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If you want to add a rooftop tent to your vehicle, the mounting hardware is one of the most important considerations.
A rooftop tent can be a great addition to any camping or overlanding setup, but it must be mounted securely to ensure safety and stability while sleeping.
Smittybilt is a well-known brand in the off-road and overland community, and they offer a variety of mounting hardware options for their rooftop tents.
In this article, we’ll look closer at the Smittybilt rooftop tent mounting hardware, including the options available and how to choose the right one for your needs.
What is Smittybilt Rooftop Tent Mounting Hardware?
Smittybilt is a brand specializing in off-road and overland accessories, and they offer a range of rooftop tents and mounting hardware options.
The mounting hardware is used to secure the rooftop tent to your vehicle’s roof rack or bars. Smittybilt offers several different types of mounting hardware, including:
Overlander Tent Mount Kit
The Overlander Tent Mount Kit is designed to mount Smittybilt’s Overlander rooftop tent to your vehicle’s roof rack.
The kit includes two brackets attached to the tent’s base and two adjustable brackets attached to your vehicle’s roof rack.
The adjustable brackets can be adjusted to fit different-sized roof racks, and the kit comes with all the necessary hardware for installation.
SRC Roof Rack Mounting Kit
The SRC Roof Rack Mounting Kit is designed to mount Smittybilt’s SRC rooftop tent to your vehicle’s roof rack. The kit includes four brackets attached to the tent’s base and two adjustable brackets attached to your vehicle’s roof rack.
The adjustable brackets can be adjusted to fit different-sized roof racks, and the kit comes with all the necessary hardware for installation.
Defender Roof Rack Mounting Kit:
The Defender Roof Rack Mounting Kit is designed to mount Smittybilt’s Defender rooftop tent to your vehicle’s roof rack. The kit includes four brackets attached to the tent’s base and four adjustable brackets attached to your vehicle’s roof rack.
The adjustable brackets can be adjusted to fit different-sized roof racks, and the kit comes with all the necessary hardware for installation.
Universal Awning Bracket Kit
The Universal Awning Bracket Kit is designed to mount a rooftop tent awning to your vehicle’s roof rack. The kit includes two brackets attached to your vehicle’s roof rack and two adjustable brackets attached to the awning.
The adjustable brackets can be adjusted to fit different-sized roof racks, and the kit comes with all the necessary hardware for installation.
How to Choose the Right Smittybilt Rooftop Tent Mounting Hardware
When choosing the right Smittybilt rooftop tent mounting hardware for your needs, there are several factors to consider. Here are some things to keep in mind:
Compatibility
The first thing to consider is compatibility. Ensure that your mounting hardware is compatible with your rooftop tent and your vehicle’s roof rack.
Smittybilt offers different mounting hardware options for tent models and roof racks, so be sure to choose the right one for your setup.
Weight Capacity
The weight capacity of the mounting hardware is another important factor to consider. Make sure that the mounting hardware can support the weight of your rooftop tent and any additional gear you plan to carry.
Smittybilt provides weight capacity information for each mounting hardware option, so be sure to choose one that can handle the load.
Installation
The ease of installation is another important consideration. Ensure that the mounting hardware comes with all necessary hardware and instructions for installation and that you feel comfortable installing it yourself or have access to a professional installer.
Smittybilt provides installation instructions for each mounting hardware option, so be sure to review them before making your purchase.
Adjustability
Some of Smittybilt’s mounting hardware options offer adjustability, which can be useful if you have a roof rack that’s an unusual size or shape.
If you’re unsure whether adjustability is necessary for your setup, consider consulting with a professional installer or contacting Smittybilt’s customer support for guidance.
Budget
Finally, consider your budget when choosing Smittybilt rooftop tent mounting hardware. Smittybilt offers a range of options at different price points, so be sure to choose one that fits your budget while still meeting your needs for compatibility, weight capacity, installation, and adjustability.
Installation Process
The installation process for Smittybilt rooftop tent mounting hardware will vary depending on the specific option you choose, but here are some general steps to follow:
- Review the installation instructions that come with your mounting hardware. Make sure you have all the necessary tools and hardware before beginning.
- Assemble the mounting hardware according to the instructions provided.
- Attach the mounting hardware to your rooftop tent, following the instructions provided.
- Follow the instructions to install the adjustable brackets onto your vehicle’s roof rack.
- Secure your rooftop tent on the brackets using the provided hardware.
- Test the stability of the mounting hardware and make any necessary adjustments.
