If you’re looking to add a roof top tent to your vehicle, one of the most important considerations is the mounting hardware.
A rooftop tent can be a great addition to any camping or overlanding setup, but it needs to be mounted securely to ensure safety and stability while you’re 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 take a closer look at the Smittybilt rooftop tent mounting hardware, including the different options available and how to choose the right one for your needs.
What is Smittybilt Roof Top Tent Mounting Hardware?
Smittybilt is a brand that specializes in off-road and overland accessories, and they offer a range of roof top tents and mounting hardware options.
The mounting hardware is the system used to secure the roof top tent to your vehicle’s roof rack or roof 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 roof top tent to your vehicle’s roof rack.
The kit includes two brackets that attach to the tent’s base and two adjustable brackets that attach to your vehicle’s roof rack.
The adjustable brackets can be adjusted to fit different size roof racks, and the kit comes with all necessary hardware for installation.
SRC Roof Rack Mounting Kit
The SRC Roof Rack Mounting Kit is designed to mount Smittybilt’s SRC roof top tent to your vehicle’s roof rack. The kit includes four brackets that attach to the tent’s base and two adjustable brackets that attach to your vehicle’s roof rack.
The adjustable brackets can be adjusted to fit different size roof racks, and the kit comes with all necessary hardware for installation.
Defender Roof Rack Mounting Kit:
The Defender Roof Rack Mounting Kit is designed to mount Smittybilt’s Defender roof top tent to your vehicle’s roof rack. The kit includes four brackets that attach to the tent’s base and four adjustable brackets that attach to your vehicle’s roof rack.
The adjustable brackets can be adjusted to fit different size roof racks, and the kit comes with all necessary hardware for installation.
Universal Awning Bracket Kit
The Universal Awning Bracket Kit is designed to mount a roof top tent awning to your vehicle’s roof rack. The kit includes two brackets that attach to your vehicle’s roof rack and two adjustable brackets that attach to the awning.
The adjustable brackets can be adjusted to fit different size roof racks, and the kit comes with all necessary hardware for installation.
How to Choose the Right Smittybilt Roof Top Tent Mounting Hardware
When choosing the right Smittybilt roof top 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. Make sure that the mounting hardware you choose is compatible with your roof top tent and your vehicle’s roof rack.
Smittybilt offers different mounting hardware options for different tent models and different 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 roof top tent and any additional gear you plan to carry.
Smittybilt provides weight capacity information for each of their mounting hardware options, so be sure to choose one that can handle the load.
Installation
The ease of installation is another important consideration. Make sure 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 of their mounting hardware options, 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 not sure whether adjustability is necessary for your setup, consider consulting with a professional installer or reaching out to Smittybilt’s customer support for guidance.
Budget
Finally, consider your budget when choosing Smittybilt roof top 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 roof top 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 roof top tent, following the instructions provided.
- Install the adjustable brackets onto your vehicle’s roof rack, following the instructions provided.
- Position your roof top tent on the brackets and secure it in place using the hardware provided.
- 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 roof top tent.
Additionally, be sure to consider factors such as installation ease and adjustability, as well as your budget, when selecting your Smittybilt roof top tent mounting hardware.
By following the installation instructions provided and taking necessary safety precautions, you 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 having to purchase an entirely new cargo carrier.
- Secure Mounting: The kit includes all the necessary hardware components to securely mount your Vortex Rooftop Cargo Carrier to your vehicle. 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 that 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 roof top tent mounting hardware, it’s important to also consider the weight capacity of the hardware. Smittybilt offers different weight capacities for their mounting hardware, ranging from 150 pounds 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 roof top tent mounting hardware. Smittybilt offers different mounting hardware options that are compatible with various roof top tents and roof racks.
It’s important to choose a mounting kit that is compatible with both your roof top tent and your vehicle’s roof rack. This will ensure a secure and stable installation.
One option for Smittybilt roof top tent mounting hardware is the Overlander Tent Mount Kit. This kit is specifically designed to mount the Smittybilt Overlander roof top 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, which is designed to mount the Smittybilt Overlander roof top tent onto the Smittybilt SRC roof rack. This kit includes all necessary hardware for installation and has a weight capacity of 150 pounds.
For those with a Defender roof rack, the Defender Roof Rack Mounting Kit is a compatible option. 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 roof top 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 roof top 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 roof top tent mounting hardware compatible with other brands of roof top tents?
The Smittybilt roof top tent mounting hardware is designed specifically for Smittybilt roof top tents. While it may work with some other brands, compatibility cannot be guaranteed. It is recommended to check the specifications and compatibility of the mounting hardware with your specific roof top tent before making a purchase.
What is included in the Smittybilt roof top tent mounting hardware kit?
The Smittybilt roof top tent mounting hardware kit typically includes all the necessary components for securely mounting the roof top 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 roof top tent mounting hardware be used on different vehicle types?
The Smittybilt roof top 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.
