RTT on factory rails safe? Crossbars vs new roof rack

Hey everyone!

I’m looking for some guidance on my new project—installing a rooftop tent (RTT). Has anyone successfully mounted theirs using the factory roof rails and aftermarket crossbars like Thule or Yakima?

I’d prefer not to spend 1/10th of the car on a full Prinsu roof rack if I can avoid it. Any insight or experience would be much appreciated!

 

I feel like there was just a thread with this same question recently...

Yeah, the side roof rails will hold it safely.

Here is my former RTT on my former 4R using the roof rails and Inno bars / towers as an example:

 

Thanks for the pic—super helpful for reference.

How are the clamps you use to attach the RTT to the crossbars? Do they feel solid when you're off-roading?

My other concern is the safety—since it’s just a metal plate with two bolts holding it down, versus something like a Prinsu roof rack with 1' feet mounts that bolt directly to both the rack and the RTT. Curious to hear your thoughts.

 

Full disclosure, I don't have the tent or the 4R anymore; and I only used the tent sparingly (because it turns out I don't like RTTs!), so take my answer with a grain of salt.

The clamps are pretty universal, and pretty cheezy - the bottom of the tent has slots in the aluminum and bolts nest in those slots; and you straddle those bolts over the crossbar and install a metal flange under the crossbar which the bolts drop through, and you then install nuts onto the bolts. Most tents have 4 mounts.

I upgraded the bolts and used locking nuts and never had an issue. I don't think the design is unsafe per se; and I've no personal knowledge of anyone else having an issue; though I agree it's a roody cadoody design.