- Double-check all hardware and connections to ensure they’re secure before using your rooftop tent.
Additionally, consider factors such as installation ease, adjustability, and budget when selecting your Smittybilt rooftop tent mounting hardware.
Following the installation instructions and taking necessary safety precautions can ensure a successful and safe installation process.
Pros
- Easy Replacement: The Rola 59506 Replacement Hardware Mounting Kit is designed specifically as a replacement kit for the Vortex Rooftop Cargo Carrier. It provides an easy and convenient solution if you need to replace any damaged or lost hardware components of your carrier. This saves you the hassle of searching for compatible parts or purchasing an entirely new cargo carrier.
- Secure Mounting: The kit includes all the necessary hardware components to mount your Vortex Rooftop Cargo Carrier to your vehicle securely. This ensures that your cargo carrier will be firmly attached to the roof of your vehicle, providing a stable and safe transport solution for your belongings.
Cons
- Limited Compatibility: The Rola 59506 Replacement Hardware Mounting Kit is specifically designed for the Vortex Rooftop Cargo Carrier. This means it may not be compatible with other brands or models of rooftop cargo carriers. It’s essential to ensure that this kit is compatible with your specific carrier before purchasing it.
When selecting Smittybilt rooftop tent mounting hardware, it’s important to consider the hardware’s weight capacity. Smittybilt offers different weight capacities for their mounting hardware, ranging from 150 to 500 pounds.
It’s important to choose a mounting kit that can support the weight of your rooftop tent and any additional gear you plan to bring with you.
In addition to weight capacity, compatibility is also an important factor when selecting Smittybilt rooftop tent mounting hardware. Smittybilt offers mounting hardware options compatible with rooftop tents and roof racks.
It’s important to choose a mounting kit compatible with your rooftop tent and your vehicle’s roof rack. This will ensure a secure and stable installation.
The Overlander Tent Mount Kit is one option for Smittybilt rooftop tent mounting hardware. This kit is designed to mount the Smittybilt Overlander rooftop tent onto the Smittybilt SRC roof rack.
The Overlander Tent Mount Kit includes all necessary hardware for installation and has a weight capacity of 300 pounds.
Another option is the SRC Roof Rack Mounting Kit, designed to mount the Smittybilt Overlander rooftop tent onto the Smittybilt SRC roof rack. This kit includes all necessary hardware for installation and has a weight capacity of 150 pounds.
The Defender Roof Rack Mounting Kit is a compatible option for those with a Defender roof rack. This kit is designed to mount the Smittybilt Overlander rooftop tent onto the Smittybilt Defender roof rack.
The Defender Roof Rack Mounting Kit includes all necessary hardware for installation and has a weight capacity of 500 pounds.
Finally, the Universal Awning Bracket Kit is a versatile option that can be used to mount a variety of rooftop tents and awnings onto different roof racks.
This kit includes all necessary hardware for installation and has a weight capacity of 150 pounds.
Conclusion
When selecting Smittybilt rooftop tent mounting hardware, it’s important to consider factors such as weight capacity, compatibility, installation ease, adjustability, and budget.
By choosing the right mounting kit and following proper installation procedures, you can ensure a safe and enjoyable camping experience on top of your vehicle.
FAQs
Is the Smittybilt Rooftop Tent Mounting Hardware Compatible With Other Brands of Rooftop Tents?
The Smittybilt rooftop tent mounting hardware is designed specifically for Smittybilt rooftop tents. While it may work with other brands, compatibility cannot be guaranteed. It is recommended to check the specifications and compatibility of the mounting hardware with your specific rooftop tent before making a purchase.
What is Included in the Smittybilt Rooftop Tent Mounting Hardware Kit?
The Smittybilt rooftop tent mounting hardware kit typically includes all the necessary components for securely mounting the rooftop tent to your vehicle’s roof rack or crossbars. This usually includes brackets, bolts, nuts, washers, and any additional hardware required for installation. It’s advisable to refer to the product description or contact the manufacturer to confirm the exact contents of the kit.
Can the Smittybilt Rooftop Tent Mounting Hardware Be Used on Different Vehicle Types?
The Smittybilt rooftop tent mounting hardware is designed to be compatible with a range of vehicles, including SUVs, trucks, and off-road vehicles. However, it’s important to note that the specific mounting method and compatibility may vary depending on the vehicle’s roof rack or crossbars. It is recommended to review the compatibility information provided by Smittybilt or consult with a knowledgeable dealer to ensure proper fitment for your specific vehicle.
