds rating — unsafe and not recommended)

Step 4: Factor in Your Rack or Canopy Rating

Your roof load is limited by the lowest rating of:
• Vehicle roof
• Roof racks
• Tub racks or canopy

Even if your vehicle allows 100kg, a rack rated to 80kg means 80kg is your limit.

And don't forget some roof racks have an ON and OFF-ROAD rating.

Step 5: Allow a Safety Buffer

We recommend staying 5–10kg under your maximum rating to allow for:
• Wind forces
• Track conditions
• Weight variation between accessories

Common Mistakes to Avoid

🚫 Confusing static load with dynamic load
🚫 Forgetting to include rack weight
🚫 Adding accessories later without recalculating
🚫 Assuming all tents suit all vehicles

Do You Need a Calculator?

If you know:
• Your vehicle’s roof load rating
• Your rack or canopy rating

You can do the math in under a minute.

If you’re unsure — ask us before ordering.

Still Unsure? We’ll Help

Every setup is different.
We’re happy to check your numbers before you buy.

📧 support@beach2bushaustralia.com

Safe Roof Loads = Better Handling, Safer Touring

Choosing the right rooftop tent starts with knowing your numbers.

Calculate first. Travel smarter. Camp better.